Letting His Light Shine | Zach Stewart ’26 Finds Belonging at Valpo
When Zach Stewart ’26 began exploring colleges, he knew what he didn’t want: large campuses that felt overwhelming, smaller schools that seemed closed off, and communities that didn’t seem welcoming. But at Valparaiso University, something stood out. The openness of the space, the warmth of the tour guides, and the unique opportunity to participate in music without being a music major helped Zach realize that Valpo was the perfect fit.
Now a junior majoring in environmental science, Zach has grounded himself in a campus experience defined by music, faith, and a deeply connected campus community. His days are full and intentional, beginning with early trips to the gym and often ending with Celebrate!, Valpo’s late-night worship at the Chapel. This balance between structure and spirit helps him shine on campus.
In the classroom, Zach’s path to environmental science wasn’t linear, but it was led by curiosity and clarity. His academic journey began in chemistry and ultimately led to environmental science — a field that lets him explore both broad systems and the smallest details of the natural world. When contemplating what draws him to nature, he believes, “We were put here on this Earth to be good stewards as God intended.” Fieldwork, like collecting insect samples from local rivers, gave him a glimpse into the kind of hands-on, purpose-driven work he hopes to do one day, whether through the National Park Service or in environmental education.
Zach credits much of his academic growth to the relationships he’s built with faculty. He speaks of professors who are deeply passionate about their subjects and equally committed to student success. Whether helping him find internship opportunities or simply offering a warm cup of tea during a makeup exam, the support from faculty has been a guiding force in his academic journey. Valpo’s holistic approach to learning — combining faith, service, community, and discovery — has helped Zach connect his passions with his purpose. It’s also challenged him to grow into roles he never imagined for himself. Once hesitant to lead, he now serves as a small group leader in the Allen Scholars Program, guiding incoming students through their faith journeys and helping them feel at home. Zach talks about his experience leading in the program by stating, “It was a huge change of pace to be leading a bunch of incoming freshmen in their faith right as they came in, and it was a great opportunity. I enjoyed it very much.”
At Valpo, Zach experienced growth not just academically but personally — discovering more about himself with each new opportunity and connection. At first, social anxiety kept him on the sidelines, often spending time alone instead of connecting with others. But Valpo’s welcoming community and his growing involvement on campus helped him break out of his shell. Late-night games, music ensembles, and leadership roles all contributed to building his self-confidence.
Within Zach’s personal progress, his faith journey has become one of the brightest parts of his college experience. What began as tentative participation in morning prayer services quickly transformed into something much more meaningful. Celebrate! became the heart of his Valpo journey. As a member of the praise band and sound team, he found not only a place to grow his skills but also a tight-knit group that offered support during stressful times. When reflecting on his spiritual growth at Valpo, Zach states, “At first, I didn’t go to the Chapel. But then I started getting super involved. And now I’m going to every service I can. I met a bunch of people that way.”
While faith is vitally important in his life, music has also been a constant in Zach’s story. Though he’s not studying music as a major, he’s taken part in nearly every musical opportunity available — from Matins Choir and Gospel Choir to Valpo Vibes and WVUR radio. Through it all, he’s learned how to mix sound, manage technical systems, and create a space where others can feel grounded.
At Valpo, Zach has found confidence and clarity. Like many undergraduate students, he doesn’t have every step mapped out, but trusts that he’s on the right path — one where his love of music, nature, and community continue to intersect. Through strong mentorship and extracurricular opportunities to serve, he discovered what he’s passionate about and how to live with purpose. Valpo has become more than a university for Zach — it’s a place where he was encouraged to step out of his comfort zone, connect deeply with others, and let his light shine. In his words, “I go home, and something doesn’t feel right. I need to be back at Valpo — that’s where my people are.”
Discover how you can care for creation and grow in faith at Valpo — where environmental science meets purpose, and Celebrate! brings the community together.
