Advertise on podcast: Listening for Purpose

In the second episode of season four of Listening for Purpose, hear from current students, alumni, and other members of the Valparaiso University community through interviews collected during Homecoming weekend. Interviewees answer a range of questions about what their time at Valpo has meant to them, and how it's impacted the rest of their lives.

In the first episode of the newest season of Listening for Purpose, hear a Morning Prayer reflection from Reverend Brian Konkol, president of Valparaiso University, followed by discussion from Cam Haggett and Lynne Thissen, two ILAS student aides. Cam and Lynne discuss doom questioning, sacred questioning, and holding space for discernment.

In the eighth and final episode of Season 3, we spoke with Hope Johnson, senior Theology and Spanish major at Valparaiso University. Hope discussed Professor Jones, a theology professor who she’s been inspired by. Join us for more of Our Campus, Our Stories!

In the seventh episode of Season 3, we spoke with Reverend Kate Museus, University Pastor. She shared about Pastor Morgan Gordy, who mentored her during her time in seminary. Join us for more of Our Campus, Our Stories!

In this special episode, we talk to students going on the Northwest Indiana and Chicago Spring Break Service Trip about the trip and what they’re looking forward to! We also spoke with Kat Peters, one of the staff leaders of the trip and Assistant Director of the Institute for Leadership and Service, about how the trip came about.

In the fifth episode of Season 3, we spoke with Ryan Cole, Mark and Kathleen Helge Director of Student Philanthropy. He discussed how his daughter has taught him about connection and wonder. Join us for more of Our Campus, Our Stories!

In the fourth episode of Season 3, we spoke with Erin Brown, VU alumni and deaconess with the Lutheran Diaconal Association (LDA). She enlightened us about how the LDA has helped shape and form her during her journey of purpose. Join us for more of Our Campus, Our Stories!

In a very special episode, we spoke with nearly 30 students, staff, faculty, and friends of Valparaiso University to answer one question: who or what lights your path? Answers reflect campus involvement, faith, friends and family, and more! Join us for more of Our Campus, Our Stories!

In the second episode of Season 3, we talked to Stacy Hoult, chair of the World Languages and Cultures department, about her life-long discernment process. An early contributor to this process was her high school Spanish teacher. She also discusses the many paths she explored, and continues to explore. Join us for more of Our Campus, Our Stories!

In our first episode of Season 3, Ethan Palmisano, a sophomore Meteorology major, discusses the role his grandfather played in shaping the importance of family in his life. He also talks about how those around him have helped him discover his priorities. Join us for more of Our Campus, Our Stories!

For the final episode of Season 2, Simeon Klepac takes a turn behind the microphone and discusses his personal journey discerning his purpose as a Park Raner for the National Park Service. He also discusses the book "Bird by Bird" by Anne Lamott and shares how it encouraged him to focus on excellence and beauty in small moments. Join us for more of Our Campus, Our Stories!

On this episode, Dr. Agnes Howard joins us to discuss the book “Gilead” by Marilynne Robinson. Howard shares the way that the book informed her understanding of vocation as inherently shaped by relationships and highlights how Robinson’s story exemplifies the need to be inspired by the mundane moments of beauty in our lives. Join us, for more of Our Campus, Our Stories!  A video version of the podcast is also available at https://www.youtube.com/@ILASatValpo

On this episode, Aubrey Kranz shares her experiences with the hit video game Overwatch and her journey within Valpo’s Esports community. We discuss the ways that good friends can challenge us to grow toward the greatness they see in us, and the ways that taking risks helps to build confidence and open us to new possibilities. Join us, for more of Our Campus, Our Stories! A video version of the podcast is also available at https://www.youtube.com/@ILASatValpo

How can we find strength when everything seems turned against us? Is there a way to be hopeful without shallow optimism? On today’s episode, Molly O’Rear shares the poem “Carry On!” by Robert William Service, and we discuss the ways that determination, faith, and community can support us through life’s greatest challenges. Join us, for more of Our Campus, Our Stories! A video version of the podcast is also available at https://www.youtube.com/@ILASatValpo

Dr. Severe has many passions here at Valpo, from student mentorship to horror fiction, but in this episode he discusses his lifelong passion for music. Dr. Severe shares how picking up the French Horn in 7th grade helped him to develop responsibility and excitement for his academic work, and the ways in which his mentors both challenged and supported him, inspiring him to serve Valpo’s students in their own journeys of growth. Join us for more of Our Campus, Our Stories! A video version of the podcast is also available at https://www.youtube.com/@ILASatValpo