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GCU students in School Counseling practicums across the country found a way to make the best of the bad situations caused by the pandemic. Facing emptied schools, they fashioned creative ways to be of service to their communities. “It reflects GCU’s mission, which is to help the best way we can,” said Angelica Corona.

Nathan Cooper knew about growing corn and soybeans on vast Midwest farm fields that four generations of his family have tended. Farming in the desert is a whole different ballgame. But the manager of GCU’s new Canyon Urban Farms, designed to feed and educate the neighborhood, met the challenges and this week donated 40 pounds of squash to the refugee population.

Miranda Diaz was worried about her future. She was living at home with her Texas parents because of the pandemic and ready to graduate from GCU in two days. Then, the phone rang. She landed a job, thanks in part to the growing partnerships between GCU and behavioral health agency employers in Phoenix.

Lynette Stant grew up on a Navajo Reservation. She remembers being at her mother’s side to make tortillas, only later realizing that through those experiences she was learning fractions. That came in handy as the Arizona Teacher of the Year and GCU alumna helped teachers this spring find ways to reach students who faced online barriers during emergency remote learning.

It was a day of sadness and celebration on GCU’s campus Friday after classes were moved online and students were encouraged to go home. Seniors tearfully said goodbyes and an impromptu “grad walk” filled Lopes Way late Friday afternoon. “I feel like this was a big last hurrah as a senior, and I was glad to help people leave with positivity in these dark times,” said senior Caleb Palmen, who organized it.

ASGCU President Sam Yonan and his student government team have been busy already this year, working to improve campus shuttle routes and organizing events to encourage recycling and raise awareness about harassment. “We want to keep an open ear to students on anything they need to be changed,” Yonan said. “We do represent students.”

There are plenty of new ways to get outside and stay fit this year, thanks to GCU Campus Recreation. There are new Intramural sports, such as indoor soccer, this fall. There are dozens of new hiking trips, led by GCU Outdoor Recreation. And there are new facilities and fitness equipment on campus. “These are all opportunities to be ‘non-digital’ and connect with people,” said Matt Lamb, GCU Director of Campus Recreation.

There’s a reason GCU’s signature event, Move-In, runs smoothly. Event Services, Student Affairs, Residence Life and other teams work hard to make it the most memorable experience possible for first-time Lopes, and they often do it from behind the scenes … and with Uncrustables at the ready.

GCU and GCE volunteers fanned out to two homes in the neighborhood on Friday, digging into painting and landscaping projects and defying the July heat. Homeowner Mira Nava recalled the first time Habitat visited her home eight years ago to fix the roof. Her mother was battling cancer at the time and told Nava: “This is a reminder that God is still here.” Andrea Northup, Habitat for Humanity Faith Relations Manager, told Nava: “That’s what GCU lives by — faith.”

Dusti Powell is one of 14 members on the Parent Council, which strengthens connections between GCU students and their families. “Yes, they are young adults, out on their own, but parents still have a role,’’ said the mother from Queen Creek. One of the events where the Council makes a difference is Fuel for Finals, scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday at four locations on campus.