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In Appreciation: 2023 O.P. Kretzmann Award Winners

A degree from Valpo opens doors and allows our graduates to continue the tradition of leadership and service that is characteristic of our University. The values that are developed as a Valpo student are carried on wherever our graduates go, and this year’s O.P. Kretzmann Award winners, Kim Genovese ’22 G.C., Cynthia Felton ’75, and Cheryl Slack ’78, ’15 DNP are a testament to that. The O.P. Kretzmann Award honors alumni who have made a special contribution to the development of Valparaiso University through long-time and exemplary service as a University employee for at least 15 years. This year’s recipients, all retired faculty members from the College of Nursing and Health Professions, are being recognized for giving back to the students and campus community that meant so much to their success. “I was a faculty member in the College of Nursing and Health Professions and enrolled in this new Certificate…

Preparing Students to Create a Fitter Future

Starting in the fall of 2023, Valparaiso University’s kinesiology program, formerly part of the College of Business, has been split into two divergent majors: sports management (which is remaining in the College of Business) and exercise science, which has found a new home with the College of Nursing and Health Professions. According to Peixing Jiang, Ed.D., director of the new program and associate professor of exercise science, the split will better serve individual students’ specific needs and interests. “Kinesiology is a very broad concept,” says Professor Jiang. “You can have sports management, physical education, exercise science, recreation, all under that subject. It was too extreme, too many different subjects. Sports management and exercise science fall under the same subject but don’t have a lot of overlapping content.” Exercise science, as the name implies, revolves around the science of physical activity geared towards bettering one’s condition. The major’s website describes it…

Undergraduate Research Tackles Student Wellness

At Valpo, our students are not afraid of taking the lead on advanced academic endeavors, and they are always looking to learn something new. And something that is uniquely Valpo is their opportunity for undergraduate research. We know that the best way to prepare our students for the rigor of research in their fields of study is to simply allow them to do it right here on campus. “The research that our students are doing in the College of Nursing and Health Professions is graduate level research,” says Theresa Kessler, Ph.D., RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FAAN, Kreft Endowed Chair for the Advancement of Nursing Science. “We treat our students like professionals and I am so impressed by their work. They are eager to learn and ready to put the concepts they learn into practice.” A team of undergraduate researchers at the College of Nursing and Health Professions took part in a…

Taking Ideas Abroad and Bringing Others Back Home

Theresa Kessler, Ph.D., RN, ACNS-BC, CNE, FAAN, Kreft Endowed Chair for the Advancement of Nursing Sciences, represented Valparaiso University abroad in July, 2023 at the Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing Research Congress held in Abu Dhabi. While there, she gave a podium presentation on the importance of short-term study abroad and the benefits of exposure to different cultures and teaching strategies, and a poster presentation on work done in collaboration with Valpo undergraduate students on high blood pressure among college students. The International Nursing Research Congress is an annual event that takes place in a new city each year. While the event had to be remote due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021, in-person conferences have now resumed. The event includes presentations from international researchers as well as panels, career advising sessions, cultural experiences and workshops for enriching the professional development of nursing professionals and educators. Professor Kessler…

Former Valpo Student-Athletes Combat COVID-19 as Frontline Workers

In the months since the COVID-19 pandemic hit the United States, former Valparaiso University student-athletes working in the medical field across the country have gone beyond the expected in their efforts to combat the virus and treat patients in need of their care. Numerous former Valpo student-athletes transitioned from their normal areas of medical expertise to assist on COVID-19 units and worked additional hours to help the fight against the virus. Tristan De La Rosa ’18 serves as an emergency-room nurse in Garden Grove, California at the biggest trauma hospital in Orange County, located next to Disneyland. The former Valpo football player has worked at least four shifts per week since the beginning of March, including 10 16-hour shifts. At one point, he worked 11 shifts consecutively. “At the height of the pandemic, our whole hospital was maxed out, so we had to hold patients in the ER,” De La Rosa…

