Photos by Ralph Freso
Months ago, Director of Student Engagement Jeremy Mack was telling new student body leaders at Grand Canyon University about the special history on campus that can be easily forgotten. In a year when so many celebrations would occur to mark the 75th anniversary, they should think of that history to continue to tell the story of GCU.
“We wanted something meaningful for seniors they can remember, so when they come back to campus, they can say, ‘This is our gift,’” said David Pritchard, Associated Students of GCU student body vice president. “We wanted to add a special monument to 75, the first big anniversary of our university.”
On Thursday, that senior class of 2025 gift was donated and dedicated by ASGCU leaders – a 7-foot by 8-foot metal running antelope sitting atop the number 75, perched on the corner of West Colter Street and North 30th Drive.
On the front of the purple monument are printed the white words “purpose, community, academic excellence, unity, faith, service, leadership.”
On the back is a plaque carrying a message to remind of “God’s unwavering plan” and a hope that future Lopes will be inspired to follow those key words on it and “make a transformative impact on the world.”
“I’m hoping they will look back at this year, all the celebrations we had, and what that meant,” said Ashley Cote, student body president. “Pursing academic excellence, service and leadership are three of the core values of what being a GCU student is, and we are hoping that foundation we set will follow in all the years to come.”
Mack’s words about bringing back relics of the past harkens back to dedications in the last five years. A 1969 clock was unearthed and rededicated, now on the Promenade, and a 1955 antelope that was once in the former bookstore was rededicated on Prescott Field, across from the Student Advising Services Building. In recent years, senior classes have dedicated a tree and three crosses, both in front of the arena.
“We want more of those kinds of things on our campus,” Mack said.
ASGCU leaders wanted to choose a spot that is near the center of the growing campus and is beautiful, as the fluttering leaves of nearby shade trees added a soundtrack to the dedication before mostly fellow ASGCU students and staff.
Pritchard, a junior, told the group in his remarks that they wanted something special for seniors and their legacy.
“Maybe in another 75 years those students and administration can see how impactful this year was, the first major anniversary at the largest Christian university in America,” he said.
Cote added that she hopes the words inscribed are a reminder to all students who walk the campus. “And we are hoping this will encourage future presidents and vice presidents to continue to beautify this campus.”
Eric Bolze, who helped construct artist Joe Tyler's the "Grace Tree" by Prescott Field, made the 75th monument that is sure to be a prime photograph location.
“Ashley and David did what many presidents and vice presidents don’t – it gets lost in the busyness of the semester. They were diligent on making sure this class project got done,” said Dr. Tim Griffin, Vice President of Student Affairs, Dean of Students and University Pastor. “You are going to see something very beautiful when you come back to campus and visit.”
He concluded with a prayer for seniors soon to graduate to look upon this spot and “celebrate the campus and their time at GCU in this anniversary year that has been so special for this university.”
Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at mike.kilen@gcu.edu
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