GCU News Bureau Pastor Darryl L. Lee was powering toward an online sociology degree at Grand Canyon University when he was derailed by the unimaginable.
Darryl Lee
Nine members of a historically black church in Charleston, S.C., were killed on June 17, 2015, by a hate-spewing gunman. Lee, pastor of neighboring Zion AME Church, knew eight of the victims. The pain in his heart overpowered his ability to concentrate. Grieving parishioners suddenly took precedence over schoolwork. “It was difficult to go on with my studies. I struggled to stay on track because I did not want the shooting to stop me from graduating,” he said. The father of six credits the understanding of a GCU professor and prayer for helping him overcome a Mt. Everest-size academic hurdle. Lee no longer remembers the class he was taking or the name of the professor. He only remembers GCU’s “support and understanding,” two forces that continued to help Lee during the distraction of the trial. On Jan. 10, Dylann Roof was sentenced to death for gunning down the worshippers at their weekly Bible study.
The graduates celebrate their big day. (Photo by Slaven Gujic)
After the massacre, Lee faced two other unexpected roadblocks while working toward his Bachelor of Science in Sociology. A fire forced his family to evacuate its home for weeks, and he spent three weeks at his sister’s side in a hospital intensive care unit. “Again the professors were understanding, and my faith kept me going,” he said. Lee, who visited GCU for the first time for Friday’s online commencement, enrolled in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences in November 2013. His reasons were twofold: to increase his professional marketability and set an example for his children. “I felt that if I expected my children to get an education, I should set the example,” Lee said. Overcoming three sucker punches – the Charleston shooting deaths, house fire and sister’s illness – also served as examples to his children. “They saw that I was able to overcome obstacles to get my degree,” Lee said. “It was not always easy, but I finished.”
Sherri Frey (right) and her daughter Brandi Scott, both got their degrees, but for Sherri it was quite a journey.
Overcoming obstacles — some of them extreme — often is part of the online education experience. Here are the stories of some of the other graduates: As Sherri Frey lay in a hospital bed, ravaged by the effects of a life-threatening autoimmune disease, she didn’t lose sight of the Nursing degree she was determined to earn from GCU. She had two things going for her: She wanted to graduate at the same time as her daughter, Brandi Scott, who was enrolled in the master’s nursing program. And her student services adviser, Jesse Kloos, kept calling her and urging her to not give up. “He kept me motivated and said I was in his prayers,” Frey said Friday morning as she and her daughter prepared to receive their diplomas together. Said Kloos, “I have an incredible amount of respect for that woman. As we spoke during her ins and outs of being admitted to the hospital, she was hopeful and confident she would be able to make it through one step at a time. She spoke of being an example to her children to not give up and has proved that a hundred times over.” Frey and her daughter work together, too — at Desert Valley Hospital in Victorville, Calif. They said that all of the 35 nurses at the hospital have gotten degrees from GCU. “It’s so user-friendly,” Frey said.
Reaching the finish line brought out the emotions of many graduates. (Photo by Slaven Gujic)
In more ways than just academics. Families often help online students stay on course, but not because the learners need to be pushed. Just having children is motivation enough. Andrea Snyder of Temecula, Calif., wore a mortarboard that read, “It always seems impossible until it’s done,” and one look at her family tree shows why she feels that way. Her kids are ages 15, 13, 5 and 2. But Snyder got her B.S. in Nursing because she wanted to be the first person in her family to get a degree. What was the hardest part? “Writing papers and raising a family,” she said. That’s a pretty tough tandem to overcome. Kirk Winn got his bachelor’s in Health Care Administration to set an example for his two daughters, ages 12 and 14, but also credits his family’s support for his ability to get it done.
Sandra Wong
But his motivation also came from his workplace, Kaiser Permanente in San Diego. The certified orthopedic technologist wants to show he can do more. Sandra Wong often felt tugged in competing directions by her full-time nursing job, two children and GCU classwork. Instead of panicking, the San Ramon, Calif., nurse dedicated to helping women with post-partum depression placed herself in timeout. “I found that quiet time alone, time to pray and think kept me going,” said Wong, who received her bachelor’s in Nursing.
Jacqueline Torres
Jacquelyn Torres never looked far for the motivation to study, stay on schedule and earn her nursing degree. “It was tough at times to juggle work, school and family, but my kids kept me going,” said the Buena Park, Calif., mother of three, ages 7, 5 and 2. In turn, Torres, a nurse at Los Angeles County Hospital, believes her 14-month quest for a Bachelor of Arts in Nursing eventually will help her children. “I set an example for my kids to follow,” she said. “They saw me study, saw me stick to my goal.” Bernice Reed posed for numerous photos and her 19-year-old daughter, Katarina, snapped away with her cellphone. For Reed, commencement was an emotional day.
Bernice Reed
“I never thought I could actually graduate from Grand Canyon University,” the 40-year-old supervisor for a Phoenix health clinic said. “I thought it was out of my league because I knew how expensive college was growing up. It’s good to say that I got it done.” Reed’s enrollment at GCU got her a bachelor’s degree in Health Administration. She is also the first in her family to graduate. “It was difficult because I had homework every weekend — I had to miss a lot of events and turn people down,” Reed said. “I think it’s a great way to show my kids that it’s a lot better to get it done early because once you have your kids it gets a lot more difficult.” But Reed doesn’t plan on stopping there. “I’m going for my master’s,” she said.
