Photos by Ralph Freso
Grand Canyon University's Alumni Hall of Fame on Saturday welcomed four new inductees, from a former television news anchor whose real estate investment firm has completed more than $2.5 billion in transactions, to a dedicated educator, to a Honeywell executive known for championing the advancement of women in technology, to a physician whose company provides accessible care for athletes.
They joined an exclusive group of high-achieving graduates at the event, one of the highlights of GCU Homecoming weekend. The weekend also featured a CityServe volunteer day, alumni tailgate, Associated Students of GCU homecoming derby races and the men's basketball game.
“We are thrilled to welcome all our inductees back to GCU,” Cherylann Galdi, senior director of annual giving Alumni Relations, said. “These hand-selected individuals stand out from the rest. They proudly represent GCU’s alumni community due to their professional achievement and their commitment to living out the GCU servant leadership culture.”
Deans from the inductees' respective colleges introduced and presented plaques to them and shared messages about their resilience, character and the examples they set for students.
Britné Hart
Britné Hart graduated in 2016 with a master's in elementary education. Before GCU, she studied at Spelman College, where she received her bachelor’s in political science with a prelaw concentration. Hart is the principal of John F. Kennedy Academy of Inquiry, but her career in academia started as an elementary teacher and an instructional coach, in which she supported teacher development.
She served as an assistant principal for fourth through eighth grades, leading school culture, student achievement and behavioral support systems. Hart said her goal is to serve her community with integrity and heart, establishing connections with families and partners to create a memorable experience for students.
“Because of GCU, I was able to attend school, night classes and teach at the same time,” Hart said. “My career has flourished within the past 10 years because of GCU. It has been a vessel toward my dream.”
Zachary Haptonstall
Zachary Haptonstall, a former news anchor and sports reporter, is the CEO and co-founder of Rise48 Equity and Rise48 Communities. He earned his master’s in business administration from GCU in 2016 and, as a CEO, leads strategic partnerships, acquisitions and capital sourcing. Rise48 is a retail syndication multifamily investment company and has performed more than $2.5 billion in transactions.
“This is a great honor,” Haptonstall said. “You see how much it’s (GCU) developed and grown in the last 10 years since I graduated, and you can tell it’s getting better and better. I am really humbled to be in the Hall of Fame.”
Rachel Behling
Rachel Behling graduated from GCU in 2016 with her doctorate in organizational leadership with an emphasis in organizational development. She is the vice president of IT Operations and Support at Honeywell, leading enterprisewide IT operations that support global business-critical systems.
Additionally, she is the Global Women in Technology mentorship chair, focusing on the advancement of women in technology and leadership. Behling has given back to GCU by serving as doctoral faculty, coaching students in their research, strategic planning and organizational change.
“It feels like I never left GCU,” Behling said. “It has been 10 years, and I feel like the door is always open. Going through the program was life-changing, and to be able to share this with my family, it is an incredible honor.”
Matthew Shores
Matthew Shores earned his bachelor’s degree in biology in 2000 and is the university’s medical director. He completed his medical degree at the University of Arizona, his residency at St. Joseph's Hospital and a fellowship in sports medicine at Arizona State University.
Shores founded Sports Medicine Express in 2010 to provide accessible care for athletes and became the director of sports medicine for FastMed.
“This is a real honor,” Shores said. “I was here 26 years ago, and the campus is so different in terms of how big it is, the number of buildings and students, but a lot of it feels the same. I am taught the same Christian, educational and community support values.”
GCU staff writer Izabela Fogarasi can be reached at [email protected]
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