Valparaiso University honored the achievements of nearly 850 students at its commencement ceremonies May 11.
About 600 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students received their diplomas.
U.S. Sen. Todd Young served as the speaker for the graduation ceremonies. Young’s remarks focused on the value of graduates using their time wisely, ignoring modern distractions in favor of self-determination and drawing from their experiences at Valparaiso University to make a better world.
“You leave here with an education that has taught you to think critically, and place the joy of service in your hearts,” Young said in a press release. “So put it to good use. Lift those around you. Lead lives of purpose and meaning.”
Lauren Kadlec, who received her bachelor of science degree in bioengineering, spoke at the ceremony for the College of Nursing and Health Professions and College of Engineering.
“Valparaiso University has changed me forever, and we’ve all left our marks on the university as well,” Kadlec said. “We have more than our memories to take with us. We have a brilliant education that will open doors in our future, and most of all, the class of 2024 has perseverance.”
The university congratulated its new graduates as they set off to make a difference around the world.
Graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Business attended a commencement ceremony at 9:30 a.m. Graduates from the College of Engineering and the College of Nursing and Health Professions crossed the stage at a 2 p.m. ceremony.
Valparaiso University serves about 2,800 students. It has dozens of majors in five undergraduate colleges. Valparaiso University was founded in 1859.
Caption: About 600 undergraduate students and 250 graduate students at Valparaiso University received their diplomas May 11. (Provided by Valparaiso University)