Commencement is for kids, too. (Photo by Slaven Gujic)
Welton Wiley of Monroe, La., also said his family was his motivation, but he’s at the other end of the kid spectrum — the pastor of St. Luke Baptist Church already has put three kids through college. The Navy veteran has been a licensed counselor for 26 years but still wanted to get his master’s in Addiction Counseling, and he said GCU’s discount for veterans helped him make it happen. He visited the campus for the first time this week. His first impression? “How beautiful it is,” he said. Lisa Kakert’s passion for nursing brought her back to school and she did it all for her 4-year-old daughter, Autumn. “For me it’s a big accomplishment,” the single mother and nursing major said. “I’m the first one in my family to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and an associates degree. I worked really hard.”
Lisa Kakert (left) with her 4-year-old daughter Autumn and mother, Kathleen Rochin.
Kakert, a 10-year charge nurse in an orthopedic unit in Flagstaff, was born with a severe case of scoliosis. After many doctor visits, treatment and surgery, Kakert felt a calling to give back. “I appreciated how much the nurses did for me, and it changed my dream of wanting to be a teacher to wanting to be a nurse,” she said. “I am in love with my decision. Nothing makes me happier than getting to see people get better and go home.” Some people get their degree for their mother instead. Latonya Subject, an assistant principal clerk at Vincent Middle School in Beaumont, Texas was excited to be on campus, along with her mom, Rebecca Maldrough. “It’s been a long time coming, and I am so proud of my accomplishment and I plan on going further and further,” said Subject. The communications major said she wants to now take her experience into the classroom by providing a communications elective at the Texas school campus. For Subject, looking forward to the finish line was the motivating factor. Maldrough added, “She is my only daughter and I am so proud.”
Jasmine Washington
When Jasmine Washington of Mesa struggled with a reading assignment or feeling isolated, she turned to her digital peers for help. “I really enjoyed the online discussions. It helped me understand the reading, and made me feel connected,” said Washington, who earned her GCU degree in four years. On Friday, she joined others from her discussion groups in accepting her Bachelor of Arts in English Literature. “The bond we formed online helped all of us,” she said. For Aubrey Buckner, the trip from Fort Worth, Texas to GCU marked the final leg of an often laborious journey. Buckner set off on the road to her Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree in 2009. “In the beginning, I thought I could improve my career and earning with a management degree,” said Buckner. Buckner began colliding with roadblocks, each one larger than the last. “I’ve had trials and tribulations,” Buckner said, including a divorce that caused a heart-rending detour. She dropped her dream of graduating from college to the curb as she continued cutting, styling and coloring heads of hair. “I’m a hairdresser by trade,” she said. In 2015, she did a 360 and started on a path toward a new degree, a bachelor’s in psychology. She credits two GCU advisers for smoothing the way: Zorana Tipuric, her student services counselor, and Jamie Castiglione, her university counselor-military.
Sharon Nodine
“Anytime I had a question, anytime I had a crisis, my advisers were there to support, encourage and motivate me, to get me back on track,” Buckner said. Her new degree, she said, “will be an extension of everything I do. It’s an extension of everyone’s behavior, the way we talk, the way we act, everything we have to do.” Sharon Nodine graduated from Central High School in Phoenix in 1966, and it was her goal to attend nearby Grand Canyon College. But one thing led to another, and she moved away from Arizona four years later, that dream unfulfilled. Until Friday. Nodine kept an eye on Grand Canyon as it grew into a university, and it was her choice when she decided to get her B.S. in Nursing. She received it on a day she called the happiest of her life. “I’m graduating from the school I always wanted to go to,” she said. Jeannette Cruz, Karen Fernau, Laurie Merrill and Rick Vacek contributed to this story.
By Karen Fernau and Jeannette Cruz GCU News Bureau Members of the Class of 2017 at Grand Canyon University said Thursday that they’ll be as dedicated as alumni as they were as undergraduates. They’re Lopes forever.
Maureen Katzenberger and her family display their Havocs-style “big head” of her granddaughter, Taylor Eggleston.
“I’m done with homework, but I’ll never be done with GCU,” said Andrea Hamilton, an Honors College student and Communications major from San Diego. “It’s my college forever.” Graduates leave campus for jobs, graduate school, families and travel with a united purpose – tucking GCU in their hearts and minds. Meghan Lambert, a psychology major from Ventura, Calif., explained it this way: “GCU and its teachers are my family for life. They mean everything to me, and I’ll take them with me wherever I go.” Even the graduates’ families got into it. Maureen Katzenberger and her family were carrying a large, cardboard poster of the head of her granddaughter, Taylor Eggleston, similar to what the Havocs student cheering section waves at games. Eggleston is a member of the Havocs, and her grandma is one of their biggest fans. “I’ve been to many Lopes games, and I think the Havocs are just wonderful,” Katzenberger said. “Grand Canyon to me is upbeat, fun and has my heart.” For many graduates at Thursday’s traditional commencement ceremonies in GCU Arena, graduation triggered a collision of exhilaration and trepidation.
