Honors College

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.

Hundreds of Honors College students joined together Thursday at GCU Arena to celebrate the largest-ever class of new students and to learn about ways to get involved on campus and make an impact. There are now more than 1,600 undergraduates in the college, which is “absolutely incredible,” said Breanna Naegeli, Honors College Assistant Dean.

Welcome Week 2017 promises to be another busy and festive time for students as they return to campus. But it’s extremely important, too. “The week says to all, ‘You belong here,’” said Charity Norman, manager of GCU’s Student and Family Program.

Twenty-one students in the Honors College inaugural group, which began in 2013, were awarded their degrees Thursday. Breanna Naegeli, Honors College assistant dean, described the moment as “bittersweet” but added, “We’ve been really blessed because without them we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

The successful journey of growth and academic excellence inspired a celebration for the Honors College Saturday, recognizing President Brian Mueller for his impact and innovation, the college’s 50 inaugural members, a warm speech by recent graduate Brittany Holen and an introduction of the advisory board and team. Students also were invited to meet two outstanding power couples with perspective on balancing careers and marriage.

Hundreds of Honors College students joined together Thursday at the Grand Canyon University Arena to celebrate the largest freshman class since the College’s beginning in 2013 and to learn about the opportunities available for a brighter future.

This spring, 17 students in the Honors College had the chance to explore England, Ireland and Scotland in 12 days. After riding in a huge bus through narrow streets, spending time with locals and experiencing new cultures, students left with two things – the urge to travel again and new friends for the semester to come. GCU Today has the story.

“Making a Difference One Life at a Time,” a program created for special needs children, won first place in the Honors College’s Spring Symposium Showcase. Each team member received $3,000 in scholarships, and there also were scholarship prizes for second and third place.

Nearly 70 students from the Honors College presented research projects related to themes of service, ethics, research and leadership Saturday at the third annual Grand Canyon University Symposium Showcase. The students are part of the top 11 brightest and most creative teams competing for scholarships scheduled to be awarded April 16.

GCU’s Honors College asks a lot of its gifted students, but it asked a little more recently when it put 22 of them through the Personal Academic Career Boot Camp. Three emerged as the finalists for the $3,000 scholarship by best handling the mock interviewing, networking and professional training.