Madeline Landes

It was an action-packed weekend for the Honors College and its students. Its annual Next Generation Leadership Conference, “Serve with your Story,” was organized by students for students and provided attendees with the opportunity to learn from and network with industry professionals from a variety of fields. Speakers shared their individual stories and journeys with students, all while emphasizing the importance of serving others. “I really do feel like GCU attracts talented and mission-oriented students,” said Ryan Corry, Chief Strategy Officer for St. Vincent de Paul.

All it took to make sure 70 kids in need got a bed to sleep in was a little hard work, love and the dedication of the GCU Honors College community Saturday morning. Volunteers gathered around the GCU CityServe HUB and teamed with the nonprofit organization Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build bunk beds that will be distributed to families in need. Sleep in Heavenly Peace founder and Executive Director Luke Mickelson said, “To see these college students see the joy that they feel when they know they’re giving back to something … it lasts with them the rest of their lives.”

It was a productive semester for students looking to attend graduate school as the Honors College wrapped up its Pre-Law and Pre-Health Professional, Academic and Career Programs. Both programs, one of which made its debut this semester, played a role in helping prepare students for what they can expect when it comes to graduate school. “From my point of view, it was very helpful and very informative,” said government student Madeline Landes, who attended all of the Pre-Law P.A.C. sessions this semester. “I would recommend this because I think it’s a very informative program.”

Another successful academic year wouldn’t be complete without an Honors College Banquet to celebrate the students’ accomplishments. They were recognized Wednesday for their hard work during the pandemic. “We’re extremely proud,” Program Manager Dennis Williams said. “It’s been a very challenging year for them, but we’ve seen so many of our students step up as leaders, step up in all these areas. This is, I think, going to be an extra special year.”