Marissa Raymundo
They talked of being relieved to be done with tests and homework but nervous about the future. “It’s both exciting and nerve-wracking at the same time,” said Marissa Raymundo, a Psychology major from Highland, Calif. “I’m not sure I’m ready to grow up.” Alfred DeLacerda, a Counseling major from Oxnard, Calif., is ready – sort of. “I’ve been a student my whole life and am a bit anxious to see what the real world brings,” he said.
Madison Scherer (left) with her parents, Marya and Timothy Nielander.
They talked about the sadness of leaving their teachers. “I had the best relationships with all my teachers. Each one didn’t just know my name, they knew my middle name,” said Lambert, who plans to attend graduate school. They also talked about leaving the warm cocoon of a Christian campus. “I’ll miss professors praying for us before exams. It’s been a place where I’ve been able to grow my faith,” said Christina Leon, a Psychology major from Phoenix whose mortarboard contained a Biblical message, “Be the light for all to see.” Graduates talked about missing all things GCU. As Madison Sherer, a Psychology major from Orange County, Calif., explained, “There’s nothing I won’t miss, from basketball games to all the relationships I had while here. Yes, it’s sad, but it’s such an honor to receive a degree from a college like GCU.” Unlike so many of her classmates, Willow Smith, a Business Management major from Flagstaff, won’t miss campus. That’s because she’s not leaving – she has accepted a job as an assistant resident director. “It makes it so much easier to graduate knowing I can stay here,” she said. “GCU is growing fast, but it still feels like a friendly, small town. I walk around campus and know so many. I’m so glad I am staying.”
Willow Smith
Commencement is filled with graduates and their stories, about how they arrived, how they overcame adversities. No two are the same. No one story is more important than the other. Here’s a sampling of a few others from the Class of 2017: Kylee Aranaydo has been living in Phoenix for the last four years without her family – all to complete her psychology degree at GCU. It was one hour before the ceremony and Aranaydo’s mother, who flew in from Hawaii, could not contain her excitement. “I could cry,” she said. Aranaydo said she arrived in Phoenix with her boyfriend after she “fell in love with the cute little GCU antelope on TV.”
Kylee Aranaydo
Though the 2,000-mile transition from home was difficult, Aranayado said she quickly made new friends on campus that she could lean on for support. She already has been hired as an online student services adviser (SSA) at the University and plans on continuing her master’s within the next three months. Like many college students, Kristi Ann Corely was struggling a bit to make ends meet. Fortunately, her big sister, Juliann Murray, was only one call away when emotional and financial support was highly necessary. Murray recalled how she drove seven hours from New Mexico with her 4-year-old son, Drew, to drop off Corely on her first day — even though she had pneumonia. Relieved and in tears just before Thursday’s morning commencement ceremony, Murray said, “(Kristi) was working two jobs and earning good grades and now she’s here – she’s only 21 and she’s finished in three years.” She added, “Of course, now she can pay for me.”
Sydnee Daniel
Corely graduated with her bachelor’s in Psychology and, like Aranaydo, is going to remain at GCU as an online SSA, for the College of Theology. “I just really love this community,” Corely said. For Sydnee Daniel, Thursday ended an emotional three-year journey, 300 miles away from home, to earn a Marketing degree. The San Diego student credited her friends, teachers and the track and field team at GCU for encouraging her as time went on. “That’s what makes it really hard to say goodbye,” Daniel said. “At first, it was really hard to not want to go back home, and there were so many times I wanted to run back to my mom and not be a responsible adult – and my track team, honestly, got me through this. There’s 100 of us, and they’re all brothers and sisters to me now.” Looking at her future, Daniel said, “It’s not as scary anymore as I thought it would be.” Contact Karen Fernau at (602) 639-8344 or karen.fernau@gcu.edu and Jeannette Cruz at (602) 639-6631 or jeannette.cruz@gcu.edu.
Career IMPACT Center One alumna shares how humility, building positive relationships and being open to God's plans helped her grow throughout her career.
Editor’s note:Michelle Jones, Career IMPACT Center coordinator and a Grand Canyon University alumna, shares how humility, building positive relationships and being open to God’s plans have helped her grow throughout her career. By Michelle Jones Career IMPACT Center The Bible encourages individuals to humble themselves under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt them in due time (1 Peter 5:6). I can honestly say that I have experienced this throughout my work history and learned that good things comes to those who wait. New graduates often expect to land in the “perfect” position following college. However, it is important to be open to getting your foot in the door, doing a great job in your current role and allowing God to lead you in your desired career path. It was my goal to work my way up the ladder, and I started seeing my efforts pay off when I landed a position as a cashier. Though it wasn’t exactly what I wanted at that time, I gave my team 110 percent. As a result of my work ethic and positive attitude, I was offered a promotion to a staff trainer position, where I was responsible for hiring and training more than 600 student workers! While in the new role, I built relationships with many of the supervisors and directors from departments all over campus. One of those supervisors I worked closely with was a hiring manager for the Career IMPACT Center, which offered me my current position. When I look back at my career at GCU, I truly thank God for giving me the wisdom to stay humble in each of my positions and learn that sometimes it takes a few steps to get to where you want to be in your career path. It’s important to allow God to guide you and to be thankful for each step in the process. The GCU Career IMPACT Center is here to help you navigate your career! Visit www.gcu.edu/careerservices to utilize any of our online tools to identify your career path, build your resume, research career options or apply to current job postings! Employers are encouraged to apply for a Career Connections account to post jobs and/or internships for GCU students and alumni.
