Grand Canyon University
Recent News About Grand Canyon University
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Social work program earns accreditation, students prepared to meet high need
The Bachelor of Social Work program at Grand Canyon University has recently received accreditation from the Council on Social Work Education, marking a significant achievement for the program. Dr. Cheryl McAuliffe, Director of Social Work, expressed the dedication that went into the accreditation process, mentioning "It was a lot of long hours in the conference room." Faculty Chair Dr. Martin McDonell also highlighted the pressure that came with the accreditation, stating, "We had the first graduating class this April, so we had a lot riding on it."The accreditation...
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Malawi Students Embrace Cultural Diversity at GCU Theological Seminary
Malawi students are expanding their knowledge and cultural horizons at Grand Canyon University's Theological Seminary in Phoenix, Arizona. Among the first students at the new physical space of the seminary are individuals like Christina Kambewa, Emmanuel Malaidza, McXencioh Jossiah, Wendy Lukwa, and Innocent Nyambo, all hailing from Malawi.Kambewa shared her experience of learning alongside individuals from diverse backgrounds, stating, "But for us to be able to work together to have the Word – as I plan to do – based on Christianity, I need to understand that people grow...
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Wrestling Couple Gets Engaged at National Championships
Grand Canyon University wrestlers Noah Valenzuela and Sami Tuttle have made headlines not just for their prowess on the wrestling mat but also for their recent engagement at the National Collegiate Wrestling Association National Championships. The heartwarming moment unfolded as Tuttle completed her wrestling career and Valenzuela surprised her with a proposal in the middle of the ring.Tuttle, a determined and accomplished wrestler, had proven herself by becoming an all-American for the second time, despite facing challenges and doubts along the way. Her dedication to the...
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Canyon Undergraduate Research Conference Showcases Diverse Projects and Inspiring Stories
Students at the Canyon Undergraduate Research Conference presented a wide range of research projects, from the link between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease to the viability of DNA found within gun barrels. The event, held in Antelope Gymnasium, featured over 75 poster presentations along with oral presentations and a research symposium.Logan Morris, a biology/pre-med junior, shared his fascination with the connection between diabetes and Alzheimer's disease, stating, "Diabetics are known to face a 65% increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease." Morris's research...
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Students Showcase Projects and Research at Undergraduate Symposium
Students at Grand Canyon University recently showcased their projects and research at the Canyon Undergraduate Research Symposium. The symposium featured a variety of presentations, including one by Ivy Angle and Mica Paden who revealed the behind-the-scenes details of their production of "Mary Poppins." Angle explained the scenic concept behind their work, stating, "It takes a lane of people to paint layers of happiness."Theatre students faced challenges working with limited space and equipment but managed to create a spectacular production. Paden mentioned, "Every time...
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Pastor pleads to lament to God, not complain
Lead Pastor Jon Demeter of Redemption Church in Peoria recently delivered a thought-provoking message to students at Grand Canyon University, urging them to be honest with God in times of uncertainty. During a Chapel session, Demeter highlighted the importance of expressing genuine emotions to God rather than complaining to others.Demeter emphasized the need for authenticity, stating, “God wants your honest heart.” He encouraged the audience to acknowledge the gap between their hopes and realities, using Paul Miller’s charts to illustrate the concept. Demeter pointed out...
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Honors students use their medical skills to serve communities in Mexico
Honors College students at Grand Canyon University recently traveled to Puerto Peñasco, Mexico, to provide medical assistance and shadow healthcare professionals. The group of 26 students partnered with Well Child International to offer medical and dental services to the local communities.Avery Carbajal, an alum who helped organize the trip, expressed her enthusiasm for the mission, stating, “I jumped at the opportunity to do it because my past two trips have been fantastic and really fulfilling.” She highlighted the importance of serving the community, learning about the...
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Culture Fest Showcases Diversity at Global Credit Union Arena
At the Multicultural Office-sponsored Culture Fest at Global Credit Union Arena, students from various cultural backgrounds came together to share their heritage with their peers. Nadia Fernando, a student from Sri Lanka, emphasized the importance of raising awareness about different countries, stating, "Just that it exists. That would be a great start."The event featured performances such as Junior Miah Villegas' traditional Mexican dance and Junior Elissa Santos's Philippine folk dance. Attendees also had the opportunity to sample international foods like bao buns and...
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Students at leadership event inspired to break barriers
Students at the Honors College's Breaking Barriers Leadership Conference were inspired by keynote speaker Latasha Causey, President of NASCAR's Phoenix Raceway, who shared her journey of breaking barriers in her career. Causey emphasized the importance of building a strong network and practicing integrity to achieve success.The event, organized by GCU students from the Rise Fellowship, aimed to provide valuable information to students in a stress-free environment. The conference included breakout sessions on various life topics, such as cultural awareness, overcoming...
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Doctoral candidate, pilot navigates past obstacles for Harvard program
GCU News Senior Writer Mark Gonzales reported on March 27, 2024, that GCU doctoral candidate Leja Noe, a Delta Air Lines flight captain, has been selected to participate in a Harvard University program aimed at empowering women in leadership roles in the aerospace industry.Noe's mother's determination to not let her daughter face the same limitations she did as a teenager has been a driving force behind Noe's success. Noe shared, "She wanted it known that she wanted a career, but her guidance counselor told her women could be only nurses or teachers, so she could be a...
