Valparaiso University

Three Valpo professors have been named as one of just seven research teams across the nation to receive a grant from the Renewable Natural Resources Foundation (RNRF)!

This funding will support key environmental research at an agricultural site east of Chesterton, Indiana. The goal: To find out how much human restoration efforts impact the environment, and what techniques produce the most eco-friendly results.

Hear from our researchers – Katelyn Barber, Ph.D., Jon-Paul McCool, Ph.D., and Christopher Phillips, Ph.D. – and learn more about their findings will impact environmental efforts across Northwest Indiana at bit.ly/ValpoRNRF2026.

Valparaiso University - Meteorology Program
Valparaiso University - Geography Program

Every spring, our campus community gathers for the Graduate Studies End-of-Year Celebration and Awards Reception – an opportunity not only to recognize academic achievement, but also the leadership and services that defines the .

This year’s ceremony saw new members welcomed into the Athenaeum – an honor society that recognizes the scholarly, creative, and intellectual pursuits of graduate students – as well as three Graduate Student Leadership and Service Award recipients from the Valparaiso University College of Nursing & Health Professions:

• Sam Warren ‘25, ‘26 MHA
• Olivia Czerwonka ‘23, ‘26 DNP
• Elizabeth McFalls ’23, ’26 DNP

Read more about our Graduate Student Leadership and Service Award recipients and Athenaeum Honor Society inductees – and their willingness to serve, advocate, and create positive change wherever they go – at bit.ly/ValpoGraduateStudentExcellence.

Valparaiso University College of Business students develop into leaders with purpose in one of the top business schools in the country. With international accreditation that places it among the top 5% of business schools worldwide, Valpo shapes business leaders who make a difference – starting with a two-year exploratory curriculum.

Valpo business students first explore their calling by building foundational skills in areas like finance, marketing, management, and business analytics. Then – as they gain hands-on experience in guaranteed internships and real-world, collaborative projects – they officially declare their business major with confidence.

From there, our graduates become brilliant innovators and leaders in companies worldwide – with 98% of College of Business graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within nine months of graduation.

Ready to discover your path in the world of business? Learn more about Valpo’s business program at valpo.edu/business.

Northwest Indiana is a great community for a great university.

In his latest op-ed, Valparaiso University President Rev. Brian Konkol, Ph.D., reflects on the deep connection between Valpo and the region we call home — a relationship rooted in education, opportunity, faith, service, hard work, and love for others.

At their best, mission-driven universities strengthen communities by preparing students to lead, serve, solve problems, and shape the future. At Valpo, that work is deeply connected to the people, industries, schools, healthcare systems, faith communities, nonprofits, and civic leaders of Northwest Indiana.

Together, Valparaiso University and Northwest Indiana are building lives for good.

Read more: bit.ly/NWIIsAGreatCommunityForAGreatUniversity