Garth Bailey

Thousands of alumni, students, families and friends came to campus to participate in the University’s first in-person Homecoming Family Weekend since before the pandemic. There was no shortage of excitement as fan favorites returned and new events popped up. “This is the Disneyland of campuses. We really just enjoy coming out here,” said Warren Thompson, who came to campus with his family to visit daughter Bella. “It’s been great to connect and see some other students that our daughter has connected with and meet their parents. Everyone seems really down to earth.”

An action-packed weekend is upon us as this year’s Homecoming Family Weekend draws closer. For the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, events from Homecoming and Family Weekend will be restored to their in-person format. There is no shortage of ways to get involved on and off campus.

It’s been a year like no other, and that notion is especially true in regards to this year’s GCU Hall of Fame recipients. Rachel Winkler, Scott Van Newkirk, Garth Bailey and Dan Snyder were selected to be added to the growing list of impressive alumni who are making an impact in their fields. From business to the health insurance industry, each recipient holds an impressive resumé and an even more impressive journey. “I feel like your education is just the start,” Van Newkirk said. “Nothing is going to be given to you, and how you prepare your work ethic through school is going to carry on into your career.” Reprinted from the April issue of GCU Magazine.

The pandemic wasn’t going to keep the GCU community from celebrating alumni, students and their families. That determined spirit was the catalyst for this year’s virtual Homecoming and Family Week. For the first time, the two events have been combined to bring together everyone in the GCU community for a week filled with tours, livestreams, watch parties and access to GCU archives.