It’s no secret that Longhorns love to do the Hook’em horns hand sign. I’m pretty sure this hand sign is recognizable all over the world. That’s because there are Longhorn alums everywhere supporting each other long after they leave the 40 acres. Critica a corporate communication and advertising double major is gonna tell us about her experience connecting with Longhorn Nation.
– Thanks Alex for that great introduction. Hey, y’all, how’s it going? So ever since high school, I always is knew I wanted to come to UT. Not only was it close to home, but what really drew me here was its culture, its diversity and its opportunities even after you graduate. I love how UT has given me the opportunity to create connections, to help me in my academics and career. I’ve had the opportunity to attend panels with alumni, learn about their experiences after graduation and the steps they took in order to achieve their success. Listening to these panels inspired me as they were in the same position as I am. Like them, I can achieve great things too. UT has an amazing alumni network with over 540,000 Longhorn spread across the world. With social networks, such as HookedIn, I can stay connected to Longhorn Nation and find opportunities that other alums may have for me. Together we can share our talents and resources and change lives. Once I graduate, I’m looking forward to joining Texas Exes, our alumni association, and continuing to celebrate the Longhorn spirit and support future Longhorns even after leaving the 40 acres. When I first started college, I did not think I would be able to learn and grow so much. UT has changed my perspective on so many things and has motivated me to become a better student. I thought it was just UT slogan, but students here really change these words into actions. What starts here, really does change the world. Hook’em. That’s all from me. Back to you Alex.
– Thank you Critica. It’s great to hear how passionate Longhorns are about helping each other out. We have seen that the entire time we’ve been on campus. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Meat Allison, the Student Manager of the campus coffee shop. She’s a sophomore in the College of Business. And in addition to keeping that caffeine flowing, she’s already had several opportunities to lead and grow in academics. The high success rate of Valpo business graduates gives Allison the security she needs to take the reins and pursue her passion. Go ahead and tell us more, Allison.
– Hey everyone. Here at Valpo I love that I have the opportunity to use my talents, to pursue my passion. Growing up. I was always told that I was a natural leader and had a knack for seeing the details that no one else saw. Little did I know that these talents would soon become my passion. When it came time for me to apply to college, I knew that I wanted a small, close knit community that still had opportunities for me to follow my passion in leadership and excellence. When I came to Valpo, I was so nervous. I knew what my passion was and I knew what I was interested in after college, but I didn’t know how to get there. The faculty works with students to find internships through connections, to develop the skills needed to be successful. I currently work as a student manager at Grinders, the campus coffee shop and had the opportunity to join the College of Business’s Dean’s Leadership Council. Because of these amazing leadership opportunities, I’ll be interning at my church as an incoming sophomore. Did you know, 100% of business students complete an internship before graduation? Enabling us to develop the skills and experience necessary to be successful in the workforce. The best part of being at Valpo is being secure in the knowledge that I will have opportunities after graduation. More than 90% of students have secured employment or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation for nearly 30 consecutive years. Valpo has all the things necessary for students to be successful no matter their major. I know that when I graduate, I’ll be able to follow my passion and be successful. That’s all for me, back to you, Alex.
– Allison, thank you for showing us that being nervous before going to college is absolutely normal. You also show us that when you have passion, you can do anything. Kudos to you for managing to campus business in your sophomore year. That’s incredible. Thanks again for that.
It’s time to meet Vicki, a third year psychology major. She’s found shops, cafes and restaurants just blocks from campus. Plus, with Chicago just a quick drive or train ride away, and the Indiana Dunes National Lake Shore close by, you’ve gotten great day trips all around. Isn’t that right, Vicki? Tell us more about it.
– Thanks Alex and hello everyone. My commitment to Valpo was very clear after just a few campus visits. All the students knew the cool places to hang out, either downtown or on campus. Whether you want to grab some coffee or visit the dunes with some friends, Valparaiso has it all. I was not a complete stranger to the Valpo community before I became a student though. My hometown is just 25 minutes away, so my friends and I frequently visited the downtown area. We personally enjoy Zao Island, the 49er Drive In and the Central Park Plaza Ice Ring. Those are some local hotspots that everyone loves to visit for something engaging activities, especially if you’re down for some go-karting and laser tag. I was also aware that downtown Valpo welcomed all the college students. It’s very easy to visit, especially since all the boutiques, cafes and restaurants are just walking distance away from campus. And if you’re in the mood to shop, you can visit Valpo Vintage, Indie Indie Bang Bang, or Ivy Boutique. And Designer Desserts makes amazing cupcakes. If you wanted to venture further beyond campus, you can visit the Indiana Dunes National Park for the shoreline and trails, or if you wanted to take some friends to Chicago, all you’d have to do is take the South Shore train line. The greatest thing about Valparaiso is the community. I see the inclusivity every day, on and off campus. Everyone’s here to learn, but you can’t forget to have fun. So don’t forget to ask somebody what their favorite Valpo spot is. Back to you, Alex.
