By Karen Fernau
GCU News Bureau
Meet Naol Solomon Abebe, the son of the ambassador to Ethiopia and a sophomore engineering major at Grand Canyon University.
Or meet Kariana Kushigemachi, a California figure skater with a passion for ministry.
Or Anthony Miklas, a junior Biblical Studies major who values the tight-knit campus.
They are samples of the students profiled on a new GCU Instagram account written by students, about students and for students.
“It’s a meeting place for prospective students to hear from current students with authentic voices,” said Sarah Boeder, executive vice president of campus operations.
Launched in April, @GCUAdmissions is designed to encourage incoming students, or those considering attending GCU, to connect with those featured on the site.
“Students should select a college where they will be surrounded by people who will make them better. This account shows that GCU is a serious contender,” Boeder said.
The site showcases photos attached to brief narratives of what they like best about campus, from caring teachers, sunshine, campus missions and the blending of faith with scholarship.
It’s produced by GCU senior Jedidiah Woods, co-owner of award-winning Storage Together, which connects people needing to store possessions with those who have space to rent or share.
For Woods, the Instagram collection showcases the diversity of students, their interests, faith and studies.
“They are one of GCU’s biggest assets, and it’s a great way to show off their personal sides,” he said.
Woods plans to add two new students weekly to the fast-growing collection of GCU students, graduates and incoming freshmen.
An example of one of his posts: “Meet Akil Omari! The man, the myth, the LEGEND! He originates from Dallas Texas, where sports reign and freedom rings. He attended Waxahachie Global High School where he discovered his love for music. He had confident dreams of attending Harvard but unexpectedly missed the cut by a bit which then led him to the opportunity to attend a GCU Discover event. His dreams are still high and he is pursuing them daily.”
Eventually, the account will expand to include profiles of faculty and staff.
The account has gotten off to a good start with more than 600 followers.
“The goal is simply to make the hearts of GCU students evident so they can be celebrated by the prospects from a distance,” Boeder said.
Contact Karen Fernau at (602) 639-8344 or [email protected].
