We’re now heading over to Canyon Ventures, a business startup incubation center here on campus, and we’re gonna meet up with Weston Smith. His undergraduate degree was in Mechanical Engineering, and now he’s an MBA student with an amazing startup business story. And he’s gonna speak about balancing entrepreneurship and education here at GCU. Hey, Weston, how are you, my man?
– I came to Grand Canyon University because I wanted to attend affordable Christian university that had a vibrant community, and also offered an engineering program. And it’s been transformative to be a part of a school that has such a strong entrepreneurial focus. A university where the gap between business and engineering is bridged, where a student entrepreneur like me could come with an idea and launch it into a full-scale business. I came to GCU to study mechanical engineering because there’re extensive machine shop in engineering labs. Academics were rigorous, but they had one encompassing idea. GCU wanted to prepare us to be problem solvers, and use our education to better people’s quality of life, and that’s what led me to launch Lux Longboards. Coming into my freshman year of college, I was immediately faced with the issue of transportation on campus. On my sophomore year of college, I actually purchased electric longboard on a whim, and this immediately transformed my college experience. I could get around campus anywhere within five minutes versus spending up to 30 minutes a day walking. After having students continually stop me on campus to demo my electric longboard, my entrepreneurial instincts kicked in to solve their problem, which was commuting on campus. My sophomore year, I launched Lux Longboard Rentals LLC with the help of Professor Tim Kelley. At that time, I was taking a class taught by him that combined engineering with entrepreneurism. My mission was to save students time through electric longboard rentals. So I created a self-sustaining electric longboard rack that I designed in the engineering labs, and then I welded in the engineering machine shops. This led me to begin developing my own product line. We pivoted from longboard rentals and began electric longboard manufacturing. Our headquarters, unlike manufacturing spaces, is located here in GCU’s Canyon Ventures, a premiere innovation incubation hub. Is it a unique space? It is home to almost 30 ventures, where students can come and get real work experience with entrepreneurs like me. at Canyon Ventures, I get a plethora of consulting and mentorship that helps me grow my business. The support from the staff, faculty and leadership, it has helped me. As a young entrepreneur, has been overwhelming. It has helped me grow this idea and solution into a full-blown business. GCU’s innovative approach to bridging the gap between business and engineering continues to be a game changer for me. I am living proof that a good idea, a hard work ethic, and leaning into the resources provided by GCU can lead to success as a student entrepreneur. Lux Longboards is a product of amazing entrepreneurs, and taught here at GCU. And I know that if you have an idea or a small business, it will flourish here at GCU because this college is built for young entrepreneurs. Back to you, Alex.
– Weston, what an unbelievable story. Starting a company from scratch is so tough. And seeing how GCU came in behind and helped you build this into a full fledged company is absolutely spectacular. Thank you for sharing that. By the way, I’m buying one of those skateboards. Cheers, Weston.
Next, we’re heading to meet up with Luis. He has an inspiring story that I know you’re all gonna love. Luis is a junior studying Computer Science and Business Entrepreneurship, and he’s gonna speak on Students Inspiring Students here at GCU. Luis, please take it away.
– Hey, Alex. I’m a 2018 Students Inspiring Students, scholarship recipient. I’m actually not from here. My family is from Chinaloa, Mexico. I came to Phoenix when I was only three months old, and I’ve been here ever since then. I grew up undocumented, and that came with a lot of obstacles that I had to overcome. One of the biggest challenges was attaining higher education. There are so many obstacles before me, and so many closed doors, and I didn’t think that it was for me. That was until I found out about Grand Canyon University. I chose GCU because they opened the door for me when nobody else would. What first brought me here was the amazing atmosphere. It was unlike anything else. However, what’s kept me here are the incredible opportunities that they provide to the students. Coming from an immigrant background, every considers the idea of going to college simply because they cannot afford it. Instead of school, they believe that working is the only option they have. I decided to go against that norm and be the example for my cousins, brothers and sister. Being a first generation college student is difficult, but if they see that I can do it, then they’ll believe that they can do it too. I couldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the Students Inspiring Students scholarship. They award full tuition scholarships to high school students. One of the requirements in getting the scholarship is doing community service hours by studying at the GCU Learning Lounge. The Learning Lounge is a free on-campus, afterschool tutoring program, where K through 12 students have the opportunity to be mentored by college student who goes by the role of a learning advocate. And the lounge is just one of the many resources that GCU provides. To list a few, we have the First Year Experience program, which helps new students transition into college. We also have Academic and Career Excellence Centers that we call ACE Centers, where you can get help academically and professionally. One amazing community that I’ve been blessed to be a part of, is TEDxGrandCanyonUniversity. TEDxGCU is a fully student-led organization here on campus. We get to provide a TEDx Talk event, once a year. They range from marketing, finance and design to production operations and speaker acquisition. And not only do we get to provide professional and meaningful experiences, we also get to do it in a fun and interactive way. I believe that a college education is more than learning skills for a job, it’s learning how to understand the world around you. GCU provides that beyond comparison with their focus on, community, faith and student opportunity. Thank you all so much. It’s been a pleasure talking to you. Back to you, Alex.
