NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University (GCU) alumni Keith Baker and Anna Faith Smith recently returned to their alma mater, reflecting on the institution's 75-year history. When Smith enrolled in 1976, GCU was a small college with limited facilities. "I remember having choir classes, and at 11 o’clock, we were singing in one class and, just a few doors down, there was a history class," said Smith.

Today, GCU is the largest Christian university in the United States with over 25,000 ground students and more than 92,000 online students. The campus now includes 10 colleges and numerous facilities. The original classroom building where Smith attended classes is now the Lope Shop.

Smith shared memories with incoming students alongside Baker during Welcome Programs’ first Herd Camp. This event marked the start of GCU’s 75th anniversary celebrations and included a visit to Prescott National Guard Armory, GCU's original location in 1949.

Baker highlighted GCU's unique position as one of the only Baptist colleges west of Texas at its inception. "It was a destination place to go," he said. The school relocated to Phoenix in 1951 due to space constraints and lack of opportunities in Prescott.

Smith fondly recalled her time at Grand Canyon College for its close-knit community atmosphere. “We kind of did everything; we knew everybody,” she said.

Both Smith and Baker have had long careers at GCU, witnessing significant changes over three decades. A major turning point came when investors acquired the university in 2003 amid financial difficulties. Another shift occurred under President Brian Mueller’s leadership starting in 2008, leading to substantial investments that transformed the campus.

“There were struggles . . . but ultimately, all the struggles have led to a much stronger, more impactful institution,” Baker noted.

Despite physical changes on campus, Baker emphasized that "the essence of what the school stands for" remains consistent.