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Latest From Valpo

Valparaiso University sign with emblem and flame, set against a blue sky with some clouds, highlighting the university’s excellence that draws national attention.
Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention
Pixel art image: The “Valpo FutureQuest” game start screen features the Valparaiso University logo and a flaming torch, inviting players into an immersive video game experience rooted in Valparaiso University’s vibrant spirit.
Explore Valparaiso University Like Never Before with the Valpo FutureQuest Video Game Experience
Smiling woman, Lauren Bartlett, holding a certificate and wearing a medal, stands outside a building with beige columns, proudly celebrating her M.S. achievement.
Follow the Beacon | Lauren Bartlett ‘23, ‘25 M.S.
Two young women smile and pose for photos inside a bright room as others take pictures with smartphones.
Dorm Room Essentials and the Ultimate College Packing Checklist
Aerial view of Valparaiso University campus with green lawns, walkways, and modern buildings at sunset.
Valparaiso University provides update on Credit Rating, Outlook, and Momentum
Valpo student in a suit and tie smiling in front of a plain gray background, ready to embark on his internship with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Powering Up a Bright Future: Valpo Student Earns Nuclear Regulatory Commission Internship
A person in a lab uses a pipette while wearing gloves and a blue sweatshirt, surrounded by lab equipment, as they carefully examine samples of fungus for a research project connected to Valparaiso University.
Valparaiso University Tapped to Research International Space Station Fungus Issue
A man in traditional attire stands in front of a South Indian temple with red roofs and golden pillars, embodying the spirit captured by ethnographer George Pati in his Valpo studies.
Educator and Ethnographer: Professor George Pati, Ph.D., Reflects on 20 Years of Teaching and Research at Valpo
Three men are building robotics at a table; one man, a participant in the Beacon Academy Engineering Camp at Valparaiso University, has prosthetic arms and is smiling at the others.
Valparaiso University’s Beacon Academy Engineering Camp Gives High School Students Hands-on Experience

We Build Lives for Good

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2026 Homecoming and Family Weekend

Make Your Journey Home to Valpo

The 2026 Homecoming and Family Weekend is quickly approaching, and we can’t wait to welcome alumni, families, students, faculty, staff, and friends back to campus September 25–27, 2026! General registration opens July 30, so mark your calendar, grab your brown and gold, and get ready for a weekend full of connection, celebration, and Valpo tradition.

And don’t forget – this year’s Homecoming is extra special, as we celebrate the presidential inauguration of Rev. Brian E. Konkol, Ph.D., on Friday, September 25!

Visit valpo.edu/homecoming to learn more, RSVP for events, and see who else is making their way home to Dear Old Valpo.

valpo.edu/homecoming

Find Your Calling

Not sure what to study? Explore the abundance of opportunities to help fuel your Valpo experience. Choose from a wide variety of majors, minors and academic programs.

Explore All

Rooted in service.
Prepared to lead.

Button Label
Learn
Two students sit at a table in discussion, one writing and the other listening attentively, as they review Registrar documents in a classroom setting.
Academic Programs
Students sitting around tables in a classroom, reading papers and discussing in a group.
Christ College – Honors College
Graduates in brown caps and gowns stand outdoors, smiling and waiting in a line at a Graduate Studies graduation ceremony.

Graduate Studies

A modern brick and glass campus building stands tall as students cross the green lawn, heading to their next class or assessment.

Institutional Research

People gather and talk in a brightly lit room decorated with string lights and posters on the wall, sharing their study abroad experiences.

Valpo’s Learning Centers

Aerial view of a college campus with green lawns, paths, and several modern brick buildings under a partly cloudy sky, home to VCUCR (Valparaiso University Office for Civil Rights).

Leadership and Governance

Calling & Spiritual Life

Serve
People in white and green robes stand at the altar with candles and a cross in a sunlit church, reflecting the depth of spiritual life.

Spiritual Life

A grassy area at dusk with lit paper lanterns arranged on a paved path and buildings in the background, creating a serene scene that reflects the spirit of Uplift Valpo.

Uplift Valpo

Valpo Community

Community

Institute for Leadership & Service

Christian Leadership and Formation

Lead
Smiling graduate in cap and gown waves at the camera during a graduation ceremony.

Career and Alumni Network

Students relax and study on a grassy campus lawn, surrounded by trees and academic buildings, at a university recognized for its impressive awards and rankings.

Awards and Rankings

People seated at a table in a meeting room, some discussing items from the Faculty Calendar, with large windows in the background.
Faculty Excellence
A group of people smiling and holding two yellow Valpo flags indoors, celebrating Alumni Success.

Alumni Success

The sun reflects off large windows on the exterior of the modern brick Center for the Arts building at sunset.

Corporate and Employer Relations

A church interior with people seated, focusing on an altar with red drapes and large modern chandeliers, set for a commencement ceremony.