Trading the Classroom for the Front Lines

In 2020, Jessica Glinski ’22 DNP answered the call to take a leave of absence from the doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program at Valparaiso University to serve on the front lines of the pandemic with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). This sacrifice was a difficult decision, but it proved as educational — and perhaps even more impactful — as time in the classroom for Jessica. Jessica originally signed up as a volunteer with FEMA in 2012 after returning from serving as an E4 medic in the military during two wars. Her first and only deployment with the organization prior to the pandemic was during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. When the COVID-19 pandemic first raged across the United States in the spring of 2020, the Kouts, Indiana, native found herself wishing she could do more. Jessica is constantly learning and challenging herself to better care…

Occupational Ambition

Sara Walters ’21 MOT, LOTR, BCP, is the first student to enroll in Valparaiso University’s doctor of occupational therapy program. Thanks to career advancement and outstanding networking, Sara found Valpo’s program to fit her life as a working professional while moving her closer to her dreams. As an instructor of occupational therapy at the Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Sara is juggling her full-time job, growing family, and continuing education through Valpo’s post-professional doctor of occupational therapy program. Sara has been able to balance her workload and maximize focus and understanding with each topic throughout her studies thanks to the program’s design and emphasis on flexibility. “The live, online meeting format for classes has been extremely helpful for me as a working professional,” Sara says. “Depending on the students’ availability, a course time is selected — usually evening — and Professor Scott is available for appointments during…

Nursing Powerful Connections

Jordan Anderson ’17, RN, is confident her time at Valpo helped her discern the path to her future as a nurse practitioner. Now back in her hometown of Rochester, Minnesota, Jordan is a floor nurse with hospice patients at St. Mary’s Hospital, part of the Mayo Clinic system, while she completes graduate school to become a nurse practitioner. Her interest in pursuing a career as a nurse practitioner came during Jordan’s time at Valpo. “I had a dream that my great-grandparents were sitting at a table talking about me and what I was supposed to do,” Jordan says. “The next day I had a home care clinical and I went to a patient’s home with the nurse I was shadowing. Her blood pressure was really low, so we called an ambulance for her. While we waited for it to arrive, I was holding her hand and talking her through the…

The Pursuit of Quality

When making plans for the future, Logan Trento ’19 BHCL, ’20 MHA, is dreaming big. After receiving his bachelor’s in healthcare leadership from Valparaiso University, Logan immediately dove into the master of health administration program to further develop his passion for helping others through quality in healthcare. Logan discovered the field of quality, a health administration specialty involving creative problem solving and interacting with many levels and designations within the healthcare field, while pursuing healthcare leadership as an undergraduate. He realized this field would combine his strengths in leadership and creativity, while allowing him to help others on a larger scale. “A big part of my brain focuses on finding a lot of solutions and challenging everything. Quality forces me to be creative and constructive to navigate obstacles and discover new processes,” Logan says. During 2020, Logan completed an internship at Northwest Health Porter, formerly Porter Regional Hospital, with the…

Public Health Graduates Aid in Pandemic

The public health program recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of students, who have all found employment or enrolled in graduate school since their graduation. Many in the Class of 2020 were able to help in public health efforts surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic by working as contact tracers, such as Ty Snarr ’20 and Connor Martin ’20. Ty spent the summer calling close contacts for those who tested positive for COVID-19 in his hometown in Clinton County, Ohio. In this role, he witnessed the impact of his degree during a global pandemic. Connor, a double major in public health and sociology, had been accepted to attend graduate school at IUPUI and wanted to become familiar with the area before he began his studies. He began contact tracing for the state of Indiana so that he could have first-hand experience working in a pandemic response before starting his master…

Celebrating Valpo’s First MSPA Class

In September, Valparaiso University’s graduating master of science in physician assistant studies students were honored in a white coat ceremony that recognized their accomplishments and signified their entrance into the healthcare field. Nineteen students comprised the first cohort of the five-year program that they began in 2015. After finishing their clinical rotations in seven core disciplines this past year, graduates followed their passions through roles in many health professions. Several graduates accepted positions in Northwest Indiana to increase access to healthcare in the region. Megan McDaniel ’18, ’20 M.S. is employed at Beacon Medical Group Gynecologic Oncology in South Bend, Indiana. Amelia Schroeder ’18, ’20 M.S. is working in pulmonology and critical care at Chest Disease Associates in Merrillville, Indiana. John Kern ’18, ’20 M.S. works at Mullally Sports and Family Medicine in Crown Point, Indiana. Congratulations to the entire inaugural cohort of Valpo MSPA students!