“There is a real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment.” – Norman Vincent Peale Story by Rick Vacek Photos by Slaven Gujic GCU News Bureau Dr. Barry Asmus talks about economics the way Norman Vincent Peale discussed positive thinking. There’s magic in the message, and more students at Grand Canyon University are about to find out how that marries with enthusiasm. But not just when he’s talking about the positives of a free market and limited government. In what he considers the perfect conclusion to a storied career, this fall Asmus, 75, will teach ECN 449, a two-credit class based on one of his nine books – “The Poverty of Nations: A Sustainable Solution,” co-authored with Wayne Grudem. Separately, he also will mentor 10 students chosen by the Colangelo College of Business faculty.
Dr. Barry Asmus, a world-renowned public speaker on economics, will teach a class this fall based on the book he co-authored, “Poverty of Nations.”
It’s hard to tell which one he’s more excited about: teaching the class, mentoring those other students on a weekly basis for a year … or just being at GCU. “They’ve just got an upgraded student body here,” he said. “I have taught at universities throughout the United States, and I’m glad I’m going to end my career as a professor at Grand Canyon University. “Nothing could make me happier than to share with them the wonderfulness of America and the blessings of this country, of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, but also to share the component of faith. Without faith there is no redemption. Without faith, there is no long-term hope. Faith is just a critical cornerstone, and that is just what I am. It’s been hard to hold that back over the last 30 years.” He has had to withhold it in speeches even though he has taught Sunday school for nearly 40 years. He has had to suppress it (but admits it sometimes came out) even though USA Today ranked him as one of the five most requested speakers in the United States. Enough of that. He has done it all – former senior economist with the National Center for Policy Analysis, testified before the House Ways and Means Committee regarding our income tax system, featured speaker at a privatizing Social Security conference for Western European leaders, twice voted University Professor of the Year. Finally, he can be himself. It’s a relief. “Jesus changes me on a daily, weekly, monthly basis, and I’m so thankful for that,” he said. “I want to bring that into the classroom to make sure that the students are plugged in spiritually so that they, too, can be spiritually changed from the inside.”
Asmus takes great joy in being able to share his faith while teaching at GCU.
Asmus wound up at GCU for a lot of reasons, but not just because his beliefs align so closely with those of the University. In reality, he’s here because GCU President Brian Mueller is such a good public speaker, too. They were two of the presenters at a conference in downtown Phoenix a few years ago, and Asmus usually steals the show when it comes to rating the event’s dynamic speakers. This year, however, audiences rated Mueller ahead of him. “I always got the No. 1 rating,” Asmus said. “I bring a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of content to it.” Not afraid of a little competition, Asmus called Mueller and told him that the next time they both were speaking at a conference, it would be a different story. And then Asmus finished second again. The mutual respect piqued their interest in joining forces, and when Asmus finally grew weary of writing book manuscripts from 5 a.m. to noon six days a week and traveling all over the world, he called Mueller and told him he wanted to teach at GCU. “He has the value alignment with the college and the university to approach economics from a Christian perspective,” said Dr. Randy Gibb, the CCOB dean. “It’s just a great match, and we’re blessed to have him. To have people like Dr. Asmus who want to be involved with our students is just outstanding.” Asmus lectured at several classes in the spring semester, and this month he is addressing MBA students on three occasions – the next two are at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and next Wednesday. In his first session, his listeners learned very quickly that Asmus doesn’t mince words when he talks about the free market vs. socialism and what he calls “all the other systems that haven’t worked.” His passionate argument for capitalism includes several favorite phrases, such as:
“Helping people become helpless is not an act of kindness.”
“Poor countries need a sewing machine way more than they need a sweater.”
Regarding socialism, he said sarcastically, “There’s no end to the good that people will do with other people’s money.”
Asmus says of talking with students, “I love the millennials. I just love the age group. They are so bright, they are so sharp.”
