Honors College

The National Society of Collegiate Scholars at GCU participated in Integrity Week this month. NSCS’ integrity initiative was inspired by a national ethics project created by the Association of College Honor Societies. Members are challenged to demonstrate their true commitment to integrity on college campuses through taking a pledge. At GCU, even President Brian Mueller took the pledge. 

Everyone on the Grand Canyon University campus is invited to the Dr. Kevin McClean Research Colloquium, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in Building 57, rooms 221-223. There will be eight presentations demonstrating research done by GCU faculty.

The College of Doctoral Studies achieved a milestone by approving the school’s 500th dissertation, and as it turns out, it’s by one of GCU’s own. After some investigating, we found out the author of that dissertation is faculty member Melissa Beddow, who wrote about “The Portrayal of DNA Testing in the Forensics Crime Show ‘Bones.'”

Lift up the eggnog. It was a blizzard of holiday cheer these past few weeks as employees turned up their Christmas decorating acumen to unprecedented, spirited levels with Christmas decorating and ugly sweater contests. Story.

The commencement speaker Friday, Dr. Rick Rigsby, spoke about his third-grade dropout father and the impact his simple — but profound — words of wisdom have made on his life. Typical of what Rigsby passed on to his audience: “Look at me, graduates. Don’t ever show up on time. That’s mediocre. That’s basic minimum required. Show up early.”

At the Dinner with Grads on Tuesday night, Honors STEMists had the opportunity to connect with a multitude of Grand Canyon University alumni and representatives from medical schools across Arizona. “Making connections, gaining information, networking – that’s going to be valuable when they go to apply for medical school,” said Emily Ghena, Honors College liaison intern. “These students are exactly the kind of students graduate schools want to have so I think it’s a win for both sides.”

Esteemed leaders from Grand Canyon University and the community shared the same stage Monday to engage in a conversation about Christian values and advancements in technology. “We, the people, have common ground in which to figure out solutions to these dilemmas,” said Dr. Sherman Elliot, dean of GCU’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “What a way to be empowered right now.”

The Grand Canyon University Alpha Chi National Honors Society induction ceremony on Saturday, honored 55 new members who have exemplified the highest academic achievement and commitment. “These students put in so much time, energy and effort and they don’t always know that recognition is going to come from that – so to be able to stop and recognize that work is very meaningful to them and their families,” said Breanna Naegeli, Assistant Dean at the Honors College.

Students in the Honors College recently had the opportunity to visit Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment companies. During a five-hour “College to Corporate Workshop” at the 500,000-square-foot campus in Scottsdale, students got to network with Vanguard professionals and GCU alumni who have been hired by the company and learned about the company’s internal operations.

The first Honors College advisory board meeting at Grand Canyon University on Thursday offered students a chance to dine, mix and mingle with local dignitaries and board members. “What we want to build here is a leadership committee for the students,” said Dr. Antoinette Farmer, dean and vice president of institutional effectiveness.