Next, let me introduce you to Charles. He’s a senior industrial engineering major and is part of the Champion Formula racing team right in the heart of the UTA campus. These mavericks feel the need for speed every year since 1982. Students with UTA Racing design and build a formula race car that competes in the International Formula SAE Racing Series against universities from across the globe. Earlier this week, I got the chance to hang out with Charles and learn all about it. Have a watch. How awesome is this, Charles? This is awesome.
– So Formula SAE for Society of Automotive Engineers, it is a student led design competition where the students actually get to build, design and actually raise a formula style car. So throughout UTA’s history and 1982 is when we built our first formula SAE car, and every year since we built a brand new one and in total 11 championship wins, three being in the UK, Japan, and Australia.
– Unbelievable man.
– Lemme go show you some more.
– Yeah, let’s do it. You all are building these formula cars from the ground up.
– Every year we start right here in this room designing each component from the ground up, putting it in CAD, just to see how the overall product’s gonna look before we actually manufacture it.
– I mean it, it looks so complicated, Charles, right?
– It’s very scary at first, my first week in this, I was terrified, but few years in now I’m the chief engineer. Everything’s just so clear to me and I feel like I can build anything.
– Incredible.
– You wanna go see the garage?
– Yeah, I’d love to. So how many students are part of this program?
– So we’ll get around 20 to 30 full team members every year, and what’s awesome about that is they’ll come from all sorts of different majors, engineering, nursing, arts, biochem, you name it, and they’re actually able to use all of these different backgrounds and implement them into a real life project, which is great.
– Yeah, and that’s kind of look great on the resume.
– It does, there’s not many organizations that allow you to apply what you learn into a classroom, into a real life company essentially. So this is amazing for students.
– That’s so cool.
– You wanna go see ’em run?
– I’d love to.
– Let’s go look.
– This has to be the coolest club at the University of Texas, Arlington.
– Yes, it’s yes,
– It’s awesome. Thank you, Charles for having me join you and the team here on campus. These cars are incredible and so is UTA Racing. Their team of student engineers and drivers is one of the most successful in the series history with eight US championships and three more abroad. This is the “Maverick Factor” in action. Thank you Charles for showing us around. That was absolutely incredible. Take care.
Another maverick with a great story is Courtney, a sophomore from Balch Springs, Texas, majoring in interdisciplinary studies. Courtney is Terry scholar, which is a scholarship program for students who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement, and financial need. Each year, UTA offers more than $500 million in financial aid and scholarships to help students achieve their academic dreams. Take it away, Courtney. ♪ Huh huh huh huh ♪ ♪ Huh huh huh huh ♪
– Thanks Alex, and hello everyone. Like any other graduating senior from high school, I was concerned about the college life, how I would afford to attend, could I find my people and would I be accepted? Then I received a full ride scholarship to UTA through the Terry Foundation, which opened the doors to my success and a meaningful freshman experience. The Terry Foundation is the largest scholarship provider in the state of Texas, impacting over 500,000 scholars and their families since 1987. The key tenets of the foundation are leadership and service. We make it our priority to give back. Through the annual UTA Terry Toy Drive, I helped raise nearly $2,600 for 1500 impoverished children in the Arlington community. It was moments like these that brought meaning to my freshman year, and the friendships that I made through the foundation are something that I will always cherish. Coming to UTA has been a great decision for me. My professors showed that they are invested in my professional and personal development and gives me assurance that I belong here, which makes me feel seen and welcomed. Now let’s talk about food. I love, love, love to eat, and here at UTA, our dining services are inclusive to all. One of my favorite spots to eat at is the Connection Cafe in the University Center where one of our chefs hosts a teaching kitchen where students can build their own entree and learn about the history behind the dish they are making. Now to burn off extra calories, I go to the Maverick Activity Center, which has everything from 90 plus pieces of cardio equipment, four circuit training units, and a free weight area all the way to a 25 yard indoor pool, and much more. A typical day in the Mac with me starts with cardio, then weightlifting. You know, a brother has to stay strong. I know that I am in great hands and will achieve great things at UTA, and I can’t wait to explore everything else UTA has to offer. That’s it for me. Take it away, Alex. Oh, and let me know if you wanna grab some tacos afterwards. I’m always down the eat.
