DR. RICH HOLLAND

College of Theology

Dr. Rich Holland

Title: Assistant Professor

Years at GCU: 2 

Academic degrees: Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, 1994; Master of Divinity, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2003; Ph.D. (Philosophy of Religion), Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2008.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?

In terms of making a contribution to my field (philosophy), I’m really proud of both of my published books.

My first book came out of my Ph.D. research and dissertation. It is called “God, Time, and the Incarnation” (Wipf and Stock, 2014). It is a work in philosophical theology, addressing the topic of God’s relation to time. The main reason I consider it to be a notable accomplishment is that it brings the tools of philosophical analysis to an examination of a really important theological issue.

It is hard to understate how important philosophy is to theology and how important theology is to philosophy. Even though this book is from six years ago, I still run into people here on campus who have read it, and it still sparks really good conversations. The issues I address in the book are still quite relevant to anyone who is thinking seriously about what God is like.

My other book is more recent. It is called “Good Arguments: Making Your Case in Writing and Public Speaking” (Baker Academic, 2017). I’m really proud of this book because it is aimed at my most favorite target audience – college students.

My goal with that book was to provide helpful advice on how to put together a good argument in a variety of contexts. It helps with basic critical thinking skills and basic logic, and it provides important tips for good communication.

I’ve received quite a bit of positive feedback about the book from lots of different people – from homeschool groups to seminary professors and everything in between. One influential seminary professor even put the book on his top-10 list of books that every seminary student should read.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?

I am really passionate about teaching college students – especially first-year students, or those who have never studied philosophy before. I absolutely love what I do here at GCU, and being able to have an impact on our students is what gets me up in the morning.

I also really love the fact that I get to teach philosophy in in the context of a Christian university. Philosophy is so important to the Christian worldview, and it is great to be able to make those connections for students in the classroom. Philosophy is also essential for every important issue in life, for Christians and non-Christians alike, for all the “big questions” and ideas that matter.

I really enjoy being able to help equip students to think more carefully and more critically about the issues that have the most significant impact on enabling them to live happy, successful, fulfilling lives.

What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style?

Students who have been in my classes can probably tell you some fun stories! There have been so many memorable moments, it’s difficult to narrow it down to just one — but there is one that comes to mind:

Once in one of my 7 a.m. classes, a student told me that she doesn’t take 7 a.m. classes and that if it weren’t for my personality and teaching style, she wouldn’t come. That was meaningful to me, so maybe that is why it stands out to me now.

I really work hard to be energetic, dynamic and upbeat in class, and I am always thinking about how to engage with students to help them see the importance and relevance of the ideas we cover. Taco Bell and Crunchwrap Supremes tend to come up a lot in illustrations I use. I also try to create a good balance between having fun and being serious.

In terms of the memories from class that I personally cherish, the feedback I get from students at the end of each semester means the most. I have a drawer full of handwritten notes and cards and printouts of email messages from students who have taken the time to express appreciation for me and how I helped them in their education and in their personal faith in God.

I’ve had students give me lists of quotations of things I said in class throughout the semester that they thought were especially funny or meaningful. I’ve had Christians tell me that I helped strengthen their faith in Christ. I’ve had self-described agnostics tell me that I helped them think better about issues pertaining to God.

It is really amazing to me that God is using me to have this kind of meaningful impact on the lives of GCU students, and I really cherish the opportunities I have here.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?

Since my family moved to the Valley, we have spent quite a bit of time trying to enjoy the amazing splendor of Arizona.

I’m from Pittsburgh and we lived in Virginia and North Carolina for a long time, so the climate and ecosystem here are quite a bit different from what we are accustomed to. We really love the desert and Arizona! We’ve taken day trips to Flagstaff and Sedona, we’ve hiked through the desert in many of our local parks and, of course, the Grand Canyon was a featured stop on a vacation we took last year.

This summer, one of the best days we had was in Oak Creek Canyon picking wild blackberries. My wife made a pretty amazing blackberry pie the next day.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?

I spent some time jumping out of airplanes when I was in the Army.

The post Faculty Focus: Dr. Rich Holland appeared first on GCU Today.

Dylan Mahoney is President of the Associated Students of GCU for the 2020-21 academic year. (Photo by David Kadlubowski)

Editor’s note: This story is reprinted from the August issue of GCU Magazine. To read the digital version of the magazine, click here. My LopeLife is a feature in which GCU students, staff and alumni share enlightening experiences. To be considered for My LopeLife, please submit a short synopsis of your suggested topic to GCUToday@gcu.edu with “My LopeLife” in the subject field.

By Dylan Mahoney
Special to GCU Today

On March 16, I said goodbye to my friends, left campus and flew home to New York for spring break. I never would have guessed that I was heading into the national epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic and wouldn’t be returning to Grand Canyon University, the place I also call home, for nearly four months.

At first it seemed as if it would pass quickly. It didn’t dawn on me that what was intended to be a brief trip to see friends and family quickly would devolve into a quarantine.

Just a few months earlier, I had been blessed with the opportunity to be President of the Associated Students of Grand Canyon University (ASGCU) for the 2020-21 academic year. I was very eager to get back to Phoenix and start training with my predecessor, Sam Yonan, to prepare for the role and be inaugurated.

Just like that, however, my plans were sidetracked.

I always have been somewhat restless, jumping from one task to another. I am constantly out and about around campus and consider myself very extroverted.

Like so many other people, being stuck inside a house doing virtually nothing for more than a month was out of my comfort zone. To me, there are few things worse than being forced to do nothing.

But I know now it was exactly what I needed, whether I liked it or not.

For a long time, I had been running from a lesson my parents and, more importantly, God taught me: Rest is essential to any Christian’s life. Even the most agile human isn’t intended to be fervently thinking, achieving and doing all the time.

I had come to accept the idea that burning out because of excessive commitments was a normal part of my life and something that just happened to me from time to time.

It was foolish to think it was a sustainable way of life because, in the back of my mind, I knew God had been calling me to slow down, rest and enjoy His blessings rather than brazenly running through them. Even God rested on the seventh day of creation.

What was seemingly terrible became exactly what I needed in order to dial in and get spiritually prepared for one of the hardest challenges I have faced.

While I quarantined in New York during the height of the pandemic, it was easy to look out at the world, see nothing but death and destruction, and grow pessimistic about the school year.