Valpo’s Lutheran Centennial Celebration

Thrive
Two young men sit on grass outdoors, each playing an acoustic guitar. One is in focus while the other is blurred in the foreground. Trees and a street are visible—like students relaxing after discussing scholarships and tuition options.

Student Life

Counseling Center

Campus Events
Two people sitting and smiling, one wearing a letterman jacket, in a group setting indoors, enjoy connecting over Student Resources.

Student Resources

A large group of people in formal attire pose together on stage under a sign reading "A Night with the Stars," celebrating the achievements of Multicultural Programs.

Multicultural Student Engagement

A group of people smiling and holding two yellow Valpo flags indoors, celebrating Alumni Success.

Alumni Success

A choir and orchestra from the Bach Institute perform in a church with tall stained glass windows and many hanging lights.

Bach Institute

Smiling graduate in cap and gown waves at the camera during a graduation ceremony.

Career and Alumni Network

Explore Admission

Discover Your Bright Future

Three college students sit together at a table, smiling and talking in a bright room with large windows.
A nursing student draws liquid from a vial with a syringe during a hands-on class.
Six graduates in brown gowns and caps smile together under a large wooden structure labeled "Victory.
A group of people holds a yellow dragon puppet, celebrating Lunar New Year indoors.
Students in Valparaiso University's honors college, Christ College, gather together in discussion in the college's commons room.

THIS IS VALPO

Discover What’s Possible

Samantha Kolberg

Samantha Kolberg ’25

Accounting
Business Analytics
Drew Attinger

Drew Attinger ’25

Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Kuda Chikonyora

Kuda Chikonyora’s ’25

Actuarial Science

Rooted in the Lutheran Faith

Valpo emphasizes God’s grace and our calling to serve others. Our Lutheran identity and rich traditions of faith shape every aspect of campus life, learning, and community engagement.

Lutheran Identity

Top 18 Things
to Know About Valpo

100%

of classes are led by faculty, not teaching assistants (TAs)

20

Average Class Size

22

Graduate-Level Offerings

140+

Majors and Minors

3.68

Average Freshman GPA

25+

Study Abroad Programs

17

National Sorority and Fraternity Chapters

100+

Annual Arts Performances

19

Division I Sports Teams

300+

Acres of Campus

100+

Student Organizations and Clubs

65,000+

Global Alumni Network

11:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

10%

higher 4-year graduation rate average than the national average (58.5% at Valpo, 49.1% nationally)

$15,000 

higher median starting salary than the national average ($60,000 at Valpo, $45,000 nationally)

7

Premier-Level Club Sports

28%

of students participate in fraternity or sorority chapters

32

Countries Represented by Students

You’re Ready. We’ll Help You Get There.

Let Your Future Shine: Affordable Access, Generous Support, Boundless Impact.

Scholarships & Aid

Shining Brightly, Together

Voices of Valpo

Smiling Neeya Thampi with long, wavy dark hair, wearing a maroon shirt and gold necklace on a light blue background.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“I am most thankful for all [of the] professors I’ve had here. They have all played such a big role in my experience here, not just in teaching but in supporting. There were many times where I doubted myself, but the professors were always there with encouragement and guidance.”

— Neeya Thampi ’26, ’28 MSPA

Health Science
Grace Roberts, a young woman smiling outdoors in graduation attire, proudly wears honor cords and medals, with lush greenery in the background.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“…I felt so incredibly welcomed [by the social work department] and felt the intentionality of everyone around me. Whether I end up doing macro-level social work and working with policy or if I end up as a case worker working with kids, at the end of the day, it all connects to advocacy and fighting for the betterment of whoever I’m helping.”

— Grace Roberts ’25, MSW

Social Work
Smiling young man with curly brown hair wearing a black jacket, in front of a plain light background—Ricky Helmboldt.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“I was originally going to focus on business only – if I had gone to any other school. But when I picked up swimming at Valpo, I saw there was an integrated business and engineering major. It was really the first opportunity I saw to explore both things I have a passion for at the same time. … Having the ability to focus on both and explore that – without having to choose one or the other out of the gate – was really appealing to me! And it’s been awesome.”

— Ricky Helmboldt ’26

Integrated Business and Engineering
Smiling graduate Peyton Throw in brown cap and gown holds diploma, proudly wearing a 2026 occupational therapy stole.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“I chose Valpo’s OT program because I was excited to be a part of the very beginning of something that meets the community’s needs. … I am so grateful for the personalized and advanced education I received. The faculty and staff are incredibly knowledgeable, resourceful, and supportive. Valparaiso University is truly a special place.”

— Peyton Throw ’26 OTD

Entry-Level Occupational Therapy Doctorate (OTD)
Fayol Ateufack, dressed in a crisp dress shirt, tie, and vest, smiles confidently in front of a plain, dark background.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“There are people here to support you. The system is designed to help you, no one is against you. Don’t try to do everything on your own. You are a human being, an individual among a community. Make sure to use the resources at Valparaiso University to help you go far in life.”

