Grounded in Advocacy

Gideon Litherland ’12

Gideon Litherland’s impact on the lives of others epitomizes what it means ​to be a Beacon. His foundation of advocating for others began here at Valpo ​and continues on, even in the face of uncertainty, inspiring others to lead ​and illuminate the path toward a brighter, more compassionate world.

Click the photos below to read the student spotlights from Valpo Stories!

Engineering a ​Path of Purpose

Lauren Kadlec ’24

Despite the daunting nature of her ​chosen bioengineering major, ​Lauren’s unwavering dedication made ​every hurdle seem surmountable. “It’s ​one of those majors that most people ​would find really difficult, but I find ​myself drawn to it,” she explained, ​“it’s what I want to spend my life ​doing.”

The Journey of ​Resilience

Jaylen Jude ’24

Of all the shared qualities and ​experiences that unite the Class of ​2024 (including starting their ​college experience in the middle of ​a pandemic), Commencement ​student-speaker and Portage, ​Indiana, native Jaylen Jude ’24 ​places the strongest emphasis on ​resilience.

Bringing His ​Love for Valpo ​Athletics to ​WVUR-FM

Noah Godsell ’24

While scoreboards bring energy and ​community to sports arenas across ​the globe, Noah’s ultimate goal is to ​utilize skills from his digital media ​major to turn each sports game into ​an experience fans will never forget.

You’ll Find Your Way

US Senator Young & President Padilla ​Speak at commencement

“This is the place that opened its arms and embraced you when you were ​eighteen and will still be giving you bear hugs when you’re 68... The light in ​that beautiful chapel will always be on for you, and will illuminate the way out ​for whatever challenges or hard times you have. You no longer need a ​compass; you no longer need a GPS. Just look toward the light and you’ll find ​your way. So, class of 2024, congratulations. May God love you, because we ​sure do and we always will.”

-President José D. Padilla, J.D.

2024 VUAA Distinguished ​Student Awards

Get to Know the Award Recipients

Since 1986, the Valparaiso University Alumni Association (VUAA) has recognized ​graduating students with Distinguished Student Awards from each of Valpo's ​colleges. These students embody the ideals of scholarship, leadership, service, ​and character. This year's recipients were celebrated with the Provost, Deans, ​faculty, and their families at a luncheon prior to graduation.

Listening for Purpose

A podcast from the institute for Leadership & service

The Institute of Leadership and Service invites you to listen to their podcast "Listening for ​Purpose." The goal is to create a repository of stories from all corners of campus and begin to ​understand how they combine to create a picture of life here at Valpo.

This program was designed to serve the Institute’s mission of “helping students make ​connections between their study, their service, and their plans for future success leading to a ​deeper sense of purpose and calling.”

Whether you're a student, faculty member, alumnus, or friend of Valpo, "Listening for Purpose" ​invites you to embark on a journey of discovery, connection, and inspiration.

Valpo Named ​Best University ​in The Region to ​Obtain an MBA

CoE Receives ​National Science ​Foundation Grant ​Towards Tackling ​a Challenging ​Disease

A Sustainable ​Campus

Words of Encouragement

For the incoming class

Send well wishes and advice to the incoming class ​of Valpo students, parents, and loved ones! ​Whether you were a student-athlete, participated ​in Fraternity/Sorority Life, held other leadership ​roles on campus, participated in the arts, or just ​loved your time at Valpo - sharing your thoughts ​with others following in your footsteps will make ​them feel right at home. We'll share your words of ​wisdom with the incoming class in the fall!

Valpo in Milwaukee | Brewers v. Cubs

June 29, 2024 | 1:40 p.m CDT

American Family Field | Aurora Health Care Bullpen | Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Join us in Milwaukee for an exciting day at the ballpark as the Milwaukee ​Brewers take on their northside rivals, the Chicago Cubs, in a mid-season ​match-up! Each ticket includes unlimited food service, one alcoholic (or non-​alcoholic) drink ticket, and a cash bar. Click here to check out Valpo’s ​exclusive seating for the game! Register today!

Valpo Athletics Summer 2024 Camps

Registration Open

Registration is now open for Valparaiso University Athletics camps for summer ​of 2024! Men’s and women’s basketball, football, volleyball, and swimming ​camps are for various ages and range throughout the summer months.

Save the Date!

October 4-6, 2024

Mark ​your calendars and plan to join ​us ​on campus Friday, October 4, ​through Sunday, October 6, for ​​Homecoming and Family ​Weekend! ​Registration for Homecoming ​​events will open in July. More ​details to come!

We heard you! Many of you told us you'd love to have a place to read the submitted class notes we receive. We're pleased ​​to let you know that we have added this to our website! Now, you can submit your own notes about your ​announcements ​and accomplishments AND read all about those of your fellow ​Beacons as well.

Westminster Agility Championships Update: 'Team Tess' had a perfect Jumpers and Weaves run and ​earned a Westminster 'Q' (Qualifying run) on May 11th in New York! Placing 8th out of 21 sixteen inch ​preferred dogs. It's always a privilege to step into the ring with her. This experience with my girlie was ​so special and will be a treasured memory forever!

- Linda Feldmann '79 Valente

Get to know...

Janet Lajcin

Administrative Assistant | Career and ​Alumni network

Q: How long have you worked at Valpo?

A: Almost 16 years!

Q: What did you want to be when you were little?

A: A librarian.

Q: What is your favorite part about your job?

A: My favorite part of my job is meeting all the new faces that ​come into our office every day.

Q: What do you love about Valpo?

A: I love the city of Valpo because there is always something ​going on, and it still has a small-town feel. I love Valparaiso ​University because the campus is vibrant, and the students ​and alumni are passionate.

Q: What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

A: Cookie dough!

Q: What is your favorite TV show and/or favorite book?

A: Big Brother

Q: Tell us a fun fact about yourself that people don't know!

A: Bon Jovi is my favorite band and I have seen them play live ​over 20 times.

Q: Tell us more about your job! What are some things you do every day?

A: My desk is in the lobby of the Career and Alumni Network, so I am the first ​person you see when you come into our office. I greet our visitors and answer ​whatever questions they have. I am the main scheduler for the career advising ​appointments for our students and alumni with our staff members. I also provide ​administrative support to the office for our projects and events.

Q: Why are you passionate about career services/alumni engagement?

A: I am passionate because I just love helping people and hearing the stories ​alumni tell you when they return to campus is such a blessing. Also, being able to ​witness their reaction when seeing an old classmate they haven't seen in years ​makes me smile.

Q: Tell us about your pets!

A: I have a three-(almost four)-year-old dog named Stanley! He loves car rides ​and being around people.

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