George Fox University | Academics | Departments | Engineering | Student/Alumni Testimonials

Here's what some of our current and former students have said:

"George Fox enabled me to take engineering further than the classroom. I was granted many opportunities to conduct research in various areas of electrical engineering, both in the summer and during the school year. These special projects gave me an edge when looking for a job, as I had taken many projects from the ground up to a complete working and often complicated electronic device.

"Most employers I have talked to are surprised at how many projects I completed as an undergrad. And the projects were never just theory. The projects were always taken to completion; they were usable devices that you could take home, show others, or put in your portfolio or resume.

"The faculty taught me how to not only understand the mathematics behind a given subject, but always pushed me to apply it by actually building something that closely related to what we were being taught. Faculty also enabled me to work on projects for the department as a workstudy, teaching a lab course, and doing summer research."

Joshua Gerdes, Electrical Engineer, Rockwell Collins, Portland, Ore.
Class of 2007 with a BS in engineering, electrical concentration

"George Fox truly prepares its students for real-world engineering. Through all the lectures and labs, the focus is to teach the students how to solve problems. The skills the students leave with allow them to easily integrate into the work force and quickly became a strong asset for any company.

"With such small class sizes, you really get a chance to know the professors, and the professors get a chance to value you as an individual. This kind of student-professor interaction is not found in large lecture hall settings.

"The engineering professors were very open about their faith. When something was on their heart, they would take a few minutes at the beginning of class to share it with us. I really appreciated this. It showed how they were willing to share their personal lives with us, and in turn, it helped us be open with them."

Melissa Workman, Mechanical/Process Engineer, Xerox Corp., Wilsonville, Ore.
Class of 2004 with a BS in engineering, mechanical concentration

"The engineering program is preparing me not only through the numerous courses but also through the many hands-on projects it offers. The senior project is by far the greatest tool in which to introduce a soon-to-be-graduating engineer to the engineering workforce.

"The program covers so much in its curriculum and has a great student-faculty ratio. The key feature is how the program integrates classroom learning with hands-on projects. The time spent in the machine shop gives students knowledge concerning how basic machining is done in industry so that once they enter the workforce they can relate designs and ideas with how feasible they are to manufacture."

Eric Nolan, Mechanical Engineering Major

"After comparing George Fox to other schools, I would say Fox graduates rank equal if not above in technical and book knowledge. I received very good instruction in all areas of mechanical engineering and gained valuable experience through internships and projects.

"The smaller classes and the ability to have one-on-one teaching distinguishes the program from others. And the fact the university integrates faith with learning taught me not to be intimidated by those with whom I work and to still show my faith."

Jeff Barnes, Design Engineer, A-dec, Newberg, Ore.
Class of 2005 with a BS in engineering, mechanical concentration

"The engineering program at George Fox provides a very unique education experience. Graduates of the program are not just trained to be excellent engineers - they are challenged to realize their potential to provide service to others through the application of their professional training.

"I have been impressed by the innovative and industrious work produced by the students completing their senior projects. The work product of the senior design projects has been consistently excellent.

"The engineering professors at George Fox are living a life of service that does not provide the acclaim or financial rewards they could command working in private industry. These professors are teachers and mentors who care deeply about their students."

Jeremy Huwe, Providence Health & Services Oregon
Engineering Industrial Advisory Board member
Class of 1990 with a BS in applied science
BS Industrial Engineering, MBA