News and Features
Star light, star bright: Careers and stars don’t end — they slowly transition to something just as bright
When a star is born They possess a gift or two One of them is this They have the power to make a wish come true Bruce Hrivnak, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy, has had his head in the stars nearly all his life. He has spent all but a few years of his four-decade career as a professor of physics and astronomy at Valparaiso University. It seems only appropriate that he now winds down his career like so many of the stars that he studies — slowly, but shining brightly all along the way. Professor Hrivnak has left the classroom, having taught his last class in the spring 2018 semester, but will continue as a senior research professor mentoring students and studying stars as they near the end of their nearly 10-billion-year life spans. It is that research that has helped define Professor Hrivnak’s career as well as…
Creating Possibility: EPIC Scholarship Fuels Valpo Experience
As Anna Bockman ’21 enters her second year of college, she has already engaged in critical research at Valparaiso University, playing a role in the possible development of future antifungal medications. The Plymouth, Indiana, native is one of 11 students at Valpo admitted in the fall 2017 cohort of the EPIC scholarship program, designed to provide funding and support for students who may otherwise be unable to pursue STEM education at Valpo in the College of Arts and Sciences. The program, made possible due to a grant from the National Science Foundation, is intended to increase retention among commuter and residential students through its many unique features, including financial assistance, one-on-one faculty mentorship, and cutting-edge research opportunities beginning in year one. EPIC scholarship recipients are invited to bond with others in the cohort of students who take retreats, share meals, and go on short outings that promote STEM-related topics and…
Coming Home: Proud to Serve and Driven to Succeed
While Dan Pelzel ’18 and Mark Galetti ’18 found their niche and a sense of purpose at Valpo, they also encountered challenges along the way. But not long ago, they were faced with a much more arduous challenge — serving in the United States military. Dan was active duty U.S. Army from October 2009 to January 2016 and was deployed multiple times to countries such as Afghanistan and Korea prior to retiring due to medical injuries. Mark, a U.S. Navy veteran, served two deployments to the Middle East from 2008 to 2013. “Although their life experiences are very different than those of traditional college students, Dan and Mark have fit right in, and they’ve developed a large group of friends within the political science department,” says Amy Atchison, Ph.D., associate professor of political science and international relations. “I love having them and other veterans in my classes because they bring…
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…
Boundless: Katie Willenbrink ’18 Studies the Course and the Stars
Whether it’s in the classroom, at the observatory, or on the golf course, anyone who encounters Katie Willenbrink ’18 is bound to take note of her cool and collected demeanor. That ability to stay calm helps Katie pull off a virtual juggling act as she thrives academically as a physics major and athletically as a member of the women’s golf team, in addition to working with Bruce Hrivnak, Ph.D., professor of physics and astronomy, as a research aid. “Keeping up with everything can be really difficult; there are some long days,” Katie says. “My professors have been very accommodating to me as an athlete, and my coach has been accommodating to my academic priorities. They all want me to succeed on both fronts.” The seeds of Katie’s love for astronomy were planted during her sophomore year of high school when her astronomy class learned about the transit of Venus. While…
Bon Appétit: French Majors Cook up Final Project in the Kitchen
The recipe for success for two French language majors at Valparaiso University literally was a recipe. Jennifer LeCaptain ’16 and Andrea Sanchez ’16 took experiential learning out of the classroom and went back in time to produce a 21st-century cookbook. The brainchild of Timothy J. Tomasik, Ph.D., associate professor of foreign languages and literatures, was to take a 16th century Renaissance French cookbook and not only transcribe it into modern-day French but code it to become a living digital document. The cherry on top was having the students prepare a menu that would be shared with classmates and colleagues. No blue book was need for this final. Instead, flatware and dishes for a four-course banquet replaced the pencil and paper. “The nature of this class and this project was atypical,” Professor Tomasik says. “That said, experiential learning is part of every foreign language class. Language learning can’t be separated from…
500th Remembrance of Reformation Includes Valpo Choir, Special Music Composition
