Jon Valla

The Honors College has begun two major programs that help students network and gain skills that will positively impact their future: the Pre-Health Medical and Graduate School Preparation Program and the new Young Athena: Valley of the Sun Leadership Program. One will help prepare students for the medical school and graduate school application process, while the other will help infuse women with leadership skills. “These are the types of programs that really give our GCU students that competitive edge as they enter the workforce,” Honors College Associate Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli said.

Jeffrey Richards had no idea what to expect when he competed in this year’s Alpha Chi National Convention by giving a presentation on insulin biosensing for diabetic patients. Shortly before his Commencement ceremony for his bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering, he learned that he had been selected the winner of the Joseph E. and Bessie Mae Pryor Prize in Chemistry, which comes with a scholarship for graduate school. This is a testament to the collaborative community of GCU,” said Dr. Breanna Naegeli, Associate Dean of the Honors College. 

It was a productive semester for students looking to attend graduate school as the Honors College wrapped up its Pre-Law and Pre-Health Professional, Academic and Career Programs. Both programs, one of which made its debut this semester, played a role in helping prepare students for what they can expect when it comes to graduate school. “From my point of view, it was very helpful and very informative,” said government student Madeline Landes, who attended all of the Pre-Law P.A.C. sessions this semester. “I would recommend this because I think it’s a very informative program.”

From natural deodorant to COVID-19 research, there was no shortage of impressive student presentations at this year’s CSET Research Symposium and Honors Showcase on Saturday. Honors finalists delivered in-person presentations while CSET finalists presented orally via Zoom. “It just goes to show how active and engaged our students were both inside and outside the classroom this year despite COVID-19 and limitations on what they could and couldn’t do,” Honors College Associate Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli said.

Another successful academic year wouldn’t be complete without an Honors College Banquet to celebrate the students’ accomplishments. They were recognized Wednesday for their hard work during the pandemic. “We’re extremely proud,” Program Manager Dennis Williams said. “It’s been a very challenging year for them, but we’ve seen so many of our students step up as leaders, step up in all these areas. This is, I think, going to be an extra special year.”

In just one year, the College of Science, Engineering and Technology’s new Nutritional Sciences program has grown to include almost 100 students, and the college is anticipating that growth to continue. It will open a new Nutritional Sciences Lab this fall and added a new faculty lead in Courtney Baker, who worked for the Maricopa County Department of Public Health before starting her new job at GCU.