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Pastor serves up food for thought at Chapel
Pastor Palmer Chinchen of The Grove in Chandler, Arizona, recently delivered a thought-provoking message during Grand Canyon University's Monday Chapel at Global Credit Union Arena. Chinchen emphasized the significance of meals as more than just food, stating, "Why was there so much about eating and food in the Gospels? Because a meal is more than food... Jesus did not come preaching an ideology, or even preaching a doctrine."Chinchen illustrated the importance of building camaraderie by setting up a table during his sermon, symbolizing the welcoming nature of meals. He...
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Lopes fans experience emotional rollercoaster at NCAA watch parties
Lopes fans at Grand Canyon University were taken on an emotional rollercoaster ride during the recent NCAA watch parties at the Global Credit Union Arena. The excitement and passion of the fans were palpable as they cheered on the GCU men's basketball team in their tournament games.During the watch party for the game against Saint Mary's, assistant professor of education and public address announcer for GCU men’s basketball, Dr. Paul Danuser, asked the crowd, “Do you believe we can win this game?” The resounding response from the fans showed their unwavering belief in the...
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Grateful Havocs head to The Big Dance, screaming and leaping to Spokane
At 4:30 a.m. today, student Grace Schmaltz lept from bed.“Jumping for joy,” she said.Schmaltz and 173 of her closest Grand Canyon University friends, also known as the Havocs, were so excited they got up extra early to board the 7:30 a.m. bus leaving campus for a charter flight to Spokane, Washington, where the men’s basketball team plays Saint Mary’s Friday night in the first round of the NCAA basketball tournament. Sixty-five left earlier on commercial flights.The Havocs have created a high profile heading into their third appearance at the NCAA tournament on TV...
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Theatre students explore meaning of time, life in 'Tuck Everlasting'
College of Arts and Media’s latest theatre production, "Tuck Everlasting," is captivating audiences with its exploration of immortality and the value of living in the moment. The play, which opened at Ethington Theatre, follows the Tuck family who discover the fountain of youth, leading to thought-provoking reflections on the essence of time and life.Peyton Daugherty, portraying Winnie, beautifully encapsulates the central theme of the play by stating, “You don’t need to live forever, you just need to live.” The juxtaposition between the Tucks' immortality and Winnie's...
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Student body leaders wrap up term with glowing review
Associated Students of GCU president Jagaar Halverson and vice president Amaya De La Cruz have concluded their term with pride and reflection on their time as student government leaders at Grand Canyon University.Halverson expressed how GCU has influenced his life, stating, “GCU has changed my outlook on life. I didn’t come here as a believer. Now I leave here and I’m leading a Bible study, serving at my church and have been the student body president of the largest Christian university in the country.”Reflecting on her experience, De La Cruz shared, “I would tell...
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Dance students dazzle on stage in final Student Spotlight
Mar 20 2024Dance students at Grand Canyon University showcased their talent and dedication in the spring Student Spotlight Dance Concert, titled “The Thread,” held in Thunderground. The performance featured a variety of styles from contemporary to post-modern, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and tap, with each piece reflecting the unique experiences and emotions of the student choreographers.Crystal Fullmer, the artistic director of the concert, highlighted the diversity of the show, stating, “This show is a journey because it is so many different choreographers, so it is...
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American Kids Club at Grand Canyon University Brings Students Together Through Dance
Grand Canyon University students have found a new way to socialize and have fun through the American Kids club, where they gather to learn and enjoy country swing and line dancing. Lead instructor Ashley Boomershine attributes the club's popularity to the rise of country music and social media influencers participating in dance competitions. She notes, "I think Arizona is big for it; there’s a really big swing dancing community outside GCU."President of American Kids, Kyndal Downing, emphasizes the inclusive nature of the club, stating, "It’s come as you are, no matter...
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Five Questions with Joshua Anderson
Director of Grand Canyon Theological Seminary, Joshua Anderson, recently shared his insights and experiences in an exclusive interview. Anderson, who is also a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan, reflected on various aspects of his life and work.Anderson expressed his admiration for Grand Canyon University, highlighting the institution's commitment to integrating faith and education. He stated, "First, the quality of education here. Second, just how much they care about what God is doing on this campus in the lives of students." Anderson also praised the College...
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GCU goes on the road to bring spirit of Commencement to alumni
Graduates from 2022 and 2023 from Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Alabama attended the Office of Alumni Relations' first on-the-road graduation celebration in Atlanta. Ebony Plummer, a teacher from Fayetteville, North Carolina, who earned her master’s degree in elementary and special education in December, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate her achievement closer to home. Plummer, who drove almost six hours to attend the event, shared, “I didn’t get a chance to make it to (Phoenix for) graduation. So it just meant a lot. I worked so hard.”The...
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Facing dire diagnosis, Garcia graces GCU with crosses from campus salvage
Mar 13 2024Roberto Garcia, a longtime facilities worker at Grand Canyon University, has been creating wooden crosses from scrap wood found around campus. Despite facing a dire diagnosis of stage four prostate cancer, Garcia's faith and craftsmanship have led him to spread peace and joy through his creations.Garcia, reflecting on his health struggles, shared, "If God wants me to be here, I’ll be here." He emphasized the role of faith in his life, noting a shift in his attitude towards spirituality since his diagnosis. Garcia explained, “Your attitude changes in life. You...