Commuter Life

Here’s a family that has taken devotion to Grand Canyon University to a new level: Not only does Renee Taillon work and study at GCU, so do her three children — twins Christian and Jared and daughter Kirie. “We really do bleed purple in our family,” Renee said.

This year’s Canyon Challenge, scheduled for Thursday afternoon at GCU Arena, features five mission-driven finalists competing for the $15,000 in prize money. Storage Together, which won an international competition in Barcelona last fall, is among the competitors.

Alumni are bringing memories, school spirit and friends to GCU Homecoming 2017. Whether a student on campus or online, all graduates are invited to festivities, beginning with a mixer happy hour on Friday and ending with a Lopes men’s basketball game Saturday against the University of Missouri—Kansas City.

Coffee fans seeking a kick in their cups are lining up at Grand Canyon Beverage Company for the new monsoon menu, which features, among other sweet treats, the new, high-powered, extra sugary Haboob. Ordering it prompts a storm warning.

Photos by Darryl Webb GCU News Bureau “Of Thee I Sing” opens today at Ethington Theatre, a welcome respite from Presidential election fever. This singing and dancing political satire has been making audiences laugh and hum since 1931. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday and Oct. 21-22; 2 p.m. Oct. 16 and 23. Tickets are available here, and students get tickets free with ID.      

Wayne Purdin is lead curriculum editor at GCU during the week, but on Saturdays he has a different assignment: He and his wife, Julie, offer their views on Christianity in their “God and Country” radio show on KFNX (1100 AM). “We’re all looking for answers,” he said. “Whatever the religion or politics, it seems like God is missing and we need to get back to our roots.”

Photos by Darryl Webb GCU News Bureau From the main campus fanning out to Grand Canyon University Golf Course, GCU Hotel and Canyon 49 Grill, students and their loved ones enjoyed the largest Family Weekend on record at GCU. Festivities began with a golf tournament Friday morning and concluded with a Lopes women’s soccer game Sunday afternoon, and there was a packed schedule of activities in between. Activities included family fun time, a Lil Lopes cheerleading clinic, a fun run, a golf tournament, a Chapel service, a movie night and a parents meet-and-greet where they enjoyed special desserts.

“Of Thee I Sing” opens Oct. 14 at Ethington Theatre, a welcome respite from Presidential election fever. This singing and dancing political satire has been making audiences laugh and hum since 1931. Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Oct. 14-16 and Oct. 21-23.

Larry Hinkle, a former United States Marine, stopped by campus Wednesday during the cross-country walk he’s doing to raise money and awareness for fellow veterans. He was extremely impressed by GCU’s Veterans Center. “My eyes have been opened here. I never knew this type of place existed,” he said while visiting with students.

Apples, bananas and carrots, oh my! And pears and peaches and plums, kale and spinach and oranges and figs. Tables were heaped with fresh produce Thursday during GCU’s second farmers market of the year.