Archive for June, 2016

GCU News Bureau The call went out at Grand Canyon University: Volunteers were needed for two Habitat for Humanity project dates. Just like that, three groups — two from Athletics, one from the College of Doctoral Studies — responded despite temperatures that were soaring into the 110s. One of the Athletics groups included Karri Vaught, wife of Vice President of Athletics Mike Vaught, and the other was composed of members of the women’s basketball team, detailed here. The Doctoral team included 24 volunteers who, according to Doctoral Specialist Alyssa Berneche, “were truly grateful to be able to help out a family in need.”        

Nine GCU students had the opportunity this spring to travel to the Dominican Republic, where they received field experience, learned a new culture and found their spiritual calling. Each student had a different, life-changing experience, especially one who was baptized while he was there.

There are big things happening in GCU’s Career Services department. Not only did it host, for the first time, the Arizona Statewide Career Services Conference on Thursday, it also is being assimilated into every college at the University. “We really want to make sure that the students are prepared not just academically, but also spiritually, socially and professionally,” adviser Marette Hahn said.

Dr. Randy Gibb, dean of the Colangelo College of Business, is addressing master’s students this week about Conscious Capitalism, which he has made the centerpiece of the CCOB philosophy. It’s important that they hear the message, he said, before they go out into the business world.

By Aysha Bell GCU Career Services In today’s global market, companies suddenly can lose revenue and be subject to swift fluctuations in leadership and organizational structure. Oftentimes, staff suffer the consequences of these changes, one of the most severe being loss of employment. I am well-aware of this phenomenon and have personally been through two layoffs in my own career and know layoffs can be devastating, especially when there is little or no prior notice. However, a layoff is not career-ending and, with the right attitude and proper course of action, can open doors of opportunity. Below are steps I found helpful when I experienced an unexpected loss of employment. Connect with others While it is tempting to isolate yourself and sulk in disappointment after a layoff, resist the urge to do so! Connect with other individuals to avoid pessimistic thoughts. Here are a few great ideas: Volunteer with community and civic organizations Take a class for leisure or to increase skills Join a job club or a local support group Getting involved and interacting with others is beneficial because it gives you new perspective, allows you to “fill the gap” of employment on your resumé and might help you […]

You want GCU enthusiasm? Just spend a few minutes with Dr. Theodus “Theo” Luckett III, who graduated from the College of Doctoral Studies in April and estimates he has convinced about 40 other people, including his wife, to make this their university of choice. He is particularly effusive in his praise of the Doctoral Community Network, which he called “the main reason why I was able to complete the doctoral program.”

GCU’s Career Services department has tackled a lot of big assignments in recent years, and it has another one Thursday — it is host of the Arizona Statewide Career Services Conference. Dr. Deb Wade, GCU’s vice president of counseling and psychological services, will be one of the keynote speakers for the event, which will bring together more than 80 professionals from colleges around the state.

STEM campers at GCU this summer are building their own guitars in a class called, “Amp up! Electric Guitars and STEM.” One of two STEM summer camps this week — the other is “Robots, Web Design and Gaming” — both camps allow students to explore in creative ways the many ways that STEM applies to daily life. The campers also had a tour of one of GCU’s gems, the new recording studio.

Photos by Laurie Merrill and Kathryn Scott GCU News Bureau Eight musical students are making their own instruments during Amp Up! Electric Guitars and STEM, one of this summer’s STEM camps held at GCU. On Wednesday, they got to tour the GCU recording studio with recording studio manager, Eric Johnson. “It’s fascinating looking at at all the science and engineering and math that goes into music,” said Amanda Hughens, GCU’s K-12 STEM outreach manager. “The thing I like best about STEM is that it’s ‘life done correctly.’ ”          

The success of the Havocs keeps growing, not just in terms of the participants but also in terms of national stature, and its leaders say it’s because GCU provides an unprecedented level of support. The highly effective student section, one of the craziest in all of college sports, is attracting the attention of colleges that want a student section that is Havocs-cool.