– Great story Courtney, future mavericks. Make sure to look into the Blaze Forward program, which covers the full cost of your tuition and course fees for students who meet all eligibility requirements, including if your family yearly income is less than $85,000. Blaze Forward is making college more affordable for more than 4,000 UTA students each year. Unbelievable. Thanks again, Courtney.
Let’s hear from Iman. She’s an architecture major from Frisco, Texas who thinks that architecture isn’t just about designing buildings, but about creating art. She also is an avid explorer of UTA’s 420 acres and a 100 campus buildings, and wants to share with us some of our favorite spots. Take us on a tour Iman.
– Thanks Alex, what’s up y’all? When I was a senior in high school looking for colleges, it was essential that I found a school that had a unique environment, fostering growth and human connection. When I toured UTA, I found just that in every corner of campus. As an architecture student, I’ve always had an interest in creativity and problem solving. UTA’s College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, CAPPA for short, has a curriculum that helps students interested in the field further develop their passion into a skill and a career. With a strong focus on design, I was able to begin thinking about architecture beyond just buildings, but as an art form, a philosophy that is woven into everyday life. On top of all that CAPPA also has many programs whose sole purpose is to prepare each student for their future career. CAPPA’s American Institute of Architecture Students chapter is constantly networking and holding events that connect architecture and interior design students with the vibrant community around them. Luckily for us Mavericks, UTA is located well within the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex allowing over 10,000 students to live on or around campus. When such a diverse population comes together on a campus with more than 400 acres and over a 100 buildings, it creates an inspiring and lively environment that students of any major can thrive in. When I have time to relax and sketch, my favorite spot on campus is our university administration building. It has a peaceful and relaxing patio space with so many trees and the water installation. The community and opportunities that I found once I came to UTA exceeded my expectations and I’m so glad that I decided to pursue my dreams here. You should check it out too, Alex.
– Thanks Iman. UTA has some areas of true beauty on its campus and we’re so glad you helped spotlight some of them. And with leading programs in architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and more, UTA graduates are responsible for creating beautiful spaces across Texas and beyond. Keep it up mavericks.
Let’s hear from Brooke, a senior Nursing major hailing from just down the road in Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania. College is about so much more than going to class, making friends and joining clubs, and organizations. It’s about figuring out how you wanna live your life. GMercyU’s unique program called the Griffin Edge will help you set the right course. Tell us more, Brooke.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Like many of you, I kinda knew what I wanted to do, but I wasn’t really sure how to go about it. I was very lucky to have a great high school mentor who led me to Gwynedd Mercy University and its awesome nursing program. One of my favorite things about GMercyU is the ability to get involved. I’m currently the president of GMercyU’s chapter of the American Association of University Women. We raise funds and awareness for different issues within the community on a local and global scale. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with government officials and been a part of important university decision-making. It’s provided philanthropic fulfillment and helped me make lifelong friends and mentors. My involvement ties in really well with the 5 E’s of the Griffin Edge and has created a great school-life balance. I get to enjoy time with friends and make a difference in the world. GMercyU has a plethora of clubs and events to participate in. Don’t see a club that peaks your interest, no problem. You can create one. At GMercyU, I’ve been able to do things I really care about and get support along the way. Over the summer, I studied abroad in Ireland and I’m also an organizer for an event called Take Back the Night, which focuses on spreading awareness for sexual and domestic violence. I was even featured on the news discussing it. These amazing experiences fill me up and will help me make a difference when I graduate. I’m proud to say that I’m a Griffin. The life experience that I’ve gained is priceless. Regardless of the reasons you become a part of the GMercyU family, you’ll take much more than just a degree. Back to you, Alex.
