Colleges

GCU’s digital film and production class sounds more like a Hollywood set than a classroom full of rookie filmmakers as Professor Gregg Elder emphasizes real-world working experiences.

“A Christmas Carol,” starring Michael Kary as Scrooge, wraps up its two-weekend run with four shows at Ethington Theatre.

The Ethington Theatre production, featuring an excellent cast, expert direction and exquisite scenic design, is certain to put even those averse to the holiday season in a festive mood.

The holiday classic, with its large cast and unique demands, is more difficult to stage than you might think. And with a short turnaround since the most recent Ethington Theatre production, the crew has been under the gun to make Friday’s opening night.

Firefighter David Griffin felt the need to make an impact in the wake of a 2007 blaze that claimed the lives of nine of his colleagues, and he’s only a few months from earning a doctorate in organizational leadership and development.

Leanne Schmidt, one of GCU’s adjunct dance instructors, says that following one’s passion calls for perseverance, a laserlike focus and a willingness to hit the road.

The challenge included 12 teams of students: two from the University of Advancing Technology in Tempe; one from Arizona State University; a hybrid team from Glendale Community College, Scottsdale Community College and GCU; and eight teams from GCU.

Two student teams, bidding for a second consecutive victory for GCU in the University Division, came up short. But a team of wily staffers from the University, The Old ‘Lopes, finished second overall.

It’s not everything that TV shows like “CSI” make it out to be, but a profession in the medical examiner’s field still brings plenty of excitement.

The College of Nursing has a new name and broader educational scope that reflect several interconnected fields in the health care industry.