Valparaiso University Christ College - The Honors College

It’s our fifth FOCUS here in the Vale of Paradise, and these incoming first-years are already pursuing the good life together. (We also learned why it’s better to eat a crayon than Play-Doh.)

While they spend the day on campus, give them a big welcome, and tell us in the comments: what do you wish you had known before your first day at Valpo?

Phew! It’s Friday! Last FOCUS of the week, and these smiling faces are signing up for classes as👏we👏speak! Start their weekend off right with a warm welcome, and name drop a faculty member whose office hours they simply MUST visit in August.

We’ll be back Monday with our next round of incoming Scholars…!

It’s beautiful blue skies and golden sunshine at FOCUS 3, and we’ve got another group of first-years ready to begin their Valpo journey! Say hello in the comments, and let’s tell this group about your favorite first-year text!

Announcing the 2026 Messerli Award Recipient!

We're honored to recognize Rev. Ewald Mueller and Joan Mueller posthumously, and the entire Mueller family, as the 2026 recipients of the Dr. Carlos Messerli Service Award!

Rev. Ewald and Joan Mueller reside at the very cornerstone of LSM, having been the primary driving force from the program’s inception. From the initial spark of the LSM idea to generous philanthropic support, their legacy begins with the program’s founding and extends through the decades that have followed. Quite simply, their vision, dedication, and enormous appreciation for the Lutheran heritage of liturgy, music, and hymnody are the reason the academy was established in 1982.

The award will be presented during LSM 2026 at the annual Board of Directors Reception on Saturday, July 18th.

Please join us in celebrating the entire Mueller family, and their extraordinary service!

Day Two of FOCUS! It’s all engineers, humanities, and one meteorologist today (sorry, and ) — give them a big Valpo welcome, and drop your favorite study spot in the comments. 🤎💛

FOCUS is well underway! Meet the first of the incoming first-years, and drop your best advice in the comments while they enjoy the day’s festivities.

Can we make "Midsummer Monday" a thing? Or should we just take today to give another standing ovation to the thespians in Professor Ruud's "Shakespeare Live" course? 👏

Whether you're a merry wanderer of the night, a lion among ladies, or just a very gentle beast of good conscience, we want to thank you for attending our "Dream" -- and for staging it! Tell us your favorite Midsummer memory in the comments, or cast your vote for which play Shakespeare Live should produce next. Three down, 36(ish) to go...

How are you spending your summer vacation? Professors Agnes Howard and Amanda Ruud are in Washington, DC, for the Understory Festival, a three-day civic and spiritual gathering sponsored by .

💡 The Understory Festival is a three-day gathering hosted by Comment magazine at Washington National Cathedral. This civic and spiritual meeting of writers, artists, pastors, and builders looks to rehumanize our common life at a time of cultural fragility.

🎓 One week ago...

Congratulations, once again, to the Class of 2026!

Congratulations to the Class of 2026, especially our CC Scholars who were recognized at Saturday's commencement ceremonies. We are so grateful to have been part of your special day.

🎓 Don't forget to tag in your memories, your Mueller Hall photoshoots, and any time you're feeling especially virtuous.

📷 And don't worry, those aren't all the photos ... we just want to make sure you don't immediately unfollow us after graduation.