1 2 • GCU TODAY
GCU revs economic
engine in west Phoenix
The University announced a
five-point plan to revitalize
the neighborhood, continued
expanding its campus along
the Canyon Corridor, agreed to
operate and began renovating
Maryvale Golf Course, and
opened a hotel to train students
in hospitality management and
employ local residents. A study
credited GCU with an annual
economic impact of $1.1 billion
that generates 10,490 jobs,
with wages approaching $500
million per year.
What’s in a name?
A lot, when it’s
Colangelo
GCU’s business school was
renamed for Phoenix icon Jerry
Colangelo, whose principles of
servant leadership, ethics and
entrepreneurship became as
ingrained into campus life as he
did in just a few short months. As
part of the hospitality curriculum,
the college also announced
plans for golf course and tennis
management programs.
It’s full STEM ahead as
8th college opens
Determined to fill high-tech
employment gaps, GCU
launched the College of Science,
Engineering and Technology and
introduced programs in computer
science, information technology
and engineering. The University
also opened medical school slots
for qualified CSET grads in a
deal with Glendale’s Midwestern
University and was lauded by the
Obama administration for STEM
Scholars, a partnership with
high schools that awards college
credits to worthy teens.
Building community
through Habitat
project
The University formed a
unique partnership with Habitat
for Humanity Central Arizona to
involve neighborhood residents,
students and staff in the
renovation of hundreds of homes.
At the first workday in January,
200 volunteers tore down fences,
erected siding, painted and
cleaned up. By the end of the
semester, 25 homes had been
improved with 10 more pending
over the summer.
GCU YEAR IN
Community, growth, academics influence our Top 10 picks
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Record numbers sum up
rise in enrollment
GCU welcomed a record 6,200 students into the
residence halls during three days of Move-In in
August, bringing total ground enrollment to nearly 11,000,
up from 8,200 in 2013-14. The growth necessitated the
University’s first winter commencement. The number of
online students grew to about 55,000.
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Jerry Colangelo
