Recent News

By Cooper Nelson GCU News Bureau From the desert mountains of Phoenix and the caves of Tucson to the glistening blue natural pools of Sedona and snowy regions of Flagstaff, Arizona is home to some of the nation’s best natural destinations  and is ideal for those who love to hike, swim, explore and be active. Chad Schlundt, outdoor recreation coordinator at Grand Canyon University, wants to make sure the University’s nearly 15,000 traditional students, especially those from out of state, get to see firsthand the natural beauty of the Grand Canyon State. Schlundt joined GCU this summer and has organized several information classes and training sessions in addition to hiking, backpacking, skiing, swimming and other trips across the state as part of the University’s new outdoor recreation program. Future trips will include hiking Camelback Mountain in Phoenix and snowboarding in Flagstaff this winter and possibly surfing in San Diego over spring break. The trips are designed to foster relationships, create memories, explore Arizona and grow their faith. Most are free and first-come, first-served, and sign-ups will be capped. A list of classes and trips are available at imleagues.com/GCU under the “Outdoor Recreation” tab. Schlundt said the program is a way for students who may prefer exploring nature in addition to […]

Dr. Galyna Kufryk, a professor of biological sciences in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, was invited by the Institut Pasteur in Paris to continue her research of tiny photosynthetic organisms that someday could help solve the world’s energy crisis. You can read more about Kufryk, who received the Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award last year from CSET, and her work in this GCU Today story.

The number of students in the Colangelo College of Business has almost doubled in just two years, and with that growth have come even more opportunities to get involved in programs and clubs on campus and in roles in the business community. The faculty is focused on facilitating those opportunities, Dean Dr. Randy Gibb emphasized at the CCOB kickoff event Wednesday morning. GCU Today has the story.

The new GCU Lope Shop opened for business at 8 a.m. Wednesday to brisk sales and rave reviews. Students were snapping up T-shirts, mugs and hats. Many praised the variety of shopping options. Campus Stores Director Andy Dunn said the place had been “rocking and rolling.” Check it out, shoppers.

The number of GCU students doing internships just keeps growing — up to more than 300 for the 2014-15 school year. The types of opportunities they’re getting also are expanding, and several found themselves getting to do far more than they expected.

The tools to succeed as a student at GCU have never before been so intentional and integrated throughout the colleges and curriculum. From the time they step onto campus until their commencement, students are continuously exposed to purposeful planning, advising and other guidance to make the most of their programs of study, academics, career aspirations and spirituality. And soon, a new First Year Center of academic excellence will open in Juniper Hall, which is home to 250 of GCU’s 750 Honors College students. Click here to read more in GCU Today.

The first students in GCU’s engineering program attended classes Monday in their new building. Over the coming years, they will be exposed to a new way of preparing for the workforce and future jobs in biomedical, electrical and mechanical engineering and of thinking about how Christian anthropology fits in with their future careers.

GCU’s Department of Public Safety has a new office in the Grove Parking Garage and lots of new staffers to ensure a safe campus environment. The staff is up to 163, about a quarter of whom are armed officers. “The University has been great when it comes to staffing,” Associate Director Kenneth Laird said.

The GCU Career Services Student Worker Job Fair Friday in the Arena drew about 5,000 students who have the opportunity to work in places as diverse as the bowling alley in Thunderground to the soon-to-open music studio in the new engineering building.

Grand Canyon University student Ashley Romantic sat down with Phillip Phillips before his concert at GCU Arena Saturday night to talk about his music, faith, advice for college students and, of course, how to get your Lopes Up. Q: Tell us about your album “Behind the Light.” A: I think it’s got a little bit of everything to it. It’s got some funk, a little bit of soul, rock, a little jazz and pop. I think it’s good. It’s honest. I only have two albums out so it’s definitely my best work so far. I am starting to work on my third one right now and am really excited. It has some cool, kind of weird stuff happening, but I like it like that. Q: I am sure everyone out there will think it’s really good. A: Not everyone, there’s always somebody who thinks it’s not good, but that’s just people you know. As long as my mom and fiancé like it, that’s what counts. Q: I understand it’s geared more toward a concert setting. Is this the most fun you’ve ever had on tour? A: Yes. I was touring last year. This year I am writing a lot more, doing shows […]