“Next to the Word of God, the noble art of music is the greatest treasure in the world.” — Martin Luther What started as a call to reform the Catholic Church became a worldwide movement involving millions of people throughout the past five centuries. To remember the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, a journey Martin Luther ignited on Oct. 31, 1517, Lutherans and others from around the globe will gather at Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, the very spot it all began. Among those gathered will be the Valparaiso University Chorale, under the direction of Christopher M. Cock, D.Mus., Phyllis and Richard Duesenberg Chair in Lutheran Music and professor of music. The 48-voice choir, joined on the week-long trip by Valpo alumni, family, and friends, is the only international ensemble invited to perform on this historic day in the Castle Church. The Chorale’s visit furthers a resurgence in the…
Valpo Forecast: Sunny and Successful
In the Midwest, many people say that if someone doesn’t like the weather, stick around a minute, it will change. But meteorology students at Valparaiso University are not the type to simply wait around. Quarter-century in the making In 1991, Valpo developed a meteorology major, ushering in the newly dubbed Department of Geography and Meteorology. Two years later, a post-doctoral student at the University of Wisconsin, Bart Wolf, Ph.D., professor of meteorology, was about to start his meteorology career in the heart of tornado alley, Oklahoma. But he took a slight detour, and instead became Valpo’s first meteorologist. “I knew I always wanted to teach,” Professor Wolf says. “Valpo is unique in that it really prides itself on excellent teaching. While other institutions may focus more on research, Valpo is motivated by teaching excellence.” It is that teaching excellence that has enabled the program to grow from a handful of…
Valparaiso University and Partners Receive $1.58M Grant to Advance STEM Education in Indiana
The Indiana Commission for Higher Education awarded $1,582,584 to Valparaiso University, Ball State University, Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis and Purdue University, the institutions that comprise the Hoosier STEM Academy. “We are grateful to the Indiana Commission for Higher Education for their commitment to STEM education,” said Mark L. Biermann, Ph.D., provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. “This grant will enhance educational opportunities in the state of Indiana in the increasingly critical fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. We look forward to continued work with Ball State, IUPUI and Purdue as together we equip tomorrow’s educational leaders and, through them, their students with critical skills for success.” Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields are at the forefront of innovation in the United States economy. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, jobs in the STEM fields are projected to grow twice as fast as those in other…
A Path of Discovery: Moved to Serve, Lead, and Explore
Being too far from home, becoming lost in the crowd, or standing out for not belonging. These are just a few of the many concerns Arielle Thomas ’18 faced as she began her college search. But, in a single trip to Valparaiso University, Arielle found her home for the next four years and hasn’t looked back. Arielle has thrived at Valpo, actively participating in her college journey, relishing in the support of the Valpo community, and finding comfort in a place where she can be true to herself. “Arielle is an amazing young lady. As a student, she strives for excellence and consistently makes positive contributions to the classroom,” says Byron Martin, M.Ed., director of multicultural programs. “Outside the classroom, she is a leader that is able to connect deeply and richly with everyone she comes in contact with.” Arielle first came to Valparaiso University to attend the Summer Global…
A “Gregarious” Grad: Stefon David ’17 Shines as a Student Leader
A high school track star from Westampton, N.J., Stefon David ’17 came to Valpo with high hopes and big dreams four years ago, with little foundation of what to expect. A first-generation student, he wasn’t familiar with the school, or the region, or even Indiana. Now a recent graduate, his résumé bursts with campus involvement, internships, and leadership roles. He’s a brother of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity, ran track for two years, and served as the Morale Team Captain for this year’s Dance Marathon. But 2017 is not where Stefon’s story begins. At first, Stefon encountered difficulties finding his footing on campus. “I came to Valpo to run track and double major in chemistry and biology,” he says. “I ended up hating my science courses, and I dreaded going to class.” Stefon grappled with his coursework and experienced injuries on the track field. It all became too much, and coupled…
Transcending the Competition: Kyle Dunn Drills His Way to the Top on the Court and In the Classroom
