Jacki Lyden ’75, Author, Host and Correspondent, NPR

When I was a high school student going through the college search process, I hoped to find a broad-based, culturally-rich, seriously academic liberal arts university. I was interested in comparative religions and literature and planned to study overseas. I found all of this and more in Valparaiso University and Christ College – Valpo’s Honors College.

My experiences at Valpo within the Christ College program and studying abroad in England proved to be my greatest assets when preparing for my career. Valpo professors make a terrific and sustained commitment to their students. As a result of their teaching and mentoring, I received a lively, yet rigorous education in a highly supportive environment. I was taught to ask the questions in life that would allow me to succeed, and also gained valuable journalism experience by working for The Torch, Valpo’s student newspaper.

Today I am a Host and Senior Correspondent for National Public Radio as well as an author. I’ve been with NPR for over twenty years and have seen it grow from what was considered an obscure news source to a major news source. I’ve loved finding myself in places I’d dreamed of going. I have had the opportunity to cover Iraq, Iran, Jordan, Syria, multiple wars, race, religion, places, events, people. Although I won multiple journalism awards, there is so much more I want to accomplish. Valpo has greatly contributed to my success as an NPR Correspondent and author, and I am truly proud to say that I’m a Valpo graduate.

To learn more about Christ College visit www.valpo.edu/christcollege.