Online Life

Photos by Slaven Gujic, David Kadlubowski and Travis Neely GCU News Bureau The first ceremony of fall commencement Friday morning at Grand Canyon University included 752 nontraditional graduates of the College of Fine Arts and Production, the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and the College of Theology.      

Ray Carawan’s path to GCU wasn’t without obstacles. This online student pursing a bachelor’s degree in Christian Studies hopes one day to be a pastor for people like him — people who have disabilities. “In our weaknesses, His glory is revealed,” Carawan says.

GCU online nursing student Nowman Karram was no shrinking violet when it came to putting in several hours of research to make sure a patient’s pacemaker was compatible with an MRI. His efforts led to him being recognized as a Daisy Award winner for exceptional patient care.

Jeff Orr chose Grand Canyon University’s master’s program because he had a good experience as an undergrad on campus in the 1980s. “That’s what drew me back, was that experience,” he said. Reprinted from the April issue of GCU Magazine.

A survey on Grand Canyon University’s distinct Christian worldview and integration of faith showed that more than 80 percent of campus, online and evening students identified as Christians. Almost 85 percent of campus students had a positive perception of faith integration and almost 87 percent of online students had a positive one.

Alberta May flew into Phoenix to visit the campus during a Destination GCU event but ended up doing much more than that. She also used her skills as a nurse to help out in, not one, but two medical situations that arose on the flight. May, who is from Marshall, Texas, is furthering her education as an online student, hoping to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing.

Kimberly Rabanal was five months pregnant when she decided to go back to school. Just three months later, her father was diagnosed with brain cancer. But that didn’t deter her; it motivated her to work even harder. Rabanal was one of the candidates for a master’s degree in nursing at Friday’s afternoon commencement ceremony.

When it comes to online learning, GCU’s faculty have established a reputation of being some of the most sought-after thought-leaders in presenting and publishing their scholarly work. Between 2012 and 2017, they led 163 presentations, and their work was featured in 138 publications. GCU are the innovators, said Rick Holbeck, Executive Director of Online Full-Time Faculty.

This week’s edition of Antelope Intros features an AP specialist and a university development counselor. One is passionate about serving in music ministry. The other is a retired Army veteran passionate about higher learning.

Kristian Falkenstein, a Grand Canyon University admissions counselor based in New Jersey, is dedicated to helping people, but he went above and beyond earlier this fall: He saved a man from drowning in an ocean riptide.