– Luis, your story is exciting and encouraging. We really appreciate you taking the time to open up about your journey here at GCU. That was a lot of fun. Thanks, Luis.
Now let’s head over to the Canyon Worship Music Studio here on campus. What a studio This is by the way. Here we’re gonna meet up with Melissa, a mother of a student who went to school here at GCU. And her story will warm any parent’s heart as they send their kid off to college. Melissa, please take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. So this must be the mom portion of the show, and I’m excited to share with you our experience as a family from our son’s freshman year as a Lope through his recent graduation. My beautiful gift of a spirited and idiosyncratic kid, who never slept, never left my side, recited stats and facts was on his way to a path that looked rather different than those of his classmates. He learned his way into situations, and often found himself anxiety-riddled and confused. During those tumultuous times, it was music that gave him the most peace. Here is where Grand Canyon University’s story meets Austin’s. From the first day we joined that car parade, coming on to GCU’s campus, we were overwhelmed that student after student was lined up sweating in that Arizona heat, cheering for him just to unload his boxes and take him up to his room. He was bombarded with words of welcome from the Resident Assistants and dorm Life Leaders. It was as if God painted in the sky, we want you. Yes, you. Every child feeling welcomed is essential to esteem, but for those that have ever felt marginalized, that initial over the top welcome, bears even more weight. From there, he went to further explore the campus, and was given countless opportunities to join clubs and further engage. Inside the classroom, the faculty was equally as invested. As Austin shared, here’s what’s hard for me, he was met with maybe try it this way, or what works best for you. Learning was occurring on both sides of the table. His most fun on campus highlight was going from a sound technician for worship nights to the resident DJ for all of GCU’s major events. And he is actually now teaching digital music production. The enthusiasm and that constancy of purple gave Austin a sense of belonging, and it has been my privilege as a mom to share this story. And now back to you, Alex.
– Melissa, that was so touching. We can’t thank you enough for opening up and telling your story about Austin, and how GCU, so positively affected his life. That was amazing. Thanks again, Melissa.
So what’s the secret sauce behind the creation of better products and systems that improve our lives? It’s design, and Illinois Tech is home to be the Institute of Design. One of the most renowned design schools in the world. Design student, Jocelyn and her fellow classmates are practicing human center design in action through hands on projects. They’re solving real challenges for real clients. Jocelyn, it is all yours.
– Thanks for the introduction Alex, before coming to the Institute of Design, I was trained as someone who can be accountable for solving given problems, but ID has actually offered me lenses to look at the complex system and reflect on why we do what we do. ID is much more than a design school, it is actually a supportive community made up by a group of talented, passionate, and inspiring human beings who are drawn together to address the most challenging issues of our time. Being surrounded by this group of amazing designers and system thinkers, I felt the urgent need to step out of my comfort zone. Earlier this year, I teamed lab with five other ID students and participate in the Rotman Design Challenge, an annual business design competition. With the mentorship of our experienced ID professors, we were able to combine the human center design and business strategy to create our final proposal. Our proposal was to reach a new market segment through viable innovation concepts for the biggest retail chain in Canada. As an outcome, we are played second among the pool of 39 student teams across the globe. Grad school is not only a place for academic achievement, but career development as well. ID provide great resources to connect us with a wide range of organizations, industry professionals, through externships career ID, workshops, recruiting events, and most importantly, the strong and engaged alumni network. After ID, I will be working as a UX designer at a global kitchen and bath company. On the seven person experience team. Actually three of us are from the Institute of Design. ID is not only a label to unlocking job opportunities, but also the foundation of my confidence to make an impactful difference in my future work. That’s all for me, Alex, take it back.
