Eli Conklin ’27 grew up in faith communities his entire life. He says choosing Valpo was important because he could cultivate his faith even more. He says, “Attending a faith-based university was important to me because I knew there would be a culture where faith is accepted. Attending Valpo doesn’t mean that everyone is a Christian, but there is a much more positive attitude towards faith in general, which creates a place where my faith can be cultivated.”
Eli says his faith is the starting point for everything in his life, “My faith is the main driving force that has guided me throughout my life. I am a pastor’s kid, so I grew up in the church and have followed God virtually my whole life. As I’ve grown up, my walk with God has gotten closer; therefore, I have felt more guided by Him throughout my life. As an individual, my faith is the starting point for everything – decisions, peace, and support in my life, and my relationship with Christ is the most important thing for me.” He continues, “My faith reminds me that there is more than just me – I am living life not for myself but for God. I particularly like the wording of the Westminster Shorter Catechism that says, ‘Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.’ This reminds me that there is more to life than living for myself – everything I have is God’s.”
Eli chooses to spend regular time serving in the Chapel each week. He says, “It is important to me to serve in the Chapel because it is the most tangible representation of God’s Presence on this campus. Of course, the Church is not a physical location but the body of believers, but it helps to have such a visible location and Calling and Spiritual Life division that creates a place for ministries to flow out of. Serving in the Chapel is, therefore, an easy decision – working in the ministries God has called me to is the best way to follow Him on campus.”
Valpo’s Lutheran traditions have had a large impact on Eli’s college experience. He explains, “Valpo’s Lutheran heritage has created opportunities to engage in faith communities. One thing I like about Valpo being a faith-based school is that there are options but no requirements for worship. My parents attended a Christian college that was great for their faith, but the requirements to attend chapel services made people who were not strong in their faith feel turned away. I like that there are options but not requirements here because it allows everyone to grow in their faith at their own pace – faith is a lifelong journey, and God works in each person’s life in different ways.” He adds, “Following God’s guidance is something more important for college students to learn than even their classes. God has plans for each and every person on campus, and discovering those plans is something that each person needs to pursue here. Keeping faith-based activities is necessary for shaping all students’ futures.”
Looking ahead, Eli says he is working on surrendering his future to God, explaining, “My faith influences my goals because it causes me to look at my future through what God has for me, not necessarily what I want. This has been something I am working on in the Allen Scholars program here at Valpo, as my goal for the year is surrendering my future to God. I have learned in the past that God often has plans different from those I make on my own, so surrendering to Him is necessary for my future. God will show me what He has planned in His time.”
