Grand Canyon University

College of Fine Arts and Production Professor Alison King always had an interest in writing, and when the brand 180 Degree Design + Build asked her to help them make their dreams of making a book a reality, King didn’t hesitate to give it a shot. “Making Architecture,” King’s collaboration with the architecture brand was recently self published and is being carried at Changing Hands bookstore.

They thought of everything for the tree-lighting ceremony Wednesday night at Canyon 49 Grill … including the snow-making machine that absolutely delighted the children in attendance. The kids also enjoyed cookies, hot chocolate, visits with Santa and, if they were willing to try them, chestnuts.

Sixteen dreams were realized Wednesday night at GCU. New recipients of the Students Inspiring Students full-ride scholarships were awarded to local high school students in need. Many were like Patrick Zeman, who was once homeless. They were accomplished and smart but didn’t think they would ever be able to go to college.

It has been a good 10 years so far for the College of Fine Arts and Production’s Dance Department. Audiences can witness the growth and art the department has created over the years at the “ReInvent” Winter Dance Concert, scheduled for Friday through Sunday at Ethington Theatre.

There was no shortage of Christmas spirit at Andre’s House of Hospitality when Tim Haas and a group of GCU clarinet students and alumni performed a set of Christmas music for the homeless while they ate dinner Sunday evening. “When you get students that do these kinds of things, nothing’s better than that,” Haas said. “They touched people’s lives on Sunday night, and I couldn’t be more proud of them.”

The top 25 students in the Honors College’s PAC Professional Development Program were invited to an etiquette dinner Tuesday night to find out the top 10 while also brushing up on their formal dinner etiquette. Although students were challenged to collect the most PAC points, Honors College Associate Dean Breanna Naegeli said the program is less about competition and more about students bettering themselves.

Lopes Teach Up Week runs through Wednesday and is focused on helping students secure teaching positions and advocating for teaching and education professions. The Provost Speaker Series event on Monday, “Teacher Advocacy and Self-Care,” included a panel discussion on advocating for yourself.

The Songwriters Showcase, a twice-a-year gathering on the Canyon 49 Grill patio to hear the latest songs Worship Arts students have written, once again featured several who have been regulars on the Canyon Worship albums, but there were plenty of new faces and sounds Monday night. “It’s so neat to see people rising right up and filling spots when people leave,” said Dr. Randall Downs, Coordinator of the Worship Arts program.

The National Science Foundation’s Science & Engineering Indicators (2018) relayed that women in 2015 received fewer bachelor’s degrees than men in the computer sciences (18%), engineering (20%), physical sciences (39%) and mathematics (43%). Those are statistics female STEM leaders at GCU are determined to change. The College of Science, Engineering and Technology touts an astounding number of women in STEM, including two female associate deans — Dr. Heather Monthie in technology and Dr. Janet Brelin-Fornari in Engineering — along with faculty leads such as Deborah Haralson in IT and Samantha Russell in electrical engineering, to name just a few. “We’re doing a good job here. … We’re doing something different here,” Monthie said of the number of women CSET faculty who are helming STEM disciplines still under-represented by women.

From GCU-branded sherpas, socks and ties to a Stay-and-Play package for golf and a stay at GCU Hotel, you’ll find something for every Lopes fan in the family in our first Christmas gift guide.