– That blows my mind Jocelyn, some of the most exciting ideas get their start at the Institute of Design at Illinois Tech. With innovation minded designers from Illinois Tech, our future is in good hands. That was fantastic. Thank you again for sharing your story, take care.
Okay everyone, to start us off, let’s meet Julia. She’s a senior studying agricultural business and economics with an emphasis in finance. She comes from a family with deep agricultural roots and uses her life experiences in her leadership role as student body president. She personifies the rich land grant history at this renowned campus. Julia, kick us off.
– Thank you, Alex. Hey, everyone. I grew up on a corn and soybeans farm in DeWitt, Iowa, where my family has been farming since 1854. Making my siblings and I seven generation agriculturalists. I chose Iowa State for the incredible faculty, staff, industry representatives and world class alumni network that complimented my academic interests. Here in Ames, I am a lover of intramural sports, belting out “Sweet Caroline” at football games, enjoying our standup comedy club skits, and exploring our campus greenhouses and nearby botanical garden, Reiman Gardens. This tropical paradise offers an ever changing kaleidoscope of colors, as up to 800 butterflies from nearly 80 species enchant visitors. This year, I am Iowa State University’s student body president. In this role, I work collaboratively with students to uplift students and advance initiatives related to college affordability, equity and inclusion to name a few. For the past three years, I have worked as a group fitness instructor for recreation services where I teach bar and Pilates classes. I’ve also worked in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Career Services Office. Just last year, after a 50 year hiatus, the Iowa State University Creamery was reopened. Providing students with additional food science and entrepreneurship opportunities, the creamery serves fresh, made from scratch ice cream, with flavors that honor Iowa State University history, traditions and people. Pretty sweet, right? Even sweeter yet though, Iowa State University was first chartered as the Iowa State agricultural college and model farm in 1858. Four years later in 1862, the Moral Land Grant Act by Abraham Lincoln, gave states land to use for higher education so anyone could go to school. Including the working class, women and minorities. In the early years of Iowa State students helped pay their way through school by carrying bricks on campus and supporting the construction activities of many of our campus’ historic buildings. In 1906, Iowa State University became the birthplace of extension and outreach. Something we are really proud of. Extension and outreach programs can be found across the United States, helping connect citizens with research. Supporting a rich research and student focus history, Iowa State University ensures safety is a top priority on campus. The Iowa State University Police Department, employs state certified police employed by the university. There are campus officers on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our engagement and inclusion officers have established a formal partnership with the office of diversity and inclusion to increase the opportunities to interact with students. Plus a no additional cost service SafeRide provides secure rides on campus from 6:00 PM to 5:30 AM for students. Here at Iowa State University of Science and Technology, a college education equips students with the knowledge and tools to enjoy their adventure, find their passions and join other Cyclones in creating, sharing and applying knowledge to make Iowa and the world a better place. As we seek to find solutions to the complex global issues we face together, I am encouraged as a member of the Cyclone community to take advantage of the growth opportunities presented through Iowa State University to create lasting positive change in the world around me. 30,000 plus Cyclones, eight colleges, 100 plus majors, 900 plus clubs, one amazing experience. Welcome to Iowa State University. Let’s see what Alex has to say about all that Iowa State has to offer.
– Welcome, indeed. Julia, excellent job showcasing the history and safety of Iowa State. I’m gonna have to stop by the creamery and grab some of that ice cream. I love ice cream, by the way. It’s clear you have a passion for agriculture and the university as a whole. As you said, Iowa State offers incredible opportunities to innovate and make the world a better place. And that is absolutely incredible. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
From inventors to astronauts, to Fortune 500 CEOs, Iowa State students are prepared to take on all kinds of challenges when they graduate. That includes educating and empowering students for those real life experiences. In addition to hosting some of the largest career fairs in the nation. Let’s meet Laura, a senior marketing and management student who is already capitalizing on the internship and career opportunities through Iowa State.
