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It wasn’t the ending they had wanted, but the Ethington Theatre department wasn’t going to let COVID-19 rob them of the opportunity to experience the final production of “The Drowsy Chaperone.” So what did they do? On the final night of rehearsal last week, shortly after receiving the news that all campus events would be canceled for the remainder of the semester, the cast performed what would be their only run-through of the anticipated production right then and there, with no costumes, a half finished set and other production details. It was an experience students won’t soon forget.

GCE Pastor Jim Miller was faced with a dilemma: The vast majority of employees are working from home during the coronavirus outbreak, which meant there wouldn’t be a live audience for his monthly Chapel service Wednesday morning featuring GCU President Brian Mueller. But Miller is a people person, so he brought it to the people — virtually. The service was viewed on Zoom and Facebook, and Mueller delivered a memorable talk.

It was a day of sadness and celebration on GCU’s campus Friday after classes were moved online and students were encouraged to go home. Seniors tearfully said goodbyes and an impromptu “grad walk” filled Lopes Way late Friday afternoon. “I feel like this was a big last hurrah as a senior, and I was glad to help people leave with positivity in these dark times,” said senior Caleb Palmen, who organized it.

GCU News Bureau After carefully monitoring the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the recent developments that are impacting the entire country, Grand Canyon University has been working diligently to ensure that it is protecting the health and well-being of our campus community. Effective March 23, all but a few classes on the Phoenix campus will be transitioned to an online-only environment for the final four weeks of the spring semester. GCU is a recognized leader in online education, and it is confident it can keep students, faculty and staff safe while simultaneously allowing students to complete their academic semester in a high-quality learning environment. Read GCU President Brian Mueller’s full statement here.

A crowd of more than 700 people attended Culture Fest March 6, highlighting some of the 90 countries that are represented at GCU. International student Cynthia Shekinah, born in India and raised in Romania, said she got the chance to learn how others live, and afterwards, “I feel like I was more woke.”

Terry Mackey grabbed the attention of the Chapel audience and never let go Monday morning. His talk was filled with quickly recited Bible verses and sayings he calls “Mackey-ology.” But, most importantly, it carried a consistent message: “You can put your trust in God because He has always been and He will always be trustworthy.”

For the third year, the Honors College invested in its students and other college and high school students by hosting a leadership conference. The three-day Next Generation Leadership Conference brought in strong, local leaders to speak with attendees and offered breakout sessions on everything from innovative thinking to emotional intelligence. Students also strengthened their leadership skills at a retreat at South Mountain. “It’s an opportunity for us to bring in other industry leaders and for them to pour into these students over three days. … It builds a bigger picture of why they’re here,” said Honors College Program Manager Dennis Williams.

It was a year of firsts for GCU’s 2020 Homecoming Celebration, and based on Alumni responses, may not be one of lasts. Along with the beloved homecoming traditions such as the Derby car races, the homecoming tailgate and the Hall of Fame ceremony, alumni also got to participate in a Campfire and Cocktails social event at Canyon 49, an Alumni Reunion Mixer at GCU Arena Hall and a Golden Lopes Ceremony at the tailgate. “We’re really trying to build out some lasting traditions at the university and a reunion is something that I think resonates with a lot of people,” Alumni Relation Specialist Brianna Bell said.

GCU News Bureau Seven contestants will say it was a wild ride from beginning to end of the “Jumanji”-themed Mr. GCU, the campus’ popular male pageant, which attracted some 6,000 attendees to GCU Arena on Thursday night. Those contestants — Ryan Oxley, Josiah Brown, Ryan Salerno, Zach Sheldon, Robby Yamaguchi, JC Kroupa and Gabe Rodgers — spent months learning choreography, preparing their talent routine and practicing for the harrowing interview questions from “The Host” himself, Caleb Duarte. Emerging victorious was Zach Sheldon, who entertained the crowd with his harmonica-playing prowess.  

What do you get when you combine the Milwaukee Brewers and GCU’s Honors College? The Brewers STEM Crew after school club. The program for middle school students, who were led by students from the Honors College, highlighted the STEM involved in baseball through an active, engaging approach.