Charlie Paparone, a graduate of the LOPES Academy at Grand Canyon University (GCU), is marking his first year of employment at the GCU Golf Course. Paparone, 21, works part time cleaning rental clubs and performing other tasks around the course.
“I love my job. I like doing all the tasks. I like the people here, also,” said Paparone during a break from his duties.
LOPES Academy is a two-year nondegree program at GCU’s Cardon Center designed for neurodivergent individuals to experience college life, take courses, socialize, and learn about employment opportunities. The program aims to help participants gain confidence and prepare for work.
“At the LOPES Academy, I learned to be confident in my work,” Paparone said. “Help as many customers as I can and treat customers like family.”
Courtney Patton, program manager for LOPES Academy, noted that six alumni will have completed one year of employment at GCU by this fall. “We help them find jobs and find confidence. The hope is maintaining employment,” Patton said. “The one-year anniversary is a sign of success for us.”
Paparone’s mother, Christine Paparone, commented on how her son’s job has impacted him: “I love watching him tell other people about his job, and you can see the pride and the joy that he gets from being a part of the GCU family. He has even advocated for himself with his boss in extending his hours come the fall because he so enjoys working.”
Paparone explained that his four-hour shifts allow him some spending money: “I spend it on a lot of things,” he said, “but mostly on my girlfriend.”
Dr. Heidi Boldway, director of LOPES Academy, emphasized that employment offers more than financial benefits: “Jobs give them the opportunity to work on social skills and advocate for themselves.”
Since its start, 32 participants have completed LOPES Academy. Alumni gather monthly for events such as basketball games at Lopes Performance Center; these gatherings also provide opportunities for continued connection among graduates.
Kristina Lang recently began working with alumni after completing her time in LOPES Academy. She helps organize these events and values her role beyond just earning money: “To me it’s not really the money, it’s more the experience,” she said. “With this job I’m not really worried about the money, it’s getting to work with a great team like Courtney. And I like coming here on campus.”
Ray Chiago was part of LOPES Academy’s first class and now works at Lopes Mart convenience store in Chaparral Hall after one year on staff there.
His mother Mary Jane Mooney wrote about Ray’s progress in GCU Magazine: “I think he feels really independent now, like other grown-ups. He’s proud of himself, and of course we’re proud of him… One time when I was still driving him to work we were just pulling onto campus and he goes ‘Ah GCU! It changed my life!’”
Chiago described his daily routine stocking items at Lopes Mart but admits most of his earnings go toward collecting model horses made by Breyer.
Other alumni who have worked over a year include Kyle Bragelman and Jaden Lowery (Lope Shop) as well as Jaycee Herr (Sodexo Catering). Those approaching their one-year anniversaries this fall are Maggie Noren (GCE Media Studio) along with Paparone.
