Jon Stolpe, P.E. '94

B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Do you feel like you made any concessions to come to a school that is reasonably priced?
I do not at all feel like I made any concessions to come to a school that is reasonably priced. In fact, I feel extremely blessed to have made Grove City College my choice for post high school education. My education was unbelievable, and I know without a doubt that the College prepared me for the career opportunities I have faced so far.

How was your faith been strengthened and perhaps even challenged during your time here?
My experience at Grove City College strengthened my faith. I was challenged to look at the world through a Christian worldview by the rigorous Humanities curriculum. The weekly chapel services along with other large group gatherings gave me further opportunity to grow my faith while I was a student. And my experiences in smaller groups – especially through dorm life – were extremely instrumental in making my faith my own.

How do the academics challenge students to think on a deeper level about the world and life in general?
Grove City’s academics weren’t just there to make me “book smart.” I came away from my academic experience with a perspective and desire to contribute to my world. Grove City College challenged me to connect the world with my learning. My senior design project was focused on using engineering principles to positively impact our environment. The humanities curriculum challenged me to come at the world from a Christian, biblical perspective.

What are some of the ways that professors ensure that students not only receive information but truly learn and understand how to apply that information?
In the engineering program, my professors worked alongside me in the laboratories to make sure I was gaining an understanding of the key pieces of information I was encountering. In addition, classroom assignments were intentionally designed by the professors to ensure I was really learning the material taught in the classroom.

What is your favorite aspect of Grove City College?
My absolute favorite thing about Grove City College is that I met my wife here. I know I am not alone in being grateful for the community of Christian students.

What are some of the things you do during your free time either on or off campus?
The campus is beautiful, so it wasn’t uncommon for me to find a place to study somewhere on campus either in a building or outside. I spent a lot of time playing basketball in the IM room, and I spent a lot of time hanging out in the dorm. Off campus, my favorite places included Rachel’s Roadhouse and McConnell’s Mill State Park.

Learn more about Grove City College's B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

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