In January when the new student body leaders were elected, we never would have imagined we’d have to face a global pandemic on our very own campus. At first I was saddened because I knew our administration’s agenda for the school would have to take a back seat, but God showed me in my time of rest that He had placed us in these positions for a reason greater than our vision for GCU.

Swallowing that isn’t so easy, however.

When ASGCU Vice President Noah Logan and I ran for our positions, we wanted to focus on two main things: reaching underrepresented student groups to increase unity across campus, and making all students and people in our immediate community feel seen, heard and loved through serving them as Christ would.

We quickly began to realize the pandemic didn’t end that dream, it provided an even greater opportunity to work toward it. We are now entering an era where few college students have experienced such a large-scale hardship; because of that, we need to be more intentional than ever with people on and off campus to spread the love of Christ.

The brief pessimism I experienced during the quarantine has been transformed into an even greater zeal for God and our student body. Even though life on campus may look a little different, God is using this time for His children to grow closer to Him and push us to not cling to the worldly comforts we have become too accustomed to enjoying. Rather, this is a time to find comfort in Him.

Even in this season of discomfort, I am convinced that God will provide amazing opportunities for GCU students to shine His light in the Valley and seek innovations that will grow His kingdom and this university alike to greater heights.

God is using this time to isolate His children, teach them and strengthen them for the road ahead. I urge each and every student on this campus to use it to reflect on themselves and work on the neglected things God has been calling us to incorporate into our lives.

He does this so that He may draw us to greater relationship with Him through faith, hope and love.

The post My LopeLife: Strengthening our bonds in hard times appeared first on GCU Today.

By Rick Vacek
GCU News Bureau

Struggle. It’s everywhere we look these days, and it’s a frequent theme in Canyon Worship 2020, the new album by Grand Canyon University students.

Struggling to find the right lyrics.

Helping someone who’s struggling.

Struggling to right personal wrongs.

Even struggling to get a song recorded before the pandemic forced students off campus last spring.

But Canyon Worship 2020 came together by the grace of the God who never struggles and can be obtained in a variety of ways:

• Purchased digitally on iTunes, Google Play and other music sites.
• Streamed on Spotify as part of an album playlist.
• Streamed on centerforworshiparts.com.
• Available as a CD in the Lope Shop or on its website.

“There a lot of interesting things that I think are going to catch people’s ear on this album,” said Dr. Randall Downs, Coordinator of the Worship Arts program, “and I couldn’t be more proud of these students because they did such a great job.”

There also were a lot of interesting things about how they got the album to the finish line under the guidance of producers Geoff Hunker and Dave Willey – so many things that it’s hard to know where to start. But we’ll begin with how Psalm 107, which is all about struggles, paved the way for one of the songs.

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Austin Bratton’s struggle came in a Worship Summit class assignment to create a “modern hymn.” Then he read Psalm 107.

Austin Bratton loves writing lyrics but appreciated the assist on harmonies from Alaira Leafgreen.

Some wandered in desert wastelands,
    finding no way to a city where they could settle.
They were hungry and thirsty,
    and their lives ebbed away.
Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    and He delivered them from their distress.

–Psalm 107:4-6

“I thought it’s a beautiful psalm – I’d never heard it before,” he said. “It just had a really beautiful structure where it talked about the faithfulness of God. When they humbled themselves and called out to God for deliverance, He delivered them.”

He wrote a verse – it wound up being the third – and took it to Alaira Leafgreen, who was in his group for the class project. “I brought the bones,” he said, “and she put a lot of the meat on it with her beautiful harmonies.”

Thus was born “Steadfast Love.”

“This is such a cool process we were able to go through together,” Leafgreen said. “It’s probably one of my favorite collaborations I’ve ever had with Austin. He’s so talented, and he helped me grow in a lot of areas musically and lyrically.”

Alaira Leafgreen said collaborating with Bratton helped her “grow in a lot of areas musically and lyrically.”

Typical of their collaboration was how the last line of the song came together. They were sitting in GCBC, the campus coffeehouse, and trying to refine a verse that centers on sailing the stormy waves of life when the words came to Bratton:

God, your whisper spoke the waves to cease.

“This is the best example of why I tell people, ‘I don’t write music, God does,’” he said.

Said Leafgreen, “It just kind of formed. We just were on the same page, and I felt like God was laying that on our hearts. Once we said that out loud and spoke it back to each other, it was such a cool experience.”

And it sums up the entire experience. They recorded the song in February, long before COVID-19 became a household word. Now, as he looks at what happened the last six months (“We’re going through some crazy, crazy storms”), he can’t help but feel God’s presence.

“It ended up just being about completing a school assignment, and then it became something far more than that for us,” Bratton said. “It was just really, really impactful, and mostly because it’s really not our words. We’re not trying to add our words into it; we’re just trying to best copy Scripture and put it into a melody so when people listen to it, it’s less of us and more of God’s word. We tried our best to be as faithful as we could to that.”

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Amanda Riffe’s struggle came just as the pandemic started changing the world as we knew it. The University had announced that ground classes would be online for the remainder of the semester and had urged students to not return to campus after spring break.

Amanda Riffe had to scramble to record one of her songs before flying home for the rest of the semester.

Riffe is from Michigan, which meant that she had to pack up right then. Outside, rain was pouring down. Oh, and one other thing: She had not yet recorded “Come What May,” a song based on Psalm 46, which starts with this:

God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.

So Riffe emptied her room and rushed over to the Recording Studio with only hours to spare.

“I told the producers from the very beginning that I imagined that you’re singing it in the middle of an apocalypse, and then here we are,” she recalled. “There was a monsoon going on, too. I was like, ‘This is perfect.’”

She had written the lyrics for the song last year as she sat on an airplane and wondered if she would maintain her trust in God if something happened to the flight.

When Riffe returned to campus for the fall semester, she recorded “Be Alright” on the roof of the Technology Building at dawn.

“It was kind of a weird thought,” she said. “If this plane went down, what would my posture be? I’m not afraid of planes – I fly all the time. But I always think, what would I do if everything was chaotic? If I die, where would I go?”

As soon as she got off the plane, “Come what may, You are my strength” flew into her head. Now it’s on the album. Perfect, indeed.

