College of Science, Engineering and Technology

There was a slight chill in the air Friday, but things quickly warmed up inside a full GCU Arena as more than 600 members of the Class of 2015 and thousands of their closest family members and friends celebrated a variety of incredible accomplishments. Keynote speaker Erik Wahl speed-painted two interesting pieces of art during his talk, which reflected on his own mistakes in life of listening too closely to critics and being afraid to find and live his purpose. He encouraged the new alumni to never be afraid to fail and to think differently than anyone has before.

Talk about accomplished people — this week’s Antelope Intros feature a professional writer and an assistant dean who also is a pilot. If you need a little motivation, check out how they’ve gotten things done.

The latest edition of GCU Today Magazine tees up a cover story on the newly renovated Grand Canyon University Golf Course and what it means to west Phoenix and to the University. See why it’s such a big victory, and watch a video that shows off the transformation from Maryvale Golf Course. The December magazine also features an inside look at how GCU students are being the hands and feet of Jesus in the community, introduces you to five recent graduates of the College of Fine Arts and Production who are having lots of success in the working world, traces the University’s origins as the Antelopes and the evolution of its popular mascot, Thunder, and offers a behind-the scenes look at our own Thunder Dan Majerle.   

Story by Laurie Merrill  Photos by Darryl Webb GCU Today Magazine In the heralding of a new era, Grand Canyon University is rolling out a new series of online science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) degrees in subjects ranging from digital design to cybersecurity. The seven bachelor of science degrees represent the tip of the information-age iceberg. GCU is seeking to ramp up its online offerings as it escalates its emphasis on STEM subjects for all students. “We are designing cutting-edge programs that represent the future of STEM education,” said Dr. Hank Radda, the University’s provost. “We have innovative ways of delivering STEM education to online populations.” This initial crop of online STEM degrees, with plans underway to offer more in the future, are the latest moves GCU is making to produce well-trained, highly competitive graduates in these subject areas as well as to make the degrees more accessible. The number of STEM students GCU graduates each year is growing, and so are the number of opportunities to apply their skills, said Dr. Mark Wooden, dean of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. “There is a huge job market in this area,” Wooden said. According to the Economics & Statistics Administration […]

By Laurie Merrill GCU News Bureau Separating faith from work is no easier than separating gender or ethnicity from work, Dr. Daisy Savarirajan told about 75 Grand Canyon University faculty during a “Lunch and Learn” session Friday. “I can’t separate one from the other,” said Savarirajan, a College of Science, Engineering and Technology microbiology instructor. “When I’m serving the students, I’m serving Christ.” Savarirajan discussed “Christ in the Classroom” during one of a series of peer-led talks about assimilating faith into teaching. The sessions are part of GCU’s Integration of Faith, Learning and Work initiative under Dr. Jason Hiles, College of Theology dean. She referenced John 4:35, which reads, “ … look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” This refers to people who would have eternal life in His kingdom, she said. “I see this campus as a field that is ready for harvest.” Teaching microbiology gives her the context for God’s calling, which is to save lives. Focusing on one’s true calling, or the big picture, gives work meaning, Savarirajan said. Otherwise it can feel demeaning, discouraging or draining. She believes her purpose in the classroom is to represent Christ and allow God’s spirit to work in her. She also uses […]

Story by Laurie Merrill Photos by Darryl Webb GCU News Bureau Aruba Siddikqi and Jazlyn Leon are only in 10th grade, but they already know they want careers in the health sciences. That’s why they traveled four hours Friday morning from Douglas, Ariz.,  to Phoenix for Grand Canyon University’s Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology Day 2015. “We came to get more information about the medical fields,” said Leon, who attends Douglas High with Siddikqi. “I’m interested in studying to be a pharmacist, or some kind of forensic career.” Siddikqi is also considering a career as pharmacist, in addition to wanting to be a physician. They were among nearly 2,500 high school and junior high school students who descended on campus to learn more about careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and nursing. They toured science labs, listened to lectures from impressive speakers, participated in hands-on experiments and visited booths ranging from the GCU Sports Medicine Club and Honors College–Honors STEMists to Dignity Health and the AZ SciTech Festival. “The students come out with a much stronger idea of what they wanted to go into,” said Teri Varley, who teaches at Ray High School in Kearny. “It opens up broader ideas to them.” […]

Neither rain nor lightning nor dust storm nor traffic could detract from Grand Canyon University’s online commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday. Once the attendees were safely inside GCU Arena, which took some doing when the dust started blowing Friday, there were congratulations for a job well done and triumphantly raised fists to signify an impressive achievement.

Among the thousands of people who plan to participate a walk to benefit breast cancer patients, families and research later this month are GCU employees Woody and Allison Mason, who have been on a long cancer journey of their own. Woody’s identical twin, Dilon, is a three-time cancer survivor who got a new lease on life, thanks to his brother’s donation of stem cells, and Allison has been there every step of the way. GCU Today has a story about them that includes GCU’s heart for the walk and how you can sign up.

CSET’s faculty grew by nine members this fall as its student enrollment rose to more than 2,800 students. Dr. Jon Valla, the new assistant dean, is playing a role in transitioning GCU to a strong research facility. GCU Today has the story.

This year for the first time, high school students enrolled as GCU STEM Scholars are experimenting with human cadavers as part of their curriculum. On Friday, Peoria’s Medical Engineering and Technology Professional Academy students, many of whom are considering enrolling at GCU for its medical program, were at first squeamish but then enthralled by the unusual activity. GCU Today has the story.