GCU Today Magazine - November 2017

“Even though he has such high status, he’s always willing to share and willing to help and is a Christian leader in the field. I don’t see many business leaders who also are very outspoken about their faith.” CATHERINE XIONG, CCOB student “Being able to have a conversation with people, look people in the eyes, just be social and communicate with others. He’s done a great job of communicating that to students.” DR. BRIAN SMITH, CCOB Assistant Dean and Director of Colangelo School of Sports Business “Instead of taking all the credit, he gives credit to God for his blessings. That is profound. That made a mark on me. Another thing I have learned fromMr. Colangelo is that there’s no alternative for hard work. Throughout the years, he has been involved in so many industries in various countries. What hasn’t changed was his focus on hard work and execution.” MALIK RIVERS, GCU graduate “There is not a better boss in theworld. He motivates people, he inspires people, he does things the right way. He’s a guy that youwant to do your best for to please him. Hewas a consummatemotivator, and youwanted to do everything you could for himbecause he provided everything that you needed to be successful.” TOMCHAMBERS, former Phoenix Suns player “My reputation will followme everywhere I go. I have heard him say numerous times that our word is our bond and if people truly trust your character, opportunities will always come your way. Above all, Mr. Colangelo has challenged me to never take shortcuts and lead with integrity.” DOMPACHUILO, CCOB student college. After collaborating with Colangelo on every detail of the museum, now Gibb gets to plan an entire building, right down to the shrubbery in front. “He really wants to make a prominent statement and have our footprint and landmark — ‘Here’s where the Colangelo College of Business is, a prominent location on campus with business students flocking in and out,’” Gibb said. “We’re excited about the curb appeal, the landscaping, the approach, a nice lobby, the relocated Colangelo Library. It’s going to have its own Lazarus Lab.” Even at 77, Colangelo doesn’t miss a thing. “They call me a visionary,” he said. “I enjoy building. I love to see things accomplished. When people have said to me, ‘Well, you can’t do that,’ my response has always been, ‘I can, I will and I’ll show you how.’ In other words, I always was willing to take risks — calculated risks — to try to accomplish something that is good.” Oh yes, he’s done that at GCU. As Gibb put it, “He’s all in on business as a force for good, as a force for free markets and higher purpose for prosperity. He loves the concept of running your business in a Christian manner and truly loving and caring for your employees.” It truly is a win-win. But the students are the biggest winners of all. GCU MAGAZ I NE • 1 5 VIDEOON NEWS.GCU.EDU Paul Coro talks with Jerry Colangelo about the stories behind the museum’s contents