College of Theology

Five highly regarded Grand Canyon University graduates with remarkable careers and a strong record of giving back to the community were inducted into the GCU Alumni Hall of Fame on Saturday in a stirring ceremony that invoked laughter, the Bible and tears.

The fifth installment of Grand Canyon University’s “Lunch and Learn” speaker series discussed personal and biblical identities that each of us must seek out and find. GCU Speech and Debate coach Barry Regan along with COFAP assistant professor Sheila Schumacher shared stories and discussed the need to forge an identity both as a person and through Jesus.

A wide array of professionals, executives, students and interesting stories comprise the 20 finalists chosen to give talks in the TEDx event March 2 at GCU Arena. Organizers hope to draw a crowd of at least 4,000.

In just six months, the New Business Development Center (formerly the Small Business Consulting Center) has given more than 2,512 hours of professional development to local entrepreneurs. But, just as important, it also has employed 67 student ambassadors who get great hands-on experience. “The students are making this happen,” said Eduardo Borquez, the NBDC manager.

Grand Canyon University’s latest gathering in the Integration of Faith, Learning and Work “Lunch and Learn” speaker series focused on the idea that love is all encompassing and, at times, difficult. Biblical definitions and interpretations of love include goodwill and forgiveness to those who have done you harm.

Trying to have a measured, thoughtful discussion about immigration is quite a challenge these days, but the Ministry Forum on Monday night avoided creating any barriers. Instead, the panel looked at the issue from the standpoint of how pastors should deal with it.

Dr. Peter Williams’ specialty is studying the Bible, and he brought a different perspective with him from Tyndale House, a research center at the University of Cambridge in England. That made for a riveting presentation Thursday night on campus.

The relationships between GCU career services, students and a variety of local and national organizations continues to strengthen. Pipelines are being formed between GCU and companies such as Enterprise, ADP, Vanguard and many more across all business sectors. “When someone attends or graduates from GCU, they have a higher standard,” said Katie Berry, a talent acquisition specialist for Enterprise.

The story of a GCU online student, Dejah Hall, has become an Internet sensation, and with good reason: Her transformation from a miserable existence dominated by drug use to a new life filled with faith and promise is nothing short of amazing. “It was God. It was the only way to be saved from the imminent hell I was in,” she said.

Winter commencement on Friday afternoon at Grand Canyon University demonstrated the preparation and perseverance the graduates needed to reach their goal. But it also was about what they had done for others. “What I will remember most,” President Brian Mueller said, “is how you served not just each other, but that you served God and this neighborhood.”