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God’s plan was set on warp speed for Rachel Robinson, which is why she accepted her diploma at Friday afternoon’s winter commencement just 2 1/2 years after enrolling at Grand Canyon University. Pairing efficiency with excellence, the Honors College member earned a 4.0 grade point average, graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology and a minor in Psychology.

What makes a great teacher? It starts with a great education, and Aimee Frank, Victoria Monk and Jessica Gajewski all spoke highly of their experience at Grand Canyon University. They were three of the College of Education graduates Friday in winter commencement.

A partnership between GCU and Phoenix Rescue Mission produced toys, games and household goods for needy children and hope for recovering adults, residents of PRM who attended the Lopes women’s basketball game Tuesday night at GCU Arena. “It is crazy to think I am coming to something like this, a GCU basketball game,’’ said PRM resident Kassandra Elson. “This is how I am spending my free time rather than doing things that put me in prison.’’

Playing poker not only can be fun, it can provide a learning opportunity. And the bonus lesson for GCU math students amid their semi-annual Poker Day was seeing their instructors in a different environment. “It is fun to see the professor as a person instead of a teacher,’’ said Computer Science major Jeremy Mog.

Eight students performed on Wednesday evening in the Speech and Debate Showcase. The event was highlighted by an emotional speech by Keliann Nash about her brother, and it featured the quick preparation skills of Tommee Gleason. “Several members of the audience were moved by the performances they saw, and that speaks to the power the students have in conveying emotions via their performance,” Director of Forensics Michael Dvorak said.

GCU senior Xanthia Clow shined a light on the opioid crisis en route to winning first place in persuasive speech at the Pacific Southwest Collegiate Forensic Association Fall Championships  on Sunday at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut, Calif. Teammate Tommee Gleason placed third in three events and Keliann Nash finished third in impromptu speaking at a tournament featuring 38 college and university teams.

Dr. Howard Carlson, an adjunct GCU professor in the College of Education and the reigning Arizona Superintendents Association Superintendent of the Year, shares experience and insight in his new book, “Accelerated Wisdom: 50 Practical Insights for Today’s Superintendent.” Carlson, the superintendent of the Wickenburg Unified School District, shared several of the book’s main points in a question-and-answer session with GCU Today.

On many fronts, GCU is striving to ease food insecurity in the Valley by partnering with the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance. Thunder, the women’s basketball and volleyball teams, along with members of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences made an impact on Monday. “Everyone wants to feel special and there is nothing better at Thanksgiving than to have the community rally to make sure everybody has a good meal and enjoys the time with their families,” said GCU women’s basketball coach Nicole Powell.

The competitive nature of GCU’s baseball players paid off in successful marketing techniques Saturday as the Lopes encouraged shoppers at the Moon Valley Safeway to donate $1,334.73 and a record 132 turkeys for the St. Mary’s Food Bank Alliance Super Saturday Turkey Drive. “They became advocates for food insecurity in Arizona,” said Debbie Accomazzo, GCU Community Outreach Manager.

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 […]