Student Spotlight Archives - Page 2 of 18

Embodying the Spirit of Innovation and Determination: The Story of Charles Smith ’25 and Fayol Ateufack Zeudom ’26

Posted on May 24, 2024 (June 6, 2024) by jembry

Charles Smith ’25 and Fayol Ateufack Zeudom ’26 smiling at the camera in front of a Valparaiso University flag reading, "Grounded, We Radiate".

Embodying the spirit of innovation and determination, Charles Smith ’25 and Fayol Ateufack Zeudom ’26 are prime examples of what makes Valpo’s College of Engineering stand out. Through participation in this year’s Symposium on Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression (SOURCE), their paths converged in a remarkable way, leading to significant achievements in their fields of […]

Blooming as a Beacon: Jazzy Soria-Gonzalez’s ’28 “Eventful” First Year

Posted on June 6, 2024 (June 6, 2024) by jembry

Jazzy Soria Gonzalez '24 smiling at the camera in professional attire.

If you were to ask Jazzy Soria-Gonzalez ’28 to sum up her first year at Valparaiso University in one word, it wouldn’t be surprising to hear her respond with “eventful.” As a freestyle swimmer for the Valpo women’s swim team and a double major in Spanish and marketing, having an eventful first year of college […]

“The Journey of Resilience”: College of Business Commencement Student-Speaker Jaylen Jude ’24 Shares His Story

Posted on May 13, 2024 (May 13, 2024) by jembry

Jaylen Jude '24 smiling at the camera in professional attire.

Of all the shared qualities and experiences that unite the Class of 2024, Commencement student-speaker and Portage, Indiana, native Jaylen Jude ’24 places the strongest emphasis on resilience. Our latest graduating class first stepped into their college experience back in 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing. What they anticipated to be the […]

Engineering a Path of Purpose: Lauren Kadlec’s ’24 Journey of Discovery and Determination

Posted on May 7, 2024 (May 7, 2024) by jembry

Lauren Kadlec '24 interacting with robotics equipment.

From Maple Grove, Minnesota, Lauren Kadlec ’24 has a Valpo story marked by challenges, triumphs, and unwavering determination. Full of passion burning brightly within her and radiating outward, Lauren’s enthusiasm for her field is palpable. “I love engineering. It’s what I’m passionate about,” she shares, her eyes alight with fervor. “I was in robotics for […]

Crescendo, Calling, and Country: Harmonizing Leadership and Service with Joy

Posted on March 8, 2024 (March 28, 2024) by jembry

Matthew Yee '24 performing at the 2023 Homecoming President’s Circle honors breakfast.

With both parents working as music educators, it would seem Matthew Yee’s ’24 musical journey was orchestrated from conception. “I like to say music has been part of my life from day one. It was just part of being at home. And so, playing an instrument or singing was never really a question. It wasn’t […]

Valpo Social Work Students Make History While Making a Difference

Posted on March 10, 2024 (March 14, 2024) by jembry

Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) – we’re all plugged into this digital age some way, somehow. Whether we click and swipe for connectivity, inspiration, a quick laugh, or a routine doomscroll, the appeals of social media and the internet don’t exist without the possibility of detrimental effects. It’s a truth that social work […]

A Recap of Black History Month 2024 with the BSO (Black Student Organization)

Posted on February 28, 2024 (March 3, 2024) by mnour

As Black History Month nears its end, we sit down with the Black Student Organization (BSO) and reflect on some of the highlights of the month, as well as what Black History Month can teach us as a community not only in February, but the entire year. “People are more important than just a couple […]

Art, Education, and Award Winning Research at Valparaiso University

Posted on February 22, 2024 (February 29, 2024) by mfenton

Meshach Melton ’24, a Valparaiso University political science and economics double-major with a minor in psychology from Crown Point, Indiana has been named the winner of the American Economic Association’s Andrew Brimmer Undergraduate Essay prize for his paper “The Importance of Arts Education,” which highlights the importance and benefits of arts education in American schools […]

Olivia Brown ’23, ’24 MBA, Makes a Name For Herself On and Off The Court

Posted on February 15, 2024 (February 29, 2024) by jembry

Thinking of transferring to Valpo? Olivia Brown ’23, ’24 MBA, made the switch halfway through her undergraduate experience but maxed out her time as a Beacon down to the buzzer. In addition to earning two degrees in just five years, Olivia achieved so much: earning a starting position on the women’s basketball team, producing a […]

Thinking of switching your major? For this environmental science student, doing so was rewarding in more ways than one

Posted on January 15, 2024 (February 15, 2024) by jembry

Ever thought of switching your major? Environmental science major and biology and meteorology double-minor Chloe Kennedy ’24 is here to tell you why it’s never too late to change your mind and how pursuing your true passions can set you on a path like no other. For Chloe, that was two internships within the federal […]