Archive for July, 2017

Michael ‘‘Big Dog’’ Abell wasn’t always blind, but he started losing his sight at age 9 as the result of a firecracker accident. It took nearly three decades for him to lose his vision completely. Heeding a calling from God, Abell completed his master’s degree in Professional Counseling from GCU this month and now leads the “Visionaries” support group for the visually impaired.

This week’s edition of Antelope Intros features two University admissions counselors – both are alumni. One is a baseball fan who gets a kick out of live music. The other is a newlywed who will drive a long way for coffee.

When GCU plays St. John’s on Dec. 5 in the Valley of the Sun Shootout at Talking Stick Resort Arena, it might be a sign of things to come. As the basketball program keeps growing in stature, occasional games at the downtown Phoenix arena could be a way to attract big-name teams – and Coach Dan Majerle said at a press conference Wednesday that he certainly is open to the idea.

The next class of Students Inspiring Students scholarship recipients is on campus this week for a new orientation session called LEAD In. “When classes start, it’s a bit like drinking out of a fire hose. We want them to be prepared for the challenges they will face before their first class,” said Shari Stagner, GCU’s Program Manager for K-12 Student Development and Outreach.

By Jackie Smith Executive Director, Career IMPACT Center So many new graduates and ones who graduated years ago are looking for the “perfect” job or “perfect” career because they’re not enjoying or appreciating their current position. I hate to break this to you, but the perfect position does not exist. One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11, which states, “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” If one truly believes this, then why be anxious about anything? It’s easy to read these words or offer this wisdom as advice, but it’s hard to live by them.  In my 20s and early 30s, I had my own plan and took the best steps I could do climb the corporate ladder. I listened to input from others and let the world define what constituted success.  Success was defined as a certain title, money and long days at the office; sacrificing my personal life. It took a near-death experience for me to stop living for myself (and others) and start living the life God planned for me. I re-evaluated my career, my […]

More than 5,000 community youth and their families were on campus Saturday for the 13th annual Niños Seguros back to school fair in Antelope Gym. The event included backpack giveaways, safety demonstrations, songs, ballet folklorico and families were able to prepare for the first day of school.

This Week’s edition of Antelope Intros features a University counselor who is a distant relative of a famous cleaning man. The other is a field experience specialist who comes from a large Mexican-Italian family.

More than 130 Chief Science Officers from middle and high schools across Arizona are learning leadership, communication and team-building skills this week at the second annual GCU-hosted CSO Training Institute. In just two years, the program has spread not only across the state but also nationally with 13 states following Arizona’s example. CSOs are elected by their peers to act as STEM ambassadors at their schools and communities.

Photos by Travis Neely GCU News Bureau A herd of purple-clad GCU staff, professors and students were among the many volunteers who participated on the second day of the annual Back to School Clothing Drive. Some volunteers at GCU Arena helped children fill enormous bags with clothing and other goodies while Thunder, Dance and Cheer team members and GCU soccer and volleyball players revved up the crowd. Upstairs, GCU College of Education Dean Kim LaPrade signed copies of her book, “Thunder’s Vision,” and everywhere, people smiled warmly at shy children and grinned with every glimmer of joy.   

GCU volunteers brought vim and verve Tuesday to the annual Back to School Clothing Drive at GCU Arena as University staff, athletes and other students participated in the first specially designated GCU Day. Of course, Thunder stole the show with his zany antics, but the Cheer and Dance team members and soccer and volleyball players added spark to the already electric atmosphere. More than 5,000 students received clothing and other goodies in time for the start of school.