– Vicki, those are literally the biggest cupcakes I have ever seen. Thanks for the inside scoop on the local community. Now I’m hungry for something sweet from Designer Desserts. That and a walk around Lake Michigan feels like my kind of day. That was awesome.
Another thing students here at Valpo like to talk about is the sense of belonging they feel on campus. Just ask Michela, a senior psychology major. She’s immersed in both fraternity and sorority life and academics and has found a real sense of campus community. It’s all about building authentic connections, something that comes naturally from the students and faculty at Valpo. ♪ Huh huh ♪
– Thanks for the intro, Alex. I’m so thankful for everything Valpo has given me over the past few years. Not only are our academic strong, but our campus community is truly what makes Valpo feel like home. One of my homes here is the Gamma Phi Beta House. Joining sorority life, has allowed me to indulge in a community filled with love, inclusivity and empowerment. Every day feels like coming home to my family. My second home on campus is the Psychology Department. The professors I’ve met have encouraged me to shoot for the stars, whether it be designing my own research project or helping me excel in my internship. My professors genuinely care about my success and wellbeing, and I feel so lucky to have them as mentors. Finally, my third home is the Admissions Office. I am a Tour Guide and a Social Media Assistant, and I love coming into work and building connections with the prospective students. I remember how stressful it was looking for a home for the next four years and I just hope that I can make students search a little bit easier. Valpo’s community is unique and special. We offer a home on campus, no matter what you’re looking for, whether you want to conduct research, enter fraternity sorority life, join a club, or even try something new. There is a sense of belonging for each and every student here on campus. Valpo has shaped me in more ways than I could’ve ever imagined. I am so thankful for everything that Valpo has given me. Well, that’s all I have. What’s next, Alex?
– It’s so true, Michela. The friends you meet in college are your friends for life and it’s so cool to see you found a close knit community that has your back and helps you learn and grow. That was really fun.
Valpo student athletes also find community on one of the university’s 17 Division One programs and cheering each other to victory. The comradery and mutual support of what Peyton loves about being part of Valpo athletics. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Let’s hear from Peyton right now.
– Thanks Alex. Hey everyone, at the age of 10 I decided I wanted to play Division One Volleyball. I worked extremely hard and began looking at colleges. I heard from coach Carin Avery at Valparaiso University and from the second I stepped on this campus, it felt like home. Not only did Valpo gave me the opportunity to become a Division One athlete, they gave me the chance to grow as a person, on the court and in the classroom. The tight-knit community helps with time management as student athlete. Our coaches work to help us be the best students we can be and our professors work with our schedules while supporting us as student athletes. You can catch many professors attending games and even rooting us on from the sidelines. And if win, when we head out here and ring our victory bell. . Each year, the volleyball team works with the local Y to help coach kids from the area. I love when the kids attend our games and go through autograph line, just to tell us how much they enjoyed working with us. You don’t have to be a part of a Division One team to be an athlete here. You can join an intramural or club team or the e-sports team. No matter the level of commitment to your sport, you’ll be part of the Valpo athletics family. The people I’ve met here and the things I’ve learned help prepare me to go out into the world. When I graduated from Valpo, I will leave with job confidence, countless memories, and a second home. Go Valpo.
– Thanks, Peyton. The support from your coaches and professors can be so important to success and not just for athletes. I can’t wait to catch a game at the ARC real soon. Take care.
Leadership is often about serving others and that’s something Valpo students strongly believe in. Take Lem, a junior enrolled in an early entry program to earn his bachelor’s and master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. He’s found his calling at Valpo as a Caps fellow and is interning for a nonprofit organization. Lem is able to make an impact in an area he’s truly passionate about. Lem, it’s time for you to take the mic.