– Hey, Alex! As a futuristic thinker, my mindset coming into college was a little bit different than some. I knew it was more than just getting a degree. And that’s why I chose Iowa State University. This university is not only gonna provide you with the best four years, but the people here are gonna set you up for success for your future endeavors. The main goal is not only to find that major you love and get a degree, but to really find your passions and find that fitting career. I love my majors and researching for future careers. But when it came time for me to apply for a job, I had no idea where to begin. Luckily Iowa State invests and values in student success. With cover letter enhancing, resume building and interview prep. If you’re unsure with your passions or your career path, check out Career Exploration Services. They can help you identify your strengths and a fitting career. At the beginning of every semester, Iowa State holds many career fairs. All students are encouraged to go to start networking. And that’s exactly how I landed my internship last summer with Pepsi Co. My goal was always to work for a Fortune 500 company. And with Iowa State’s resources of interview prep and cover letter enhancing, I was selected. Shortly after being at Pepsi for a couple months, Iowa State alumni reached out to me to congratulate me and offer a helping hand. That’s the power of Cyclones everywhere. A college education is more than just learning skills for a job, it’s about honing in on skills that sets you apart, finding a career path and joining a community of Cyclones that makes Iowa and the world a better place. I can’t wait for what the future holds, but I know I’ll be just fine with the endless support and opportunities that Iowa State has to offer. Let me hear your go Cyclones, Alex!
– Go, Cyclones! Laura, what comes after college is so important. Having a network of over a quarter million living alumni is an incredible resource. Clearly Iowa State has prepared you to be a business leader of tomorrow. Thanks again for sharing.
With six undergraduate colleges plus a graduate college and the College of Veterinarian Medicine, Iowa State offers more than 100 majors for you to pursue. Introducing the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is Rachel, a junior double majoring in agriculture and society and international agriculture. Over to you, Rachel.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, everyone. As I approached my first year of college, I knew that I wanted to continue my involvement in the agricultural industry. I was very involved in 4H and FFA in high school, and I looked forward to furthering my education at Iowa State University. Even as an out of state student, choosing Iowa State was easy. Considering their College of Agriculture and Life Sciences agriculture and forestry program ranks among the top 4% in the world. My experiences at Iowa State have lived up to these expectations. On campus, I serve as an ambassador for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, serve on college’s council, and I’m a campus and national officer for the International Association of Students in Agriculture and Related Sciences. What I truly love about Iowa State is I have the opportunity to further explore my interests in agricultural policy and to connect with other passionate students. Iowa State has also provided me with professional opportunities to further my career after college. Each fall, Iowa State University holds the nation’s largest agricultural career fair. Hosting over 200 companies and organizations. Through the agriculture and live sciences career fair last fall, I was able to obtain a summer internship with Midwest Dairy. Looking forward, I’m excited to continue my involvement on campus and to one day, find myself in a career that impacts agricultural legislation. Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences program prides themselves on a job placement rate of 97% or higher for 23 consecutive years. I can rest assured that I have the tools I need for my future. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Rachel. What a great place to study agriculture and life sciences. We can’t wait to see the impact you’ll have on the world of agriculture. That was awesome, take care.
Okay, now let’s hear from Dr. Jonathan Fox, professor of financial counseling and planning. Iowa State’s faculty and staff create a welcoming environment focused on student success. And its faculty, like Professor Fox who make that happen. Class is in session folks, please take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. Hello, everyone. I came to teach at Iowa State 10 years ago to be part of a truly student centered research university. Every day, we make decisions that are student first. From freshman learning communities to the academic success center, it’s all about the student experience. All of us came here to experience the innovation process. Innovations that change lives for the better. Right in the center of the Iowa State University seal, we read, “Science with Practice”. That’s more than a slogan here, that’s how we live and work. Iowa State faculty and staff are committed to finding new ways to learn, grow and discover with our students. For example, integrated teaching and research laboratories are the norm here on campus. My program in financial counseling and planning has the first in the nation, financial counseling clinic. Which is a teaching and research laboratory where students and faculty get together to practice what we teach. Through a research driven initiative, our office of student financial aid changed their offer process. These research based innovations led to a decrease in average student debt holdings at Iowa State. That’s science with practice. And this is only one of hundreds of examples of the work that faculty and students are doing together. It’s a learning by doing model. One that is time tested here at Iowa State. And perfectly suited for the ever changing world of higher education. What’s next, Alex?
