P22
May 2013
CLASS OF 2013
College of Theology
Jesi Smith’s relentlessly positive attitude and work ethic set the tone for GCU’s cheer
team for four years, and her coach says she will be missed. Photo by Darryl Webb
– by Cooper Nelson
Christian studies major Jesi Smith
embodies school pride
C
heer team captain
Jesi Smith
is difficult to replace. But
Emily Stephens
is going to try.
“At tryouts we’re going to say, ‘Who’s going to be the next Jesi? You need to
be the next Jesi,’” said Stephens, Grand Canyon University’s cheer coach, who
worked with Smith for four years.
“She’s made a name for herself through the cheer program and as an
ambassador for the University – she’s the benchmark,” Stephens said about
the graduating senior.
Smith, 21, earned a reputation around GCU for her community service and
dedication to cheering at athletic events. Basketball fans recognized her
unwavering energy and the ability to bring a crowd to its feet. She led campus
tours for prospective students as a student worker at the Antelope Reception
Center and served as a residential life leader at Prescott Hall.
Smith is graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Christian studies. She became
the first to complete the program since it was reinstated in 2008. President and
CEO
Brian Mueller
thanked Smith for her service to GCU and acknowledged
her as a University ambassador after the men’s basketball team’s loss to
Chaminade University in the Pacific West Conference tournament.
Smith plans to stay on at GCU as an assistant cheer coach. She also will remain
at the ARC as an events service coordinator for Discover GCU events for
prospective students. She will marry
Ian Weeks
in June.
Eventually, she would like to launch her own youth Christian sports summer
camp, but she said she loves GCU and finds it difficult to leave.
“It all points back to being a Christian and being where God wants you to
be,” said Smith, who grew up doing gymnastics in Yuma, where she attended
Yuma High School.
“I love the community that this school promotes,” she said. “The presence of
God is really evident here.”
Although her time as a student leader has ended, Smith hopes she can serve
in a similar way as a full-time University employee.
“It’s time to pass the baton on to another student influence, but I hope I can
still be that staff influence for new students,” Smith said.
As a life leader, Smith helped with community service events that cleared trash
and graffiti from low-income neighborhoods. She also served as a mentor for
other life leaders on campus and volunteered as part of a campus women’s
ministry while maintaining a 3.5 grade-point average, earning a Student of the
Semester award from the College of Theology.
Danielle Rinnier
, discipleship coordinator for GCU’s Office of Spiritual Life,
said Smith embodies Christian faith through her servant heart and desire to
connect with her fellow students. Rinnier valued Smith’s devotion to helping
other students grow their faith.
“It’s been really cool to watch her on our campus over the past four years
connect with people who are different than her (personally and religiously),”
said Rinnier, who served as a mentor to Smith during her time with women’s
ministries and as a residential life leader.
“I think she will help improve the experience of prospective students and
integrate all aspects of the University into her new position with the ARC,”
Rinnier said.
Stephens said she cherished Smith’s devotion to the University and willingness
to improve as a cheerleader. She said Smith’s accomplishments are even more
impressive considering that she overcame a childhood heart condition and
expected to be limited physically.
“As much as I’d love to keep her in uniform forever because she’s the
foundation (for the cheer program), I’m happy to see her move on to the next
level,” Stephens said. “But luckily she won’t be moving very far.”
■
BEING of GOOD CHEER
