Multicultural Spotlight

Are you a commuter or resident? Why?
I am a Resident who lives in Alumni Hall.

Why did you come to Valpo?
I chose Valpo because it was just the right amount of time away from home, and because the small class sizes benefit me. Sometimes I need that one-on-one time with my professors to help me understand the content.

Why did you choose Valpo to study your major?
When it came to my major and Valpo, Paul Oren really opened my eyes to what Communications can do. I want to be on TV one day, but he helped guide me to understand that I can do more than just be on TV.

What do you like most about Valpo?
I like the small classes. I feel like I easily build connections with my classmates and my professors.

What events have you enjoyed most at Valpo?
The event that I have enjoyed the most at Valpo was the BSO Spades Night! I LOVE competition, and competing against random people and then becoming friends with them was spectacular!

I also love playing card games with my family, so it reminded me of home too.

What is something new/amazing you discovered at Valpo?
Something I don’t know about Valpo is that we have ESPN on campus. I work for ESPN to broadcast sports games, and it is a tremendous experience. The people make you feel welcomed, it’s just like a big happy family!

Fun Fact:
I love to cook my pasta sauces from scratch! In my house, the Chicken Bacon Ranch pasta and Chipotle Chicken Pasta are a HIT! Cooking brings me joy and is a stress reliever to me! I love cooking for big groups and seeing the smile on everyone’s faces when they eat my cooking!

One of the lesser-known resources on campus, Come and Be Blessed Cuts, has been part of campus for 15 years. James Dixon, known to the campus as Brother James, has been part of the Valpo community since 2011, giving haircuts and building bonds with Valparaiso University students, offering students not only a fresh haircut but a place to talk, reflect, and feel genuinely cared for.

If you’ve ever stepped into the space where Brother James works, you’ve probably felt it immediately, the warmth, the welcome, the sense that you can exhale and just be yourself. For Brother James, the heart of campus transformation begins with something simple but powerful: creating a table, A place where people can sit, talk, listen, and learn from one another. Brother James sees this lack of identity as one of the biggest challenges students face today. Many, he says, are trained to chase success but not taught how to enjoy life or understand their purpose.

Before you can truly know others, across cultures, backgrounds, or experiences, you have to understand your own story. And from there, build community on purpose. Not by accident. Not only when schedules allow. But intentionally, with heart.

Visit Brother James Barbershop, Blessed Cut, at the Harre Union, second floor.

Tatiana Gilbert is a senior biology major who has made her mark at Valpo through her curiosity, compassion, and commitment to service. Originally from Chicago, she chose Valpo because it offered the best of both worlds: a small city close to Chicago, and a campus where small class sizes make it easy to build meaningful, professional relationships with professors. Alongside her coursework, Tatiana has been involved in psychology research and volunteers at the Valparaiso Public Library, reflecting her dedication to learning and community engagement.

Tatiana hopes that Valpo continues expanding spaces where Black students feel seen and supported, including the incorporation of more Black fraternities and sororities to strengthen cultural connection and involvement. One event she’s especially excited about this semester is the OMP Graduate Celebration, where she will receive stoles honoring both her Black and Puerto Rican heritage.

After earning her degree, Tatiana plans to step directly into the workforce in clinical research at Northwestern Medicine or Rush University. Her long-term goal is to pursue an accelerated nursing degree and become a NICU nurse back home in Chicago. Outside of her professional aspirations, she looks forward to moving back to the city full-time, adopting one or two cats, and exploring new hobbies like knitting and crocheting.

Her advice to fellow students is simple but powerful: comparison is the thief of joy. She encourages others to embrace their own pace, trust their journey, and remember that bumps along the way don’t define the destination. Each student’s path is unique, and that’s exactly how it should be.

Let’s come together to celebrate Tatiana and the incredible class of 2026!

Join us in expressing our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for their bright futures!.

Liya Pramod is a four-year nursing major excited to get out in the world and start helping people. Liya’s dream is to be a flight nurse, putting herself in the position to provide critical care to those who need it most. 

Why Valpo? 

Liya looked into Valpo for the nursing program; however, she made a decision on Valpo because of the community. Everyone she met at Valpo when she was applying welcomed her. It made the campus feel like a safe space that could be her home away from home. She stayed in that same community. She says that professors like Dr. Bugajski became some of her biggest advocates and supporters. 

Why Nursing?

Liya grew up surrounded by a family filled with medical professionals. From a pharmacist and physical therapist to operating nurses and doctors, Liya’s family sparked an interest in the human body and helping people. 

Advice to Future and Current students?

The best advice she gives to new students is to trust in yourself. You know you best, and if someone tells you you can’t do something, and you know you can find new people who help you realize your goals. Find faculty and peers who want what is best for you and surround yourself with people who will support and push you to your goals.