– Alright, thanks for the introduction, Alex. Growing up, I’ve always had a passion for serving others and mother used to tell me that that was my calling in life. And as a first generation college student, I didn’t know the first thing about choosing a college, but I knew I had to attend a school that value service. Valpo a big focus on service and philanthropy, provide students with countless opportunities to serve. Each year Valpo students dedicate more than 247,000 hours to community outreach and service learning initiatives. One initiative is the Caps Fellowship Program hosted by the Institute of Leadership and Service. ILS is dedicated to preparing students for lives of leadership and service shaped around a sense of color. Last year, as a Caps fellow, I got the amazing opportunity to intern for a nonprofit organization. There I was able to take lead of some of the most substantial initiatives to address healthcare disparities and systematic racism in my community. Today, I’m the president of Alpha Phi Omega, better known as APO. APO is a national co-ed service fraternity that focuses on leadership, friendship and service. And APO members are provided with opportunities to develop leadership skills through volunteering on campus, within their communities or within the fraternity. After I graduate, I plan to serve underrepresented minority communities in Chicago to eliminate healthcare disparities and ultimately improve the health care system. The College of Nursing and Health Professions has prepared me with this rigorous health care courses and a plethora of leadership and service experience. Valparaiso University is not only committed to allowing students to find their true purpose and calling, also to provide a space designated for students to act on it within. And that’s why I love this university. Back to you, Alex.
– It’s great to see that Valpo has given you such a foundation for a life of service, Lem. From everything you’re already accomplishing, we know you’re gonna go on to make a difference in the world. You’re showing everyone that at Valpo, you’re truly part of something bigger and that’s amazing
It’s time to hear from a student who came to Valpo from 7,500 miles away. Anand is an international student from Nepal. He’s a junior pursuing a double major in Electrical Engineering and Physics. And he’s also in the honors college. Anand wants to keep up with the future of engineering and came to the right place for academic quality. Right after his freshman year, he was already researching for Brookhaven National Laboratory. Take it away, Anand.
– That was some introduction, Alex. Namaste and greetings everyone. With a wonderful family and upbringing, I’ve had some 7,500 miles from here, I wanted to find that same home away from home. And I got that here at Valpo. As an international student, what immediately sticks out to me is the ranking of Valpo in undergraduate engineering programs in the USA. The ranking is only bettered by the support and community I have received here at Valpo. With five undergraduate colleges and more than 70 different majors to offer, Valpo support and flexibility allows me to double major in physics and electrical engineering while also attending the esteemed Christ College, which is the Honors College at Valpo. While all of these degrees have specific requirements, my professors and advisors work to personalize my classes and tailored these degree requirements so that I can still graduate in just four short years doing what I want to do. The great thing about these majors are how dynamic they are. I remember back my freshman year when I was taking a gender and gym class, and now I’m teeing for that class this semester, and I’ve realized how it’s updated to reflect the current needs of the world. With this, Valpo continues to add programs, including Bioengineering, Mechatronics, Music Therapy, Data Science and so much more. Each of these are booming career fields of the current and future world. I can talk as much as I want about the amazing education that I received at Valpo, but these educations are equally valued by institutions all around. My freshman year, right after COVID hit, I was researching for the Brookhaven National Laboratory, thanks to my professors. Fast-forward to this year, I am interning for Eli Lilly, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. I hope to see a bunch of you guys here make your name at Valpo. With that, the floor is yours, Alex.
– Wow, Anand, sophomore year and already interning for Eli Lilly. That’s an incredible accomplishment. And with two more action packed years in store at Valpo, I can’t wait to see what your future holds. Thanks again for sharing your story.
let’s shift the conversation over to sophomore Emily, who’s majoring in Political Science with a minor in Professional Writing. In addition to her studies, Emily is very involved with campus life. She’s busy with more clubs and activities than I can count on one hand. The connections she’s making are cheering her on now, and they’ll definitely be helping her reach her career goals after graduation. Emily, tell us more.
