Christ College offers many special opportunities that help create a distinctive college experience for academically talented students.
Superb Faculty Christ College faculty are among Valparaiso University’s most accomplished and most highly regarded teacher-scholars. Known for excellence in the classroom as well as in their academic fields, these professors especially enjoy working with honors students. Most recently, Professor Mark Schwehn received the 2007-08 Alumni Association Distinguished Teaching Award. Current faculty include Professor Marcia Bunge, Dickmeyer Professor of Christian Education; and Professor Gretchen Buggeln, Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Christianity and the Arts, and associate professor of art history and humanities.
Mueller Hall—Home of Christ College Mueller Hall in the heart of campus offers attractive classrooms, wireless environment and teaching technologies, convenient honors faculty and dean’s offices, comfortable study
and social spaces, fireplace seating, and enclosed courtyard.
Nationally Recognized Freshman Program Christ College first-year students participate in a unique year-long program of interdisciplinary study in the humanities and social sciences—including each student’s choice from seven different topics to study in the final spring quarter. A creative drama/music workshop, debate activities, close relationships with faculty, mentoring by upper-class students, and a range of social events mark the program’s innovative quality.
Support for Presenting Undergraduate Work Christ College fully funds its students to present their creative work and research at major conferences across the United States, including the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.
Funding for Experiential Learning CC’s Schweitzer Healthcare Travel Fellowships help support two-week spring break trips for pre-med and nursing students to work alongside medical professionals in Central America.
Kemper Scholars Program Each year a CC freshman is selected for the prestigious Kemper Foundation Scholars Program, which aims to prepare students for leadership and service, especially in the fields of administration and business. Students receive three years of scholarship aid, funded summer internships in non-profit and for-profit organizations, and mentoring.
Honors Credit for International or Urban Studies Semesters Christ College grants honors college credit for approved international study or participation in urban study semesters in Chicago or Washington, DC. About forty percent of CC students elect this option, far above the national average for study abroad.
Honors Thesis Option Any Christ College student may choose to write an honors thesis directed by a faculty member in an honors seminar of his or her choice.
Academic Advising In addition to a faculty advisor in his or her major field, a Christ College student has the benefit of advice and guidance from an experienced Christ College advisor (a faculty member or one of the deans) in making the best choices about academic planning, co-curricular opportunities, and career preparation.
Competitive Scholarship Advising Christ College graduates are frequent recipients of major competitive scholarships, including Fulbright Scholarships, Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship, German Chancellor Scholarship, National Science Foundation Fellowships, Math for America Fellowships, and Tau Beta Pi Awards, as well as admission to highly selective programs such Teach for America, the Peace Corps, and Lutheran Volunteer Corps. Christ College offers a seminar, to guide students applying for such prestigious awards and programs.
CC Senior Colloquium Christ College seniors take a course in which they reflect on the experiences of their lives through college, and refine their plans for the future. In addition to assistance with practical assignments in résumé preparation and interviewing skills, graduate school and other applications, and letters of recommendation, Senior Colloquium helps students think deeply about vocation—as it pertains to work, family, friendships, spiritual life, and community.
Christ College Senior Banquet Christ College Seniors celebrate at a gala spring event at which the dean awards commencement medallions to all Christ College graduates.
Commencement Honors Honors distinctions of Christ College Scholar or Christ College Associate are awarded at Commencement and entered on University transcripts. Ninety-five percent of Christ College seniors also graduate with summa cum laude, magna cum laude, or cum laude honors accompanying their bachelor’s degrees.