Archive for August, 2016

Talk about a site that should be bookmarked by anyone associated with Grand Canyon University: The smart-looking GCU.TV website is up and running, and it already is full of videos from campus events. It also is the new home for the excellent “Trending Faith” series and for “Finding Tatum’s Purpose,” a new documentary that will provide a behind-the-scenes look at a new student, Tatum Sorrelman, during her four years at GCU.

It’s official: Grand Canyon University has its own independent police department. The University is in the process of certifying 25 officers with the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training (AZPOST) as part of its 177-member police force. Not only will it make the campus even safer, said Kenny Laird, who has been named police chief. It also will free up the Phoenix Police Department to work more in the surrounding neighborhood.

GCU’s Learning Lounge has been so successful, it’s multiplying. New Lounges have been created in the three new apartment buildings — Roadrunner, Encanto and Agave. “We’re ready for one-on-one, group sessions — whatever the learner needs,” said Trish Anderson, program manager of student development and outreach.

GCU President Brian Mueller traditionally addresses the first Chapel of each semester, which traditionally draws a huge crowd to GCU Arena. But Monday’s gathering was the largest in Chapel history (more than 7,000), and Mueller’s message, appropriately, was big, too: He thanked students for their devotion to serving the community and reminded them that such service is central to Christianity.

We’ve all heard it a million times — avoid fried foods, empty calories and, of course, too much sugar. But it’s an especially important message for people on the go, such as students, who might not have time to plan their meals as well as they should. Here are some healthy-eating tips in advance of the campus wellness seminars scheduled for next month.

Photos by Darryl Webb GCU News Bureau Christian rapper Lecrae always draws a big crowd at Grand Canyon University Arena, and Saturday night was no exception.      

A timeless murder mystery, The Mousetrap, opens Friday at Ethington Theatre and marks the debut of a sensational season that includes political satires, musicals and this tale of suspense and intrigue. The Agatha Christie story is the longest running in history, but College of Fine Arts and Production artistic directors added their own touches to the beloved play. Tickets are still available.

Yodel in a mall. Give a flower to a stranger. Get matching haircuts. See the Mogollon Rim. Pet a tiger. (Really?!) Yep, the more than 220 tasks that challenged students Saturday in the first LopeVenture sure were bizarre, but that was the idea — have fun while bonding, and win prizes, too. “See the beauty of Arizona, build community and start the school year on a high note,” is how it was described by Chad Schlundt, GCU outdoor recreation coordinator and the organizer of the competition.

The spectacular opening night for GCU Stadium was a celebration like no other at Grand Canyon University. Fans got much more than a soccer game — the amazing atmosphere drew raves. The Lopes thrilled the record crowd with a 4-2 victory.

The opening of GCU Stadium on Friday night couldn’t have gone more perfectly. The new facility drew rave reviews, including from U.S. soccer legend Cobi Jones, who was there as a television analyst. Inspired by the record crowd and the excitement of christening their new home, the Lopes played a superb game to defeat Central Florida 4-2.