From Curiosity to Contribution: How Dylan Grace ’23 Found His Calling at Valpo
When Dylan Grace ’23 first stepped onto Valparaiso University’s campus, he had no idea how transformative his college experience would be. What began as an unexpected choice quickly became the foundation for a life rooted in discovery, growth, and purpose. At Valpo, Dylan didn’t just earn a degree — he crafted a future grounded in curiosity and illuminated by possibility.
Dylan pursued a double major in computer engineering and physics, driven by a fascination and a desire to understand the full spectrum of how computers work. With guidance from supportive faculty and the flexibility to explore beyond the standard curriculum, he hand-designed an academic path that reflected depth and innovation. Through independent studies in compiler construction and chip design, Dylan came close to achieving his personal goal: to one day build a computer from scratch. “The College of Engineering taught me to be really interested in the learning process — it makes a huge difference when you actually care about learning versus just finishing some project,” Dylan shares, “Expertise is really formed from that interest of continuing to dive deeper, not just to do the stuff that was asked of you.”
But what truly set his experience apart was the opportunity to lead and create. At Valpo, Dylan co-founded the Valparaiso University Research Society (VURS), where he launched one of the University’s most ambitious student projects: BCON-2. This student-designed satellite continues to operate under its own research funding today. He also initiated a virtual reality glove project with the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, coordinating a team of more than 30 students across multiple weekly meetings. These experiences taught him leadership, perseverance, and all of the areas where he thrives: technical details, proactive collaboration, and problem-solving.
Throughout his time at Valpo, Dylan was supported by a community that challenged and believed in him. Faculty like Dean of the College of Engineering Doug Tougaw ‘05 MBA, Ph.D., P.E., and Professor Dan White, Ph.D., became trusted mentors who guided him through research projects, encouraged him to present at conferences, and sparked a more profound love for learning. In academically rigorous courses like microcontrollers and electromagnetic field theory, Dylan dove into complex topics, wrote comprehensive reports, and modeled advanced systems that mirrored real-life innovation.
Yet his growth wasn’t limited to labs and lecture halls. Through Sigma Phi Epsilon and involvement across campus, Dylan developed socially, spiritually, and emotionally. He learned the value of community, the importance of balance, and the reality that true success involves more than academic accolades. “It’s tempting to think your dream career is going to revolve around how you do academically,” Dylan reflects. “But that’s not true. How you are able to compose yourself, and how you perform socially, contributes to your ability to get jobs and your happiness in life.”
Today, Dylan works as a signal integrity engineer at IBM, ensuring data can travel seamlessly across some of the world’s fastest computers. His work combines physics, analytical thinking, and real-time application — a perfect match for the foundation he built at Valpo. Dylan’s journey is a testament to what’s possible at Valparaiso University. It’s a place where students are equipped with knowledge, challenged, and cared for, where they’re not only prepared to graduate but empowered to shine.
Dylan’s story reflects the best of what Valpo offers and radiates a promise: that the impact of a Valpo education extends far beyond the classroom and into the world (and space!). Dylan’s journey began with a spark of curiosity — yours can, too. Explore Valpo’s computer engineering program and physics program to see how you can illuminate your future through discovery and innovation.