Campus Life

The newest eatery on campus, Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, will offer “Thunder berry” as one of eight yogurt and smoothie flavors.

Matt Hopkins has joined GCU as a full-time judicial officer charged with overseeing non-academic student disciplinary review.

You need a scorecard to keep up with the remarkable growth at GCU — and we’re not just talking about the vast construction projects. Staffing is also up 16 percent as the University braces for record enrollment numbers this fall.

Life at GCU got a little busier Friday morning as hundreds of students began early move-in on campus. Fall-sport athletes, Life Leaders, ASGCU government reps and COFAP students all began moving into dorm rooms.

More than 20 years ago, Marco Ramos left Mexico with his family, uncertain of what the future would bring in a new country. Now he’s going back for an opportunity every athlete dreams about: making a living playing his sport.

SARAH CLAYTON Oversees: North Rim Apartments, with JP Tanner Age: 27 Hometown: Glenwood Springs, Colo. GCU experiences: I graduated from GCU in 2007 with my bachelor’s in elementary education. After searching for teaching jobs after my senior year, my old boss called and asked if I would be interested in an assistant resident director position at the North Rim Apartments. I served as ARD for two years and earned my master’s in education. I got married in the summer of 2009 and then started as an RD in the fall. I am now starting my fourth year as RD. If you add that up, this year marks 10 years at GCU! Q: You’re one of the few married people living on campus. What’s married life like in a college setting? A: My husband, Matt, and I graduated from GCU so North Rim had been a home to both of us before we got married. We love living on campus. Personally, I have never really known any different. It is fun to be part of a community and we both enjoy living life with college students. Some are like family to us and others have become lifelong friends. Q: As a […]

NICOLE CLIFTON Oversees: Prescott Hall, with James Rogers Age: 22 Hometown: Phoenix GCU experiences: I’ve worked at GCU for one year as an RD. Last year I was involved in campus activities like Lip Sync, our first Prescott Palooza, Java Jam, and two women’s panel events. Q: As a graduate of the Arizona School for the Arts, what recent performances have you seen that you would recommend? A: I’m a huge fan of musicals. I saw a production of “Hairspray” this past spring and it was wonderful. Whether it’s going down to ASU’s Gammage Auditorium or the Herberger or Orpheum theaters downtown for professional performances, supporting our COFAP department here at GCU, or supporting a community theater group, I’d advise people to try something new. You may be surprised. Q: As a self-professed bookworm, how many books did you read this summer, and which ones are must-reads for your friends? A: I read quite a few and my list of books to read is always longer than I actually have time for. I often read two books at a time, one in fiction and another for spiritual development/self-growth. This summer I read “Wicked” by Gregory Maguire, “The Help” by Kathryn Stockett, […]

VICTORIA LEITH Oversees: Sedona Hall, with Kris Hayes Age: 22 Hometown: Ventura, Calif. GCU experiences: Moving to GCU and starting this position was my first time in Arizona. The two months have treated me well and I am so happy to be here. I will be starting my master’s degree in leadership this year. Q: Since you love to bake, what goodies will you be sharing with residents of Sedona Hall? And how do we get some? A: Sedona will never go hungry. It will run out of running water before it ever runs out of cookies. I love to bake. If you want a cookie, just ask. I tend to run out of chocolate chips, though. I need to set up a tab at a local grocery store for all the chocolate chips I buy. Q: Being new to the area, what places do you frequent in the Phoenix area? A: La Grande Orange on 40th Street, just south of Camelback Road. I could not be more passionate about this topic. I could live there. A week hasn’t gone by that I haven’t gone at least once. It’s a coffee shop/grocery/pizzeria/restaurant/place that sells wine AND baked goods. And it […]

TAYLOR FAGG Oversees: Camelback Hall, with Ashley Sprotberry Age: 24 Hometown: Riverside, Calif. (I just completed an MBA at my hometown California Baptist University, where I also earned my bachelor’s degree in international business) Q: You worked with students quite a bit in California summer camps and through student-life efforts at Cal Baptist. What have you learned about leadership and aiding young people? A: One of the biggest things that I’ve learned is that they desire to grow and they desire to learn, but often times, they also love freedom to figure things out themselves. I’ve learned to ask the right questions and guide them toward the right answer, because if I just tell them what’s best, then that’s all they know. But if I can challenge them to question, to think, and come to an answer themselves — then they now know what’s right and why it’s right, and that’s far more impactful. Q: You mentioned that you’re very “business-minded” with your studies. What ethics or organizational skills do you bring to your role as a resident director? A: Organizational skills are definitely something that I bring to the table. I tend to see things in a very holistic picture. I […]

ASHLEY SPROTBERRY Oversees: Camelback Hall, with Taylor Fagg Age: 26 Hometown: Port Huron, Mich. (right on Lake Huron and the border with Canada) GCU experiences: I transferred to GCU for my junior year and graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. I worked last year as resident director at Hegel Hall and as an assistant RD before that. Currently, I’m working on my master’s degree in Christian leadership. Q: With the campus and student population growing so rapidly, what’s important for RDs to do to be available to individual students? A: Be around. I have found that being intentional about being present in the dorm, stopping by hall events, and going to campus events allows me to see students in their element. Being present shows students you are available and approachable. Q: You’re tasked with overseeing the brand new Camelback Hall this semester. What’s unique about your role working with students in such a new residence hall, and what can students expect when they move into their rooms in August? A: Working in a new dorm gives me the opportunity to help build the community and traditions. It’s a blank slate, which gives us the opportunity to make […]