NW Valley Times

Guests at Grand Canyon University's Amethyst Gala pledged around $1.5 million to support the university's Five-Point Plan, aimed at transforming the west Phoenix community. The event, held at the Canyon Activity Center, marked GCU's 75th anniversary and kicked off Homecoming weekend.

University President Brian Mueller reflected on his early days at GCU when he was advised against investing in the area. He shared with attendees, "You don’t put $2 billion into Maryvale. You don’t put $2 billion into the Canyon Corridor … you go to Scottsdale." However, Mueller felt a different calling: "Maybe He (God) wants us to get into the middle of this community and build a renaissance."

The gala featured several speakers discussing the Five-Point Plan's focus areas: job creation, safety improvements, home value increases, school investments, and family support. Kevin Warren, President and CEO of the Chicago Bears and a GCU alumnus, emphasized home ownership's importance through Habitat for Humanity Central Arizona. Warren noted that since 2011 there has been an 876% increase in home values in the 85017 ZIP code.

GCU trustee Dave Donaldson spoke about serving families in need through CityServe. "God has turned my dad’s mangled car into a fleet of trucks that are providing hope," he said.

Other speakers included Dr. Lupita Hightower on education initiatives like Learning Lounge and Canyon Rising; Phoenix Vice Mayor Ann O’Brien on job creation efforts; and Tommy Espinoza on safety improvements through partnerships with Phoenix city officials.

Mueller was honored with GCU’s first Amethyst Award for his leadership but attributed success to his team: "No single person could ever do this." He also announced GCU's involvement in producing a film titled “The Last Supper,” set for release March 14.

Vice President of Advancement Kale Gober expressed gratitude for the pledges received: "It was so rewarding to see such a large contingency gathered to support our community."

The evening concluded with music by NEON as guests celebrated past achievements and future aspirations.