It’s more than a little surprising to learn, however, that Asmus was a huge proponent of Keynesian economics, which advocates strong government intervention, in his first five years as a professor. Then P.J. Hill moved his conservative economic views into the office next door. They started talking about economics, of course. “I lost so many of those arguments,” Asmus said, “I just got tired of them and started using many of those arguments myself.” Years later, he’s making those same arguments with a passion that’s as remarkable as his easy-to-understand examples. He can rat-a-tat-tat statistics with the best of them, but what sets him apart is his down-home style. This is a man who doesn’t talk down to anyone. Rather, he prefers a more conversational approach – and readily invites students to challenge him. He’s ready … with a smile. “I love the millennials. I just love the age group. They are so bright, they are so sharp,” he said. Particularly at GCU, he added. He was blown away last semester when students would line up after every class he taught to thank him for changing their lives. He said that had never happened, not once, in his 17 years of teaching Young Life. He would come out of those classes and feel equally mesmerized by the campus sights and sounds of what he called GCU’s “electricity” – the likes of which he has never seen at another university. Then he would get in his car, drive home to Mandy, his wife of 55 years, and say, “I know why I’m living. I’m living to be a professor at Grand Canyon University and help, I hope, hundreds of students find their purpose.” Norman Vincent Peale never had it so good. Contact Rick Vacek at (602) 639-8203 or rick.vacek@gcu.edu.
Grand Canyon University has hired former City of Phoenix Police Chief Joe Yahner to become its Director of Public Safety. Yahner was part of the Phoenix Police Department since 1985 before retiring last year. “As a native of Phoenix, this is a great opportunity for me to continue to work in the city that I love,” Yahner said.
Grand Canyon University has hired former City of Phoenix Police Chief Joe Yahner to become its Director of Public Safety. Yahner spent more than 30 years in the Phoenix Police Department, working his way up through the ranks before becoming police chief from 2014-16. He also served as interim chief from March 2011 to May 2012. “Director Yahner comes to GCU with impeccable credentials as a longtime officer and leader in the Phoenix Police Department,” said Brian Mueller, president of GCU. “We already have an incredibly safe campus with very low crime statistics, which is attractive to families. Bringing in someone like Director Yahner further emphasizes our commitment to create the safest environment possible for our students, faculty and staff as we continue to grow.”
Joe Yahner
Yahner was part of the Phoenix Police Department since 1985 before retiring last year. He revamped the department’s Family Investigation Bureau, improved community engagement and created a structured training program for officers. He was promoted to commander in 1999, became assistant chief in 2007 and executive assistant chief in 2009. While working in the Homeland Security Division, he oversaw the department’s efforts at the Super Bowl, NBA All-Star Game and the opening of the light rail. His father and brother were also Phoenix police officers. “As a native of Phoenix, this is a great opportunity for me to continue to work in the city that I love,” Yahner said. “I have always been impressed with GCU as an organization because of its commitment to the community, its willingness to give back and the steps it has taken to improve the quality of life on the west side of Phoenix. The University is viewed in very high esteem because of the people who work there and the things they do in the community.” As Director of Public Safety, Yahner will oversee both aspects of GCU’s 170-member public safety force – a police department with officers certified by the Arizona Peace Officers Standards and Training and a public safety division with officers who maintain security at posts throughout campus. “Both the police officers and non-sworn officers will report to me,” said Yahner, who will join the University on May 30. “We will work together to provide a holistic team approach and create an environment that is as safe as possible for students, faculty and staff. We want to provide the best customer service and continue the strong safety standards the University has established as we move forward.” GCU’s Public Safety Department utilizes a multi-layered approach to security that includes an eight-foot fence surrounding the University, roving security patrols, guard stations at every entrance, identification checks before entering campus, bag checks at GCU Arena events, blue light phones throughout campus to report emergencies, tip lines, emergency text notifications, escort programs, 24/7 dispatch services, video technologies and training for active-shooter scenarios. In addition, GCU maintains a dry campus, which further demonstrates the commitment to a safe environment for the campus community. In addition to having its own certified police force on campus, GCU is in the midst of a five-year, $1 million partnership with the Phoenix Police Department to reduce crime in the areas surrounding the University — between Interstate 17 and 43rd Avenue and from Bethany Home to Indian School roads. The Neighborhood Safety Initiative pays for overtime hours of Phoenix police officers each week to not only combat crime but also deal with bigger problems ranging from poverty and homelessness to gangs and drugs.
The Promenade isn’t as busy during the summer break, but there will be a record number of students living on campus.
By Karen Fernau GCU News Bureau Most of the students on skateboards, bikes and foot are gone for the summer, but Grand Canyon University is no ghost town. In the four-month break between the spring and fall semesters, GCU hosts a multitude of activities and events on campus. There are nearly 20 high school graduations; a wide variety of sports, tech and science camps; student tours; community meetings; professional conferences; SAT testing; freshman orientation; summer school; and a tidal wave of doctoral learners.
Campus tours are a frequent sight on campus any time of year.
One of the summer’s signature events — the Back to School Clothing Drive — returns again in July. Volunteers will turn GCU Arena into a shopping mall with departments for shirts, shorts, underwear, skirts and school supplies for more than 4,500 children. “We don’t have all the students on campus, but we still stay busy during the summer,” said Helen Bleach, GCU director of University relations and campus events. Summer school for nearly 3,800 online and traditional students began Monday. An increasing number of cost-conscious students are taking classes over the summer to save money on tuition and housing, said Sarah Boeder, GCU’s executive vice president of operations. Tuition for summer classes is $310 per credit compared with $687.50 during the fall or spring semesters. “It makes sense for students who want to graduate faster to take summer classes. They can save both time and money,” Boeder said. Housing costs also are discounted, and a record 517 students are expected to live in Acacia Hall, up from fewer than 400 last summer. All residents must be enrolled in at least one class or be working on campus.
