Community

Eighteen GCU-connected nonprofits filled the lobby at Building 71 on Wednesday for the third Serve with Purpose Employee Volunteer Fair. Representatives of various organization, from the YMCA to Feed My Starving Children and Treasures 4 Teachers, to name a few, visited with GCU and GCE employees about their mission in the community — and signed up a few volunteers for their organizations, too.

GCU students and staff will fan out across the globe again this summer on mission trips, but several already have taken place. One of them was this spring, when 14 students went to the Dominican Republic to conduct Bible studies, serve special needs children and reach out to people on the streets and in prison. Students who hardly knew each other before the trip ended up growing close by the end of the week. Colton Davis, one of the trip leaders, said it showed him “how to actually love people the way that we’re supposed to love as believers.”

After three years of hard work and hundreds of hours of service, Grand Canyon University’s first Students Inspiring Students graduates walked across the commencement stage Thursday afternoon to receive their diplomas. Yenni Sanchez Perez received her Bachelor’s degree in Government with an Emphasis in Legal Studies, and Sean Oliver received his Bachelor’s degree in Justice Studies. “This is why we began the scholarship,” said Dr. Joe Veres, Vice President of Student Success. “This is probably the most rewarding commencement ceremony that I’ve been a part of.”

The new Learning Lounge at the Milwaukee Brewers’ training complex opened Monday, which was cause for celebration in Maryvale. It’s an easy walk for many students from local schools, in particular Borman Elementary next door. “This is really an incredible opportunity for us,” said Borman’s new principal, Sierra McAllister.

Of all the commencement stories to come out of GCU in recent years, the metamorphosis of Jesse Dalla Riva probably is the most remarkable. Five years ago, he walked into a detox center determined to get off the streets — and off heroin. Now he’s a husband and father, is a supervisor at the Phoenix Rescue Mission and is about to get his degree. “He’s just worked so hard for it,” said his wife, Blake, fighting back tears. Reprinted from the April issue of GCU Magazine.

At last Lopes have found the Jedi Master that will restore peace to the galaxy. Thursday night, students flocked to GCU Arena to witness one of the biggest events of the year on campus, the Mr. GCU contest. Contestants danced, sang and made the crowd go wild with talents that showcased what the contestants had to offer. It was a tough competition but at last, after bringing the crowd to tears of both laughter and emotion with his song about being parked by a lake, senior Brock Frew was crowned the 2019 Mr. GCU. “I feel, one, I’m kind of shaken, two, I’m really tired,” Frew said after being crowned.

Students and faculty made their way to the Colangelo College of Business lobby Friday to watch the inauguration of ASGCU’s new leadership, led by President Samuel Yonan and Executive Vice President Bret Malkin, and bid farewell to 2018-19 President Noah Wolfe. “I’m excited for what they’re going to do. They’re going to do a great job,” Wolfe said. “We’ve had a great run and got a lot of stuff done, so I feel confident to hand the baton off to some wonderful people. I’m looking forward to what’s in the future.”

A large gathering turned out Thursday night for the Latino Student Union’s meeting, which featured a talk by award-winning journalist Mary Rabago and a performance Costa Rican accordion player Tatiano Crespo, whose appearance at TEDxGrandCanyonUniversity was such a hit. It was just another sign of the success the Latino Student Union is having with its inclusive approach.

A mission trip designed to connect the people in Cape Town, South Africa, to their local churches instead transformed the faith of 15 GCU students. By spending their spring break in the township of Khayelitsha, they were able to gain a new perspective on how God’s love is found in faith rather than worldly things. Students participated in prayer walks and home visits and assisted with the Vacation Bible School program. “We encountered people who literally had nothing and had some of the strongest faith in God that I’ve ever seen in my life,” said one of the leaders on the trip, Sydney Wastradowski.

Got stress? Crumple it up and throw it away at the Mental Health Awareness Week table today. Students from the College of Humanities and Social Sciences have put together activities to help promote self-appreciation and calmness, just in time for finals, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Thursday on the Promenade. For a little extra unwinding, there will be a “Blast from the Past” event from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday on the Quad featuring Giant Jenga, freeze dancing and crafts. “People can enjoy themselves and relax, especially before they hit finals,” said the event’s coordinator, counseling program manager Kathy Britton.