College of Theology

The 2016-17 Ministry Forum schedule was announced, and it contains some hotly debated subjects — everything from social justice to religious liberty to immigration. “Students continue to wrestle with the challenging issues of our day, so we’ve decided to join the struggle by engaging tough topics,” said Dr. Jason Hiles, dean of the College of Theology.

GCU is making another major academic advancement with the unveiling of Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, which is accepting students and will begin classes this fall. The Seminary will teach the same doctrinal principles and Biblical truths as the rest of the University and also will be interdenominational. Unlike many seminaries, it will offer students a rich campus experience and opportunities to serve in the community.

The opening of the Grand Canyon University Hotel and Grand Canyon University Championship Golf Course were big stories in 2015-16, but they were just part of the continued community revitalization. And the rapid growth on campus continued, too. GCU Today Magazine picked the top 10 stories of the academic year just completed.

The commencement ceremony stopped for a few seconds Saturday afternoon so that 73-year-old Diana Dilcher could be properly acknowledged for getting her degree in communications. But if the crowd that was applauding knew the whole story, they would have given her a standing ovation.

Photos by Darryl Webb GCU News Bureau Friday afternoon commencement at Grand Canyon University was for traditional students in the College of Fine Arts and Production, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions, and College of Theology.  

There were significant messages amid the tears of joy as spring commencement began Friday morning at Grand Canyon University. Speakers emphasized the importance of change, both in how you bring it about and how you deal with its inevitable challenges. “When we find our purpose, will we have the courage to pursue it?” student speaker Brittany Holen asked her fellow graduates.

It wasn’t just that the performances were so good Monday night in the Canyon Worship Songwriters Spring Showcase, it was that they were so varied. Students exhibited a variety of musical styles to a big crowd of peers, parents and University leaders, and the effect was palpable. “I was moved the whole night,” one parent said. “It was going through me, around me, coming out of me.”

It’s one thing to talk about what GCU students do in their Homeless Ministry. It’s quite another to actually see it in action. The scene Saturday at the Central Arizona Shelter Services compound, where students washed the feet of the homeless and gave them food, clothing and other necessities, was heartwarming.

The 2016 Canyon Worship LP is set to be released Tuesday, and Christian music lovers are in for a treat in the first LP by the Center for Worship Arts. The album contains the three songs from last year’s EP plus seven new songs. “Some of the best songs I’ve ever heard are on this album,” said Dr. John Frederick, the CWA manager.

The second annual Senior Dinner Wednesday drew a crowd of 450 students, faculty and guests, formally dressed in dazzling gowns and sharp suits, to celebrate the hard work and contributions of the 2016 graduating class. The event recognized those outstanding students and staff who have shown commitment and excellence inside and outside of the classroom.