– Wow, incredible to see all the research the faculty and students accomplish here! That hands on approach certainly sets Iowa State apart. And also setting Iowa State apart are the 90 learning communities that connect students with social and learning activities beyond the classroom. Absolutely amazing.
Let’s go back to Biscayne Bay campus to meet Morganne. She is a public relations major who loves spending time on campus. The campuses backyard is the one and only Biscayne Bay, home to programs such as journalism, Marine science, creative writing, and hospitality management. Students brag about the peaceful tranquility that surrounds them while learning and studying. I can’t wait to hear more, Morganne you are on.
Wagwan guys, welcome to FIU BBC. Now, if you love the outdoors, being surrounded by nature, and being directed by the bay, then the FIU Biscayne Bay campus is the place for you. BBC is a 200 acre waterfront campus home to some of FIUS most innovative lab and highest ranked programs. Just like our a main campus, BBC has its own student life, recreation center, library, and of course state of the art student housing that overlooks the bay. Now literally the view is breathtaking. Being at this campus is like being as a mini hotel with activities to help you wind down from a stressful day of courses such as our exciting rope course, kayaking right here on the bay, and of course walking or jogging on our beautiful nature trail. Various programs such as our hospitality management program and the Marine science program are host here at this campus. For you, journalism and communication lover who prefer the hands-on experiences, the Biscayne Bay campus house is a South Florida media network, which also students the opportunity to cover local news and network with professional journalists, and of course FIU alumni. Though my experience was virtual due to the pandemic, BOLD allowed me to have real client experience and a network with some of the best industry professionals. Those of you on the creative side of PR can work with the creative team as a photographer, videographer, or even a graphic design intern for clients. After two semesters in BOLD as an account associate, I got promoted to be an account executive for the upcoming semester and I cannot wait to get started. I got to write my story at the beautiful Biscayne Bay campus, and I can’t wait for you guys to write your story here as well. Back to you Alex.
What a great story Morganne, the student run communications agency is incredible, congratulations on the promotion, cheers Morganne.
Now let’s go over to Leeanne, who is at the student run wine spectator restaurant management lab. Where Panthers learned to think like restaurant owners. Leeanne is a hospitality major who has had her college experience enrich through study abroad programs. She’s gonna talk about her semester at sea. From Columbia to Chile she delighted in local food and engaged in local culture, Leeanne you’re on.
Thank you Alex, hello everyone and welcome to FIU. I knew FIU is where I want to study hospitality because everything is happening here. Miami is known for its hotels, resorts, airlines, cruise lines, restaurants and events. The FIU chaplain school is one of the top 40 hospitality schools in the world. Every year, Miami is hosted to the South Beach Wine and Food Festival. Students volunteer for a variety of positions. We work with sloppy chefs, pour legendary wines, and apply everything we’ve learned to create a memorable experience for the guest. The festival provides students with experience and industry connections. The money raised comes back to the chaplain school of hospitality and tourism management. FIU has recently partnered with Bacardi as part of our food and beverage program. Through this partnership, I was able to intern with Bacardi’s customer marketing and advocacy teams. This began the one of a kind award winning FIU bartenders guild, which holds weekly meetings, and you can earn your certificate in beverage excellence. FIU also has an amazing study abroad program. The idea is to see the world from an international perspective. I got to go on a study at sea, from Columbia, to Ecuador, Peru, and finally Chile. In chile I took a trip through the desert to a vineyard on the edge of the Andes. There glass carmenet in hand, I fell in love with the process of wines and the lands they come from. This trip opened up to me the hospitality world of beverage. FIU also has pod study trips. Last year, I got to go to Las Vegas where we toured iconic resorts like MGM, Caesar’s palace, the cosmopolitan and Southern glaciers. This one-on-one with industry professionals is a real opportunity to gain insight. After the trip, I reached out to one of the presenters and gained a mentor. The approach at FIU is to grow through traveling and sharing experiences. I grew as an individual learning I could take on the world. I developed confidence putting myself into a completely new setting and being open to what it had to teach me. And when I came home, I had a wider vision of possibilities. I hope to do the semester exchange with FIUs partner school, the University of Tanj in China. And I’m definitely going on another pod in the fall. Thank you for letting me share my story, what’s next Alex?
– Thank you for sharing your story Leeanne, your travels have undoubtedly prepared you for a rich career in the hospitality industry and it looks like so much fun, take care.