Campus Life

Photos by David Kadlubowski GCU News Bureau The COVID-19 pandemic has created eerie scenes across the world: Normally jam-packed landmarks are empty as people stay home and large public gatherings are discouraged or outright banned. The Grand Canyon University campus also is a quiet place these days, with fewer students still living there. But there is peace, serenity and beauty in its stillness.    

Six GCU graduates from the last decade have one thing in common: They see the value of their time at the University. Several still are getting value in other ways. Maya Hinojos struck a deal with GCU to sell more than 6,300 beds from her family’s mattress company, and three are employed by the University. Reprinted from the February issue of GCU Magazine.

A group of seniors in the Dance Department felt blessed to have been at the American College Dance Association’s West Conference when they found out about the cancellation of their final Spring Dance Concert. They got to perform together one last time after being chosen for the conference’s gala. “The seniors in the cast, knowing it was their last performance as members of GCU’s Ethington Dance Ensemble, gave their most heartfelt performances to date. It was a bittersweet moment, to be sure,” said Susannah Keita, Director of the Dance Department.

GCU News Bureau After carefully monitoring the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the recent developments that are impacting the entire country, Grand Canyon University has been working diligently to ensure that it is protecting the health and well-being of our campus community. Effective March 23, all but a few classes on the Phoenix campus will be transitioned to an online-only environment for the final four weeks of the spring semester. GCU is a recognized leader in online education, and it is confident it can keep students, faculty and staff safe while simultaneously allowing students to complete their academic semester in a high-quality learning environment. Read GCU President Brian Mueller’s full statement here.

Terry Mackey grabbed the attention of the Chapel audience and never let go Monday morning. His talk was filled with quickly recited Bible verses and sayings he calls “Mackey-ology.” But, most importantly, it carried a consistent message: “You can put your trust in God because He has always been and He will always be trustworthy.”

In what might be an appetizer for the continuing growth of entrepreneurship on campus, the founders of LopesEat won the Canyon Challenge on Friday afternoon. It’s not just that Kevin Vega and Suman Dangol have shown a lot of talent and innovation with their idea. The biggest headline of all is that they’re both freshmen and met just six months ago.

It was a year of firsts for GCU’s 2020 Homecoming Celebration, and based on Alumni responses, may not be one of lasts. Along with the beloved homecoming traditions such as the Derby car races, the homecoming tailgate and the Hall of Fame ceremony, alumni also got to participate in a Campfire and Cocktails social event at Canyon 49, an Alumni Reunion Mixer at GCU Arena Hall and a Golden Lopes Ceremony at the tailgate. “We’re really trying to build out some lasting traditions at the university and a reunion is something that I think resonates with a lot of people,” Alumni Relation Specialist Brianna Bell said.

GCU News Bureau Seven contestants will say it was a wild ride from beginning to end of the “Jumanji”-themed Mr. GCU, the campus’ popular male pageant, which attracted some 6,000 attendees to GCU Arena on Thursday night. Those contestants — Ryan Oxley, Josiah Brown, Ryan Salerno, Zach Sheldon, Robby Yamaguchi, JC Kroupa and Gabe Rodgers — spent months learning choreography, preparing their talent routine and practicing for the harrowing interview questions from “The Host” himself, Caleb Duarte. Emerging victorious was Zach Sheldon, who entertained the crowd with his harmonica-playing prowess.  

Tonight is the last chance this spring to view the choreography talents of students in the College of Fine Arts and Production’s dance program. The Spring Student Spotlight Concert, at 7:30 in Thunderground, features 17 student pieces. “The show is very diverse, and it shows a lot of different facets to dance,” said Bekki Price, Program Development Specialist for the College of Fine Arts and Production. “It’s a really fun and unique way to come get exposed to the arts and what we have to offer at GCU.”

Brian Kruckenberg of New City Church is a regular Chapel speaker, but he always comes equipped with a fresh, thoughtful message. Monday, he used a map and pictures of the desert and the beach to demonstrate what it means to answer God’s call. “Live to be a blessing,” he told his audience.