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 I saw the Chapel of the Resurrection on the website, I thought it was beautiful. I’m a Catholic, so I wanted a school that has some faith background as well,” he explains. “When I saw the Chapel, I was like, this is for me.”
When he announced to his family that he wanted to cross an ocean and attend college in a place called Indiana, he received their full support. Having attended boarding schools since age 10, Kuda was already accustomed to independence, though adjusting to American culture presented new and memorable challenges.
“There’s definitely some cultural differences,” he says, including ordering from Subway for the first time.”The person kept asking me, ‘What type of bread do you want? What type of meat?’ I was like, ‘Why are they asking me so many questions?'”
Throughout his time at Valpo, Kuda has been deeply involved in campus life. He served as a residential assistant for two and a half years, a role that allowed him to welcome other international students. “It’s been a really great experience, being able to just help students, especially international students like myself,” he says. “When they come here from places like Singapore or Kenya or Nigeria, I’m there to welcome them. We share the same experiences and struggles.”
His leadership roles extended to several student organizations. Kuda served as treasurer for the Valpo International Student Association and as both treasurer and president of the African Student Association. “It’s such a small community, but very tight,” he says of Valpo’s international student population. “It’s just like we almost know each other by name. That’s one of the cool things — to know that if you’re coming here, there are students that will help you and have similar experiences with you.”
Kuda’s academic journey led to valuable internship experiences that are shaping his career path. He completed internships in Boston, Houston, and Chicago, working with insurance companies and an actuarial consulting firm. His interest in the insurance industry stems from personal experience. “What really drew me was the passing of my mom,” he explains. “When she passed, it was very tough, and we didn’t really have savings. I am the last born of seven in my family. I just thought it would be nice for people to know that while you’re working, you can have savings for your children or for yourself in the future in case of emergencies.”
Following graduation, Kuda will return to Houston to work for Corebridge Financial, a retirement insurance company that offered him a full-time position after his summer internship.
For Kuda, Valpo’s faith community has been a significant part of his college experience. As a Catholic, he found the Chapel welcoming to students of all denominations. “Even though it’s a Lutheran [institution], at the Chapel of the Resurrection, they try to make sure that everybody’s welcome, and not only say it but do it,” he says. Kuda shares more about his convictions and how Valpo played a part in this Grounded in Faith article.
Several faculty and staff members have influenced Kuda’s growth at Valpo, including Professor Tiffany Kolba, Ph.D., chair of the mathematics and statistics department; his first residential learning coordinator, Sarah Rasing, M.Ed.; and University Pastors James (Jim) Wetzstein, and Katherine (Kate) Museus M.A., M.Div., from the Chapel. “I remember after my first year, there were so many things happening, and I wanted to change my major,” he recalls. “I remember having a conversation with Pastor Kate, like I even cried one day. It’s just knowing that I can go to them and not have to feel that I’m alone.”
To prospective students considering Valpo, Kuda emphasizes the benefits of a close-knit academic community with a faith background. “Being a small community, the professors get to know you at a personal level,” he says. “It is very easy for you to stand out here at Valpo.” For incoming first-year students, his advice is simple: “Go to different events, different organizations on campus, and try to find where you belong. You will find your community, and that community will help you throughout your college life.”
As Kuda prepares for his Baccalaureate address and his future beyond Valpo, he reflects on his journey with gratitude. “I think it just goes to show how you can take ownership of your life and be who you want to be. Me being selected to give that speech just means so much to me, and I’m grateful.”
You can support Kuda and his classmates by live streaming Valparaiso University’s Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 10. Visit the Commencement website for more information.