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GCU News Bureau College of Science, Engineering and Technology Professor Dr. Ramesh Velupillaimani presented his research findings this summer at the First European Congress on Photosynthesis Research, ePS-1 A Marcus Wallenberg Symposium, in Uppsala, Sweden. His research involved an ultrafast spectroscopic approach to study how green alga (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii), a miniature marvel, captures and converts solar energy into chemical energy. The ultimate goal of this research is the production of fuel directly from the energy of the sun, through natural or artificial photosynthesis, to help meet the world’s energy requirements. During the conference, Velupillaimani visited the homes of two world-famous scientists: Linnaeus Garden and Museum in Uppsala, where Carl Linnaeus lived and worked for almost 50 years — he developed the system for classifying and naming all living things; and the Mendel Museum of Masaryk University at Brno, Czech Republic, home of Gregor Mendel, who was an ordained priest and is known as the “Father of Genetics.”

Grand Canyon University’s Pastor Tim Griffin at a recent employee Chapel said we never know who we might impact.

GCU News Bureau GCU students who are members of Arizona HOSA-Future Health Professionals (formerly the Health Occupations Students of America) were recognized at the recent HOSA International Leadership Conference in Dallas. Zack Merhavy and Cheney Huls received a first-place award in the category of Medical Innovation-Original. The chapter was recognized for being the largest post-secondary/collegiate chapter internationally and was also named Outstanding HOSA Chapter. Dr. Mark Wireman, assistant professor in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, received the Outstanding HOSA Advisor award. Attending this year’s conference were Huls, Merhavy, Amanda Seawright, Camden Bole, Jared Taillon and Reba Adams.  

The terminology might sound the same, but when it comes to “nonprofit” and “not-for-profit,” there are subtle differences between the two. So when it comes to referring to Grand Canyon University, it’s important to use the correct terminology: We are a nonprofit.

GCU News Bureau Dr. Rachel Velarde, associate professor of music, recently took six current and recent graduates of the GCU Student National Association of Teachers of Singing Learning Community to Las Vegas for the national NATS conference. Students volunteered for 15 hours; attended concerts, sessions and masterclasses; got to know other SNATS chapters; and met international opera stars Christine Brewer, soprano; Stephanie Blythe, mezzo-soprano; and Alton Fitzgerald White, who played the role of Mufasa in “The Lion King” on Broadway for eight years. They also met singer/songwriter Mandy Harvey of “America’s Got Talent”; Jaime Bernstein, daughter of Leonard Bernstein; Dr. Johan Sundberg, session speaker and leading international researcher on the acoustics of music and the science of the singing voice; Dr. Ian Howell, Director of Voice Pedagogy at the New England Conservatory; and Dr. Scott McCoy, author of the textbook used in GCU voice pedagogy class. In addition to attending conference sessions, Velarde judged the high school music theater finals of the NATS National Student Auditions competition and performed on the Graphite Publishing “Publisher’s Showcase,” highlighting contemporary art song composition. Velarde said of GCU’s students, “All who met our students commented on how amazing they were and how willing to […]

GCU News Bureau Dr. Rachel Velarde, associate professor of music, recently returned from the Acoustic Vocal Pedagogy Workshop at the New England Conservatory in Boston. Workshop instructors were Dr. Ian Howell, the vocal pedagogy director at the New England Conservatory; Kenneth Bozeman, professor of music at Lawrence University; and Dr. Chadley Ballentyne, senior instructor of voice at the University of Northern Colorado. The workshop focused on psychoacoustics, resonance strategies and formant tuning for the voice. In addition, Velarde participated in masterclasses and an informal recital.

“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) Pastor Jim Miller GCU Corporate Chaplain I’ve lived out of the snow now for 20 years, and I’d be overjoyed if God never gives me the pleasure of shoveling it again. But having grown up in Pennsylvania and having spent the bulk of my life in winter wonderlands, I’ve had lots of chances to help people whose cars were stuck in the snow. The secret is to rock the car. If you don’t, the tires just spin and you don’t go anywhere. In one case, I was pushing from the rear fender of a car, the driver gunned the engine, and the tire I was behind spun through the snow into the mud underneath, spewing a ton of mud behind the car where I was pushing — cold, wet mud. Talk about fun. At chapel last week, I said that the word the New Testament writers use for “encourage” actually means “to come alongside someone in their need.” It is in fact the same word Jesus uses to describe the Holy Spirit — the “one who comes alongside us.” When you push a […]

By Dr. Deb Wade GCU Vice President, Counseling and Psychological Services “Honey, we need to talk.”  Yikes! Those are some of the most dreaded words in the English language. That statement might just be as ominous as, “Do these pants make me look fat?” I’m not trying to be sexist here, but both of those statements can make men want to run for the hills — and for good reason. Communication is a worn-out, overly discussed, sometimes boring topic that can make the most tolerant among us roll our eyes.  Nevertheless, let’s dive in and talk about communication. What makes for great communication? Be a good listener. The most important part of communicating is listening. When one person is a good listener, the other will be a good communicator. Great listening is about the whole body, by the way. We hear with our ears, but we LISTEN with our whole bodies. Lean in, give great eye contact, make appropriate facial expressions that prove you are tuned in, nod occasionally to show you are following every word, and offer verbal probes. Check in with yourself right now. You are probably somewhat aware of sounds around you that you are hearing — an air conditioner […]

By Connie Colbert Director, Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic With the Fourth of July just a week away, here are a few tips to keep you and your family safe — including a few fire tips from the Federal Emergency Management Agency: Be sure fireworks are legal in your area before using or buying them. Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities and never allow children to play with or ignite fireworks. Sparklers alone account for one quarter of emergency room fireworks injuries. If you set off fireworks, keep a bucket of water handy in case of malfunction or fire. If fireworks malfunction, don’t relight them! Do soak them with water then throw them away. Never ignite fireworks in a container, especially one that is glass or metal. Use your grill well away from your home and deck railings, and out from under branches or overhangs. Open your gas grill before lighting. Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below your gas or propane grill so it cannot be ignited. Declare a 3-foot “kid- and pet-free zone” around the grill to keep them safe. Avoid loose clothing that can catch fire when cooking on the grill. Here are some additional […]

GCU News Bureau Seven leaders from GCU’s College of Education made an impact at the Educators Rising National Conference last week in Orlando. Along with COE Dean Dr. Kimberly LaPrade, the educators judged a national contest of teenaged future teachers and made presentations about the joys of teaching.  See the recent story here.