Archive for November, 2015

The evolution of Thunder has been remarkable, indeed. Grand Canyon University’s spirit leader, who started out as a purple blob in 1980, has transformed into a handsome devil with tons of talent, a multitude of muscles and dance moves that Justin Timberlake would do well to learn. Bar none, Thunder is the most popular guy on campus. Here’s a look at his amazing metamorphosis.

More peace is never a bad thing, but it is especially a blessing in these times with the hectic holidays approaching and the world on edge. Peace is the theme of this weekend’s winter concerts by the College of Fine Arts and Production’s Dance Department. “Pacem in Terris,” or “Peace on Earth,” featuring the artistic talents of GCU’s faculty, guest artists and students, will be at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday in Ethington Theatre.

Ho ho ho! It’s holiday shopping time at the Lope Shop starting Monday, after Black Friday has come and gone. For each of five days, the shop is featuring a separate seasonal special, just in time for students, faculty and staff to stock up before Christmas.

Check out the new Christmas merchandise at the GCU Lope Shop on Lopes Way:

GCU discusses its strong Christian heritage foundation, its status as a Christian university, and the extension of employee benefits to same-sex couples

Grand Canyon University is in the process of acquiring a nearby apartment complex that had fallen into disrepair and is helping the residents find alternative housing in the neighborhood. After declining the opportunity to purchase Serrano Village Apartments, at 2828 W. Camelback Road, on multiple occasions over the past two years, GCU agreed on Oct. 27 to acquire the property after it learned that residents had been given notice to vacate the premises by Dec. 1 so that major repairs involving mechanical, water and sewer problems could occur. “Our students have a history of ministering to the residents of Serrano Village, most of whom are refugees from other parts of the world,” said GCU President Brian Mueller. “We didn’t want to see them displaced without any assistance or have the property fall into the hands of an absentee owner who might allow for the potential of a criminal element on the property that didn’t previously exist.” Regardless of whether or not it completes the acquisition, GCU immediately provided $100,000 in relocation assistance funds to ensure that every family at Serrano Village is provided the necessary resources to make a smooth transition into a new residence that meets each family’s specific […]

By Laurie Merrill GCU News Bureau Separating faith from work is no easier than separating gender or ethnicity from work, Dr. Daisy Savarirajan told about 75 Grand Canyon University faculty during a “Lunch and Learn” session Friday. “I can’t separate one from the other,” said Savarirajan, a College of Science, Engineering and Technology microbiology instructor. “When I’m serving the students, I’m serving Christ.” Savarirajan discussed “Christ in the Classroom” during one of a series of peer-led talks about assimilating faith into teaching. The sessions are part of GCU’s Integration of Faith, Learning and Work initiative under Dr. Jason Hiles, College of Theology dean. She referenced John 4:35, which reads, “ … look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” This refers to people who would have eternal life in His kingdom, she said. “I see this campus as a field that is ready for harvest.” Teaching microbiology gives her the context for God’s calling, which is to save lives. Focusing on one’s true calling, or the big picture, gives work meaning, Savarirajan said. Otherwise it can feel demeaning, discouraging or draining. She believes her purpose in the classroom is to represent Christ and allow God’s spirit to work in her. She also uses […]

GCU Public Safety officers Danny Ryan (left) and Enrique Pallares aren’t about to let anyone abscond with the Golden Turkey Trophy the Peoria office proudly displays in its lobby. Peoria has raised the most money in turkeys and cash for the University’s Battle of the Turkeys to benefit the Big Give Turkey Drive for the Salvation Army for the past four years, and the folks there are going for a fifth. They’ve issued a challenged to fellow Lopes on the main campus and other office sites to just try to beat them. Turkeys/cash are due at noon Tuesday.

It was a win-win-win day Thursday for GCU’s College of Education when alumna Christine Marsh was named the 2016 Arizona Teacher of the Year, and two other alumni placed in the top five finalists for the prestigious award. Marsh, an English teacher at Chaparral High in Scottsdale, was joined in the winner’s circle at the Arizona Educational Foundation’s awards ceremony at the Arizona Biltmore by Angelia Ebner and Beth Snyder. All three have master’s degrees from GCU.