News & Features
Katherine Germann finishes Valparaiso career with three majors, perfect GPA
Katherine Germann also earned the 2020 Laurel Award, which is given to the Valparaiso graduating student-athlete with the highest GPA. Read the full story at nwitimes.com.
Christ College London Encounter
More than 8 million people live in London, with some 20 million tourists visiting each year. What are the chances of meeting someone you know? And yet just such a surprise encounter occurred during Spring Break between Christ College students and their dean. Dean VanZanten, in London to visit her son and his fiancée, was amazed when three Christ College students greeted her in the lobby following a performance of "Alys, Always" at the Bridge Theatre. They were then joined by the entire London Theatre Study Abroad group, along with Professor Lee Orchard. Christ College finds community everywhere!
Unmatched Opportunity: The Valpo Experience Draws Students from Around the World
The irony was not lost on Claire Ehr ’19. The day she made her official visit to the Valparaiso University campus it was raining, which meant she was not able to do a full walking tour. But maybe that was a sign. Claire grew up in London, known as much for its foggy and overcast skies as landmarks like Big Ben and Buckingham Palace. “I remember running from building to building because of the rain,” Claire says of that day in the spring of 2015. But that visit made an impact on Claire and stands out in her mind for many other reasons. “The people were very nice and friendly,” she says. “I was able to sit in on a class, and I remember it was such great conversation academically. I was excited to participate in that kind of environment.” A Valpo legacy Born in Spain and having lived her…
Driven to Succeed: Ashita Bhatnagar ’18 Finds Inspiration at Valpo
Traveling more than 8,000 miles, Ashita Bhatnagar ’18 arrived at Valparaiso University two years ago sight unseen to embark on what has proven to be a journey full of challenges and growth both academically and personally. Not one to sit idle, Ashita has immersed herself in the community both inside and outside the classroom, combining a rigorous academic schedule with active extracurricular engagement. “From the moment I arrived on campus, I have been inspired,” says Ashita. “I have never felt more engaged or active. My brain is constantly at work, and I have discovered I have purpose.” With more than 700 international students, Valpo draws students from diverse backgrounds who flourish here for a multitude of reasons. Ashita attended an International Baccalaureate high school in India, and her only knowledge of Valpo was shared by her brother, Eshaan Bhatnagar ’17, who started his Valpo journey just one year prior as…
Transforming Lives: Valpo Alumna Pursues Unique Calling
Dawn Trautman ’94 is a woman of impact among her friends, within her community of faith, and throughout her professional world. Equipped with a keen understanding of her purpose, Dawn leads a life of intention. Focusing her time and energy on the areas in which she excels and can be of influence, she never strays from her path. Dawn thrives in numerous arenas — managing auditions, rehearsals, dance classes, voice lessons, coaching calls, online business developments, and special projects for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). “I don’t believe we live in a compartmentalized world. Valpo helped me see the wide landscape, pushing me to explore new ideas and opening me to possibility,” Dawn says. As a child, Dawn developed a natural passion for dance and performance, which evolved into a serious love for musical theatre as she gained more exposure to that scene. At Valpo, she had multiple…
Leadership, Community, and Faith
Service. Leadership. Vocation. For Caleb Rollins ’15, these words defined his experience at Valpo and created his path to philanthropic work as development manager for Lutheran Services in America. Caleb was initially drawn to Valpo for its “home away from home” community, but he says the financial support and the promises of the Christ College — The Honors College experience led him to stay. “I wouldn’t have been able to go to Valpo if it weren’t for the financial awards I received. The opportunity to participate in Christ College was also a big draw for me because of the academic rigor and community they offered,” Caleb says. “I felt Valpo was a place that could be my home for four years. I attended three high schools, lived in about five cities before college, and was really looking for a place to call home. I felt like Valpo could be that…