Tennis balls fly back and forth across the net as young men run in zig-zag patterns to thwart their opponents hard driving serves. Tennis at Division I schools is a blur of intense and concentrated movement. At Valpo, it’s especially engaging as a Horizon League Championship winning team includes Senior Tennis Team Captain, Kyle Dunn ’17. Kyle is a student-athlete on a mission to win on the tennis court and gain admittance into dental school. As a senior and team captain, Kyle is an inspired leader, setting a high standard of excellence for both himself and his teammates. A team leader in overall singles victories, with at least 20 wins per season, Kyle’s effectiveness on the court is undeniable. On the courts, “he’s smooth and quick — fun to watch … if he loses a point or has an error, he doesn’t react to it,” says James Daugherty, head tennis…
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…
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…
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A Standing Ovation: Tori Tiller ’25 Shines Center Stage at Valparaiso University
Tori Tiller ’25 looks at life with an artist’s eye. Where we may see a billboard, she sees the hard work of a designer; while watching her favorite shows, she makes a point to admire the work of the actors who bring it to life; a composer wrote that familiar jingle, and a photographer shot those photos hanging on the wall. As an artist herself, it only makes sense to acknowledge all of the things, big or small, that make our days – our lives – more beautiful. For Tori, singing has always been a part of her life. “I was the kid who liked to put concerts on in my grandparents’ living room. I held up a plastic microphone and would sing for them,” Tori shares, citing her love for Taylor Swift’s debut album. A few years down the road, she brought her passion to center stage in middle…
Valparaiso University Launches Inaugural Video Game Music and Design Courses, Fostering Innovation and Collaboration Among Students
Valparaiso University has successfully completed the inaugural semester of two innovative new courses in Video Game Music and Introduction to Game Programming, offering students hands-on experience in one of today’s fastest-growing creative and technological industries. These interdisciplinary courses reflect the University’s commitment to evolving academic programs that empower students to thrive in emerging fields. The new courses culminated in a unique collaborative project that brought together students from both classes to design original video games complete with custom-composed soundtracks. This initiative highlights Valpo’s holistic approach to education—combining technical knowledge, artistic creativity, and real-world collaboration. “There is a lot of interest in the video game industry in general,” said Aysegul Yayimli, professor of computing and information sciences. “Students coming into computer science always have developing games in mind, so I was hoping that we could do a bigger program in the future.” Cutting-Edge Tools and Creative Projects Students enrolled in Introduction…
Valparaiso University Celebrates Graduates at 2025 Commencement Ceremonies
Valparaiso University held its annual commencement ceremonies for those graduating graduate and undergraduate programs on Saturday, May 10, 2025. Graduating students from the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business received their diplomas at 9 a.m., while those from the College of Engineering and College of Nursing and Health Professions crossed the stage during a 2 p.m. ceremony. Founder of CMC Enterprises, LLC and former president and CEO of Chicago United Gloria Castillo served as guest speaker for both events. “I have come to believe that honoring your values, even when the stakes are high, is never the wrong decision,” Castillo told the graduates. “Your values will guide you like the north star. I believe that when we live our values, we gain strength. Commitment to your values is a superpower.” Graduates representing each of the University’s Colleges also took the stage, including business administration major Peyton Evans…
How Jailynn Hubbard ’25 Balances Motherhood, School, and a Thriving Career in Healthcare
When Jailynn Hubbard ’25 spotted a flyer for Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions in the break room at Northwest Health, she couldn't have imagined how that moment would transform her life. Now, as she prepares to walk across the Commencement stage, Jailynn reflects on her remarkable journey as a healthcare leadership major – and how her Valpo “village” made it possible. Jailynn's path to Valpo has been anything but traditional. After initially pursuing biology at a college in Alabama in 2014, she joined the Army, serving as military police in Kentucky and Washington, D.C., until her contract ended in 2023. Today, she balances her studies with working 12-hour night shifts in telemetry at Northwest Health, monitoring patients' heart rhythms, all while raising two children — her seven-year-old son, A.J., and three-year-old daughter, Ava Marie. "It was an adjustment," Jailynn says about returning to college as a non-traditional…
Valparaiso University Students Explore the Tabletop Gaming Industry with Exciting Internships