– Brooke, thank you for sharing more about your distinctive Mercy experience. Your commitment to your community is what being a GMercyU Griffin is all about. All the experience you gained through the Griffin Edge program will certainly set you apart after graduation. Thank you.
Let’s hear from Mike, a member of GMercyU’s baseball team, majoring in Sport Management. Playing sports in college requires a lot of commitment and time management, but most student athletes wouldn’t have it any other way. For Mike, being immersed in sports, on and off the field is a winning combination and he’s made some amazing friends along the way. You’re out, Mike.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up, sports was my passion. When looking for the right school, I wanted two things. First, to pursue a career in sports and second to continue playing baseball. Gwynedd Mercy University had everything I was looking for. Gwynedd Mercy University is committed to delivering a rich experience for both academic and competitive excellence. Providing athletes with great amenities like new athletic complexes, a fitness center and athletic trainers to ensure success during competition. When I first started, I was nervous that playing a sport would interfere with my academic performance. Balancing athletics and academics can be really challenging. However, coaches often set up tutoring and study sessions for their athletes, providing them with support to thrive in the classroom. Being a student athlete has made my college experience far more amazing than I imagined. The most notable aspect is the people you meet and the friends you make. Playing sports in college takes bonding to the next level. As part of the baseball team, I’ve made lifelong friendships and my teammates are now my family. As a student, I’ve had many volunteer opportunities with Gwynedd Mercy University’s Sport Business Association, which I’m a founding member of, we collected and donated over $2,000 worth of sporting equipment for leveling the playing field, a nonprofit organization that provides kids from low-income communities, the chance to engage in youth sports through the collection and distribution of used or extra sporting equipment. Gwynedd Mercy University has prepared me immensely to excel in my future career. The connections I made in the sport management program have helped me get my foot in the door in the industry and achieve an internship with the Philadelphia Phillies. I hope to continue using their resources and connections to get a full-time job in the sports industry after graduation. That’s all from me, throwing it back to you, Alex.
– Giving back to the community is a huge part of being a GMercyU Griffin, and student athletes are always ready to step up to the plate. Coaches know that students who do well in the classroom also do well in the field. That extra support you mentioned is all part of the game plan. Thanks, Mike.
Let’s go to Sean, a senior in GMercyU’s 3+2 Bachelors and Masters Program for Occupational Therapy. Whether students choose to live in the residence halls or commute to campus, Griffins find their home away from home at GMercyU. The warm and inclusive campus allows students to be themselves and find friends that last a lifetime. Tell us more, Sean.
– Thank you, guys. I’ll see you later. Thanks, Alex. Deciding on a college can be stressful, but GMercyU made the process stress-free and simple. My mom is a GMercyU graduate and seeing firsthand how much she benefited from her time here, I knew this institution would be the right fit for me. Knowing I wanted to be an occupational therapy practitioner, it was important for me to find a program that stood out from the rest. Our unique occupational science undergraduate degree is more than just a program. It’s a pathway to success in occupational therapy graduate school. Not many schools offer this, but here, we’re preparing for the future. At GMercyU education, is more than just learning skills for a job. It’s about learning how to be a good person who makes a difference in their community. GMercyU fosters a meaningful educational experience where I’ve discovered the immense positive impact this community has on its students, and I knew I had to be involved. I’m president of our world renowned choir, the Voices of Gwynedd… ♪ A spirit faithful put us in God’s presence ♪ ♪ In mercy… ♪ A member of our Student Occupational Therapy Association and a Resident Assistant. Living on campus provides me with opportunity to be independent and discover who I am while finding my home away from home. I’ve lived on campus throughout my entire time here and I’ve met so many new people. The residence halls at GMercyU are more than just living spaces. They’re nurturing grounds for student growth. Being able to foster this environment as a resident assistant is something I take great pride in. Being able to immerse myself in GMercyU’s community has been nothing but beneficial since day one. I have no doubt that when I graduate, I’ll be prepared to enter the workforce as an occupational therapist with distinct skills both personally and professionally, shaped by my time here at Gwynedd Mercy University. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks for sharing your story, Sean. Loyola Hall is home to first year students and new amenities like A/C in every single room and superfast Wi-Fi. Next up, is a new quad area where students can hang out. There’s no place like home, but GMercyU is a close second. Thanks again.