A Flexible Future

Health science at Valparaiso University allows students the flexibility to explore many career paths or graduate school programs, both clinical and non-clinical, by providing a foundation of interdisciplinary knowledge. Many students, like Joseph “Joey” Hess III ’20 and Gianna Prucha ’21, study health science due to its direct admittance into the master of science in physician assistant studies program, but they discover a future-affirming undergraduate program in the process. “After looking into different programs, I knew I wanted to pursue a profession that was more focused on the human connection,” Joey says. “I like the hands-on approach that health science offers and the ability to spend more time with patients as a physician assistant.” After researching other programs, Gianna’s decision to study health science at Valpo was an easy one. “You can’t find a program like Valpo’s anywhere else,” Gianna says. “I didn’t know health science was a degree until…

A New Career Accelerated

Hala Filipowicz ’20 spent just 15 months in Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, but its mission made a lasting impression on how she viewed her role in the medical field. “I don’t have to hold a doctorate to pursue great opportunities in healthcare like nursing,” Hala says. “I’m able to work with many populations of patients and serve real needs in communities.” While she admitted the accelerated nursing program presented challenges, Hala found a silver lining through the discovery of a career. “I had to put a lot of effort into those 15 months, but I was surrounded by supportive peers and faculty members along the way,” Hala says. “Even though it’s hard, it’s worth it. The challenging, yet safe, learning environment prepares students for a high-stress career in nursing. Working in a hospital is a completely new life, but I feel like I was prepared the…

Valparaiso University Partners with StoryPoint to Host CarFit Event

Valparaiso University’s occupational therapy program, part of the College of Nursing and Health Professions, will once again host a CarFit event to help older drivers enhance the safety and comfort of their vehicles. The event will take place on April 10 from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at StoryPoint Chesterton and is free and open to the public. CarFit is a free, interactive program designed to assist older adults in adjusting their personal vehicles for maximum safety, comfort, and control. The program is sponsored through a collaboration between AARP and the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) and is led by trained occupational therapy students and professionals. During the event, participants will go through a 12-point checklist to address key safety concerns such as: Ensuring proper seat positioning for optimal visibility and comfortMaintaining a safe distance from the steering wheelAdjusting mirrors to reduce blind spotsChecking seat belt positioning for effectiveness and comfortEnsuring easy access…

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, Coursework, 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 Names Elizabeth Gmitter, Ph.D., PT, MS, as Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions

Valparaiso University is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth Gmitter, Ph.D., PT, MS, as the new Dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions. A visionary leader with a distinguished career in healthcare education, workforce development, and academic innovation, Dr. Gmitter brings a wealth of experience that will propel Valpo’s nursing and health professions programs into a new era of growth and excellence. Dr. Gmitter’s appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the College of Nursing and Health Professions embarks on a transformative campaign to build a state-of-the-art health professions facility. This initiative will enhance hands-on learning, integrate cutting-edge simulation technology, and create an advanced educational environment that reflects the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Previously, Dr. Gmitter served as Dean of the School of Health Sciences and Career Programs at Malcolm X College in Chicago, where she led more than 20 healthcare programs, including 12 with specialized accreditation.…

Leading with Purpose: Valpo Alumni Transform Healthcare Leadership

For Lauren Marciniak ’20, MBA, Meaghan McArdle ’21, ’22 MHCA, and Amanda Trojanowski ’23, ’24 MHCA, their journeys through Valparaiso University’s undergraduate healthcare leadership program were more than just academic experiences – they were stepping stones toward careers where leadership meets impact. Now thriving at NorthShore Health Centers, these alumni not only built meaningful careers but also forged connections that continue to shape the future of healthcare. Their stories, each unique yet intertwined, highlight the power of a Valpo education, the strength of alumni networks, and the unwavering drive to lead with purpose in an evolving healthcare landscape. Each of these women took a different route to find their home at Valparaiso University. Lauren, a Valpo native, always knew the university would be home. Amanda, from LaPorte, Indiana, initially started at another school before transferring, drawn to Valpo’s reputation and the opportunities it provided. Meaghan, hailing from Michigan, originally pursued a…

