Valparaiso University Student Life

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

05/15/2026

Tap and hold to meet your FOCUS orientation assistant (OA) – then follow Valparaiso University Student Life to read their upcoming bios next week!

05/06/2026

Wrapping up the 2025-2026 academic year with so much gratitude! We would like to honor the incredible work our student staff have done to make our residential communities feel like home.

05/04/2026

Hey Beacons!
Join your fellow student organization leaders as we recognize all of their hard work to create experiences and lasting memories on campus. Join us for dinner and an awards ceremony to recognize this year's award recipients on Wednesday, May 6th from 6-8pm in the Harre Union. *Attire is Business Casual for the event*

05/01/2026

Mary Akers is the newest guest on Behind the Beacon! Watch on to hear about her role, her experience leading students, and much more!

04/25/2026

This week's guest on Behind the Beacon is Andrea Gruger, Associate Director for Residental Life. Watch to hear about her role in Student Life, important moments in her time here, and a unique hobby!