Say hello to Alex, a sophomore Occupational Science major and Psychology minor. There are endless opportunities to get involved and have fun at GMercyU, whether it’s cheering on one of their NCAA Division III teams, participating in a club or creating your own, or simply just hanging out. Life is a GMercyU Griffin, is sweet. Tell us more, Alex.
– Thank you, Alex. As a nurse, my mother inspired me to help others to enter the healthcare field, so I knew when I graduated high school, whatever college I picked will be one that valued helping people and Gwynedd Mercy University was that college for me. Thanks to my outgoing personality, I flourished at GMercyU. I joined many clubs, organizations such as Residence Hall Association, Black Student Union, Alpha Lambda Delta and Student Government Association. I’m also a fellow on the track and field team. A fellow Griffin once told me, there’s always something to do on campus and that’s the truth. There’s all kinds of activities throughout the year, such as lectures, musical performances, athletic events, and more. Here at GMercyU, we enjoy different celebrations from various cultures. The Office for Student Engagement plans many events such as the Fall Festival and Christmas Tree Lighting where students can bring family and friends, have a good time. The Student Athlete Advisory Committee also has many events that go on during the year, such as Mr. Griffin, which is a talent contest for student athletes, whereas yours truly won and became Mr. Griffin of the Year. If you visited campus, you may have seen me around as I’m also a Griffin Ambassador, giving tours to future Griffins and welcoming families during our open houses has been a great pleasure. And next year, I’m excited to become a resident assistant to help others in our residence halls. When I start at GMercyU, I never thought I was going to gain such a unique experience. I met people from different ethnicities, religions, and backgrounds. I learned so much about others, their stories and why they chose GMercyU. And I’m excited to continue to learn and become a better version of myself as I grow at Gwynedd Mercy University. Back to you, Alex.
– There’s never a dull moment on GMercyU’s Campus, as evidenced by Alex’s very busy schedule. And if there isn’t something you wanna do on campus that day, you can take a quick train ride to Philly to explore or head up the movie theater and shops right down the road. Thanks again, Alex.
Julia, a senior Nursing student is gonna tell us about how she found her place at GMercyU. Choosing where to go to college is always a big decision, but it’s especially challenging when you’re moving to a place that’s more than 3,000 miles away from where you’ve lived your whole life. Tell us more, Julia.
– Thanks, Alex. I knew I wanted become a nurse ever since my first anatomy class. I struggled in school and every moment felt like work until I discovered my passion. From then on, I chased my dreams. Although the coursework was challenging, it never felt like a burden because I continued wanting to learn more. I followed that dream all the way across the country here to Gwynedd Mercy University. Originally from Orange County, California, I often get asked, “Why here and why Gwynedd?” Honestly, the answer didn’t become clear until my first semester. Initially, I came to Gwynedd on a leap of fate, seeking something different from the life I had known since I was a baby. Gwynedd’s nursing program appealed to me because of its summer fast track program for sophomores, which was intense, but satisfying. I learned that learning truly begins outside of your comfort zone. I was terrified to move across the country away from all my family and friends to pursue my dream, but all those fears instantly melted away when I first set foot on campus and saw my name nicely printed on a welcome sign. As I continue, I just feel more at home as people continue to make me feel safe and seen. I’ve never made such deep connections so quickly than I have here at Gwynedd. Despite being an introvert, making friends is easy, especially living in the dorms. There’s such a sense of community and I wouldn’t have met my roommate had I chosen to live elsewhere. The environment at GMercyU challenges me every day. Yet, I’m surrounded by people who genuinely care about each other. I can honestly say that I found my fit here at GMercyU. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Julia. Moving clear across the country is a huge decision and it’s great to hear how well it has been working out for you. Feeling seen and heard, and finding that strong sense of community is a major part of what it means to be a Griffin. Thanks for sharing your story, Julia.
