College of Theology

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.

The Integration of Faith, Learning and Work “Lunch and Learn” Friday at Ethington Theatre offered two talks about the relationship between God and building wealth. GCU President Brian Mueller and Dr. Joshua Greever of the College of Theology told faculty that God in fact commands us to build wealth honestly, but we must not steal from the wealth of others and must share our prosperity with the needy.

GCU has surpassed the 100,000 mark in alumni, and the accomplishments of that special group continue to resonate around the world. Here’s the story of what some of them have done and why people who hire them consistently put their resumes in the “yes” pile.

Dr. Mike Baird doesn’t put on airs. That’s not the kind of guy he is. But the 17th professor emeritus in GCU history is beloved by both College of Theology students and faculty for his knowledge and his charm. GCU Today has the story of what makes him special.