College of Doctoral Studies

Making connections between Christian values and classroom teaching can go a long way toward engaging students, even in STEM and technology subjects. Three GCU faculty members shared their insights on doing so during Friday’s “Lunch and Learn” as part of the Integration of Faith, Learning and Work lecture series sponsored by the College of Theology.

Photos by Darryl Webb GCU News Bureau Moments of triumph and delight highlighted fall commencement exercises Saturday morning at Grand Canyon University Arena.      

Dr. Tim Griffin, GCU’s pastor and dean of students, officially received his doctoral degree Friday afternoon. It wasn’t an ostentatious presentation — he merely was first in line when diplomas were handed out, then went back to his seat — and that was how he wanted it. But his doctoral tam did get a little attention.

“Of Thee I Sing,” the musical political satire that opens tonight at Ethington Theatre, gives the audience a delightful reason to laugh out loud at a fictional presidential campaign. The delight comes in all forms, from the visual spectacle of 1930s-era costumes, a stage filled with stars and stripes, humor ranging from subtle to slapstick, singing that is at once beautiful and hummable and cast full of actors who clearly enjoy the art of comedy.

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.”

Pantheon Enterprises’ co-founder and CEO Laura Roberts’ message to Grand Canyon University’s Colangelo College of Business students Wednesday was widely applicable for future business professionals: Learn. Think critically. Understand. Act. And, if necessary, rebel.

GCU’s Project Management Club and business students are collaborating to host what may be the largest TEDx program ever held in Arizona. The all-day TEDx event, scheduled for March 1 at GCU Arena, will feature short, powerful talks on a almost any topic. ” I have no doubt we will fill the Arena for the local program,” said business student Jedidiah Woods.

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.

Dr. Chris Anderson completed his dissertation in February, and it was so good, it received an award from the International Association for Invitational Education. Anderson focused his GCU research on the connection between emotional intelligence of school leaders and a school climate intentionally based on trust, respect, optimism and care.

The first “Lunch and Learn” of the Integration of Faith, Learning and Work speaker series featured a discussion about what it means to not live by bread alone. Dr. Moronke Oke of the Colangelo College of Business stressed the importance of putting purpose, principles and people at the top of our pyramid, and Joshua Danaher of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences talked about being authentic in our daily thoughts and actions.