– Hey guys. Like many others for the majority of my life, I knew I wanted to make a difference, but I didn’t know how. it wasn’t until I came to Valpo and started getting involved that I saw how much you could do for others and how many opportunities you have to do so. Getting involved and trying new things is a big priority at Valparaiso University. This can be seen in the more than 100 student clubs and organizations offered here. With this and the countless leadership roles bestowed on students, the university is training the leaders of tomorrow. No matter what you wanna try, there is always an opportunity at Valpo. I am the vice president of Alpha Gamma Delta, a student Senator, a member of the Dance Marathon Executive Board and the Campus Tour Guide. And the great thing is with most clubs and organizations being student led, they understand the importance of flexible scheduling. In the future, I plan to attend law school in Texas. I want to continue my involvement and service to others through becoming an attorney. Some of the connections I have made through clubs and activities here at Valpo, will be ones I use in my daily career as an attorney. Here, I can see Valpo’s dedication to students and giving us the most meaningful opportunities possible. No matter what you enjoy, at Valpo, there’s something for everyone. Well, that’s all for me, sending it back to you, Alex.
– How awesome, Emily. With so many new experiences and activities available to you, it’s great to see you’re jumping in and growing so much in the process. This is truly a campus where leadership is put in the student’s hands. Great job.
Speaking of leaving an impression, we’re turning now to a Psychology and Theater major that got involved in several main stage productions as early as their freshman year at Valpo. It’s time to meet Mary. Now, a sophomore, who’s taking the initiative to have a full, exciting student experience. She’s proving that if you want something here at Valpo, you should simply go for it.
– Thanks Alex. I’m a current sophomore here at Valparaiso University, studying psychology and theater on a pre occupational therapy track. When I first arrived, Valpo welcomes me with open arms. Valpo’s campus size allows students to take initiative and the organizations that they are passionate about starting in their first semester on campus. From ministry teams, music ensembles, improv troupes, fraternity, and sorority life, and more, Valpo has something for everyone. As a theater lover, I was excited to get involved in several main stage productions as a freshmen. I’ve also been playing the trumpet for the last 10 years, which has always been a big part of my life. Here at Valpo, I can pursue that passion through performing in several of our capstone music ensembles, despite not being a music major or minor myself. This allows me to grow as a musician and connect with others who share my love for music. Here at Valpo, students can take ownership of their learning experiences and have many directions to go in. From our Core first-year program to Christ College, the Honors College. As a member of Christ College, I participated in one of the oldest traditions on campus, the freshmen production. This is a challenge put out to all first year honors college students to write, produce and perform a full-scale musical from scratch in just 10 weeks. From script writer to musician, there is a role in the production that requires every student’s skills. In the end, we all came together and created a production to be proud of. Valpo’s opportunities, such as these, allow me to not only build leadership and collaborative skills, but also give me the opportunity to take initiative in my own learning experiences while doing what I love. Back to you, Alex.
– Putting together a full length musical in just eight weeks, now, that’s something amazing. Mary, thank you for sharing that around here at Valpo, you don’t have to dream it, you can just do it. Take care.
Did you know the Valpo is ranked nationally for its engineering program and offers six different engineering disciplines. 2000 graduate Luke, saw life come full circle when he went on to get his PhD and then become a professor at Valpo. So all the research that he began as a student, he’s now able to carry it on with his students. It’s been life-changing. Luke, go ahead and tell us more.
– Thanks for the chance to share my story, Alex. I knew that I wanted to become a professor at a school like Valpo after I finished my PhD, because I had such an incredible experience here as a student. So to actually be a professor is a dream come true. Why was I so excited to come back and join the faculty at Valpo? For the chance to replicate my own Valpo experience, conducting cutting edge solar energy research as an undergraduate student. As a student, I worked with one of my professors for over a year, researching ways to turn concentrated sunlight into fuels that we could use to drive our cars, even at night when the sun is not shining. Because of the mentorship of my professor, pursuing this research became one of my greatest passions. I feel blessed to be able to share this passion with talented Valpo students in the James S Markowitz Solar Energy Research Facility, home of one of five solar furnaces in the United States. And the only one located at a primarily undergraduate engineering college. One of the most rewarding parts of conducting research with undergraduate students is seeing how excited they get when they experience concentrated sunlight for the first time. I love knowing that this experience could be life-changing for them and set them on a new career path. The coolest thing about my story is that it is not unique. There are many other professors here at Valpo with stories just like mine. We all came back to be professors at Valpo because this is such an incredible place. Well, that’s my story, Alex. It’s all yours.
– How cool Luke, that there is such a collaborative spirit between the professors and students at Valpo. And also great to know that the community here left such an impression that you came back. Thanks again for that.