Her other solo on the album, “Be Alright,” was chosen to be sung at Chapel on Monday – the second consecutive year she has earned that honor. It also is featured in the video that led off Chapel on Monday; it was shot at dawn on the roof of the Technology Building, above the Recording Studio. 

She wrote the song several years ago and often sang it for a cousin who died in November. Indeed, “Ooooo ooooo … don’t worry, child, it’s gonna be alright” is so comforting, you can listen to it over and over. 

“I’ve always kept it in the back of my head to keep me sane, like God’s over me,” Riffe said. “It has a huge spot in my heart, and I’m just really glad that we got to do a music video for it and it turned out so great.”

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Amanda Leininger’s struggle came at a time in her life – also a few years ago – when she felt as if even God wouldn’t help her. It became the basis for “You Found Me.”

Amanda Leininger transferred to GCU last fall and made Canyon Worship in her first try.

“It’s hard to explain, but I was in a mode of, ‘I don’t know if He wants to pick me up from this.’ That was my mindset,” she said. “It was really the Lord breathing life and lyrics into the song – what I needed to hear at the time. I love Jesus and I will always go back to Him when I struggle. But in that moment I didn’t think He was going to find me, and He did.”

The way she found GCU is equally remarkable. She followed a winding road for several years after graduating from high school (she turns 26 this week) until she found herself working in New York while going to college part-time.

Then her friends told her of an advertisement they had seen for GCU, and when she looked into the University she was stunned to find exactly what she was looking for – the Worship Arts program.

Leininger arrived on campus a year ago.

“There’s a big difference between 19- and 20-year-olds and my age, obviously, but I haven’t had many issues with that,” she said. “Everyone has been super great to work with student-wise and professor-wise.”

And director-wise. It has been a Canyon Worship theme every year – the student artists appreciate the direction they get every bit as much as Hunker and Willey appreciate the talent they get to mold.

Working with producer Geoff Hunker was a highlight for Leininger and other students.

The input was even more critical for Leininger, who had never worked in a recording studio.

“They were incredible,” she said. “They were really fun to work with in the studio. They do random stuff and see if it works.

“That was probably the best part about working in the studio. They told me from the beginning, ‘We will have all these ideas, and we will run them by you because we want to know what you think. We’re not going to put something out there that you don’t want to put out there.’”

The songs for the album were culled from the 25 or so performed at the two Songwriters Showcases in 2019. They had been chosen from about 150 submissions whittled down by a committee that included GCU graduate Desiree Aguilar, featured on the inaugural EP in 2015 and the first two Canyon Worship albums in 2016-17.

When Downs asked Hunker to give him his picks for the 10 songs on the album, their lists were almost identical. Ultimately, it was Hunker’s choice.

The student artists then were gathered together to talk about their work, and they found it even more fascinating to see how those songs – which they had heard at the Showcases – evolved during the production process.

Chris Calderon joined Riffe as the only students to have three songs on the album.

“I’m really impressed by the hard work,” Leininger said. “It’s been cool to see the creative side of everyone’s songs. To see them actually finished and on the album has been really incredible.”

That’s another thing you see every year: They truly appreciate each other’s talents. Leafgreen raved about Leininger’s song. Leininger said she is “obsessed” with Riffe’s “Be Alright” and added, “Love her – love her songs.”

Riffe and Chris Calderon, who collaborated on “You Don’t Turn from Me,” were the only students to be featured on three songs for the album. Logan Myers, who had to complete her portion of “You Are Enough” at her home in Scottsdale because of the pandemic, joined Calderon on the album for the third straight year.

They are the “stars.” Being on the album with them is especially meaningful for a first-timer like Bratton, whose favorite was “The Garden” by Travis Hathaway.

“All of these people are so talented,” Bratton said. “It’s been an honor to see my name next to all these quote-unquote legends. But we’re all normal people with normal struggles. At the end of the day, it’s not how great they are or I am, it’s how great God is, hopefully using this to glorify Him.”

That’s where their struggles end.

Contact Rick Vacek at (602) 639-8203 or rick.vacek@gcu.edu.

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Canyon Worship 2020 songs:

“Be Alright” — Amanda Riffe

“Steadfast Love” — Austin Bratton and Alaira Leafgreen

“You Found Me” — Amanda Leininger

“Give Me Jesus” — Madison Russell and Harrison Russell

“Fights for Me” — Elaina Marchegger

“All We Need” — Chandler Kruse and Chris Calderon

“The Garden” — Travis Hathaway

“Come What May” — Amanda Riffe

“You Are Enough” — Logan Myers and Chris Calderon

“You Don’t Turn from Me” — Chris Calderon and Amanda Riffe

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Related content:

GCU Today (2019): Get ready for better than ever Canyon Worship

GCU Today (2018): Coming soon: Canyon Worship 2018 shines bright

GCU Today (2017): Students, genres band together in Canyon Worship

GCU Today (2016): ‘Amazing’ Canyon Worship album released

GCU Today (2015): Harmony is the key to first Worship Arts EP

The post Canyon Worship finds God amid struggles of 2020 appeared first on GCU Today.

Heather Davenport, a Communications and Marketing major, used her skills over the summer by creating a campaign for homebound seniors that ended up on a billboard.

By Mike Kilen
GCU News Bureau

Heather Davenport never dreamed that such a challenging summer could be so meaningful.

The Grand Canyon University junior had traveled home to Bend, Ore., in the spring to finish a class group project, inspired by grandparents there whom she often joined on their volunteer Meals on Wheels route. The program delivers food to people, many of them elderly who lack mobility.

When she showed up with food at their doors, they would joyfully welcome her in to show her their gardens, pets or photographs of their grandchildren.

“I realized how much impact I had on these people,” she said. “I realized their social isolation and that it was a problem that most people don’t see because it’s out of sight, out of mind: These seniors became immobile and are stuck at home.”

Their plight stayed with her, so the Communications major led an effort by a group of six GCU students in her Communications Campaign course to create a mock marketing campaign highlighting the need to help with their isolation. She discovered during her research that isolation negatively affects them mentally and physically.

“I thought it was an opportunity to make people understand what is going on,” she said.

Davenport showed grandparents Jean and Don Nachtwey her Instagram graphic for the project. They liked it so much that they took it to the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, which runs the Meals on Wheels program.

It hit home instantly. Amid a pandemic, Davenport had connected the dots to highlight the everyday plight of the elderly:

Imagine social distancing.

All. The. Time.

