Dr. Joe Veres

Professors step up in the classroom with lectures, PowerPoint presentations and the like. But they also encourage and mentor students in their undergraduate research, link students to startups or use their connections from their time in industry to help students get jobs. Strategic Employer Initiatives & Internships recently recognized 13 faculty members across seven colleges for their efforts to champion the career success of their students.

The Learning Lounge is making an immediate impact on students at Westwood Elementary. Based on first semester test results, 50 percent of the third and fourth grade math students improved by one to two grade levels as opposed to no grade level growth among students at a control group school. Targeted lessons developed by Learning Lounge leaders and implemented in small group instruction by GCU students, known as LEADs (Learning Advocates), are paying off.

Story by Theresa Smith Photos by Travis Neely GCU New Bureau When Eh Win was 6, she and her parents, Ku and Poe, left their home in Thailand and settled in west Phoenix. She grew up one mile from Grand Canyon University and dreamed of becoming the first person in her family to attend college. The oldest of six children, Win established herself as an honors student at Cortez High School and began attending the ACE (Academic and Career Excellence Centers) at the Learning Lounge on the GCU campus for help with her classes and to begin banking the 100 hours needed for eligibility for a Students Inspiring Students (SIS) scholarship. On a marvelous Tuesday night, Win’s dream came true. She was among nine students awarded SIS scholarships with a surprise celebration on the patio of GCU Ballpark at Brazell Field. “Tonight is your night,’’ Dr. Joe Veres, GCU’s Vice President of Student Success, told the awestruck assembly of SIS recipients, their parents and siblings, who thought they were on campus  for a mandatory scholarship information meeting. Instead, they were greeted with applause by ACE staff and Learning Advocates (LEADs) and feted with balloons, refreshments and music. “We always try to […]