Alumni

There was laughter, a few tears and a stirring sense of pride Saturday during Grand Canyon University’s Alumni Hall of Fame induction ceremony. The event celebrated five new inductees with long, successful careers and a passion for giving back to the community.

Nothing keeps graduates connected to their alma mater more than a group created just for them. At GCU, that group is the Phoenix Lopes Alumni Chapter, which is getting ready to celebrate the return of thousands of alumni to the campus this weekend for homecoming

When alumni gather Friday and Saturday for homecoming, there will be more of them than ever. Like the Grand Canyon University campus, the numbers for the biggest event of the year — in terms of attendees and activities — keep expanding.

GCU honored 300 employees, named to the 2017 All-Star Team, on Tuesday with a lavish banquet and an inspirational speech from President Brian Mueller. The honorees represent leaders, innovators and thinkers whose front-line expertise is considered invaluable to the growth of the University.

Julie Napier Boto, 2001 Grand Canyon University business and marketing graduate, and her husband, Thomas, have created the delightful animated “Owlegories” app and video series to spread the Gospel.

Nate Whitsett, who got his Master of Arts in Teaching from Grand Canyon University in 2011, decided to resign from his classroom job because he wanted to take his teaching method around the country. Thus was born the “Think A+ Tour,” in which Whitsett teaches by using rap music.

GCU News Bureau They are the stories that make you feel good about humanity. They are stories of faith, courage and incredible determination, and they all have a connection to Grand Canyon University. Here, then, are GCU Today’s 10 most touching stories of 2017. But be forewarned: You might need some Kleenex – like maybe a whole box: “His cancer fight showed the superhero in all of us” (Jan. 19): No parents should have to go through what the Hyduchaks endured after learning that their 5-year-old son, Jace, had cancer. But they got through it, and Jace was the race starter for the 2017 Run to Fight Children’s Cancer. “First responders receive a heartfelt thank you” (April 20): Perry Harris picked the perfect place to have a heart attack – in the middle of a large crowd of people at Run to Fight Children’s Cancer. Among that crowd were a doctor and a certified athletic trainer as well as the station for the GCU Sports Medicine Club, and they all teamed up to save his life. Harris got to thank them in a special event on campus a month later. “A mom’s walk, like Karli, leaves lasting memory” (April 28): Less […]

GCU News Bureau Members of the Phoenix chapter of Grand Canyon University alumni recently completed the painting and landscaping for a Habitat for Humanity project.  

The Lopes on the Road program has become an important way for alumni, students and employees at selected GCU away games. “Being an online student, it’s hard to get a feel for the campus and the Lopes sporting events, but after my first Lopes on the Road, I was sold,” said one.

At the Dinner with Grads on Tuesday night, Honors STEMists had the opportunity to connect with a multitude of Grand Canyon University alumni and representatives from medical schools across Arizona. “Making connections, gaining information, networking – that’s going to be valuable when they go to apply for medical school,” said Emily Ghena, Honors College liaison intern. “These students are exactly the kind of students graduate schools want to have so I think it’s a win for both sides.”