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April 2011 | Volume 5, Issue 4
Serving the World by Design
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How does Seattle Pacific University know that its students are, in fact, learning?
Many academic programs across campus, including Engineering, are using outcome-based approaches and hands-on scholarship to deepen their students' understanding of topics.
"We have a lot of applied projects," says Elaine Scott, professor of engineering and director of engineering programs at SPU. "Starting with freshmen all the way through senior design projects, applied learning and open-ended projects are fully integrated into our academics."
The projects help to connect academic theory with real-world challenges.
For instance, concerned about the number of deaths worldwide caused by unclean drinking water, electrical engineering major Devyn Byrnes and his classmates used the ancient principle of an Archimedes' screw to create a modern-day solution: an inexpensive hydroelectric water purifier designed for contaminated waterways in developing countries.
It's all part of SPU's efforts to train students to identify problems and apply what they are learning to serve the world. Read more.
Stellar Investments
Dean Kato's job as director of sales for Esterline Control Systems keeps him traveling around the world. But he still finds time to support SPU in multiple ways.
When he's not in Japan or Brazil, Kato serves as a mentor, a member of the SPU Engineering Department's advisory board, a member of Parent Council, an employer, and a member of the President's Circle.
Why does Kato -- who is the father of two SPU students -- give so much to Seattle Pacific University?
"I believe we are losing ground in the U.S. to other countries who are investing more in the education of their future workforce," says Kato. "I believe that SPU is successful in creating not only stellar future employees, but, more importantly, people who holistically can have a positive impact on their community. I enjoy being able to play a small part in that."
Learn more in this Q&A.
Dean Kato and SPU engineering graduates discuss the value of an SPU education. Watch the video.
In the Loop Recommends
Do you have a student who is involved with the arts, whether as an academic major or as a hobby? Then Lingua, SPU's student-led arts organization, might be a good fit. For nearly two decades, the group has shown that SPU isn't kidding around when it comes to the arts. But the real beauty of the group is found in more than the paintings, poems, musical pieces, and journal it helps to produce. Learn more.
Read more at In the Loop online.
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