“That is a quite impactful small set of words that makes people stop and think,” said Denise LaBuda, Director of Communications at the Council on Aging. “It is difficult to engage people on aging in our country, so the isolation angle is helpful because it’s something that more people are able to relate to because of COVID.”

The agency asked if they could post the message, with its photograph of a senior citizen in black and white, on their Facebook page. It became the most popular post in a year for its number of likes and comments, LaBuda said, which led to placing it on a billboard that has also created community engagement.

Heather Davenport

“It’s really cool that it came full circle,” Davenport said. “This mock campaign became a real campaign.

“I was so happy I could have this opportunity to make a difference. Most people can’t relate to isolation because they are usually out and about. But during this time of pandemic they learned how miserable isolation can be.”

Davenport and five other GCU students in Dr. Reka Nagy’s course executed the idea: They identified the problem, researched who it affected, defined the goal of the message and its target audience for different platforms.

Davenport’s platform was Instagram, and the graphic she created drove it home, Nagy said. She carefully chose the right photograph with the right facial expression and colors and words and punctuation to relate the isolation.

“It appeals to the audience: How come we have never thought about this?” Nagy said. “It triggers feelings and emotions. More than ever, it resonates with them now. We do care for our parents and grandparents, call them, visit them time to time, but we then go back to our daily routine. We rarely think about how they feel in the situation they are in. This whole situation caused by COVID had us step in their shoes.”

Davenport said her GCU class became “totally relatable to the real world” and joined the agency as a volunteer to see the campaign through. It’s now on their agency home page.

It became a powerful reminder of the impact of intergenerational contact, said LaBuda, who also entered the field after volunteering with family members as a youngster. She was so impressed with Davenport that she offered her a digital marketing job.

Davenport declined the offer because she wanted to continue her studies at GCU. But it may have changed the course of her career. She decided to double major, adding Marketing to the mix.

“I like the creativity of it, coming up with ideas on how to engage people and pay attention to your brand or cause,” she said. “I would like to get into nonprofits because what you are doing really helps people.”

She could stand below her billboard in Bend and know that she is helping spread a vital message: Reach out to homebound folks who may need company.

“It only takes a coffee date, a phone call, a knock on the door, or reaching out in any form to improve the health and life of a senior,” Davenport wrote in her campaign’s plea to act when it’s again safe. “We wouldn’t want to social distance for the rest of our lives. And seniors shouldn’t have to.”

Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at mike.kilen@gcu.edu or at 602-639-6764.

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Related content:

GCU Today: Employees salute veterans, those who care for them

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The post Communications major gets project on the board appeared first on GCU Today.

Noe Garcia of North Phoenix Baptist Church compared to his journey to that of Joseph in his Chapel talk.

“When God seems silent, He is not absent. Just because you can’t see Him, hear Him or know of His workings doesn’t mean He’s not there.” – Noe Garcia

By Rick Vacek
GCU News Bureau

It might be difficult to fathom where God is in 2020’s wave of challenges. Noe Garcia knows the feeling. He’s been to the depths.

In the second of three weeks of online Chapel talks before Grand Canyon University students return to campus for in-person classes, the Pastor of North Phoenix Baptist Church recounted his despair years ago as he was growing up into a life of debauchery.

Then he heard God’s call to turn away from all that and become a pastor … and found himself cleaning toilets while trying to earn his theology degree. It didn’t feel like progress.

“I didn’t know what God was doing, to be honest with you,” he said. “But as I look back, I recognize that God was breaking me of me.

“The truth is, if God would have given me what I wanted at that age, my character probably wasn’t even ready for it. I would have messed it up. And God knew it, so He protected me.”

Garcia’s favorite biblical passage is the Genesis story of Joseph, who was thrown into a pit when he incurred the wrath of his brothers for sharing the lofty plans God had for him, revealed in two dreams.

It’s an example of a special revelation, also demonstrated in the Bible by messages from clouds or burning bushes or by the parting of the Red Sea. But living out a dream’s vision can become a nightmare.

“A dream can mean a plan, a desire, but I want to define it this way,” Garcia said. “A dream is something God reveals, affirms and uses for our good and for His glory.

“… A dream is given by God for God. The dream is never just for the dreamer. The dream is never just for the dreamer.”

It took a lot of heartache for Garcia to realize that.

“The greatest thing that could have happened to me,” he said, “is God not giving me what I wanted and Him making me wait and Him breaking me and Him humbling me and Him maturing me so that I would understand what God was going to do through me was for Him.”

Don’t be surprised if you encounter opposition, even from people close to you, when you try to follow through on God’s plan.

“It’s almost as if this pain is part of the process. This pain is part of the plan. This pain is part of the purpose. The pain is part of the promise,” he said.

Garcia ran through all the issues that have arisen this year and all the depression and anxiety those issues have caused, then pointed to the Bible in his hand and noted that it happens over and over to people in Scripture.

People like Joseph.

“Joseph didn’t ask for the dream. The dream chased Joseph,” Garcia said.

Joseph was so distraught, the Bible says his soul cried out to God. Some listeners might feel as if they’re in a similar pit, Garcia said:

“Let me just tell you, God hears the crying of your soul. And little do you know, this all may be part of God’s plan.”

Garcia’s message fit well with the video that began the online Chapel — of Amanda Riffe’s “Be Alright,” the first song on the new Canyon Worship 2020 album. He told one final story about his journey, about how he was abandoned by his father at an early age and how it sent him spiraling down that intemperate path.

There is nothing worse, Garcia said, than being betrayed by someone close to you. But Joseph put it all in perspective in Genesis 50:20 when he told his brothers:

You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 

“What I have seen in my life and what you will see in your life one day,” Garcia said, “is that when you keep pursuing God, when you stay faithful – even when you fall, get back up because I haven’t been perfect – you will find one day that Genesis 50:20 moment.”

● Chapel replay.

● Next week’s speaker: Terry Mackey, Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church

Contact Rick Vacek at (602) 639-8203 or rick.vacek@gcu.edu.

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GCU Today: Garcia’s Chapel talk meets depression head-on

GCU Today: Garcia keeps it real with Chapel message

GCU Today: Your faith is like a show of hands, Garcia tells Chapel

The post God’s plan for you is for Him, Garcia tells Chapel appeared first on GCU Today.

