Service. Leadership. Vocation. For Caleb Rollins ’15, these words defined his experience at Valpo and created his path to philanthropic work as development manager for Lutheran Services in America. Caleb was initially drawn to Valpo for its “home away from home” community, but he says the financial support and the promises of the Christ College […]
Category: Student Spotlight
Transforming Lives: Valpo Alumna Pursues Unique Calling
Dawn Trautman ’94 is a woman of impact among her friends, within her community of faith, and throughout her professional world. Equipped with a keen understanding of her purpose, Dawn leads a life of intention. Focusing her time and energy on the areas in which she excels and can be of influence, she never strays […]
Valparaiso University and Partners Receive $1.58M Grant to Advance STEM Education in Indiana
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education awarded $1,582,584 to Valparaiso University, Ball State University, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and Purdue University, the institutions that comprise the Hoosier STEM Academy. “We are grateful to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for their commitment to STEM education,” said Mark L. Biermann, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president […]
Students Learn About International Humanitarian Law With New Red Cross Club
The earth shakes as another bomb hits the city. The explosion sends shards of glass and brick flying into the streets. Civilians run for cover. In the midst of the chaos, Red Cross aid workers quickly evacuate the wounded from the pandemonium. This may sound like war, but in fact, it is only a simulation. […]
Whirlwind Ascent
Ginger Zuidgeest ’02 wakes up at 4 a.m. each weekday with resolve. “Since Valpo, I’ve been on this constant mission,” she said. “One of my best friends calls me ‘The Explainer,’ and it’s true. When you’re a scientist on television, you’re an explainer. You have to take science and make it simple, while also teaching […]
Inspired to Respond
Amanda Werling ’14 was a sophomore in Valpo’s College of Nursing and Health Professions when she spent six weeks working in the emergency room of a small health center in the village of Engaruka, Tanzania. The journey that would lead her halfway around the world and strengthen her decision to pursue a future in health […]
A Crusader Family: Laura Becker ’15 Continues her Family’s Valpo Legacy
Laura Becker ’15, a communication major with a sociology minor, always knew she would one day call Valpo her home. Coming from a long legacy of family members who attended Valpo, brown and gold is in her blood. “I took several trips to Valpo as a child to visit family members,” Laura says. “Every time […]
The Power of Education: Valpo prepares Kenyan student to create positive change in the world.
Nearly 8,000 miles separated Mercy Ngetich ’15, who grew up in remote village in Nakuru, Kenya, and Valparaiso University. On the surface, differences between the two communities are apparent. But both have a strong faith in the power of education. A chance encounter on an airplane between Mercy’s aunt, Lucy Borus, and Valpo graduate Tina […]
Breaking Down Barriers: Valpo students attend class inside prison to explore real-world issues
Fifteen minutes. That’s 900 heartbeats and 180 breaths. It’s also the amount of time it takes students to board a bus at Valparaiso University and arrive at the gates of the Westville Correctional Facility for the Inside-Out Prison Exchange program. Stepping off the bus to attend class inside prison walls, students prepare themselves for the […]
Defining Moments: Fulbright recipient Sterling Summerville ’13 embraces opportunities for cultural exchange
Sterling Summerville ’13 is a busy man. Take his time at Valparaiso University: He studied international service and gender studies, played running back on the football team, volunteered with a local organization that supports teens, participated in at least four student organizations, and worked in the Multicultural Programs office. But he’s not busy for busy’s […]