From Adversity to Empowerment | Sara Strauss ’25 Finds Her Calling in Exercise Science

When Sara Strauss ’25 arrived at Valparaiso University, she couldn’t have anticipated just how profoundly her journey would transform her. Hailing from the small town of Spring Lake, Michigan, she initially chose Valpo for its unique blend of Division I athletics and rigorous academics. But her story quickly unfolded into something far greater than she imagined — a testament to resilience, discovery, and the power of community. Recruited into the physician assistant (PA) program, Sara seemed destined for a straightforward path. But life had other plans. Her first semester brought a devastating shift when a loved one experienced a life-altering accident, leaving them paralyzed. “Everything I thought I knew was turned upside down,” Sara recalls. The experience sparked a transformation in her perspective — and her calling. Watching her loved one work tirelessly with physical therapists to reclaim pieces of their independence awakened something in her. “I saw how powerful…

Lending Her Light on Mission | Cailey Rooker’s ’24 Journey of Faith

Many students are drawn to Valpo for the academic programs offered. Others for the opportunity to compete in NCAA Division 1 athletics. Yet others are drawn to the community found in our faith and student life. For Cailey Rooker ’24, it was all of the above and so much more — “Valpo was an answered prayer,” she says. Drawn by the physician assistant (PA) program, a spot on the golf team, the community aspect, and her family’s legacy at the University, Cailey discovered the perfect environment to grow academically, spiritually, and personally. While balancing academics and athletics was no small feat, Cailey found it a rewarding challenge. “Golf has always been one of my favorite things, and I wanted to compete, not just participate,” she explains. Through time management, prioritization, and a supportive community, she excelled in both pursuits. “My faith was a huge part of it,” she says. “I…

Grounded in Purpose, Sam Gountounas ’25 Dreams of Radiating Compassion in Pediatric Nursing

For senior nursing student Sam Gountounas ’25, compassion and care will always go hand-in-hand — in the classroom, on the soccer field, and when caring for every patient. Grounded in the values of our nationally ranked College of Nursing and Health Professions, Sam plans to use her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to fulfill a lifelong calling. “For some reason, I’ve always been called to the healthcare field. With nursing specifically, it’s something you can go into right out of college,” Sam shares. Doctors and physician assistants, on the other hand, require two or more additional years of study. While Sam can see herself going back to school to become a nurse practitioner or a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) in the future, nursing just offers a versatility that many other healthcare professions don’t. “There’s also a large variety of nursing positions to choose from. There [are] different floors…

Grounded in Community, We Radiate Resilience | The Story of Braulio Alcala ’23

Braulio Alcala’s ’23 journey to Valpo was nothing short of extraordinary. Growing up in California, Braulio balanced his role as an advocate for his family, whose primary language was Spanish, while overcoming personal and academic obstacles. His determination to become a nurse grew from these early experiences. “I’ve always liked being an advocate,” Braulio shared. “In nursing, you’re a big advocate for your patient, and I had that instinct early on.” Although clear about his calling, Braulio’s path to Valpo’s accelerated bachelor of science in nursing program wasn’t easy. After years of working in healthcare as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) and an emergency medical technician (EMT) while taking prerequisite courses at a community college, he applied to nursing programs across California; however, acceptance into those competitive programs proved elusive. “I applied up and down the state… I always told myself, whatever school picks me up, I want to be…

Grounded in Empathy, We Radiate Leadership | The Story of Aly Kinzie ’19, ’20 MHCA

Aly Kinzie's ’19, ’20 MHCA, journey is one of growth, passion, and dedication — all illuminated by the light that Valpo nurtured within her. As a local student interested in healthcare-related programs, Valpo was always on Aly’s radar. The University’s reputation, paired with familial connections, made it an easy choice. But it was the sense of community and opportunity that sealed the deal: "I toured campus and fell in love." While financial considerations often play a significant role, Aly chose Valpo over less expensive options because she recognized the unique value of the education she would receive. "I did have options for full ride [scholarships], but I felt the value of Valpo was well worth the price." Scholarships and merit-based aid further simplified her decision as 98% of undergraduate Beacons receive some form of financial assistance; however, for Aly, being a part of Valpo was about more than just receiving…

