Valparaiso University celebrated graduating students at its annual commencement ceremonies May 10.

Students from graduate and undergraduate programs received their diplomas. Students from the College of Arts and Sciences and College of Business crossed the stage at 9 a.m. Students from the College of Engineering and College of Nursing and Health Professions took part in a 2 p.m. ceremony.

Gloria Castillo, CMC Enterprises founder and Chicago United former president and CEO, served as guest speaker for both events.

“I have come to believe that honoring your values, even when the stakes are high, is never the wrong decision,” Castillo told graduates. “Your values will guide you like the North Star. I believe that when we live our values, we gain strength. Commitment to your values is a superpower.”

Graduates representing each of the university’s colleges also took the stage, including business administration major Peyton Evans and Madison Britt Boor from the physician assistant program.

“I ask you to reflect on what your identity is right now,” Evans said. “Your identity shapes how you see the world and yourself, and how you find your place. College gave us more than a degree — it allowed us to ask the questions that helped us find out more about ourselves.”

A student-athlete, Evans played on the Valpo women’s soccer team. She was part of the team that won a Missouri Valley Conference tournament. Evans also competed in the NCAA Division 1 tournament in 2023.

Boor served as captain of the Valpo swim team. She earned honors including Missouri Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Team recognition and presidential academic honors.

“We often think of graduation as a time of departure in our lives,” Boor said. “But today, we aren’t just leaving Valpo behind; we’re carrying this place, these memories and the people who helped us flourish, with us.”