More than 1,700 doctoral learners will take part in 16 weeklong residencies during the summer.
Summer school undergraduates will be joined by a tidal wave of doctoral learners. Nearly 1,700 learners in the College of Doctoral Studies are expected to attend 16 weeklong residency events. “This is the first full summer that we are bringing doctoral learners from all over the country to GCU,” said Dr. Michael Berger, dean of the College of Doctoral Studies. Last August, GCU’s residency program was moved to campus and Grand Canyon University Hotel. It previously had met at a nearby resort. Doctoral learners are required to attend two residencies, which help in researching and writing, before completing their dissertation. “Being on campus helps them connect to GCU and form vibrant connections that overcome distance,” Berger said. Summer also is a busy time for construction and maintenance crews. Repairs and updates are made in vacant dorms and apartments, said Matt Hopkins, Residence Life director. Construction also continues on the six-story Diamondback Apartments, set to open in August. That addition will bring the number of students living on campus to a record 11,000.
The permanent grandstand will be added to GCU Softball Stadium, and, just to the south, the Lopes Performance Center is being expanded.
Work has begun on Phase II of the new GCU Softball Stadium — adding a permanent grandstand — and on the expansion of the Lopes Performance Center next door. An extensive remodel of Brazell Stadium, GCU’s 55-year-old baseball facility, will start after the final home game Wednesday night. GCU summer dining offers a variety of eating options Monday through Friday: Grand Canyon Beverage Company, Panda Express, Lean Canteen, Jamba Juice, The Grid convenience store and The Grill, GCU’s summertime pop-up restaurant in the Student Union. For the first time, The Grill is opening at 8:30 a.m. for breakfast. The lunch and dinner menu changes daily and is designed to appeal to appetites zapped by the summer heat. “I keep the menu of sandwiches and salads seasonal and change things up so nobody gets bored,” said Allen Dowe, GCU senior retail manager. Contact Karen Fernau at (602) 639-8344 or karen.fernau@gcu.edu.
GCU gets win, outright title on season's final day
DAVIS, Calif. - The Grand Canyon baseball team put runs on the scoreboard in five different innings en route to an 8-3 victory over UC Davis in the season finale. The Lopes finished the 2017 campaign with a 29-25 record, winning their final nine weekend series of the season.
"I think obviously to win the final nine weekends is great," head coach Andy Stankiewicz said. "I'm proud of the guys and the way they went about it and stayed in the fight. We were punched here and there but kept getting back up and having big performances when we needed them. I'm proud of the way we showed grit and stayed on it and kept fighting."
With eyes also peeled to Las Cruces, N.M., the Lopes got good news when CSU Bakersfield defeated New Mexico State 13-8. The loss by the Aggies ensured that Grand Canyon would go down as the undisputed 2017 Western Athletic Conference Regular Season Champions rather than having to share the title with New Mexico State.
After fittingly ending his home career with a save, senior AJ Franks got another storybook ending in his final game in a GCU uniform. The right-hander tossed a career-long 4.0 innings, allowing just two hits and no runs en route to his fourth save of the year.
"It was cool to be able to have AJ finish it out, our lone senior," Stankiewicz said. "To be able to close it out and get the zeros on the board and the save, it was a really fitting way to end his career. He is a great young man and has shown that he is a clutch performer." Jack Schneider closed out an unbelievable freshman campaign, picking up his seventh win on the mound to finish the year 7-0. GCU won all 10 games that Schneider started this season.
"The job that Jack has done as a freshman is great," Stankiewicz said. "We needed someone to step up and take over that role as our third starter. He stepped up and proved that he is a tremendous competitor that is able to make big pitches at the right times."
Grand Canyon capitalized on opportunities in the second inning, managing to score three runs without a hit. After the first two batters reached on walks, a run scored on an error, an RBI groundout and a passed ball to put the Lopes in front 3-0.
The Lopes extended their lead to 4-0 with a run in the third. Garrison Schwartz singled and advanced to second on a walk. Greg Saenz picked up an RBI, singling to left field to drive in the run.
UC Davis answered with a couple of runs in the home-half of the third to cut GCU's four-run lead in half. Just one frame later, the Aggies pulled even closer, scoring a run on a wild pitch to pull within a run at 4-3.
It was all Grand Canyon from that point on, however, scoring the final four runs of the game to seal the result. Tyler Wyatt led off the sixth with a single and came into score on an RBI single from Austin Bull to make it 5-3.
The Lopes tacked on two more in the eighth with UC Davis struggling with pitching control once again. Marc Mumper and Tom Lerouge picked up opportunistic RBIs in the inning, Mumper singling and Lerouge reaching on a fielder's choice.
GCU wasn't finished yet, continuing its scoring into the final inning of the season. Schwartz reached on a leadoff single and came into score on an RBI single from Wyatt to achieve the final tally of 8-3.
Grand Canyon did record eight hits but also had the benefit of nine walks issued by UC Davis pitchers. In comparison, Schneider and Franks combined to walk just two batters on the day.
