Community

GCU’s partnerships with Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona, the Phoenix Police Department and other entities have paid off with a dramatic transformation of its west Phoenix neighborhood in the last 10 years. But students have benefited greatly as well. Reprinted from the February issue of GCU Magazine.

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.

What do you get when you combine the Milwaukee Brewers and GCU’s Honors College? The Brewers STEM Crew after school club. The program for middle school students, who were led by students from the Honors College, highlighted the STEM involved in baseball through an active, engaging approach.

The Homecoming festivities wouldn’t be complete without the induction of some very special Lopes into the GCU Hall of Fame, scheduled for 3 p.m. Friday in the GCU Arena Hall. Making a difference in the lives of future generations was a common theme for this year’s group of inductees, professionals who have spent their careers doing just that.

Photos by David Kadlubowski GCU News Bureau Saturday was a big night for Operation Revival, GCU’s signature neighborhood revitalization initiative. More than 200 Habitat champions attended the Lopes vs. UT Rio Grande Valley men’s basketball game, and a handful of volunteers and their guests were heralded by Lopes fans as they stood at midcourt after having received special recognition for their contributions.

Teen dating violence affects 1.5 million young people in America, which is why the University’s HOSA Future Health Professionals chapter thought it was important to partner with the New Life Center and bring a panel to campus for Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Representatives from Bloom365, one-n-ten, the New Life Center and GCU on Thursday spoke about the red flags to teen dating violence, how to help those experiencing it, the difference between unhealthy and healthy relationships and more.

After reading a book by Alan Alda, South West Advanced Neurological Rehabilitation speech language pathologist Patricia Backus came up with the idea of incorporating improv into therapy sessions. She reached out to GCU’s Theatre Department and was connected with the Cantalopes, and for the past several months GCU’s improv group has worked alongside SWAN Rehab professionals to teach improv techniques to both staff and patients.

Producer/director Michael Matheson Miller wanted to critique the big business of the poverty industry in his award-winning documentary, “Poverty, Inc.,” which ponders the question of who really benefits from all the humanitarian aid and “social engineering” — the new, politically correct word for poverty — directed at poverty-stricken areas of the world. The film was screened on campus Wednesday, and Dr. Jason Hiles, Dean of Theology, says he hopes the screening will start a conversation on campus about how we engage in our work in the community and in charitable causes.

GCU and GCE volunteers have revitalized the homes of 285 families in the Canyon Corridor and Maryvale since GCU’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity was launched five years ago. To celebrate, any employee who has worked on a Habitat project will receive an invitation to Operation Revival Night at the men’s basketball game Saturday. Not that the community restoration is done — more than 200 volunteers will be needed to fill projects between now and July 10. “You’re needed. You’re making a difference,” University Relations Manager Debbie Accomazzo said.

Black History Month in February celebrates the impact African Americans have had on history, and the Dance Department in the College of Fine Arts and Production also views it as a time to recognize the accomplishments of students and alumni of color. Whether they are participating in productions celebrating black history or paving the way for others, there’s no shortage of talented dancers.