REVIEW
Return to
nonprofit
status considered
The administration
formed an independent
committee to investigate
alternatives to its investment-
based business model,
including a return to nonprofit
status, which the University
held from 1949 to 2004. The
decision would not impact
GCU’s upward academic
trajectory, online operations,
partnerships, outreach or
future plans to grow ground
enrollment to 25,000, GCU
executives said.
Explosive growth
continues with
building boom
To prepare for the
growth in the number of
students living on campus,
the University built three new
dorms, another classroom
building, two more campus
eateries and a second parking
garage. More than 2,000 seats
were added to GCU Arena,
and construction began on
four six-story residence halls,
an engineering building and a
third parking garage.
(See pages 14-19 for details)
Men’s basketball
program leaps
even higher
The men’s basketball
team debuted on the national
stage when it played Kentucky
at legendary Rupp Arena. The
Lopes finished 17-15, were
second in the Western Athletic
Conference for the first time
and received their second
consecutive postseason
tournament invitation.
Moreover, the University
highlighted and made financial
contributions to a dozen local
charities at home games.
Center forWorship
Arts makes
beautiful music
The University’s new
Center for Worship Arts, which
scored the music education
equivalent of a Grammy Award
by hiring MercyMe founder
and lead singer Bart Millard as
its director, got off to a strong
start and crescendoed with
“Showcase” events at the end
of each semester. The center
also released its first extended
play, “Canyon Worship.”
Students are training for
careers in the industry, from
worship leaders and lighting
techs to songwriters and
national recording artists.
No arguing with
success of
speech and
debate team
In just its second year, GCU’s
speech and debate team
continued to shine, ranking
No. 15 in the country after
a strong showing at the
prestigious Pi Kappa Delta
national championships and
winning a second straight
championship in individual
events at the national Christian
colleges tournament in March.
2014-15
6
9
10
7
8
GCU TODAY • 1 3
Bart Millard
GCU opened the
basketball season
by playing at No.
1-ranked Kentucky.
