Valparaiso University Launches New Hub to Help Students Find Purpose and Joy

A laptop and smartphone display Valparaiso University’s website, showing a golfer in yellow and a program search tool on the phone screen.

A mobile-first, mission-rooted redesign where Valpo’s values, faith, service, and academic inquiry—shine through student voices, seamless UX, and vibrant storytelling.

Valparaiso University needed its online presence to live its renewed brand essence, a digital gateway where visitors immediately feel Valpo’s calling: purpose, faith, joy, and discovery.

Prospective students, families, alumni, and the broader community needed to see and feel who Valpo is, not just read about it.

Challenge

Approach

Solution

Results-Driven Digital Solutions

To bring this vision to life, Valpo joined forces with ERI Design to deliver a redesign grounded in authenticity and clarity.

Rooted in Purpose

The site reflects Valpo’s Lutheran heritage and values-driven brand, showcasing a visual and verbal identity deeply resonant with its mission Valparaiso University.

Intuitive, Inclusive UX

Navigation is streamlined to follow the needs and pathways of prospective Beacons, optimized for all devices with improved performance and accessibility Valparaiso University.

Strategic Collaboration

From the first meeting, Valpo’s alignment on values made the collaboration rich, authentic, and future-ready in approach and tone.

Story-Led Experience

Real stories from students, faculty, and alumni form the cornerstones of engaging, human-centered content.

Visual Symbolism

Graphics, colors, and layout carry Valpo’s radiant visual identity, drawing from symbols of light, stained-glass-inspired motifs, and dynamic gradients.

Challenge

Approach

Solution

The refreshed valpo.edu isn’t just a site, it’s an invitation into Valpo’s heart and mission.

Engagement

Emotion & Story

Stories breathe life into the site, showcasing curiosity, compassion, and leadership. Visitors encounter Valpo’s spirit before they ever apply.

A woman with long brown hair wearing a dark "Apparel" sweatshirt smiles at the camera, standing in front of a green background with a yellow play button below her.

Reach

Access & Unity

Mobile-first, accessible design ensures anyone, anywhere can navigate easily. The site structure aligns with user intent, helping audiences find what matters most quickly and intuitively.

A smartphone screen displays the Valparaiso University website, showing options to schedule a visit, apply, and learn about academics, admissions, and student life.

Impact

Brand Clarity & Longevity

Every page radiates warmth, clarity, and confidence. The site is built to evolve—capable of growing with Valpo’s storytelling and strategic needs.

Redesigning Valpo’s website for the first time in many years was a major undertaking, and ERI approached the project with genuine enthusiasm and a clear commitment to helping us move such a large initiative forward. They took the time to understand our mission, our audiences, and the complexity of our needs, and brought thoughtful guidance throughout the process. We appreciated their willingness to listen, collaborate, and adapt as the project evolved. It was evident that the team cared deeply about delivering a strong outcome for Valpo and supporting us through an important moment in our digital evolution.

Nicki Kollar

Director of Marketing & Brand Management, Valparaiso University

Partnering with ERI on Valparaiso University’s website redesign has been a strong and productive experience. Their team is talented, attentive, and committed to delivering thoughtful, high-quality work. They remained engaged and collaborative throughout the project, focused on ensuring the final product truly served our institution’s needs. Their impact is clear: the redesigned site earned a Davey Awards Silver in the Education category. ERI’s ongoing support has been equally valuable, providing reliable guidance and technical expertise as we continue to grow and refine our site. We appreciate their partnership and the care they bring to every interaction. Thank you for your ongoing support and expertise!

Woman with long wavy hair and glasses on her head stands in front of a brick wall, wearing a dark shirt and smiling at the camera.