On May 16th, over 800 VU students walked a very significant 50 foot trek across a stage to the sound of their name and cheering from their family and friends. Sunday was graduation, where students celebrated their last experience in the chapel as a student at the Baccalaureate service and then went through Commencement.
There were students cheered on by parents and grandparents that had gone to VU, there were students whose family have only spent a short time on campus just to visit but had experiences elsewhere, and there were students who were the first in their family to graduate from college. Regardless of the students' background, the excitement and pride coming from family, friends, and students themselves was ever present. It was an exciting time to be in our standing room-only ARC. I did get a bit sentimental about the graduating students I know, but also reflected on my graduation and experience as a student. Right now, being in Valpo and having the ability to serve my Alma Mater means a great deal to me, especially after all that I have been able to take from VU and the many wonderful people that make this place what it is.
Don't worry, I'm not going to cry, as that's about as much mush as I can handle. College means something unique to me, of course, as I have already had my time. But for those of you who are in the college search process, college may mean many things to you at this point. It could mean a degree and future job, potentially meeting a future spouse, finally studying something you are interested in or a continuation in your athletic career. But the things you may not see yet are the unforeseen experiences you will have during your 4 years that will shape you and mold you into the person that will shake President Hecklers hand at commencement. Yes, these changes can help you in the professional world. I am a much better teacher, public speaker, and numbers analyst after my VU years, but the experience you can have at VU goes beyond your 8-5 day.
In part because of Valpo's Lutheran heritage, and regardless of whether you are Lutheran or even Christian, the term service leadership plays a role in many students experience on (and off) campus. Not only do students learn how to lead, but they learn what that means to lead in service to others. And you can gain the understanding of what defines a person's vocation rather than job. The personal growth you can experience at Valpo is something touches your 12 - 12 day. The comprehension and application of service learning and vocation may not be every students experience, but it's here for any student to experience. This is why our graduates can be found all over the world serving in Peace Corp, Teach for America, Lutheran Volunteer Corp, working at other higher education institutions or even doing research as a Fulbright scholar. They are able to take the academic challenge presented to them and find a way to better serve others in the world.
To be honest, not everyone from VU goes out and does those things, but that is because not everyone is made to do that. But that doesn't mean there is no benefit from the VU experience. It will be your college experience that will set you apart when you apply for that first job after college or for graduate school to continue on your education. And your college experience can be the foundation you start from as you begin the rest of your life.
Moral of the story, I love this place. VU has so much to offer, and I hope you take a step in our direction if you are looking at a university to call home for four years. But don't just take my word for it, get on campus and see for yourself. And if you are at VU or have graduated, you know what I am talking about. In Tua Luce Videmus Lucem.
After all that all too serious commentary, I leave you with this thought:
If winners never quit and quitters never win, who came up with “quit while you’re ahead?”
Ryan
