At Valpo, we are proud to say our light is for everyone. But what does that mean in today’s cultural context? It means that as Beacons, we are called to reflect God’s light. Grounded in humility and compassion, we lead our communities through advocacy and service, helping to bring a brighter future for all into […]
Category: Student Spotlight
A Calling Made Clear in the Capital
From her hometown of Lake Station, Indiana, to the halls of Valparaiso University, to the bustling streets of Washington D.C., Kayla Smith’s ’24 journey is one of discovery, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her dreams. “I’ve always wanted to help people who are in need, so I thought criminal justice would be the perfect route. […]
From Tasty Bakery to Peanut Butter: David Aronson ’03, MBA, Finds Recipe for Success
More than 20 years ago, David’s career began at the Aronson family business, Tasty Bakery in Naperville, Illinois. The bakery became a foundational piece of his adolescence, influencing him at Valpo and into his early career. But perhaps this experience did not provide as natural a transition into his current role as CEO and founder […]
Valpo Student Shares Faith, Fellowship, and Service in Sweetwine Music Ministry
When Fox Wilmot ’24 first came to Valpo, he already understood faith and service to be the foundation of his journey forward. The oldest brother of four, with youth ministry experience back home in Laurel, Maryland, he was no stranger to responsibility or leadership — two strong qualities that only continued to flourish when he […]
A DAY IN MY LIFE AS A BLOOM SCHOLARS MENTOR: A TAKEAWAY
A year ago, as an incoming freshman, I always dreamed of being someone significant. I walked into Valparaiso University, still yet to graduate from high school, and knew that I had found my place to grow. As a first-year, first-generation college student I was ready to reach my childhood dreams and make them a reality […]
Lead and Serve: Valpo Students Thrive in Support of Global Community
Drink. Bathe. Clean. Cook. These may be things you do daily, but for nearly one billion people across the world who lack access to clean water, these are luxuries. Through a partnership between the Institute for Leadership and Service and Water to Thrive, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to bring clean, safe water to […]
Liv Off Court
As a student-athlete, it’s very easy to fall into the pattern of putting all your time and energy into that respective sport. For Olivia Brown ’ 23, ’ 24 and Olivia Sims ’ 25, their goal this past year has been learning to separate themselves from their sport and dive deeper into what their lives and personalities are […]
A Path of Discovery: Moved to Serve, Lead, and Explore
Being too far from home, becoming lost in the crowd, or standing out for not belonging. These are just a few of the many concerns Arielle Thomas ’18 faced as she began her college search. But, in a single trip to Valparaiso University, Arielle found her home for the next four years and hasn’t looked […]
Grounded in Empathy, We Radiate Leadership | The Story of Aly Kinzie ’19, ’20 MHCA
Aly Kinzie’s ’19, ’20 MHCA, journey is one of growth, passion, and dedication — all illuminated by the light that Valpo nurtured within her. As a local student interested in healthcare-related programs, Valpo was always on Aly’s radar. The University’s reputation, paired with familial connections, made it an easy choice. But it was the sense […]
Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Distinguished Faculty Spur Innovation
At Valpo, academic disciplines are blended together across campus, facilitating new pursuits and discoveries. Elizabeth Wuerffel ’00, MFA, associate professor of art, and Jeff Will, Ph.D., professor of electrical and computer engineering, have enjoyed an enduring, collaborative relationship, embracing Valpo’s commitment to multidisciplinary innovation. “I value the size of the University as well as its […]