2026 Baccalaureate Service | Valparaiso University

Held in the heart of campus at the Chapel of the Resurrection, the Baccalaureate Service is a cherished Valparaiso University tradition that honors the spiritual journey of our graduating class. This faith-based gathering invites students, faculty, staff, and loved ones to pause and reflect on the meaningful experiences, growth, and service that have shaped each student’s time at Valpo. Through heartfelt stories shared by graduating seniors, the service shines a light on the deep connection between faith and learning, encouraging all in attendance to celebrate the gifts God has given and the call to serve others with purpose and gratitude. The service will be an internal campus celebration of our graduates — a bookend to your time at Valpo, much like the Opening Convocation Ceremony. A procession of graduates accompanied by faculty and staff in support will move from the Union Atrium Lobby into the Chapel. Graduates are encouraged to invite a faculty or staff member who has been significant to their time at Valpo to walk with them. All campus community members will be seated together. Please gather (in your commencement regalia) in the Union Atrium Lobby at 4:30 p.m. for the procession. Valparaiso University is an independent Lutheran institution in Valparaiso, Indiana, an hour’s drive from Chicago. Founded in 1859, Valpo offers a thorough grounding in the liberal arts as well as professional education and graduate study, helping students find their own paths to lifelong personal, spiritual, and professional growth.