From her hometown of Lake Station, Indiana, to the halls of Valparaiso University, to the bustling streets of Washington D.C., Kayla Smith’s ’24 journey is one of discovery, resilience, and unwavering commitment to her dreams. “I’ve always wanted to help people who are in need, so I thought criminal justice would be the perfect route. […]
When Fox Wilmot ’24 first came to Valpo, he already understood faith and service to be the foundation of his journey forward. The oldest brother of four, with youth ministry experience back home in Laurel, Maryland, he was no stranger to responsibility or leadership — two strong qualities that only continued to flourish when he […]
Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to win a championship with your best friend? For Olivia Czerwonka ’23, ’26 DNP, that dream is a reality. As one of Valpo’s most successful tennis players in history, Olivia currently holds both of the program’s singles and doubles records, has previously been named Missouri Valley […]
With both parents working as music educators, it would seem Matthew Yee’s ’24 musical journey was orchestrated from conception. “I like to say music has been part of my life from day one. It was just part of being at home. And so, playing an instrument or singing was never really a question. It wasn’t […]
Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter) – we’re all plugged into this digital age some way, somehow. Whether we click and swipe for connectivity, inspiration, a quick laugh, or a routine doomscroll, the appeals of social media and the internet don’t exist without the possibility of detrimental effects. It’s a truth that social work […]
As Black History Month nears its end, we sit down with the Black Student Organization (BSO) and reflect on some of the highlights of the month, as well as what Black History Month can teach us as a community not only in February, but the entire year. “People are more important than just a couple […]
Meshach Melton ’24, a Valparaiso University political science and economics double-major with a minor in psychology from Crown Point, Indiana has been named the winner of the American Economic Association’s Andrew Brimmer Undergraduate Essay prize for his paper “The Importance of Arts Education,” which highlights the importance and benefits of arts education in American schools […]
Thinking of transferring to Valpo? Olivia Brown ’23, ’24 MBA, made the switch halfway through her undergraduate experience but maxed out her time as a Beacon down to the buzzer. In addition to earning two degrees in just five years, Olivia achieved so much: earning a starting position on the women’s basketball team, producing a […]
From the natural progression of Caleb VanArragon’s ’23, ’24 M.S., golf career, it would seem like he was born with a golf club in his hand, however, he first picked up the club a little later in life – when he was just three years old. At five years old, he was already entering his […]
Ever thought of switching your major? Environmental science major and biology and meteorology double-minor Chloe Kennedy ’24 is here to tell you why it’s never too late to change your mind and how pursuing your true passions can set you on a path like no other. For Chloe, that was two internships within the federal […]