Valparaiso University Student Life

05/28/2026

Meet Vionney Taylor!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Vionney Taylor ’27 is a nursing major from Michigan City, Indiana. She chose Valpo for its strong academics and close proximity to home. Vionney is a returning Orientation Assistant, and has participated in a spring break mission trip. Her most memorable experience at Valpo has been meeting new people and forming meaningful connections that have made her college journey exciting and rewarding. She appreciates the welcoming and supportive community. In her free time, Vionney enjoys going to Crumbl Cookies, exploring downtown Valparaiso, and spending time with friends.

05/28/2026

Meet Elijah Pappas!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Elijah Pappas ’28 is a finance major with a music minor from Crown Point, Indiana. He chose Valpo for its strong business and music programs. Elijah is involved in the Interfraternity Council, Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, Symphony Orchestra, and Jazz Band. His most memorable experience has been performing music in the Chapel, where the sound and atmosphere create a unique and unforgettable experience. In his free time, Elijah enjoys playing drums, attending campus events and discovering new activities happening around campus.

05/26/2026

Meet Logan Jurgensen!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Logan Jurgensen ’29 is a health sciences major from Granger, Indiana. He chose Valpo after being admitted into the Physician Assistant program. Logan is involved in intramural sports, works with the Harre Union Event Services Team, and regularly attends campus events. His most memorable experience at Valpo has been making lifelong friends. He appreciates the culture and community on campus. In his free time, Logan enjoys playing sports and staying active.

05/26/2026

Meet Sophia Jackson!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Sophia Jackson ’27 is an elementary education and direct practice social work major from Cedar Lake, Indiana. She chose Valpo because she felt a strong connection to the education program during her visit. Sophia is a Resident Assistant, Sorority Life Recruitment Counselor, Education Department President, and member of Hooked on Tonics. Her most memorable experience at Valpo was her spring break service trip, where she met new people and gained meaningful experiences. In her free time, Sophia enjoys singing with friends, spending time in Alumni Hall, and studying at her favorite campus spots.

05/24/2026

Meet Sara Johnson!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Sara Johnson ’27 is an elementary education major with minors in special education, early childhood, and social work from Schaumburg, Illinois. She chose Valpo for its close-knit, supportive community and strong relationships with faculty. Sara is involved in Order of Omega Greek Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Leadership Honor Society, Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority, College Mentors for Kids, and the Elementary Education Executive Board, where she serves in leadership roles. Her most memorable experience has been joining her sorority and finding a supportive group that has helped her grow. In her free time, Sara enjoys spending time with friends, going to the beach, and playing intramural sports.

05/22/2026

Meet Michael Hernandez!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Michael Hernandez ’28 is a music therapy major from Calumet City, Illinois. He chose Valpo for its supportive music environment and the sense of belonging he felt on campus. Michael is highly involved in music and leadership, serving as President of the Student Music Therapy Association and holding multiple leadership roles in Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, along with involvement in several other organizations and ensembles. His most memorable experience at Valpo has been joining Phi Mu Alpha and finding a strong sense of brotherhood. In his free time, Michael enjoys attending performances and going out to eat with friends.

05/22/2026

Meet Kendall Havlin!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Kendall Havlin ’28 is a psychology major from Michigan City, Indiana. She chose Valpo for its proximity to home and the balance it offers between commuting and campus involvement. Kendall is the Director of Public Relations for Kappa Kappa Gamma, an Ambassador in Admission, a member of Order of Omega, and participates in intramural sports. Her most memorable experience at Valpo was studying abroad in Ireland over spring break, where she connected with other students and learned together. In her free time, Kendall enjoys going to Valpo Velvet, exploring the Indiana Dunes, and spending time with friends.

05/21/2026

Meet Emma Carpenter!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Emma Carpenter ’27 is a nursing major from Hebron, Indiana. She chose Valpo because of her family connection, strong nursing program, and welcoming campus community. Emma serves as the Philanthropy Director for her sorority and Public Relations Chair for Earthtones, and is involved in the Student Nurses Association. She has also served as a Recruitment Counselor and is returning to support FOCUS as a Lead Orientation Assistant. Her most memorable experiences include volunteering as a mascot with a friend and serving as a Recruitment Counselor on Bid Day. In her free time, Emma enjoys attending campus events, volunteering, and exploring local coffee shops and the Valparaiso Market.

05/19/2026

Meet Isabelle Byrt!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Isabelle Byrt ’27 is a biology major with a chemistry minor from Beverly Shores, Indiana. She chose Valpo for its welcoming and close-knit community. Isabelle is involved in Alpha Gamma Delta, serves as treasurer for French Club and Earthtones, participates in Christ College, and attends weekly worship opportunities. Her most memorable experiences include serving as an Orientation Assistant and regularly attending Celebrate services at the Chapel. In her free time, Isabelle enjoys going to the gym, exploring coffee shops, attending local events, and spending time with friends and family.

05/19/2026

Meet Bryn Benzing!! Get to know the Orientation Assistant (OA) Team for FOCUS 2026!!

Bryn Benzing ’26, a recent Valpo graduate, with a major in Nursing, with minors in healthcare leadership, public health, and human biology from Columbia City, Indiana. She chose Valpo for its opportunities to get involved and grow as a leader. Bryn is deeply involved on campus, having served on The University Programming Council, Dance Marathon, Order of Omega, and is returning for her second year as the Lead Orientation Assistant. Her most memorable experience has been serving as Chapter President for Kappa Kappa Gamma, where she was able to lead, support others, and grow personally. In her free time, Bryn enjoys attending sporting events, going downtown with friends, and visiting the dunes.

05/17/2026

Congratulation Graduates!

Caps off to the graduates of Valparaiso University 🎓✨ Years of hard work, dedication, and late nights led to this moment.
Celebrate the Class of 2026 and view the full graduation gallery! 📸
https://greatnews.life/article/graduation-station-2026/
Valparaiso University