By Nate Bowman
GCU Office of Student Care
#Askingforafriend

“I’m giving a presentation in a few days, and I just know I’m going to screw it up somehow. Is there anything I can do to not feel so overwhelmed about it?”

Our brains are extremely powerful — so powerful, in fact, that they can conjure up believable stories about how some future event or conversation is going to unfold. These stories can be so persuasive that we become convinced our brain must be right. This is a prime example of what we call a thinking trap.

We all fall into the occasional thinking trap, but we are especially at risk when we are distressed or when we are not taking good care of ourselves.

One thinking trap that I often see, and sometimes fall into myself, is the jumping-to-conclusions thinking trap. The fundamental characteristics of this thinking trap are prediction and lack of evidence. For example, the “I just know I’m going to screw it up somehow” statement presupposes the outcome of a future event using little to no evidence.

Jumping to conclusions also shows up when we predict the thoughts of others. For example, I might be giving a presentation, see someone in the audience yawn and think to myself, “They think I’m boring.”

So what can we do when we find ourselves jumping to conclusions?

We can start by separating facts from thoughts.

Let’s continue with the initial scenario: “I’m giving a presentation in a few days, and I just know I’m going to screw it up somehow.” Here are the facts: You have been assigned a presentation. You are expected to present in a few days. The thought is, “I just know I’m going to screw it up somehow.”

After separating facts from thoughts, we use that information to challenge our thinking. There are several strategies to choose from when challenging thinking traps. I can examine the evidence, check for a double standard, survey others to see if they agree with my thinking, or conduct an experiment.

All of these strategies can help us challenge our thinking traps. Let’s go with the first one — examine the evidence.

What evidence supports the thought, “I just know I’m going to screw it up somehow,” and what evidence disproves this thought?

Consider past experiences. Have you been in similar situations before? What ended up happening?

Now, come back to the present situation. Is the thought you’re having the only or best way to think about the presentation? Upon examining the evidence, you might soon realize that you’re capable of withstanding or even thriving in these types of situations.

The goal of challenging thinking traps is to obtain a realistic perspective of the situation.

Upon gaining a realistic perspective of the situation, it’s time to create a more balanced thought. For example, the initial thought, “I just know I’m going to screw it up somehow,” could be replaced with “I’ve given presentations before, and though they’re challenging and require hard work, I know I can do it if I prepare in advance.”

Coping with thinking traps can be difficult at first. But like the other skills you’ve acquired over the course of your life, it does become easier with practice. Remember to be patient and gracious with yourself, and over time this can become a very useful skill.

The post #Askingforafriend: Thinking traps appeared first on GCU Today.

By Maggie Sabay
Nurse Practitioner, Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic

COVID-19 has masked several other conditions, such as tonsillitis, mononucleosis and strep allergic rhinitis.

Our bodies can and are able to fight viral infections, but antibiotic therapy is recommended for bacterial infections such as strep. This is the reason you need to understand strep-specific symptoms and ways to protect yourself and family.

Although there are several strains of streptococcal infections such as Strep B and Strep C, health care providers usually test for group A strep (GAS). Symptoms that are consistent with strep infection include:

• Sore throat that starts suddenly and may worsen within a short period
• Pain with swallowing
• Fever
• Swollen tonsils
• Tonsils may be red, show red spots
• Some people may experience headache, nausea and body aches.

How you get strep throat

GAS lives in the nose and throat of the infected person. Some infected people may not show any symptoms of illness, but they are still contagious and can spread the disease.

Infected individuals who are infected spread the bacteria by coughing or sneezing, which creates small respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria.

People can get sick if they:

• Breathe in those droplets
• Touch something with droplets on it and then touch their mouth or nose
• Drink from the same glass or eat from the same plate as a sick person

The following symptoms suggest a virus is the cause of the illness instead of strep throat:

• Cough
• Runny nose
• Hoarseness (changes in your voice that makes it sound breathy, raspy or strained)
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Things you can do to protect yourself and others

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
• Discard the used tissue appropriately
• Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available

If you have symptoms consistent with strep throat as discussed above, please call or schedule with your primary care provider. Feel free to call Canyon Health and Wellness clinic at 602-639-6215. You may need antibiotics, so be sure to schedule with a health care provider.

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More information:

https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html

https://www.uptodate.com/contents/treatment-and-prevention-of-streptococcal-pharyngitis?search=streptococcal%20pharyngitis&source=search_result&selectedTitle=1~150&usage_type=default&display_rank=1

The post Fitness Facts: Strep infection and what you need to know appeared first on GCU Today.

Rows of shaded picnic tables will be available all over campus for outdoor dining this fall. 

Story by Mike Kilen
Photos by David Kadlubowski
GCU News Bureau

More than ever, dining on the Grand Canyon University campus will be al fresco this year. The pandemic has led to restricted indoor dining and a shift to the outdoors, where viruses spread less and physical distancing is easier.

Dozens of café tables, chairs, picnic tables, canopies and shade tents have been added or relocated to campus walkways.

There will plenty of extra tables along Lopes Way like this one in front of Prescott Hall.

Many of them are set up along Lopes Way, the front and side of the Student Union, Thunder Alley, flanking Building 25 and Antelope Gym and between the Buildings 18 and 26. Outdoor furniture also was relocated to the front of Roadrunner Apartments and in smaller numbers in other locations. Diners can also take a seat in the soccer, baseball or softball stadiums.

“The whole intent is to have a place for students to go outside and eat so they don’t feel like they are trapped in a room,” said James Kossler, Vice President of Facilities Planning and Operations. “It’s great Arizona weather, so let’s take advantage of that.”

It’s just part of the changes in dining that students, faculty and staff will see as the campus repopulates the third week of September.

New food carts offer the resurrection of an old favorite – Taco Thunder – on Lopes Way and the Ball Park Burgers stand run by Canyon 49 Grill near Antelope Gym.

Taco Thunder, described as a “nice, authentic street taco,” will take the place of Canyon Crepes in the lineup of 32 campus dining options, said John Milleson, resident district manager of Sodexo.

Also, grab-n-go food will be available at stadium concessions stands.