Let’s hear from Jonathan, a senior Computer Information Science major who knows a thing or two about technology and innovation. GMercyU has been a leader in innovation for more than seven decades. From its artificial intelligence lab to immersive nursing simulation spaces and real-time stock training room. Students across all majors are exposed to state-of-the-art technology. Take it away, Jonathan.
– Thanks for the introduction, Alex. What’s up everybody? I’m a transfer student returning to college to complete my degree in Computer Information Science or CIS with a concentration in cybersecurity. Before deciding to continue my education at GMercyU, I was pursuing a potential career as an ironworker. When deciding to return to college, I was on the hunt for a school that would give me a solid cybersecurity education. GMercyU was a standout option for a number of reasons. As a transfer student with good grades, I received a transfer scholarship that made it easier for me to attend at GMercyU. What really impressed me was the hands-on approach to teaching technology at GMercyU. Over the past year, my fellow students in the CIS program and I, have worked on projects involving a Quadruped Robot Dog and participated in research conferences on topics including artificial intelligence, 3D printing and computer forensics. Innovation does not end there at GMercyU. Innovative technologies are used by all majors, including the stock ticker room for finance students and the nursing simulation labs. GMercyU is a great choice for any degree because its primary focus is on preparing students for the workforce regardless of major. This is reflected in my own course of study, which incorporates opportunities for certifications and certificates. It’s no surprise that nearly 100% of recent graduates secure employment or pursue graduate studies within six months of graduation. With my own graduation right around the corner, I’m looking forward to putting my skills to good use, protecting people all over the country from cyber threats known and unknown. I’m always gonna have fond memories of my time here. That’s my time, everyone. Back to you, Alex.
– GMercyU’s commitment to preparing students for the future is apparent. In fact, the new Francis M. McGuire Healthcare Innovation Campus is a place where students from many different majors come together and learn to care for and advocate for patients, and to address the next great need in healthcare. Thanks, Jonathan.
Next up is Katie, a junior at Gwynedd Mercy University, majoring in Biology. Katie is gonna tell us more about why she chose GMercyU and how the faculty have inspired and supported her to pursue her passions, including a chance to conduct valuable research as an undergrad student. Tell us more, Katie.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everybody. I’ve known that I wanted to be a doctor since I was in eighth grade when I realized that I could unite my passion for science and love of helping others into one epic career. Throughout my educational journey and experience working as an EMT, I’ve discovered that this path is my true calling. What sets GMercyU apart is their unwavering support in every single student. Here, you’re not just a number. You’re an individual with limitless potential to create real change. During labs and lectures, I’m comfortable asking questions, engaging in related discussion, and understanding reactions and experiments on a level much deeper than just following a manual. For instance, in our ecology lab, we had the amazing opportunity to explore and study diverse creek sites located in a beautiful local park right behind our campus. This hands-on experience allowed us to analyze and understand the various factors that influence our community’s biodiversity, deepening our connection with a natural environment. Us biology majors are also lucky to have many resource opportunities open and available to us. Over the summer, I conducted research with Dr. Maria Winters where we conducted cancer therapy-based research using organic alternative keto reductases. We enantioselectively synthesized potent chiral IDO inhibitors to target the otherwise over expressing tumor cells. GMercyU has opened countless opportunities for me to get involved in leadership programs and discussions, which has made me a more well-rounded individual capable of making real change in the world. These types of connections are an incredibly rare opportunity that open so many doors for career growth. GMercyU has so much to offer in every aspect of what an excellent education should have. From the intricacies of our coursework to the unending support from faculty, GMercyU harbors pristine individuals with boundless minds and limitless hearts. Back to you, Alex.
– Katie, thank you for shedding light on GMercyU’s strong reputation for academics and the support GMercyU Griffins receive from professors to achieve their personal and professional goals. You are definitely more than just a number here at GMercyU and it shows you all the incredible work students like you are doing. Thanks again.