By Jeannette Cruz
GCU News Bureau
Honors College students at Grand Canyon University got their first opportunity Thursday to dine and mingle with members of the college's new advisory board.
Aysha Bell, Career IMPACT Center advisor, led the opening dinner prayer for the event at GCU Golf Course. Next, Breanna Naegeli welcomed and addressed the members of the board.
“We have a lot of bright and ambitious students in the Honors College … and the reason we have you all here today is because we believe you have the experience to help and support our students and shape our program,” Naegeli said. “We are just excited to hear your ideas and to receive your insight so that when our graduates cross the stage they are fully developed with a standout resume that speaks to you all.”
During dinner, students heard from the advisory board members – who represent a broad spectrum of professional roles – as they talked about their passions and plans in the community. Serving as the moderator was Dr. Antoinette Farmer, Honors College Dean and Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness.
The 18-member advisory board will include Penny Allee Taylor, Chief Public Policy Officer at Valley of the Sun United Way; Dr. Ed Baker, Women’s Health Chair at Mountain Park Health Center; Don Bland, former COO and former President and CEO of Walmart Canada and Walmart Argentina.
Students Emily Ghena and Riley Harshbarger talked about their experiences in the Honors College.
Ghena said she attributed a lot of her academic success to the College and talked about her role as the founder and president of the Honors STEMists organization.
Harshbarger said he appreciated the way it challenged his thinking and provided stimulating opportunities.
“What we want to build here is a leadership committee for the students,” said Farmer. “We want people who will mentor and sponsor our students.”
Contact Jeannette Cruz at (602) 639-6631 or [email protected].
