NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University (GCU) marked its 75th anniversary on September 13, 2024, commemorating the journey from its modest beginnings to becoming the largest Christian university in the United States. The institution's opening day on September 13, 1949, featured a parade in Prescott, Arizona, with about 400 decorated cars.

The idea for GCU was conceived three years earlier during the Baptist General Convention of Arizona at Glendale Calvary Baptist Church. Minister L.D. White initiated the effort by placing a silver dollar on the communion table and calling for donations to establish a Christian university. Within 30 minutes, $8,000 was raised.

Dr. Willis Ray traveled across Arizona and neighboring states to raise $50,000 needed to open the college. On opening day in Prescott, approximately 400 cars participated in a parade that led to the Smoki Museum and National Guard Armory building, which served as temporary facilities for the college.

GCU President Brian Mueller reflected on this milestone during Chapel on January 8, 2024: “To look at how far we have come from our humble beginnings in 1949 to where we were 15 years ago to becoming the largest Christian university in the country, it is clear that God has his hand on this place in a very special way.”

In its early years, GCU faced significant challenges including relocating to Phoenix in 1951 due to limited job opportunities for students in Prescott. This move required constructing new buildings on farmland outside Phoenix city limits. Builder A.A. Wallace completed construction within two months despite tight deadlines.

The most significant challenge came in September 2003 when GCU faced bankruptcy. A group of investors acquired GCU and shifted focus towards adult online education under new leadership recruited in 2008. This period marked substantial growth with investments leading to numerous new buildings and major renovations.

Today, GCU serves around 25,000 ground students and approximately 100,000 online students across ten colleges with extensive facilities including residence halls and dining options spread over more than 300 acres.

The anniversary celebrations included dedicating "The Grace Tree" sculpture by artist Joe Tyler and publishing an anniversary book titled “75 Years of Purpose: 15 Years of Transformation.” Future events include a Week of Service dedicated to community outreach projects followed by a gala event during homecoming.

Mueller added: “With everything going on in the world today, I am convinced God’s plan was for us to be at this university, at this time, and in these circumstances.”