Homecoming 2023

By Ralph Freso

Grand Canyon University's Homecoming Weekend was full of tradition as well as some new events to bridge the gap between different generations of alumni. The Alumni Hall of Fame, tailgate, alumni-exclusive T-shirts, derby cart races, golfing, Breakfast with Thunder and face painting were only a few festivities that took place last weekend. Story

  • A GCU student flashes Lopes Up as she spins past on the Mind Winder ride during Homecoming tailgate festivities at the Quad on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • GCU alumna from 1983, Joy Bailey, spins a prize wheel during Homecoming tailgate festivities at the Quad on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Crowds enjoying tailgate festivities on the Quad during Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Freshman Katie MacKenzie gets her face painted for the basketball game during Homecoming tailgate festivities at the Quad on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Freshman Jessie Barrett (right) plays a round of cornhole with friends during Homecoming tailgate festivities at the Quad on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Four-year old Cameron Baker enjoys the Mind Winder ride during Homecoming tailgate festivities at the Quad on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Longtime season ticket holder Shirley Jackovich (left) and friend Lynn Thrasher enjoying tailgate festivities on the Quad before the basketball game during Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Kids play soccer on an inflatable field during Homecoming tailgate festivities at the Quad on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Students spin on the Mind Winder ride during Homecoming tailgate festivities at the Quad on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Thunder finds a Havocs dance partner in the crowd during Homecoming tailgate festivities on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Thunder expresses his heartfelt feelings for his new Havocs dance partner during Homecoming tailgate festivities on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Senior Alexis Zertuche and the GCU Dance squad get the crowd pumped up in front of the arena during Homecoming tailgate festivities on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Havocs flash Lopes Up as they show their spirit in front of the Arena during Homecoming tailgate festivities on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Thunder helps Austin White with his helmet before the start of the annual Derby Cart races in front of GCU Arena during Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Students, in their homemade carts, race down the walkway in front of GCU Arena during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Students, in their homemade carts, race down the walkway in front of GCU Arena during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Thunder commandeers a cart for himself during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • ASGUC’s Megan Campbell talks with students in the crowd between heats during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Senior Hope Gibson and the GCU Cheer squad perform during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Thunder wants to hear some team spirit from a Havoc during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Thunder lines up with the competitors of the championship heat as ASGCU’s Megan Campbell counts down the start during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • The Multicultural Office's Megan Lee-Watanabe and Amani Kibinda race to the finish line in the championship heat during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • The Multicultural Office's Megan Lee-Watanabe and Amani Kibinda race to the finish line in the championship heat during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • The Multicultural Office's Megan Lee-Watanabe and Amani Kibinda cross the finish line in the championship heat during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • The Multicultural Office's Megan Lee-Watanabe and Amani Kibinda celebrate their victory in the championship heat during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • The Multicultural Office's Megan Lee-Watanabe (center) and Amani Kibinda pose alongside of Thunder with the championship trophy during the annual Derby Cart races at Homecoming on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Students spin on the Mind Winder ride into the evening during Homecoming tailgate festivities at the Quad on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • The Mind Winder ride spins into the evening in front of GCU Arena during Homecoming tailgate festivities at the Quad on Feb. 24, 2023.
  • Longtime season ticket holder Shirley Jackovich dances and cheers during the Homecoming basketball game on Feb. 24, 2023.

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GCU Magazine

ViewCurrent November 2025

Bible Verse

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

To Read More: www.verseoftheday.com/