The Office of Campus Life is proud to present the finalists for the 2011 Homecoming Court. You can vote for your favorites February 17 and 18. Vote on Thursday in the Student Union from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and in the dorms from 8 to 10 p.m. Vote on Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Student Union. The winners will be announced at halftime of the men's basketball game on Saturday, February 19. The game begins at 5:15 p.m. in Antelope Gym.
Grand Canyon University Homecoming Court 2011
Maggie Lind
Junior, Elementary Education
Maggie runs cross country for the 'Lopes and serves as a RA at North Rim Apartments. She loves being involved with campus life and getting to know new students. When she is not busy on campus she loves to spend time with her family and friends doing anything active in the Arizona sunshine. Whether she is hiking, running or playing golf Maggie is always sure to keep her 'lopes up!
Anthony Whitlach
Junior, Christian Studies
Anthony is a member of the GCU men's soccer team. He went to Germany last summer for a mission trip and is going to India this summer. His favorite food is Mexican and his favorite movie is "Cool Runnings."
Caiti Hoffman
Senior
Caiti hails from Gilbert, Ariz. She is a member of the GCU swim team. Caiti likes to sleep, be outside in the sun, watch her weekly shows with her roommates, bake and sew. Her three idols are Oprah, Tyra and Beyonce.
Ben Paneccasio
Senior, Exercise Science
Ben came to GCU from Sydney, Australia. In 2010 he was voted the Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year and Preseason First-Team All-PacWest. In 2009 Ben was named PacWest Goalkeeper of the Year and Newcomer of the Year, as well as First-Team All-PacWest. In his time at GCU he established a school record for most shutouts in one season and lowest goals-against average in a season.
Samantha Murphy
Senior, Pre-Physical Therapy
Upon graduating this spring Samantha plans on attending PA School this summer. In addition Samantha has served as the treasurer for the GCUAZHOSA chapter, has dedicated herself to learning and has helped tutor other students in class. Samantha is an All-America candidate on the GCU women's basketball team. For a second straight year, she earned the Pacific West Conference Female Scholar Athlete Award and was selected Pacific West Conference Player of the Year. Samantha became the program’s all-time leading scorer on Feb. 21, 2010.
Dan Ballenger
Senior, Emergency Management and Public Safety
Dan Ballenger intends to use his degree to follow his father and older brother as a firefighter. He came to GCU to play on the Men's Volleyball team and did so for the first two years of the program's existence. Dan is involved on campus as a tutor, student leader, intramural referee, MC for the basketball games, and of course, is the crazy leader of the Black Hole. Dan has an older sister who graduated from GCU's online nursing program in 2009 and also has a younger brother, Mikey, who is a freshman at GCU.
Kristi Girdley
Senior, Psychology
Kristi plays basketball for the 'Lopes, and is blessed to have met all the people she has through playing. Kristi is also a Life Leader on campus in the North Rim Apartments; being a Life Leader has been one of her favorite experiences while being at GCU. At home in southern California, Kristi has two older brothers and a younger sister. She is also looking to pursue a Master's Degree after graduation.
Tyler Bhirdo
Junior, Business Entrepeneurship
Tyler is involved in many different activities here at school. He has been on the men’s swimming team for the last three years and has also been a RA in Hegel Hall for the past two years. He loves to work on cars and is always willing to help someone in need. One of his favorite things to do is to hang out with his friends and enjoy living life with them. Tyler’s plans after school include starting his own customs shop for cars and trucks and being his own boss.