Other adjustments:

• Menu items at some locations may be more limited to shorten the number of people waiting indoors.
• The Lopacellis Pasta cart moves across the Student Union to flank the Harvest Kitchen island, which will not have a self-serve salad bar. Students will be able to get salads served to them, however.
• The salad bar at the Herd Stop also will not be open because of safety precautions, but Milleson is eager to get feedback on a new lineup of deli sandwich options at the store, which opened last year on the ground floor of Antelope Apartments. He says the venue is the quality of a “New York-style deli counter,” and one addition he is proud of is the Philly Cheesesteak sandwich, which was requested by students.

To have requests heard, Milleson urges students to take advantage of a free meal with his Lunch with the Manager program, where he gathers feedback on the dining options that students want. Follow @gcudining on Instagram for more information.

Rest assured, the favorites are still around. Last year’s top-selling venue was no surprise – Chick-fil-A. Habit Burger, Einstein Bros. Bagels and Subway were next, though a sentimental favorite may be the student-run coffee shop, GCBC.

Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at mike.kilen@gcu.edu or at 602-639-6764.

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Related content:

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GCU Today: New ways to make healthy choices at Canyon 49 Grill

The post Safer dining outdoors featured on campus menu appeared first on GCU Today.

DR. SHAUNNA WALTEMEYER

Colangelo College of Business

Dr. Shaunna Waltemeyer

Title: Full-Time Faculty

Time at GCU: 8 years

Academic degrees:

● Doctorate of Education, Organizational Leadership, Grand Canyon University

● Master of Business Administration, University of Phoenix

● Master of Science in Psychology, Grand Canyon University (currently enrolled)

● Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Public Relations, Washington State University

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important? 

Completing my doctoral dissertation. My topic was women in the male-dominated field of motorsports, which is a topic with very little research. I am proud that I was able to work with amazing women and they trusted me to tell their stories.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why? 

Lifelong learning. This is a subject I talk about regularly in my classes, so my students are aware of the lifelong investment they are making in themselves. We talk about learning as it relates to school, business, career, family, social groups, etc., and how the concept of lifelong learning is valuable.

What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style?

I spoke with a student who was struggling with meeting the rubric objectives on the written essays. I walked her through the process of aligning the content requirements from the rubric and using the APA template as a guide. I realized that if this specific student needed my guidance, then others may also need my help. So I created video tutorials to reach as many students as possible.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? 

I like to be in the outdoors hiking, boating, swimming, running, biking, gardening. I have a 5-year-old son, so being outdoors helps me share my love of nature. We should respect the Earth and take care of the environment.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know? 

I am a certified health and wellness coach. I help people transform and maintain their health through nutrition, education and community.

The post Faculty Focus: Dr. Shaunna Waltemeyer appeared first on GCU Today.

GCU News Bureau

Thursday is Constitution Day and Citizenship Day, which commemorates the signing of the Constitution on Sept. 17, 1787, and efforts by many to become U.S. citizens.

GCU students take it seriously. Last spring, just before the pandemic, students launched the GCU Civics Club, which will initiate projects in the coming weeks at local libraries and schools.

“GCU students know and appreciate the importance of our Constitution and what it means to our republic and democracy,” said Kevin Walling, Chair of Justice Studies, Government and History in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

“The GCU Civics Club engages with the community to teach basic civic lessons to students in the K-12 system, with a focus on teaching from non-partisan perspectives about such subjects as free speech, equal protection and right to privacy.”

The post Students commemorate Constitution/Citizenship Day appeared first on GCU Today.

The Honors College Academic Excellence & Servant Leadership Scholarship reception was hosted online this year.

By Ashlee Larrison
GCU News Bureau

The credentials of students applying for the Honors College Academic Excellence Scholarship have become so impressive, it has a new name.

Dr. Breanna Naegeli

It’s now the Academic Excellence & Servant Leadership Scholarship, but one thing remains the same: It still is changing the lives of Honors College students entering Grand Canyon University.

Students must meet a minimum academic mark to be eligible, and from there it is all about their story, life experience and passion to serve their local and global communities. The 75 new honorees, chosen from 1,100 Honors College students, normally would have been celebrated in a networking event at GCU Golf Course, but that wasn’t possible because of the pandemic. 

Instead, the annual celebration before the start of the academic year took place online.

“We didn’t want to simply cancel the event given the circumstances. We wanted these students to have an opportunity to engage with one another and have a moment to reflect on how special this scholarship opportunity really is,” Associate Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli said. “We anxiously anticipate getting together each fall to host this event for them.”

Scholars from around the world congregated on Zoom to be honored by the Honors College staff and their peers. Each incoming student, ranging from business owners to world travelers who are fluent in several different languages, was given a slide noting achievements both in and out of the classroom. The average incoming GPA for this year’s recipients is just shy of a 4.4.

A recurring theme seemed to be humanitarians with multicultural backgrounds.

Each scholarship recipient was celebrated with a separate slide.

“Even those who are from this country, they’ve gone on mission trips and vision trips. They were involved in helping different under-served populations and their local communities,”  Program Manager Anna Cofrancesco said. “They’re very whole-hearted people who are passionate about service and just being global thinkers.”

Cofrancesco and fellow Program Manager Cathleen Daly read through hundreds of scholarship applications and scheduled interviews with finalists. It was Daly’s first year on the project, which made listening to the achievements and stories that much more meaningful.

“I was blown away by the diversity of their stories,” she said. “Obviously, 2020 has been really unique, and I think that this group is so well equipped to take on the challenges that this year has presented and be leaders through all of it.

Prince Sozi, from Uganda, said he already has started building relationships.

“It’s not something we planned because the scholarship process was almost over before everything hit. Looking back on it, I’m like, ‘What a strong group to help lead the pack with everything that’s happening this year.’”

One of those students is Prince Sozi, a biomedical engineering student from Uganda. He moved to the United States in high school and then found out about GCU’s Honors College.

Sozi said the scholarship is “very exciting,” and he is particularly excited to be part of a group of fellow scholars that shares his love and passion for academics.

Even though the reception was online, he said he already has started building connections in the Honors community.

Contact Ashlee Larrison at (602) 639-8488 or ashlee.larrison@gcu.edu.

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The post Honors College scholarship even more prestigious appeared first on GCU Today.

The team that constructed three crosses this summer included (from left) Daniel Hoven, Engineering Shop Manager John Berkheimer, Rachel Green, Brandon Baron, Jose Rosario, Sanchez Rodriquez and Philip Varkey.

By Mike Kilen
GCU News Bureau

They were lifted skyward as a fretful summer ended.

