Academics

In the virtual reality world, pizza CAN grow on trees, and, as it turns out, you can do a little planet-hopping via a blue-light portal — at least that’s true in the worlds created by students in Dr. Isac Artzi’s virtual reality class. Students toured visitors through the worlds and games they created at a VR showcase event Wednesday in the Technology Building. “That learning curve of knowing nothing to creating an almost fully fledged project was insane, but it was super rewarding,” said one of the students, Paige Mabbitt.

For senior Hailey Borrowdale Mendez, the opportunity to study abroad in Costa Rica and Ecuador for two semesters completely changed her life. In addition to improving her Spanish, her time in Costa Rica also helped strengthen her bond to God and establish a love for a country that she found so delightful, she hopes to return after graduating next spring. “I think it’s beautiful that GCU makes it a priority to have relationships with so many organizations and that they give their students the opportunity to get to know other cultures and to grow their perspective,” she said.

GCU’s Mastering Anatomy Program students typically mentor fellow GCU pre-health students in the cadaver labs. But they had the chance this summer to do something a little different when they led dissections for graduate students from Franklin Pierce University who are working toward doctoral degrees in physical therapy. Michael Bodeen, faculty lead in dissection, was excited about the collaboration and the chance to connect GCU’s students with a nearby graduate school.

Dr. Kimberly LaPrade retired as Dean of GCU’s College of Education Monday after leading it through a decade of growth, innovation and national accreditation. Now, she and husband Larry are going to sail the world for six years. Her thoughts, as always, were with her colleagues as she departed: “It’s been more than a job because of all of you.”