Grand Canyon University graduate Collin Buford spoke on Apr. 29 about his journey from a life-threatening accident to earning a master’s degree in leadership, addressing fellow graduates as the student commencement speaker at Global Credit Union Arena.
Buford’s story centers on resilience and finding new purpose after adversity. After suffering a traumatic brain injury in an auto accident in 2008, he spent months recovering and underwent multiple surgeries. During this time, Buford reflected on his future and the reasons behind his survival. “Sometimes discovering your purpose doesn’t begin with a perfectly designed plan,” Buford said. “Sometimes it begins with simply showing up.”
Buford volunteered at Baylor Scott & White Health in Dallas, connecting with patients facing similar challenges, which inspired him to pursue work helping others heal. Over the next 17 years, he advanced through roles including patient care technician, nursing assistant, system director and eventually system vice president of Safe Choice & Employee Health at Baylor Scott & White Health.
Reflecting on how his experiences shaped him professionally and personally, Buford told graduates: “What I once thought was the greatest tragedy of my life became one of the greatest blessings… Because it redirected my path, deepened my faith and placed me in positions where I could impact the lives of others in ways I never would have imagined.” He also credited Grand Canyon University for supporting his growth: “Collin is a wonderful example of the power of Christ in your life, resilience and intentionality,” said John Kaites, Dean of Colangelo College of Business.
Buford described how Grand Canyon University’s Christian focus helped him integrate faith into leadership studies. The university offers undergraduate and graduate programs such as nursing, business and healthcare; provides flexible learning options; operates as a private Christian institution; is located in Phoenix; has received high rankings for its programs; and centers on Christian values to support students—according to the official website.
Looking ahead, Buford plans to take the LSAT this summer with hopes to attend law school but emphasized that each step so far has been meaningful: “And perhaps most important,” he told classmates during commencement remarks, “you discovered that you are capable of far more than you once believed.”