When Omkar Rikke ’26 M.S. moved from India to the United States to pursue his master’s degree in information technology, he expected a new academic challenge – but not the transformative journey that began. Here at Valpo, Omkar says he’s grown both in his profession and as a person, and the community he’s found here has been essential to helping him thrive.
“When I got here, I was overwhelmed with a lot of sudden changes [from moving to the U.S.], and I had really good people here at Valpo who helped me a lot through everything,” Omkar shares. He credits the support he’s received from Valpo’s Office of International Programs, his professors, and the friends he’s made here for helping him adjust to a new country. Moving here was Omkar’s first time living away from his family, on top of stepping off the tarmac into a different culture with different weather and different food.
“I’m from the western part of India, near Mumbai, and it was my first time experiencing snow when I moved to Valpo,” he says with a smile. During his first winter on campus, he remembers going on a ski trip to Michigan organized by the Office of International Programs – one of his favorite memories from his time here so far.
Inspired by those who’ve supported him, Omkar now serves as an international student ambassador on campus, helping guide other students through their transition to the U.S. “When I got an opportunity to work with the Office of International Programs this summer, I thought that I would like to help the community and help new international students when they arrive here,” he says. In his role, he helps explain essential documents and complex requirements to new international students from around the world, as well as plans cultural events to help them meet people and get involved.
Beyond helping his fellow students and going on adventures with the Office of International Programs, becoming an active part of student groups on campus has been a highlight of Omkar’s Valpo experience. He’s also put his technology skills to use working with ESPN Valparaiso University Productions – which produces streaming video of Valpo Athletics events – and has built on his interest in photography. Now, he’s learned to be a camera operator and enjoys working with other students to film basketball, baseball, volleyball, and other games on campus.
“It’s really fun to work with them and really understand how the production and streaming works,” he says, sharing that his favorite sport to film is baseball – which he enjoys for its similarity to cricket back home.
After he graduates in May 2026, Omkar hopes to work in an internship or full-time IT role in Chicago before returning to India. Valpo’s close proximity to Chicago, just an hour’s drive away, and our strong master of science in information technology (MSIT) program are both reasons why he chose to become a Beacon to advance his IT career – something he highly recommends to other students.
“I chose Valpo because Chicago is my dream city. A lot of IT and finance companies are located there. Valpo is the best place – you can really concentrate on your studies here in very peaceful surroundings, and you can go to Chicago when you want to,” he shares.
And most of all, Valpo also provides a community where students find connection and belonging, as Omkar has experienced. “It’s really welcoming here. People at Valpo help you in every way,” he says. “You don’t have to hesitate if you need any help, especially from the Office of International Programs.”
Discover how Valpo helps international students thrive on campus and beyond. Learn more at valpo.edu/international.