Bull, Schwartz and Wyatt all finished with two-hit days and each finished with batting averages of over .300 on the season. Joining them in the .300 average club was Lerouge, Saenz and Ian Evans.
The transition was nearly seamless from Division II to Division I baseball for Stankiewicz and the Grand Canyon program. Over the four-year period, the Lopes collected two WAC championships, three winning seasons and two 30-win seasons. GCU will be immediately eligible for postseason play in 2018, pending a final stamp of approval from the NCAA in the coming months.
Pending results from the MLB Draft, Grand Canyon is set to return all but one member of the 2017 roster as it looks to make noise in its first season back at full Division I membership.
Men's Basketball Camps June 2017; Various Dates at GCU >> MORE INFO GCU Men's Basketball Camps
Individual Camps
Head Coach “Thunder Dan” Majerle, assistant coaches and Lopes basketball players invited to a basketball camp featuring drills, demonstrations, competitions, individual instruction and tournament games. Participants will also learn basic offensive and defensive skills. Join us in the home of the Lopes men’s basketball team, for a fun and energetic camp you won’t want to miss! Guest speakers include current and former Phoenix Suns and NBA players.
Camp I - June 5th - 8th
Boys Ages: 6 - 14Time: 9:00am - 4:30pmCost By May 22nd: $240Cost After May 22nd: $250**Lunch Provided Daily By GCU**
Camp II - June 19th - 22nd
Boys Ages: 6 - 14Time: 9:00am - 4:30pmCost By June 5th: $240Cost After June 5th: $250**Lunch Provided Daily By GCU**
Camp III - June 26th - 29th
Boys Ages: 6 - 14Time: 9:00am - 4:30pmCost By June 12th: $260Cost After June 12th: $275**Lunch Provided Daily By GCU**
$90 Discount For Attending Multiple Camps / Additional Siblings
$25 GCU Employee Discount
Camp Locations:
Camp I: Lopes Performance Center, Men's Basketball Practice Facility, Antelope Gymnasium
Camp II: Lopes Performance Center, Men's Basketball Practice Facility, GCU Arena
Camp III: Scottsdale Community College - Main Gym & Auxiliary Gym
Camps Include:
Nike® Camp T-Shirt
Catered Lunch Monday - Thursday
Individual & Team Awards
Junior Lopes Club Membership
Camper Appreciation Game During the 2016-17 Season
GCU Ball Boy Opportunities
Contact: Luke DallaRiva | 602-639-6845 | Luke.DallaRiva@gcu.edu Per NCAA rules, all sport camps and clinics conducted by Grand Canyon University are open to any and all entrants and enrollment is only limited based on age, grade level, gender, or number restrictions as specified by each camp.
Men's Soccer Camps June & July 2017; Various Dates at GCU >> MORE INFO
Schellas Hyndman's Grand Canyon University Soccer Academy
The Grand Canyon University Soccer Academy accepts players of all levels who have a desire to improve and develop their talents. Every camper receives instruction that not only lets them improve during the week, but also shows them how to practice and improve after camp is over. Each of our campers receives individual and group instruction designed to meet his specific needs and capabilities. Our coach to player ratio is very low to ensure every player gets personal coaching and attention. We want each of our campers to learn new skills and improve upon those they already have.
Every year we strive to provide the most up to date training techniques. This allows the players to develop every facet of their game, and receive training exactly tailored to the age and level of each camper. Our goal is to develop a well rounded soccer player. In 2015 we will introduce the Grand Canyon University College Prep Camp for high school aged players.
As the camp director of the Grand Canyon University Soccer Camp, I am looking forward to working with you in developing your game. My staff and I will be involved in every aspect of the camp and are eager to help you develop as a soccer player. I hope that you join us this summer!
Schellas Hyndman
- Grand Canyon Head Soccer Coach - 2010 MLS Coach of the Year - 5th Winningest Coach in NCAA history
GCU's high marks in NCAA APR report feature eight perfect scores
Academics
GCU's high marks in NCAA APR report feature eight perfect scores
NCAA's Academic Progress Rate (APR) displays continued academic improvement for Division I Athletes and Grand Canyon, announced on Wednesday. All 19 GCU teams measured above the NCAA minimum score and eight earned a perfect 1000 single-year score during the 2015-16 academic year.
Grand Canyon had 17 of the 19 measurable teams above a 950 multi-year rate, including all the women's teams at 952 or higher. 15 GCU programs improved their multi-year scores from the 2014-15 data released in 2016.
Implemented in 2003 as part of an ambitious academic reform effort in Division I, the APR holds institutions accountable for the academic progress of their student-athletes through a team-based metric that accounts for the eligibility and retention of each student-athlete for each academic term.
GCU Senior Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Development Jason Linders applauded the Lopes' academic success and improvement during the 2015-16 school year.
"We prepare our student-athletes to achieve academic and athletic excellence," Linders said. "Consistent with our mission, we take great pride in how our student-athletes embody the highest standards of excellence in the classroom, on the field, and how they are engaged in the community. Our faculty, staff, student-athlete development office, coaches, and administration work tirelessly to assist our student-athletes in achieving their goals, including their academic and athletic endeavors."
