Cumulative exams. Theories. Capstone projects.
The chatter in college can get loud.
But the Grand Canyon University graduating class of 2026 wanted to play in a different sandbox when it came to its gift to future students, dedicated on Wednesday.
They wanted to tap into that childlike wonder and innocence referenced so much in the Bible.
“We just want it to be a representation of slowing things down and always remembering to have childlike faith,” said Associated Students of GCU President Tucker Hudson of the gift, a GCU purple glider swing at the Santa Cruz Apartments lawn where students can pause their busy college life and take a moment to sit and enjoy the gentle back and forth.
The student body began brainstorming at the beginning of the year about the legacy they wanted to leave future students.
He and ASGCU Vice President Dianne Carla Mae Nasibog, when they served on the student body Senate, said there was a petition to get a swing on campus, “so it’s been something that’s been going on for a little while,” Hudson said.
The idea was modified from a playground swing to the glider swing, “a place for students to go and enjoy, among the busyness and stressfulness of the college season.”
Hudson said the Bible references childlike faith several times. But the verses that stood out to graduating class leaders was Mark 10:14-15: “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
“It’s instructing us not to worry about things … and have that childlike faith mindset,” Hudson said.
The graduating class of 2026 worked with Eric Bolze, director of engineering and production at E2 Innovations, who created the swing. Bolze also was involved in the “Grace Tree” sculpture, placed in front of the Lope Shop during the university’s 75th anniversary year.
“We were grateful for the collaboration,” Hudson said. “He’s a great partner and great friend of the university.”
What they're also grateful for is leaving behind a legacy, a piece of them that will remain at the university long after they graduate.
“We want to be able to pour into as many people, as much as we’ve been poured into, during our time here.”