Meet Meaghan Bruskoski and Simone Miller, two driven students nearing the completion of Valparaiso University’s Accelerated Nursing Program this August. Both bring impressive academic backgrounds and a shared commitment to healthcare, each following a unique path toward making an impact in the field.

Simone enters the program with both a bachelor’s degree and a Master of Science in Healthcare Leadership, while Meaghan holds an undergraduate degree in Biology and a master’s degree in Biomedical Science. Meaghan’s journey doesn’t end with nursing—she plans to continue her education by pursuing the Physician Assistant (PA) program, further expanding her ability to lead and serve in healthcare settings.

Why Valpo?

For both students, choosing Valparaiso University meant staying close to home while continuing their education in a supportive environment. Meaghan, who owns a home in the area, valued the convenience and balance Valpo offers—especially compared to a daily commute to Chicago.

Simone’s connection to Valpo runs even deeper. Having completed both her undergraduate and master’s degrees at the University, returning felt natural. First introduced to Valpo through family, Simone quickly fell in love with the campus, student life, and—most importantly—the people. The welcoming community and many opportunities to get involved made Valpo feel like home, making her decision to return for nursing an easy one.

Since summer 2025, both Meaghan and Simone have made Loke Hall their go-to study space. Its comfortable environment and welcoming atmosphere have provided a place where they can focus, recharge, and feel at home while balancing the demands of an accelerated program.

Why Healthcare?

Like many drawn to healthcare, Meaghan and Simone share a genuine desire to help others. Meaghan is particularly motivated by the leadership and problem-solving aspects of becoming a Physician Assistant—taking initiative, making critical decisions, and guiding patient care are where she feels most called.

For Simone, the path to nursing was shaped by personal experiences as a caregiver. Supporting others during meaningful moments in their lives helped her discover a strong sense of fulfillment and purpose, ultimately leading her to pursue nursing as her profession.

Together, Meaghan and Simone exemplify dedication, compassion, and leadership—qualities that reflect the values of Valparaiso University and the future of healthcare.

Meet Nayehli Torres, a freshman civil engineering major who transferred from Ball State University as an architecture major. Wanting to stay closer to family, Nayehli chose Valpo in hopes of exploring more communities. She is excited about exploring the FSL Life, looking forward to joining WAVES, and eager to dive into student life.

Why Valpo?

Valpo offered Nayeli the opportunity to pursue civil engineering while remaining close to family. The welcoming community and strong student life made the transition feel right. Even as a commuter, she’s excited about building meaningful connections on campus.

Why Civil Engineering?

Nayeli enjoys the logical, hands-on nature of civil engineering and is eager to explore opportunities that combine learning with service. She’s especially excited to join WAVES, a club focused on volunteering and community engagement—something she loved being involved in during high school. She’s also looking forward to participating in Women in Engineering, a group she finds empowering and inspiring.

Campus Life and Involvement

Nayeli is eager to dive into student life, particularly multicultural programs, which she felt were limited at her previous university. She’s also interested in exploring FSL life and getting involved across campus to fully experience Valpo’s sense of community. As a commuter student, Nayeli’s main concern is making friends and staying socially connected. While it may take a bit more planning than living in the residence halls, she’s confident that her outgoing personality and involvement in clubs will help her build strong friendships.

Meet Lindsay Opiola. She is a biology major with a clear vision for her future and a strong passion for learning. From an early age, Lindsay knew she wanted to become a doctor, and pursuing a degree in biology felt like the most meaningful step toward that goal. For her, biology is more than just a pathway into medicine—it is the study of life itself, a subject that continually fuels her curiosity and motivation.

Originally from Dyer, Indiana, about 40 minutes from campus, Lindsay decided to live on campus to fully immerse herself in the college experience. This marks her first time living away from home, an exciting milestone that represents both independence and personal growth. Being on campus allows her to engage more deeply with student life, academic opportunities, and the vibrant community around her.

Before transferring to Valparaiso University, Lindsay spent a semester at IU Northwest in Gary, where she commuted daily. While she made efforts to get involved, the experience helped her realize how important campus connections and community are to her college journey. Encouraged by her brother, Lucas Opiola. Lindsay explored Valparaiso University, completed the admissions process in just one month, and quickly knew it was the right fit.

As she begins this new chapter, Lindsay is especially excited about the research opportunities within the biology department and building meaningful relationships with her professors. She looks forward to discovering student organizations and events as she settles into campus life and continues to grow academically and personally.

With determination, enthusiasm, and a clear sense of purpose, Lindsay Opiola is off to a strong start—and her journey at Valpo is just beginning.

