Simeon Ehm’s ’24 Path from Environmental Passion to Purposeful Impact

Simeon Ehm receiving an award

When Simeon Ehm ’24 first arrived at Valparaiso University from Castle Rock, Colorado, he was looking for more than a degree. He was searching for direction — a place to grow his knowledge while deepening his values, and prepare for a career that would leave the world better than he found it.

At Valpo, he discovered all of that and more. Simeon became part of a community grounded in purpose, where academic excellence is paired with personal transformation. Within Valpo’s environmental engineering program, he immersed himself in hands-on learning that tackled real-life issues head-on. From analyzing soil horizons at the Kankakee River to presenting capstone projects that modeled professional practice, he was empowered to think critically, lead confidently, and act with integrity. 

Simeon Ehm with students and Valparaiso University mascots Beacon and Blaze.

Throughout his time at Valpo, Simeon’s sense of calling became clearer. He came to understand that engineering isn’t only about equations, it’s about people. The need for clean water and healthy ecosystems are the problems he feels called to solve. With the mentorship of faculty who saw his potential, like Professor Zuhdi Aljobeh, Ph.D., P.E., and the support of a campus that encouraged his growth, he gained the clarity and confidence to do just that. 

But his journey was never just about the classroom. As a student-athlete in both track and field and cross country, and as a Christ College Scholar, Simeon embraced a life of balance and belonging. He learned what it means to lead with humility and the importance of persevering through challenges. At Valpo, these aren’t just extracurriculars — they’re essential experiences that shape students into whole individuals. When reflecting on his time at Valpo, Simeon shares, “I think it really was my calling to go to Valpo. It made me a better person. It made me a more confident person. It allowed me to grow as a human.”

Simeon Ehm racing track and field for Valparaiso University.

Valpo also opened doors professionally. Our robust career fairs and tight-knit alumni network connected Simeon to internships and a full-time role at Commonwealth Engineers, an environmental firm in Indianapolis. Employers recognized the preparation he carried with him — not just technical skills, but the ability to communicate, collaborate, and care. Simeon reflects, “At Valpo, the values I developed in faith, the lessons I learned from friendship, all those things are with me now to guide me to have not just a successful career but a mindful one – that every action that I’m doing is a form of service to ultimately better the planet.”

Today, Simeon is building a career devoted to environmental stewardship, and every step of his journey reflects the mission at the heart of Valparaiso University: to prepare graduates who lead and serve with excellence, empathy, and purpose. While contemplating what it means to have a Valpo education in the workforce, Simeon believes, “If you see another Valpo graduate in the professional world, you know they’re going to have good professional skills. You know they’re going to be well-educated and well-informed on all the items at hand.”

His story serves as a beacon for prospective students seeking direction, alumni who remember the journey, and donors and supporters whose generosity lights the way. It reminds us that when students are challenged academically in a nurturing community and encouraged to live their values boldly, they don’t just graduate, they shine.

Simeon found confidence and calling in our community at Valpo — now it’s your turn! Learn more about environmental engineering and explore how a Valpo education can shape your story.

Simeon Ehm receiving an award