Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions (CoNHP) recently celebrated the induction of its first class of students into the Kappa Omicron Nu (KON) Human Science Honor Society. By joining, students in the exercise science, health science and public health programs at Valpo will have access to greater resources to find their passion, enhance their skills and further their careers after graduation.
“The overall mission of the University is for our students to be productive members on campus and in the community,” said David Lantis, assistant professor of exercise science. “This honors society will provide them with the opportunity to do that, whether it’s locally, statewide or nationally. All of our students are great advocates for our community, and having an honors society like this will allow students to continue that.”
Membership into the society is open to sophomores and above who are in the top 30% of students in their program. Newly-inducted students will formally elect officers in the Fall 2026 semester and will determine the initial official activities of the Valparaiso University chapter.
Founded in 1912 at Michigan State University, KON’s mission is to promote empowered leaders through excellence in scholarship, leadership, and research in the human sciences. Now a national organization, the society provides future health care leaders with networking resources, conference opportunities and more. Focusing on three disciplines within health care, KON covers a broad range of specialties—perfect for students with a wide range of future career options.
“When we look at those programs, the potential jobs those students would seek out can also be very broad,” Professor Lantis said. “With this honors society, I want it to be for the students, and to be a resource for them in whatever direction they want to go.”
By opening these doors for future health care leaders, Valpo’s CoNHP is directly enhancing the quality of care for patients in Northwest Indiana and beyond.
“I wanted to join because KON represents leadership, service, and academic excellence that I have completed in my college academic career so far,” said Kayla Presto ’27, an exercise science major. “I hope to gain new connections and scholarships when I apply to graduate school.”
Learn more about Kappa Omicron Nu at kon.org. For more information on the opportunities available at Valparaiso University’s College of Nursing and Health Professions, visit valpo.edu/conhp.