Two Valparaiso University students and one recent alum have been selected as members of the first cohort of paid summer interns with Goodman Games, an international tabletop roleplaying game company. Alex Pawlowski ’27, Audrey Storer ’25, and Jon Tomasik ’24 will spend the summer in Fort Wayne, Indiana, learning about the game industry, product creation, and event management by traveling with the company to two of the largest gaming conventions in North America: Origins in Columbus, Ohio, and Gen Con in Indianapolis, Indiana. “Goodman Games is very happy to welcome our first class of summer interns to our Fort Wayne, Indiana, warehouse in May 2025,” Joseph Goodman, publisher and owner of Goodman games, said. “Over the course of the summer, the interns will be exposed to every aspect of game publishing and wholesaling, including product development, design, marketing, distribution, sales, conventions, and more.” All three students were introduced to Goodman…
Finding Home and Success: Kudakwashe Chikonyora’s ’25 Valpo Journey
When Kudakwashe (Kuda) Chikonyora ’25 arrived at Valparaiso University from Zimbabwe four years ago, he had never visited the United States before. Now, he’s graduating with a bachelor of science in actuarial science and is preparing to address his classmates as one of this year's Baccalaureate speakers while looking forward to beginning his career in Texas. "I never imagined I would be speaking for anything," Kuda says about being selected as a Baccalaureate speaker. "I used to worry as a first-year student if people understood my accent. Now that I've been chosen to speak, I am very grateful that people see me that way and that I can have words that can be impactful." Kuda, who is from Mutoko, Zimbabwe, discovered Valpo through Common App. Valpo was one of the first schools to respond to his application. But there was one thing on campus that really peaked his interest. "When…
Radiate Knowledge: Simeon Klepac ’25 Brings Hidden Histories to Light
For history major Simeon Klepac ’25, his time at Valparaiso University has been defined by discovery, storytelling, and an unwavering passion for public history. As a senior completing his capstone project, Simeon has found his calling by taking a deep dive into civil rights history at Indiana Dunes State Park, an endeavor that has solidified his career aspirations and enhanced his understanding of the power of historical research. Simeon’s journey at Valpo has been one of exploration. Initially entering college as a music education major, he soon realized that his passion for history and storytelling was leading him in a different direction – toward the National Park Service and our history major. With the flexibility of Valpo’s history program, he was able to tailor his studies to fit his interests, pursuing both education and music minors alongside his history studies to enhance his skills as an educator and interpreter of…
From Chapel to Wrigley: How Josh Langhoff ’99 Became a Chicago Cubs Organist
When Josh Langhoff ’99 took organ lessons at Valparaiso University, he wasn't dreaming of playing at Wrigley Field. He was simply following his advisor's advice to give him more career options as a music major. "My advisor, Reddel Professor of Music Dennis Friesen-Carper, recommended that I take a couple semesters of organ lessons because Valpo has all these organs around and great organ teachers," Josh recalls. "He recommended I take these lessons as a fallback for after college. That way, I could get a church job if I needed to." That practical advice would eventually lead Josh to one of the most unique and coveted musical positions in Chicago: organist for the Chicago Cubs. In 2019, an extraordinary opportunity arose when the Chicago Cubs' organist of 33 years retired. "I had friends who knew I could play by ear, so they told me, 'Oh, you should apply for that,'" Josh…
How Valpo Engineer Antuane Thompson ’20 is Powering Positive Change
Antuane Thompson ’20 had plenty of options regarding his higher education plans. He was accepted to all seven universities he applied to while participating in a college degree path program at his high school. Antuane visited several of these campuses but says Valpo had something special he was looking for. “I kind of just fell in love with Valpo and the culture. I knew it was the school for me,” Antuane says. “It was a smaller school, so I knew I could build relationships with my professors and get that one-on-one experience. Valpo also allowed me to explore my degree options before choosing something. Plus, it wasn’t too far from my home in Chicago. If needed, I could get home in an hour and a half to be with my family.” Ultimately, Antuane decided on electrical engineering as his major and fundamentals of business as his minor. As he became…
Ozone Garden to Bring Air Quality Research and Interdisciplinary Learning to Valpo
While this is only Assistant Professor of Meteorology Katelyn Barber’s, Ph.D., second semester at Valpo, she’s already making a massive impact on our campus community, how our students learn beyond the classroom, and ways we can continue taking strides toward a greener campus. Interested in hearing how? Here’s a hint: This intensive research initiative will have a lasting impact on Valpo students and our greater Northwest Indiana community for years to come. Credit: Andrea Starr | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Earlier this year, Professor Barber applied for Valpo to become a member of the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research’s National Ozone Garden Network – a research program under the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) National Center for Atmospheric Research. Now, it’s official: Professor Barber expects to break ground on Valpo’s ozone garden by mid-April. The goal of this garden – along with those present at other institutions across the nation –…