A Balanced Life Leading to Bright Outcomes for Nadia Paul ’25 DNP, MSN, ACNP-BC, FHM

Nadia Paul’s ’25 DNP, MSN, ACNP-BC, FHM, journey to Valparaiso University’s doctor of nursing practice (DNP) program began unexpectedly. “I was interviewing a candidate for a nurse practitioner position, and I noticed she had graduated from Valpo’s bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) to DNP program. She was very prepared both clinically and professionally,” Nadia recalls. This serendipitous encounter sparked Nadia’s interest in Valpo, leading her to explore our offerings further. Valpo’s asynchronous coursework was a significant draw. “The flexibility has been phenomenal,” Nadia enthuses. Whether on a cruise or during a family vacation, she could keep up with her studies, thanks to the program’s accommodating structure. This adaptability was crucial for Nadia, allowing her to integrate her education seamlessly into her busy life. Nadia’s decision to pursue her education at Valpo was deeply influenced by her desire to maintain a balance between her demanding professional role and her family…

Valparaiso University Celebrates Graduates at 2024 Commencement Ceremonies

Valparaiso University graduates will celebrate Commencement on Saturday, May 11, 2024 at the Athletic-Recreation Center (ARC). Students from the College of Business and College of Arts and Sciences will have their ceremony at 9 a.m., and those from the College of Engineering and College of Nursing and Health Care Professions will begin their ceremony at 2 p.m. “It is our honor and privilege to be with these students as they celebrate their accomplishments,” José D. Padilla J.D., president of the University, said. “Though they may be leaving campus, they will always be members of the Valpo family, and we’ll be with them wherever they take their talent and leadership.” United States Senator Todd Young will serve as the speaker for both ceremonies, recognizing the value that these young professionals will bring to both Northwest Indiana and the world at large. “Valparaiso University is a great asset for the state of…

Lighting The Way Forward: Legacies That Inspired Our Valpo Professors’ Passion For Education

The role of a teacher is one that lends its light to countless lives, guiding generations of students toward their curiosities, passions, and callings with their expertise and wisdom. Here at Valpo, our professors take on that transformative mantle — and serve as a testament to how powerful and transcendent the inspiration and integrity of teachers can be. In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week, we asked these faculty and campus leaders how their former educators shaped their future and desire to pursue a legacy in higher education: Danielle Lavin-Loucks, Ph.D., Department Chair and Associate Professor of Sociology and Criminology “The teacher who had the greatest impact on me probably taught me during my undergraduate years. I wasn’t majoring in that specific program, but it was a course on race and ethnicity in contemporary American society. At the bottom of my paper, he wrote, ‘You better grab an application for graduate…

Serving Humanity: Costa Rica Spring Break 2024

At Valpo, our students encourage and challenge one another to reach their fullest potential and radiate their light both inside and outside of their communities as compassionate servant leaders. The College of Nursing and Health Professions provided the opportunity for students to step outside of their routine comfort zone and experience immersive learning through a Study Abroad trip to Costa Rica. This trip was one of three trips that the College of Nursing and Health Professions provided during Spring Break 2024. “I chose to join this service trip because two of my best friends went on the trip last year and expressed how life-changing and impactful it was for them,” says Olivia Johnson ’25. “I have also never traveled out of the country before I went on this service trip, and I wanted to experience the culture of Costa Rica. I also wanted to gain more skills and experience working in a clinic and practicing techniques.” Students had…

Empowering Future Health Care Leaders

Valpo’s College of Nursing and Health Professions prides itself on providing students with cutting edge technology and resources to prepare them for fulfilling careers in health care. For example, students in the Physician Assistant (PA) program are required to participate in various rounds of hands-on workshops to develop their skills and better acclimate them to real-world situations. The latest workshop on the genitourinary system, which encompasses the organs of the genital (reproductive) and urinary systems, required students to accurately perform male and female genital exams, breast exams, and deliver a baby using the College’s high-fidelity mannequins. “Before taking part of this workshop, we sat together as a class to discuss the physical examination and patient history taking,” says Reeya Brahmbhatt ’25. “During this we learned about the different tools used, techniques, and watched videos to see how the exams are performed. Then, when we broke out into groups, we were able to watch our…