Three crosses on the Grand Canyon University campus instantly became a symbol of peace, forgiveness and redemption and will mark an uncertain time when students etched, welded and polished them with hope.

The crosses are near the main entrance to GCU Arena.

The three crosses stand near GCU Arena entrance in the grassy area that flanks Building 23, where people can now quietly contemplate or snap a photo.

It marks the redemption of a wooden cross that had deteriorated and long ago was removed for construction and the resurrection of an idea — a senior class dedication project by the 2020 graduates who exited during a pandemic.

Philip Varkey is a student who put his hand to the crosses all summer, sanding and polishing the stainless steel. His brother, John, was in that 2020 graduating class.

“It was an honor to work on something like this. It’s amazing to work on something this large that will last a long time, especially since it is for the senior class and what they wanted to build to represent us,” said the junior engineering student.

“It shows to other students that our faith is a very important part of our education, and we have a job to show our faith to the community. This process also showed how different classes can provide for others.”

Varkey was joined by other students in the shop throughout the summer. Together, they took an idea and ran with it.

The idea came from Sam Yonan, last year’s President of Associated Students of Grand Canyon University. He thought one of the nation’s largest Christian universities needed highly visible crosses, a “great message to believers and non-believers who step on our campus,” he told GCU Today, and a reminder to people in unpredictable times that God is in control.

His vision merged with the Office of Student Engagement’s plans to institute a senior class dedication project.

GCU students worked with the large beams in the Engineering shop.

Engineering students analyzed the proper size, considered various drawings and ordered 100 feet of stainless-steel tubing. They cut beams and angles, did the welding, sanding and etching to give it texture, and polished it.

It wasn’t easy. The middle cross is 12 feet tall and weighs 300 pounds. The other two are 8.7 and 7.3 feet tall.

“How do you deal with something 12-foot long and six feet across in a shop and how do you move it?” asked Engineering Shop Manager John Berkheimer, who oversaw the construction. “We learned how to move it even though it’s not a shop to build big things like this where typically you would have overhead cranes.”

They analyzed the cross strength on its 30-inch base for worst-case scenarios (please don’t hang on the crosses) and waited until the grounds were ready for their planting.

That’s where Caroline Lobo‘s expertise became evident. Her expert eye, as the suoLL architect who has worked on countless Pono Construction projects for GCU, had the location spotted: a shady area with a large ash tree that had survived there for many years as construction boomed around it.

“It’s a beautiful tree, one of the oldest on campus, and captures the history of the place. It was a great way to pull all the pieces together and why we centered the crosses on the tree,” Lobo said. “When standing in front of it in a contemplative way, it is beautiful.”

A student welds the beams in the shop.

The approach to the tree is also interesting. Lobo calls them “grasscrete pavers” — concrete shapes and blocks with grass growing through and around them.

“We wanted it to feel like the crosses were emerging from the ground,” she said.

Each cross will be backlit by spotlights, leaving an inspiring nighttime image from a perfect location with a lot of traffic near the Quad and Arena.

University Pastor and Dean of Students Dr. Tim Griffin put it in perspective earlier this summer, saying the cross represents a dark time when Jesus was crucified but hope for humanity emerged.

“The cross is so symbolic of hope and victory that to display that in this time in our nation’s history, in our world’s history, it couldn’t be more fitting,” he said.

Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at mike.kilen@gcu.edu or at 602-639-6764.

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Related content:

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The post New crosses rise up in busy campus location appeared first on GCU Today.

Welcome back has never had such meaning.

By Mike Kilen
GCU News Bureau

The global pandemic has taken a lot, but it can’t take Welcome Week at Grand Canyon University.

Ebullient weeklong activities will be scaled back and spread out as students return to campus starting Sept. 21 but will retain its spirit.

“We have been very committed to making Welcome Week very involving, exciting and meaningful for students because, more than ever, this is the class that needs to be told that we are glad you are here, and it’s going to be a good semester for you,” said Charity Norman, Director of Welcome Programs.

Welcome Week launches with students moving in to residence halls Monday-Friday, but this year all events are Friday-Sunday. The weekend highlights include a Saturday night Welcome Fest and a Sunday night One Love Awareness Walk.

Welcome Week is the threshold of the GCU experience, especially for new students, and the first step is important, “particularly for this student body, this incoming class,” Norman said.

Charity Norman

“They graduated from high school and didn’t get a graduation ceremony; they didn’t get to go to prom; they had to spend their summer sitting in their parents’ houses. Then their fall semester was pushed back a few weeks and is facing modifications for the health and safety of everyone. So it’s important to show them they can have a good and meaningful experiences, and we are doing the best to show them they can.”

Move-In

The week typically begins with a parade of loaded vehicles, carrying emotional parents, excited students and all their stuff, to be cheered on by GCU students and staff. This year, the express check-in that utilized 3,000 volunteers to cheer and unload vehicles and put items in rooms was changed to move-in by appointment, when one student volunteer will help load a moving cart and wish them well. It’s all to limit the crowds and all its breathy yelling, sweat and close contact.

“It’s for the protection of the community,” Norman said. “The good thing about appointment move-in is it isn’t the first time we’ve done it. We started it last year (for returning students), and it was successful. It takes less time to get all the students in, and there is much less waiting in line. But we aren’t doing away with all the fanfare. We’re trying to infuse it with as much enthusiasm and safety as we can.”

This year, nearly 1,000 volunteers and student leaders will be injecting that enthusiasm, just like they saw in earlier years.

Jennifer Ayon

“I fell in love the minute I rolled on campus and through the gates, seeing that love from all the people I didn’t even know,” said Jennifer Ayon, a senior student leader, recalling her first Move-In in 2016.

Since then, she has been involved in all aspects of the experience with Welcome Programs and will be checking in students at residential housing this year. There will still be music and signs and what Ayon calls “that GCU love.”

“That’s what we do at GCU – make the best of every possible situation,” she said.

Events

The featured events held each day in prior years all will be on the weekend to avoid piling too many things on the plates of students who are trying to move in and still go to classes, which started online earlier this month.

It also helps to limit the potential coronavirus spread by grouping all the events from 6-9 p.m. Saturday at one big Welcome Fest in several locations via reservation.

Nearly every department of the University is involved.