A Beacon’s Reflection | Madison Lynn ’25
When I came to Valparaiso University in 2021, it was still during the COVID-19 pandemic. I had to adjust from being on Zoom and being in high school to moving into a dorm at college and being around people again. My college experience didn’t have the best start as I hoped for. I ended up changing my major, and finding my friends was difficult. My fall semester freshman year made it really hard to adjust to college life here on campus. After that semester, the rest of the school year started looking up for me. I found a major that I love and found my real passion, which is teaching. Everyone in the program is so supportive and every elementary education professor has been there for me when I needed it. I am now a senior elementary education major with a social work minor as well. Even though my academics…
Rhonda Collier ’26 Lobbies For Community Change
Rhonda Collier’s ’26 path to a career in social work wasn’t in her original academic blueprints. Her non-traditional college journey began during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic at Ivy Tech Community College, where she initially enrolled in an 18-month addiction studies program. Inspired by her professors, Rhonda later expanded her education to an associate’s degree in human services – and, with more encouragement – a bachelor of social work at Valparaiso University just two weeks after graduation. “I just kept going forward,” Rhonda shares. “My professors have all been incredible with helping me and guiding me into a career that I really, really enjoy.” When Rhonda first started her social work journey at Valpo, her end goal was to lend her light to others as a substance abuse counselor. Students in Valpo’s social work program have the opportunity to tailor their in-field internship experiences to their professional passions and…
Valpo’s Science Olympiad Joins Campus and Community
Photo Credit: Valpo Science Olympiad Last month, Valparaiso University’s annual Science Olympiad event brought 25 teams from 16 schools across Indiana and Michigan to campus in the name of friendly competition. Each team – including 13 middle school and 12 high school teams – competed in several science-themed contests, from detailed lab experiments to spontaneous build events. For Science Olympiad president and Christ College Scholar Sarah Iselin ’25, her connection to this highly anticipated, student-run event is grounded in a lifelong history of learning and curiosity. “I was in Science Olympiad when I was in middle school. It was a fun extracurricular activity that wasn’t as on the spot as sports or math club. There’s a wide range of topics and I could really explore what I was interested in,” Sarah reflects. “I remember a lot of people on the team who maybe wouldn’t have been seen as straight-A kids.…
Inspired by Creativity, Recognized for Excellence | Jacqueline Rios’ ’27 Valpo Journey
Imagine stepping onto a college campus for the first time, expecting to feel out of place, yet discovering a sense of belonging. For Jacqueline Rios ’27, that moment at Valparaiso University was the beginning of a journey that would grow her passions, deepen her connections, and illuminate the path to her future. Now a sophomore studying digital media arts and minoring in art, Jacqueline’s hard work and involvement recently earned her the prestigious Realizing the Dream Scholarship. This award, presented to first-generation college students who excel academically and make a meaningful impact on their campuses, came as a welcome surprise. “I didn’t even apply for it — I was nominated! [Assistant Dean of Students] Noelle Pease, M.S., who informed me about it, told me it was a no-brainer to select me. That just feels like such an honor,” she says. Receiving this scholarship has deepened Jacqueline’s gratitude for the opportunities…
Reaching for the Stars | Hunter Wood’s ’26 Valpo Journey
From the moment Hunter Wood ’26 stepped onto Valparaiso University’s campus, he knew he had found his place. “I’ve never regretted choosing Valpo once,” he reflects. “It’s a community where I feel supported, seen, and challenged to grow.” A dedicated astronomy major, Hunter chose Valpo for its unique academic offerings. “Valpo was one of the only schools in the area with a dedicated astronomy major,” he shares. “I didn’t want a tangential degree; I wanted to study exactly what I loved.” His passion for space has been lifelong — sparked by glow-in-the-dark stars on his childhood bedroom ceiling and now illuminated by real stars through groundbreaking research. Like many who call Valpo home, Hunter’s academic journey has been anything but ordinary. He spent two summers diving into cutting-edge research, exploring topics like binary white dwarfs and the carbon chemistry of planetary nebulae. “The first project was part of a Hubble…