Meet Neeya Yhampi, a third-year student at Valparaiso University, majoring in health science on the pre-physician assistant track.

Why Valpo?

Originally from Canton, Michigan, Neeya is a resident student who chose Valpo for its highly rated direct-entry PA program, small class sizes, and the increased opportunities to interact with professors.

Campus Life & Community

One of the things she enjoys most about Valpo is the wide variety of fun organizations, clubs, and events students host on campus.

Some of her favorite events include performing at Valpo Vibes with SOS (Soul of Sol), attending “A Night with the Stars” hosted by OMP organizations, and participating in AAPIC’s “Feast from the East.” Something that surprised her after arriving on campus was just how large the campus actually is. A fun fact about Neeya is that she was born in Nevada and moved to Michigan when she was just two years old!

Soul of Sol Club Life

Neeya serves as a social media chair for SOS. The organization, known for its dynamic performances across campus and in the Valparaiso community, was awarded first place for Student Organization Presentations and won Best Appearance at the 2025 Songfest.

Meet Jonathan Hoth, a first-year mechanical engineering student whose energy, curiosity, and community spirit have already made him a familiar face around campus.

Why Valpo?

For Jonathan, Valpo became the perfect fit thanks to Valpo’s scholarships and the university’s strong engineering reputation. “It just fell from the sky,” he jokes, after being admitted through Loyola’s Tuition Exchange Program. The small-class environment, one-on-one support, and even the engineering department’s solar furnace sealed the deal.

Life in the College of Engineering

What Jonathan appreciates most is the department’s openness—literally. “I love that we can go in and out of the building. It feels like a space made for us.”

Although at the beginning his group was doing something different from the rest, and classes were demanding, he says faculty were exceptionally understanding. “If something glitched when we tried to scan and submit work, they always helped. Even if something was late, as long as you communicated, they made sure you succeeded.

Campus Life & Community

Most days, you can find Jonathan at B.B.’s—playing pool, meeting new people, or hosting late-night hangouts.

“If you see me at B.B.’s, you’re invited. I’ve taught so many people how to play pool just because they walked over and watched.”

He enjoyed Welcome Week events, from the comedian (whom he and another student “accidentally heckled”) to the hypnotist show—where he proudly notes that his friend Michael Leone was hypnotized on stage.

A New Leader on Campus: Founder of the Fencing & HEMA Club

Jonathan has already started a new student organization: the Fencing & HEMA (Historical European Martial Arts) Club, soon to launch with funding approved by the Student Senate. The club will teach students fast-thinking, strategy, and sword technique using foils, long swords, cutlasses, and more. “It’s basically live-action chess—you get one second to make a move,” he says. Jonathan will serve as the HEMA instructor and referee.

Why Engineering?

Jonathan’s engineering journey is rooted in three formative mentors—and one car.

• His grandpa challenged him to solve Transformers and puzzles with no instructions.
• His dad, who taught him practical problem-solving while the two repaired Jonathan’s first car.
• Mr. T, his high school engineering teacher, who introduced him to CAD and design competitions and helped him win two consecutive engineering challenges.
• And his project car, which he restored piece by piece—doors, brakes, radio, engine work, suspension, and more. “Taking something apart and remembering every step put everything into perspective for me.”

These experiences shaped his instinct for mechanical systems and solidified his passion for engineering.

Jonathan’s Advice for New Students

“Talk to people. Just start conversations—even if it feels awkward at first. Be yourself, get out there, and you’ll meet people just like you.”

For junior Joel Atuquaye Clottey, leadership and community go hand in hand. As a biomechanical engineering major and the current president of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) at Valparaiso University, Joe invited students from all STEM majors to NSBE. He explained to OMP that the organization gives opportunities for internships, co-ops, and job experiences starting as early as freshman year. It’s about helping students connect, network, and gain real-world experience.

Born to Ghanaian parents who immigrated to the U.S. over two decades ago, Joe is proud of his cultural roots. “They are from the Ga tribe, and I speak the Ga language,” he shares. “It’s not the main language in Ghana—that’s Twi—but it’s special to me that my parents taught us where we come from.”
He said, Thanks to the Dean of the College of Engineering, most of our expenses for NSBE conferences are covered. “That means we can focus on learning and networking without worrying about finances. Going forward, I hope Valpo continues giving more students the chance to lead and grow.” Outside the lab and classroom, Joe enjoys spending time in some of Valpo’s most underrated spaces. “Honestly, the floor lounges in different buildings are my favorite spots. Studying, talking with friends, just being part of campus life.”
For new students, Joe’s advice is simple but powerful:
“Stay focused and remember your purpose here. Valpo is a great place for people who want to be serious about their studies without the distractions of a huge campus. You can really spread your wings and become a bigger fish in a smaller pond.”