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 ’25 and Madison Britt Boor ’25 MSPA ’27 from the physician assistant program. Both students have shown exemplary leadership during their time at Valpo, making a difference on-campus and in the community through their dedication to service. 

“I ask you to reflect on what your identity is right now,” Evans said. “Your identity shapes how you see the world and yourself, and how you find your place. College gave us more than a degree — it allowed us to ask the questions that helped us find out more about ourselves.” 

A dedicated student-athlete, Evans played on the Valpo women’s soccer team all four years of her college career, and was part of the first team to win a Missouri Valley Conference tournament and compete in the NCAA Division 1 tournament in 2023. As captain of the Valpo swim team, Boor earned honors including Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Team recognition, presidential academic honors. 

“We often think of graduation as a time of departure in our lives,” said Boor. “But today, we aren’t just leaving Valpo behind; we’re carrying this place, these memories, and the people who helped us flourish, with us.”

Valparaiso University extends a heartfelt congratulations to all of our graduating students. We know that they will act as Beacons wherever they go, and are proud to have been a part of their journey as servant-leaders.

Full recordings of both ceremonies can be found here. Classes will resume at Valparaiso University on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2025.