Slideshow

Photos by David Kadlubowski GCU News Bureau Grand Canyon University employees and their families were treated to free meals at campus eateries and a multitude of activities at their annual Christmas Party on Saturday.      

Photos by Slaven Gujic GCU News Bureau The Friday afternoon ceremony at Grand Canyon University winter commencement featured graduates of the College of Education, College of Humanities and Social Sciences, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, and College of Theology.    

Photos by Slaven Gujic GCU News Bureau The Friday morning ceremony of winter commencement at Grand Canyon University included graduates of the Colangelo College of Business, the College of Fine Arts and Production and the College of Nursing and Health Care Professions.      

Photos by Slaven Gujic GCU News Bureau Grand Canyon University’s Ethington Dance Ensemble performed 11 dances by 10 choreographers for its Winter Dance Concert, “Uncovered.” About 50 dancers brought the works to life on the Ethington Theatre stage Dec. 7-9.

Photos by Theresa Smith and Lana Sweeten-Shults GCU News Bureau Hungry and stressed students sipped hot chocolate and munched on granola bars along the Promenade on Wednesday. They were eager to take advantage of Fuel for Finals, courtesy of the Grand Canyon University Welcome Programs and parents from the GCU Parent Council. “I was very satisfied with my granola bar,” said Joshua Onwordi.  “And I took one when I went to class as well, so I have eaten two granola bars today. I am fueled for finals.” The sophomore from Chandler took his first final on Tuesday and a second one on Wednesday. Along with providing snacks, drinks and encouragement, the semiannual event featured a prayer request board, prompting students to publicize their prayers, including asking God for successful final exam experiences.  The two-day event ended on Thursday at 2 p.m.  

Handel’s “Messiah” preaches the word of God through music, said GCU Assistant Dean of Music Dr. Juan de Dios Hernandez, who conducted Tuesday night’s annual presentation of the masterwork. Hernandez added that performing the oratorio is a reflection of GCU’s mission as a Christian university. The concert, featuring the Canyon Choral Society and Canyon Symphony Orchestra, ushered in the holiday season and will be performed one more time in a singalong version Friday at La Casa de Cristo Lutheran Church in Scottsdale.

Photos by Theresa Smith and Debbie Accomazzo GCU News Bureau Members of the GCU community helped hand out Thanksgiving meals Monday at the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance Turkey Distribution event.

GCU News Bureau Grand Canyon University Theatre tells the origin story of Peter Pan in Tony Award-winning “Peter and the Starcatcher,” based on the book “Peter and the Starcatchers” by New York Times bestselling author Ridley Pearson and Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper columnist Dave Barry.

Photos by Travis Neely GCU News Bureau The 11th annual Lip Sync Battle drew a record crowd of 7,000 to GCU Arena on Thursday night.      

Photos by Theresa Smith GCU News Bureau The National Day on Writing was celebrated Monday on the Grand Canyon University campus by faculty and students, including the campus chapter of the National Council of Teachers of English, Friends of the Pen, and GCU’s Professional Writing Workshop. Participants wrote six-word biographies on sticky notes, took turns adding twists to a short story and used chalk on the pavement to explain why they write.