The Lopes earned eight perfect 1000 single-year scores in 2015-16 (men's golf, men's tennis, men's volleyball, women's basketball, women's cross country, women's golf, women's tennis and women's volleyball), up from only four teams in 2014-15.
The men's volleyball team had the highest score on campus with a multi-year score of 995. Grand Canyon ranks second in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIVA).
The men's tennis team tied with Chicago State for the top ranked tennis program in the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) with a multi-year score of 990. The men's golf team ranked second in the conference with a score of 992 and women's basketball ranked third with 988. Men's basketball (967), men's cross country (963), men's soccer (975), women's cross country (987), women's soccer (974), women's swim (987) and women's tennis (976) ranked fourth in their respective sports in the WAC rankings.
"I am so pleased that the Academic Progress Rates continue to rise, but I am more excited about what those numbers mean: Thousands of college athletes continue to make real progress toward earning their degrees," NCAA President Mark Emmert said. "A college degree, combined with the skills they learn while participating in sports, will provide countless opportunities for them later in life."
Every Division I sports team across the nation calculates its APR each academic year, similar to a report card. Scholarship student-athletes each semester earn one point for remaining eligible and one point for staying in school or graduating.
In order to compete in the postseason play and avoid penalties, teams must achieve a 930 four-year APR. NCAA member representatives chose the 930 standard because that score predicts a 50 percent graduation rate for the team.
Each of GCU's 19 evaluated programs exceeded the NCAA's minimum APR standard score of 930. Beach Volleyball was not an official NCAA sport until 2016. Additionally, indoor and outdoor track were combined into one track and field category for ranking purposes.
Softball Pierson Named WAC Coach of the Year; Eight Lopes Named All-WAC >> READ MORE
"I'm so very proud of our kids!!" said Pierson. "This is such a great honor for all of them and very well-deserved. They put in the time and work and were committed throughout the entire year. We had great performances during the entire season and the team really kicked it up a notch during the WAC season. I'm very happy for Taylor, Jenna and Cam, as they continue to leave their marks on our program. Kendsey has continued to come into her own as a leader and performer. And it's great to see the underclassmen, Sierra, Shea, Bo and Meg set the bar for next year. I'm proud of all they have done and continue to do for GCU Softball and Grand Canyon University.
This is Pierson's second WAC Coach of the Year award and third overall. Pierson also earned the prestigious honor in 2014. GCU ended the regular season with an RPI of 70.
"This is a tremendous honor and I am humbled by the great coaches in the WAC," said Pierson. "But this is truly a staff award as I am blessed to have the best staff around. I rely heavily on Christi, Kelsey and Mandy on and off the field, for their experience, knowledge and support. They work tireless hours and are committed to Grand Canyon University and our softball program. We have incredible support staff in JJ, Chuck, Jason and Nick, along with the Athletic Administration and Executive Team. I am truly blessed to work for and with these people every day, and am so fortunate to have their support of our amazing kids!"
Hill at a .426 clip in WAC games (.336 all games), including a team-high 23 hits as GCU went 11-4 in conference games. She was also strong behind the dish, throwing out two of the five base runners attempting to steal. For the year, Hill had 12 multi-hit games and seven multi-RBI games.
Nowlin earned her second All-WAC First-Team honor and finished the year with a 19-8 mark and a 3.51 ERA. She tossed 19 complete games and five shutouts in 159.1 innings pitched. She held opponents to a .244 batting average and leaves GCU as the program's leader in wins and strikeouts. Sierra Smith hit at a .468 clip in WAC action, finishing second in the conference. For the year, Sierra Smith finished with a .349 average starting every game. She finished the year with 16 multi-hit games which was the second longest on the team.
Stevens became one of the toughest outs in the WAC as a freshman. In her first go-around in WAC play, Stevens hit .452 with a .690 slugging percentage. In 14 conference games she had six extra base hits. For the year, Stevens hit .323 with a team-high tying four home runs, adding 31 RBI.
Aguilar-Beaucage formed a strong duo with Nowlin as options 1A and 1B during WAC play. In conference games, Aguilar-Beaucage went 5-1 with a 3.07 ERA. She appeared in seven WAC games with two complete games. For the year, the freshman went 12-7 with a 2.87 ERA in 109.2 innings pitched.
Coates hit .317 for the season and .359 during conference play. She was one of three Lopes to have a slugging percentage over .500 at .517. During the year she recorded four multi-hit games and two multi-RBI games. Shea Smith led the Lopes in batting average with a .364 average. She had a team-high 60 hits, including 11 doubles. She tied for the team lead in on-base percentage with a .413 mark. Shea Smith led the Lopes with 18 multi-hit games and five, three-hit games.
Wartman started at second base for the Lopes in every game, hitting at a .351 clip. She was second on the team with 59 hits and 14 doubles. She had a team-high 89 total bases and 36 RBI. Wartman had GCU's longest hitting streak of the year at 11 games. She had 15 multi-hit games during the year.
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." [Acts 1:8]
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