College of Doctoral Studies

Story and photos by Laurie Merrill GCU News Bureau For stage manager Jennifer Estrada, the message of Ethington Theatre’s “Our Town” is both poignant and personal. “The show talks a lot about living life to the fullest and how every minute could be your last,” Estrada said. “I’m a senior graduating in December, so it’s even more sentimental for me.” Our Town, which follows the loves and lives of Emily and George of Grover’s Corners, N.H., from 1899 to 1913, is an intimate experience that packs a powerful reminder: Pay attention to the wonderful things in life — before it is too late. “As a parent, it’s hard to get through without weeping,” said director Michael Kary, College of Fine Arts and Production instructor. “Coming from this side, all that time is gone, but now I have kids and I want to hug them and open their eyes and let them know that I love them because I never know when my final comment will come.” The 1938 play by American playwright Thornton Wilder is the second Pulitzer Prize winner in a row that COFAP has produced, following the musical political satire, “Of Thee I Sing.” Our Town is unusual in […]

The fourth DC Cohort mini-conference last week was another chance for doctoral learners to gain assistance and support for their dissertation process from peers, faculty members and program chairs. The group was created by the student and alumni members of the learning community.

Photos by Slaven Gujic GCU News Bureau Grand Canyon University’s fall HSET (Health Sciences, Engineering and Technology) Day, held Thursday, is an event that lets the University shine a light on its STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs, one of its most innovating, exciting and rapidly growing. More than 2,600 high school students from across Arizona were invited to hear from speakers working in STEM field, attend interactive presentations and live demonstrations, tour GCU’s human anatomy, nursing and DNA labs, and participate in hands-on activities and networking.

Money Week 2016 offers invaluable tips on topics ranging from student debt to Home Buying 101 and presents it in a simple format anyone can grasp. What’s the best way to use your credit card? Pay it off every month. When do you buy a major item? After you have saved up for it. This and much more is available through Wednesday at GCU.

A photo of the 2-year-old son of Ashley Gill, a Grand Canyon University Honors College counselor, went viral on the internet after she dressed him like Dwight Schrute from “The Office.”

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.”