Amethyst Gala

By Ralph Freso

Grand Canyon University celebrated its second Amethyst Gala on Friday evening at the Canyon Activity Center. The event was a celebration and benefit for the Ingram Honors College's growth initiatives. The college's namesakes, Sheila and Mike Ingram, and Pono Construction President Butch Glispie were honored with Amethyst Awards.

  • Guests begin to arrive at the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Amethyst Gala guests enjoy the cocktail hour before the start of the program at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Amethyst Gala guests enjoy the cocktail hour before the start of the program at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Guests get their picture taken at the photo station during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Guests get their picture taken during the cocktail hour of the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Guests arrive at the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Amethyst Award honoree Mike Ingram mingles with guests during the Amethyst Gala.
  • Amethyst Award recipient Butch Glispie is welcomed to the stage by University President Brian Mueller during the Amethyst Gala.
  • University Provost Dr. Randy Gibb enjoys the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center.
  • Amethyst Award recipient Butch Glispie speaks during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center.
  • Country music singer and poet Red Steagall introduces Mike and Sheila Ingram for their Amethyst Award during the Amethyst Gala.
  • Sheila Ingram hugs Red Steagall as she and her husband, Mike Ingram, receive the Amethyst Award during the Amethyst Gala.
  • Guests watch as Mike and Sheila Ingram receive their Amethyst Award during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center.
  • Amethyst Award recipients Mike and Sheila Ingram speak during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Amethyst Award recipients Mike and Sheila Ingram (center) with University President Brian Mueller (right) and presenter Red Steagall (left) during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Ingram Honors College Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli and guests applaud Amethyst Award recipients Mike and Sheila Ingram during the Amethyst Gala.
  • University President Brian Mueller speaks during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Ingram Honors College Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli speaks about the future and character of the college during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Guests listen to program speakers during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Best-selling author John C. Maxwell speaks during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Guests react to best-selling author John C. Maxwell’s speech during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Best-selling author John C. Maxwell speaks during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • University President Brian Mueller and guests react to best-selling author John C. Maxwell’s speech during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Amethyst Award recipient Mike Ingram (right) speaks alongside University President Brian Mueller (center) and best-selling author John C. Maxwell during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Amethyst Award recipient Mike Ingram (right) congratulates John C. Maxwell after presenting him with a pair of framed boot spurs during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Best-selling author John C. Maxwell (center) with a set of Western boot spurs presented to him by Amethyst Award recipient Mike Ingram and University President Brian Mueller during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Director of Advancement Dr. Kale Gober gets the paddle bidding going during the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Guests and donors make contributions during the paddle bidding portion of the program at the Amethyst Gala.
  • Guests and donors make contributions during the paddle bidding portion of the program at the Amethyst Gala in the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Director of Advancement Dr. Kale Gober works the crowd for contributions during the paddle bidding portion of the program at the Amethyst Gala in the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Guests and donors make contributions during the paddle bidding portion of the program at the Amethyst Gala in the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Guests and donors make contributions during the paddle bidding portion of the program at the Amethyst Gala in the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • Critical Mass closes the Amethyst Gala with a performance at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.
  • The last cowboy standing waits for his guest in the reception area at the end of the night following the Amethyst Gala at the Canyon Activity Center on May 8, 2026.

Tags

Calendar

Calendar of Events

M Mon

T Tue

W Wed

T Thu

F Fri

S Sat

S Sun

2 events,

3 events,

6 events,

-

Ignite

8 events,

+ 2 More

4 events,

3 events,

3 events,

2 events,

2 events,

1 event,

2 events,

3 events,

1 event,

0 events,

3 events,

2 events,

2 events,

4 events,

2 events,

1 event,

0 events,

3 events,

3 events,

4 events,

1 event,

2 events,

1 event,

1 event,

3 events,

4 events,

1 event,

1 event,

1 event,

2 events,

2 events,

+ 2 More
View Calendar

GCU Magazine

August 2026

Bible Verse

Teach the older men to be temperate, worthy of respect, self-controlled and sound in faith, in love, and in endurance.
(Titus 2:2)

To Read More: www.verseoftheday.com/