Campus Life

Grand Canyon University announced Tuesday that it is extending an invitation to conservative commentator Ben Shapiro to speak on its campus.

Students worry about being prepared for their next big test and eventual career, but Dr. Tim Griffin urged them to focus on a different kind of preparation when he delivered his Chapel message Monday. The Pastor and Dean of Students said it’s far more important to prepare ourselves for eternal life.

Grand Canyon University released a statement regarding its decision to cancel a speaking engagement on campus by Ben Shapiro that had been scheduled by a student club.

Becca Kamrath was working as a server at Canyon 49 Grill last summer when President Brian Mueller brought in a large group of people. Little did she know who was in the group — or what would result from the friendly way she treated them. At the end of the meal, she discovered that one of the guests was Kevin Warren, Chief Operating Officer of the Minnesota Vikings and a GCU Hall of Famer, and her “tip” was a Christmastime internship with the football team.

“Keeping up with the Joneses” has become as American as apple pie, but Noemi Chavez talked of a far more satisfying treat when she spoke to Chapel on Monday. “What if the pure joy that we are looking for is what God has designed for us in relationship with Him?” she asked the audience. “What if it’s just not that complicated?”

Hundreds of students played neon-themed ladder ball, cornhole, Jenga, skee ball and basketball, sipped hot cocoa and made their own s’mores at the annual Winterfest on Thursday night at The Grove lawn. Read the account written by a GCU student, Erin Honeycutt.

Photos by Enrique Lucha and Katie Severns GCU News Bureau Grand Canyon University students played games, drank hot cocoa and sparkling cider, and toasted marshmallows for s’mores at the annual Winterfest on Thursday night.      

The Colangelo College of Business Dean’s Speaker Series brought another industry leader to campus Tuesday. Students got to hear from Greg Hanover, who told them fascinating tales about his former career as an executive in the National Hockey League. But Hanover’s talks to multiple classes also included a very important message: Be prepared to work long hours and don’t plan on making a lot of money starting out.

“Taco Bell saves lives!” according to one online comment. Well, maybe not. But it certainly is making a lot of GCU students happy. After a long wait, Taco Bell opened its doors for employee training on Monday, complete with free tacos and burritos. Students were excited, including a group of eight in the University’s Ultimate Frisbee Club, who decided to camp out until the doors opened. Along with Pita Jungle, it’s the second addition this week to the campus’ expanding dining options.

Some Chapel talks quote Bible verses. Some deliver a message in a creative way. But Josh McDowell’s style centers on a very direct message based on a very difficult personal experience. The Christian apologist and evangelist told a story Monday morning that had the audience’s rapt attention.