EDITOR'S NOTE: This is the sixth in a series of profiles on GCU's Ingram Honors College Student Advisory Council.
For Connor Norris, rooming with his older brother seemed like the ideal way to kick off college.
So, when Norris saw his brother head off to Grand Canyon University a year before him, his college choice came easily.
Heading into his sophomore year, the mechanical engineering major is ready to make his mark at the university.
Passionate about community building and outreach, Norris will serve as director of the Faith, Integrity and Service Committee for the Ingram Honors College Student Advisory Council in the 2026-27 academic year.
1. What was a surprising about GCU in your first year at the university?
The access to be creative is really awesome to me. The labs and machine shops are free to use, and any student can walk in and learn about 3D printing, 3D designing, woodworking, laser engraving and more.
Also, there are other labs, like cadaver labs, that give students a hands-on way to learn about the body. Altogether, it is an amazing place to learn something by actually going and trying.
2. You have an internship with a medical device engineering company. If you could create any medical device, what would it be?
I like the cardiovascular system (heart). There are a lot of issues people have with hearts. A lot of babies are born with a hole in their heart, and you can deploy a valve, basically, to fix the hole in their heart and keep them alive. I want to make a device like that.
3. Who is your role model and inspiration?
My friend and roommate, Ethan. He constantly encourages and pushes me to read the Bible, to think deeply about the issues in the world, to pursue friendships, love people like Christ loves, and to work and live in a way that represents Christ well.
4. You love intramural sports. What is the superior intramural sport at GCU that students should join?
Ultimate Frisbee is the superior sport. It involves teamwork and strategy and some athleticism. It is a great way to grow with friends and relieve stress and get a good workout in.
5. What is your favorite GCU basketball gameday tradition?
I really like turning around when the other team is announced.
Also, I like getting decked out in purple. I have to paint myself, of course. Paint my face, everything, and wear the Havocs jersey over whatever costume I got for the game-day theme. I like waiting in line and running to get the best seats in the student section. Always have to sit in the front rows.
6. If you could be Thunder or a GCU basketball player for a day, which one would you choose?
I would be a basketball player. Other than enjoying sports and the camaraderie as a team, we have the best student section. It’s about the overall game atmosphere. The whole college is there cheering for you.
7. Why should students become a part of Ingram Honors?
The community in Honors challenges us to grow both academically and in traits like communication and hard work, which will set you up for success in the future.
8. The service month is one of your main responsibilities as director of the Faith, Integrity and Service Committee. What is the key to planning a successful service month?
Communication with people is the biggest thing, but also the biggest challenge. We need to have events on different days, and we need to know when people are available. It’s a lot of planning with companies, and it involves how to get people to events, how to schedule rides, etc.
9. What mark do you want to leave behind in your time with Ingram Honors?
Something I want to make sure happens is getting everyone involved. I want to have that widespread throughout the college. I want to be able to ask anybody in the college's Leadership in Action or all of Honors what they enjoy about the college, what they have done or if they’ve served at all. Another main vision I’ve had is being able to reach and encourage the kids in the community. There is a lot of poverty and need in the area, and I want to show the kids they are loved and seen.
GCU News staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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