“I believe things happen for a reason, and when I arrived at Valpo, I knew on a spiritual level that I was where I needed to be. I felt like I was home.” – Meredith Garofalo ’08
Meredith Garofalo knew at the age of three that she wanted to be a meteorologist, practicing her craft by making forecasts on her Fisher Price tape recorder. By her senior year of high school, she had several options when it came to choosing a college, but still needed to decide where she would pursue her dreams. Ultimately, the feeling of belonging she experienced while visiting campus, accompanied by the kindness of the people she met, sealed the deal for Valpo.
During her time on campus, Meredith added minors in TV and radio communications and math to her meteorology major. She also sang with the Chorale, wrote for The Torch, pledged Kappa Delta sorority, and even joined the storm chasing team. Among Meredith’s favorite memories, though, are the times she spent doing day-to-day activities with roommates and friends, such as studying in the Christopher Center Library or sharing meals in the Union.
In her senior year, Meredith landed an internship at WGN, where she worked alongside legendary meteorologist Tom Skilling. This experience allowed her to gain real-world experience working in a newsroom, learning from some of the best in the business. Garofalo says this opportunity also allowed her to fully understand the importance of a Valpo degree, giving her a great sense of pride and confidence in her abilities as a future meteorologist.
After graduation, Meredith embarked on what she calls her “national tour,” working in markets all over the country, including Ohio, South Dakota, Florida, California, Colorado, and, most recently, the New York City area. Now entering her 17th year in television, Garofalo has experienced things far beyond what could be found in a textbook. She has achieved major life goals, but also struggled and failed at times, all of which brought her to the place she is today — a primetime weekday morning meteorologist in Columbus, OH, freelance writer, mentor, and owner of Rocket Girl Enterprise, LLC.
Garofalo enjoys utilizing her talents in communication and television to make a positive impact in the communities she serves. Through the power of storytelling, she has helped non-profit organizations achieve their fundraising goals, inspired communities to volunteer, and assisted in telling powerful stories in STEM and aerospace for Space.com and Martha Stewart Magazine, a topic she didn’t realize she had an interest in until 2016, when she was assigned her first space story.
The newfound interest in space and weather satellites allowed Meredith to combine her passions as a writer and scientist, which inspired the launch of her business, Rocket Girl, LLC. that provides writing, content creation, consultation, and marketing and e-commerce services to clients. She encourages others to follow their passions in life, which may lead to opportunities and experiences that weren’t even on their radar.
In 2018, Meredith was awarded the First Decade Achievement Award by the Valparaiso University Alumni Association. This award honors alumni for outstanding professional achievement, community service, and/or service to the University during the first decade following the completion of their undergraduate degree. In 2025, she was named one of the inaugural recipients of the Elite Professionals Under 40 award, presented by Kappa Delta sorority, an honor that she hopes will inspire others to reach for the stars.
For Meredith, Valpo is a place with immense legacy and opportunity — a place where she learned about those who paved the way for students before her and like her. Now, as an alumna, realizing the dreams she once had as a Valpo student is a full-circle moment. She credits her Valpo experience with becoming the person she is today and preparing her for success in her career.
Meredith’s Valpo story reminds us that every Valpo story has the power to shape what comes next and inspires the next generation to write their own.
