Catholic Polytechnic is a nonprofit Catholic institution of higher education whose mission is to promote the intersection of faith and science as seen through the lens of faithful Catholic teachings. Catholic Polytechnic is the fulcrum at the intersection of Faith and Science seeking to promote and combine a deep quest for scientific, tech, engineering and business expertise with the enduring truths of the Catholic faith.
Catholic Polytechnic presents an opportunity to demonstrate leadership where students, faculty and researchers do not compromise Catholic principles to conduct science and engineering research. Catholic Polytechnic will be a strong voice in a world that often suppresses religious expression.
For centuries, the Catholic Church has been at the forefront of science and technology. Contrary to modern-day popular belief, there are no contradictions between faith and science. In this sense, a faithful Catholic STEM institution can embody how faith and science intermingle to carry on that tradition in the midst of a changing world. The more we learn of the created, the more we learn of our Creator.
Mr. Christopher Plance incorporated Saint Junipero Serra University with the objective of starting a faithful Catholic University in the Los Angeles area. His was the goal of building a Catholic university that is faithful to the Magisterium of the Church. At the same time, Dr. Jennifer Nolan was developing a vision of a polytechnic Catholic University with STEM degrees.
In January, Plance and Nolan joined forces and Saint Junipero Serra University was officially renamed to Catholic Polytechnic University. The name change is a reflection of our objective to establish a faithful Catholic University with the focus on STEM education. At the same time Dr. Jennifer Nolan became Catholic Polytechnic University's first president.
Catholic Polytechnic University's leadership team met with Los Angeles Archbishop Jose' Gomez and received his approval, blessing, and letter of support.
In the midst of the pandemic, CPU offered the inaugural cybersecurity certificate class. The course received positive feedback and therefore demonstrated CPU's readiness for both online and in-person instruction.
After two years of hard work building out the curriculum and infrastructure, CPU formally submitted the licensing application package to the Bureau for Private and Post-Secondary Education (BPPE) for permission to become a university and offer B.S. and M.S. degrees in Computer Science.
With the board of directors' approval, CPU launches subsidiary Catholic Polytechnic Institute with focus on conducting science and engineering research in cutting edge areas, such as high performance computing, meta learning cognition, cybersecurity, and quantum computing.
CPU received formal approval from the Bureau for Private Postsecondary Education (BPPE) to offer a Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in Computer Science.
CPU will open its doors to welcome the first B.S. and M.S. class.
- Formation of Young Catholics in Faith...and Science Inside the Vatican Magazine, March-April, 2021.
- Forming a massive hub of Catholic intellectual thought In the Forum with Sheila Liaugminas, Episode 22. February 24, 2021.
- Women in Science Day The Drew Mariani Show on Relevant Radio, February 19, 2021.
- The Catholic Current Podcasts July 18, 2019, and Jan 27, 2021.
- Integrating Faith & Science at Catholic Polytechnic University Inside the Vatican Magazine, October 13, 2020.
- The Catholic Polytechnic University Will Start by Launching a Cybersecurity Course this Fall IBL News, July 2, 2020.
- Undivided Intention with Jeff Schiefelbein on Guadalupe Radio Network, September 20, 2020.
- Can a scientist and homeschool mom build a college? Purpose Nation Podcast, Episode 27 - February 21, 2020.
- Catholic Polytechnic University with Jennifer Nolan, Ph.D. Wordnet Productions, February 10, 2020.
- The Executive Disciple, episodes #42, January 16, 2020 and #43, January 22, 2020.
- New Catholic University: Faith and Science - STEM Degree Programs at Catholic Polytechnic University Catholic Business Journal Daily, September 30, 2019.
- Who Needs a Catholic Polytechnic University? We Do! The Catholic Current July 18, 2019.
Catholic Polytechnic is led by one of our founders and current president, Dr. Jennifer Nolan. She is supported by the Vice President of Operations, Mr. Jeff Hilger and CPI's director and professor of computer science, Dr. John Tran.
The CPU leadership team with Most Reverend Jose' H. Gomez, the Archbishop of Los Angeles, and his staff
Catholic Polytechnic is governed by a board of directors, consisting of Rev. Dr. Richard Erikson, Mr. Jeff Hilger, Esq., Mr. Peter McNally, Dr. Jennifer Nolan, Mr. Christopher Plance, Mr. Michael Stefanini, and Dr. John Tran. While accomplished in their own rights, they are deeply committed to promoting research and a STEM education that is rooted in Catholic teachings and in sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ.
We are grateful to the wonderful advisory board who freely donate their time and expertise to the formation of Catholic Polytechnic: Mr. Anthony Beata, Dr. Marcus Birkenkrahe, Mr. David Costanzo, Dr. Jacqueline Curiel, Mr. Dan Davis, J.D., Dr. Edward Feser, Dr. Joseph Henderson, Dr. Kathleen Gilpin, Dr. Daniel Kuebler, Mr. Hugh Macken, Dr. Jim Monaghan, Bishop David G. O'Connell, Rev. Dr. Joachim Ostermann, Mr. Jerome Placido, Mrs. Heather Stefanini, and Mrs. Nora Urrea.
For more information about Catholic Polytechnic, follow us on , drop us a note at info@catholicpolytechnic.org, or subscribe to our mailing list for the latest news and announcements.
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