DIGITAL GCU Today AUG issue

32 • GCU MAGAZ I NE manager in Student Operations and has worked in education for almost 30 years, both in the K-12 setting and at the university level. Gustavo Anton, B.S. in Biology with an Emphasis in Pre-Medicine, ’12, was selected to start a neurosurgical residency program at St. John Providence in Warren, Mich. After graduating from GCU, Anton completed his M.S. in Biomedical Science with honors fromMidwestern University in Glendale, Ariz. A.Margot Brisky, B.S. in Psychology, ’13, andM.A. in Christian Studies with an Emphasis in YouthMinistry, ’15, is a lifestyle trainer, empowerment speaker, international author, adoption advocate and doctoral candidate, working to bridge gaps between generations of women. Brisky hosts a weekly program, DiscoverHer Journey, and an annual empowerment conference, Woman In Action Conference, with attendees traveling from five countries. Shadrach Relf, B.S. in Justice Studies, ’13, and MPA with an Emphasis in Government and Policy, ’17, was hiredasChief of Staff forWalt Blackman’s campaign in District 6of Arizona. Relf is alsoa UnitedStatesArmy veteran, retired after nine years. A.J. Harris, B.A. in Christian Studies, ’14, is a former teacher and pastor and is a semester away from receiving his M.Div. in Pastoral Studies at Liberty University Theological Seminary Online. Harris works as a substitute teacher while also writing and producing warmup songs for several high school sports teams and teaching at Inside Out Studio, a music and art studio in Farmington, Ark. LaGidgette Robinson, M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Nursing Education, ’16, is a registered nurse at Baylor Scott and White in Temple, Texas. Robinson has been a registered nurse since 2004 and is studying to become a nurse practitioner. TomGwyer, M.S. in Leadership with an Emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership, ’16, is a 25-year veteran of the Myrtle Beach (S.C.) Fire Department and has been promoted to Fire Chief. Gwyer also serves as a member of the state’s regional Type-3 FEMA Incident Management Team and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Kezia Arterberry, B.S. in Psychology, ’16, is a published author, inspirational spoken word poet, and behavior health technician. Arterberry launched a paperback version of her book, “Empower You! Mindset Transformation: A Daily Devotional for the Mind,” in June. She also held a book signing in Scottsdale, Ariz., to allow attendees to network and listen to her speak on subjects pertaining to empowerment. SPOTLIGHT Delores McLauchlin, ’18 Brandon Williams, ’18 Joshua Williams, ’18 Mom led the way, and her sons marched in step Two thousand miles separate Delores McLauchlin from her sons, Brandon and Joshua Williams. But for the past few years, Grand Canyon University’s online program has made them feel much closer. The mother from North Carolina and her sons out west graduated days apart from each other in April. McLauchlin was awarded a Doctor of Education degree in Organizational Leadership. Brandon Williams, 38, who lives in Las Vegas, earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Joshua Williams, 30, earned a bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies. “It was one of those rare events,” said Joshua, who has been working as an Army recruiter in Gilbert, Ariz. “I know this journey is not over yet. But to have my brother and mother alongside me, not too many people can say they’ve done that.” The brothers are both on active duty in the Army. They grew up in North Carolina, and their father also served in the military. Brandon, the oldest of four siblings, became the first college graduate in his immediate family in 2002, when he earned his bachelor’s degree. But ever since then, McLauchlin has been the one to carry the family’s educational pursuit. She was the first of the three to enroll at GCU. “She is the one who brought us all together. She is always on us about finishing up school, getting back into school,” said Brandon, who plans to return to GCU to receive the same degree as his mother. “Money was always an issue coming up. My mom was hungry. She just kept going.” McLauchlin said her enrollment advisor, Chad Kent, has become like part of the family, and her experience at GCU compelled her to get her sons involved in the program. “I am grateful that they listened,” she said. —RYAN KRYSKA GCU Alumni Delores McLauchlin stands with sons JoshuaWilliams (left) and BrandonWilliams at commencement.