— Fayol Ateufack ’26

Computer Engineering
Physics
Smiling woman, Justine Olson, in a Chicago Cubs shirt stands with arms raised in front of a red sign outdoors.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“I knew right away that music therapy is what I want to do for the rest of my life. You are composing music using the knowledge you’ve gained in music therapy and putting it into practice – in an actual music therapy session or just making music of your own.”

— Justine Olson ’28

Music Therapy
Smiling young man, Daniel Murphy, in a suit and tie, standing in front of a blue sky background.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“I chose Valpo because it has one of the best meteorology programs and the campus felt like a home away from home the minute I walked around it.”

— Daniel Murphy ’24

Meteorology
Alex Miroballi, wearing a tie-dye shirt and gloves, holds a leafy plant while standing in a grassy garden area.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“I heard…a lot of great things about the [engineering] program – and Valpo having an environmental engineering program was appealing, too. That’s not a very common program to offer. I’ve always enjoyed learning about the environment. … [The field] is very much about securing a safe future for younger generations.”

— Alex Miroballi ’27

Environmental Engineering
A smiling woman with blonde hair, Lena Luebbring, wears a dark jacket and a gold necklace as she poses against a plain background.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“I will never be able to find the words that accurately depict my love and thankfulness for Valpo’s elementary education program. The support of our professors and staff throughout our fieldwork and student-teaching experiences is unmatched. They always reassured me, and I graduated without a doubt that I truly did find my calling in the right spot — the classroom!”

— Lena Luebbering ’24

Elementary Education
Parker Kelson, a young person in glasses and a Valparaiso University polo, stands in front of stained glass windows, smiling slightly.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“After one year in the meteorology department, I decided that I wanted to try something different. …  I kept meteorology as a minor and went into the [communications and visual arts] department as a digital media arts major, and the transition was seamless. Not only was I put right into classes that I enjoyed, but I was encouraged from the start to narrow down my interests and find a concentration for a future job sector.”

— Parker Kelson ’26

Digital Media Arts
Smiling Emily Eisha, class of 2024, sits by a window in a yellow Valparaiso University shirt, enjoying the scenic outdoor view.

Recognized for Excellence: How Valparaiso University is Getting National Attention

“The sports management program at Valpo provides meaningful coursework with hands-on learning experience both inside and outside of the classroom. Professors foster a welcoming environment that helps you grow and excel, personally and professionally.”

— Emily Eisha ’24

Sports Management

News & Stories

Beacon Highlights

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Pixel art image: The “Valpo FutureQuest” game start screen features the Valparaiso University logo and a flaming torch, inviting players into an immersive video game experience rooted in Valparaiso University’s vibrant spirit.

Explore Valparaiso University Like Never Before with the Valpo FutureQuest Video Game Experience

Explore Valparaiso University’s campus, see iconic landmarks, and interact with avatars of the people who make the student experience special with the browser-based, open-world video game Valpo FutureQuest. Development of […]
Smiling woman, Lauren Bartlett, holding a certificate and wearing a medal, stands outside a building with beige columns, proudly celebrating her M.S. achievement.

Follow the Beacon | Lauren Bartlett ‘23, ‘25 M.S.

Finding Community, Purpose, and Passion at Valpo For Lauren Bartlett ’23, ’25 M.S., choosing Valpo started with a Google search and quickly became something much bigger. “I knew I wanted […]
Two young women smile and pose for photos inside a bright room as others take pictures with smartphones.

Dorm Room Essentials and the Ultimate College Packing Checklist

Preparing for college is an exciting milestone – from picking up your first set of textbooks to curating your dorm room to your dream aesthetic. Butterflies aside, figuring out what […]
Aerial view of Valparaiso University campus with green lawns, walkways, and modern buildings at sunset.

Valparaiso University provides update on Credit Rating, Outlook, and Momentum

As Valparaiso University experiences positive momentum, credit rating agency Moody’s has updated the University’s rating and outlook.  Moody’s is a global financial services company best known for credit ratings, risk […]
Valpo student in a suit and tie smiling in front of a plain gray background, ready to embark on his internship with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

Powering Up a Bright Future: Valpo Student Earns Nuclear Regulatory Commission Internship

All statements in this article solely reflect the views of Lucas Opiola and Valparaiso University and do not represent the Nuclear Regulatory Commission Lucas Opiola ’27, an electrical engineering and […]

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Upcoming Events

Valparaiso University logo with a yellow flame and shield on the left, text on the right.
August 7

Classes End – Full Summer/Summer II

12 am

August 10

Grade Reporting Deadline

12 pm

September 25

Homecoming and Family Weekend 2026

8 am

September 25

Presidential Inauguration

3 pm

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