The main stage, called Stage Connect, at Juniper and Willow fields will include music and entertainment, hosted by Caleb Duarte and Welcome Programs; Campus Recreation will host Welcome Back at the CAC with games and rock wall climbing; Spiritual Life will have an ice cream social; the Canyon Activities Board will hold a Barbecue Bingo; and the Involvement Fair will move outdoors to a location next to Building 25 with two dozen departments and colleges showing students how to engage.

The trick was limiting crowds in one spot, so students will make reservations for events they want to attend on the GCU Engage app. Staff checks them in for an allotted period before a clearing crew sanitizes the area and the next scheduled group arrives.

Hauling stuff is a right of passage to Move-In.

“It’s designed to show what events are going to look like for students during the school year to help them get acclimated to the masks, the distancing, the reservation and check-in systems,” Norman said.

It also introduces students to all the different clubs, intramurals and events during the year, starting with Movie Night at several outdoor locations on Friday and ending with a meaningful One Love Awareness Walk, organized by the Multicultural Office and designed to unite the GCU community.

“We are making the best of it, and we want to teach the students they can make the best of it, too,” Norman said.

“Student leaders in the welcome crew are excited. They do that role because they want to serve students, so for many of them this is the first step they are taking to serve students. They are just excited to be back around people in three dimensions again.”

“Oh my gosh,” said Ayon, “I’m so ready. I think this year is definitely something for the books.”

Grand Canyon University senior writer Mike Kilen can be reached at mike.kilen@gcu.edu or at 602-639-6764.

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WELCOME WEEK SCHEDULE

Resident move-in appointments, 6 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday, Sept. 21-25

Adult learner social, 3-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, Arena patio

Multi-Plex Movie Mania, 6:15 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. start Friday, Sept. 25, multiple locations (Quad, Grove Lawn, GCU Arena)

New international student orientation, 10 a.m.-noon, Saturday, Sept. 26, Zoom

Commuter orientation groups, 5-7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 26, Student Advising Services Building lawn

Welcome Fest, 6-9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, multiple locations

One Love Awareness Walk, 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27, meet in front of GCU Arena

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Related content

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GCU Today: Going behind the scenes to make Move-In magic

GCU Today: A family’s story of joy and goodbyes at Move-In

The post Changes won’t take welcome out of Welcome Week appeared first on GCU Today.

GCU students on Wednesday connected to a panel of software development and front-end engineers from Amazon.

By Lana Sweeten-Shults
GCU News Bureau

Amazon will add 500 jobs at its Tempe site over the next two years.

Mic drop.

And the company, whose aim is to be “the earth’s most customer-centric company,” also touts some 33,000 corporate and technology job openings across its 18 tech hubs, spanning from Tempe to Austin, Texas, to Denver and to its headquarters in Seattle.

That’s good news for Grand Canyon University students, some of whom sat in on the College of Science, Engineering and Technology’s first Provost Speaker Series talk of the semester on Wednesday, a career-development event organized with the help of GCU’s Strategic Employer Initiatives and Internships department.

In the 90-minute, COVID-adjusted virtual talk on Zoom, the panel of Amazon software development and front-end engineers covered everything from “How did you get that job at Amazon, anyway?” to “What’s a day like in the life of an ‘Amazonian’?” to “What is the culture like at the company?”

Students might have been surprised to learn that knowing how to code – and having that technical prowess when it comes to data structures and algorithms – is just a small part of what will land them a technology job like theirs at the company.

Demonstrating tech skills is a given since applicants usually will be asked to whiteboard a problem as part of the interview process.

“Make sure that you know your stuff,” said GJullian Flemister-King, an Amazon front-end engineer whose biggest advice to students was to not be a passive learner. “At the end of the day, in order to get in, you’re going to have to go through a series of interviews. If you don’t know your stuff, people are going to know. Everyone who’s interviewing you is pretty smart.”

Amazon software development engineer Carson Howard said his undergraduate degree is in business, but he learned to code and loves it.

“It’s more about the problem-solving,” added software development engineer Carson Howard, who started his career at Amazon in Seattle and now works on the Selling Partner Promotions team in Tempe. Interviewers want to see how an applicant thinks and works through a problem.

Beyond those technical skills, what the company is looking for from new hires is to get a feel for how they might fit the Amazon culture, Howard said.

All the panelists spoke about Amazon’s Leadership Principles. Just a few of the 14 principles:

• Customer Obsession (“Start with the customer and work backward.”)
• Ownership (“Leaders never say, ‘That’s not my job.'”)
• Learn and Be Curious
• Think Big
• Invent and Simplify (“As we do new things, we accept that we may be misunderstood for long periods of time.”).

“Coding is not enough,” said software development engineer Vivek Panigrahy, a recent Arizona State University master’s graduate in computer science.

To be an Amazonian, you don’t just have to know how to code. You have to fit in with Amazon’s culture, including knowing its Leadership Principles, said Vivek Panigrahy.

He remembers speaking with his manager and respectfully pushing for a different way to solve a problem. “You have to have the backbone to disagree,” said Panigrahy, who was hired at Amazon during the coronavirus pandemic and has not yet worked onsite among his peers but feels connected to them, even online.

“Have Backbone; Disagree and Commit” – it’s yet another one of the Leadership Principles.

“These Leadership Principles, you hear them throughout the day. … It’s really permeated throughout the culture in what we do on a day-to-day basis,” said Lisa Lobb, software development manager on the Selling Partner Promotions team.

Within the company, software development engineer Kevin Carrasco said Amazon’s teams also establish their own culture, though the Learning Principles unify the company and are at the heart of everything employees do.

Applicants who move forward after applying at amazon.jobs and taking online assessments to get an interview, as Panigrahy said he did, go to the interview portion of the application process.

By that time, interviewers are not focused on the finer details of an applicant’s resume, the panelists said.

 “I don’t have a computer science degree,” said Howard, who started with a business degree before moving into coding. “ … If you can demonstrate the skills we want to see, you have some practical experience to apply to it in some way or another, I’d probably be happy.”

Flemister-King also did not follow the traditional path to get to Amazon. The former Choice Hotels International employee started coding in 2017, refined his tech skills at Galvanize (a six-month trade school for coding), and gained experience by doing consulting work and “a lot of hackathons,” he said. He also was able to get a referral from an Amazonian whom he had gotten to know.

“It’s not about where you went to school and for how long. It’s can you pass the bar to get in and can you do the job,” added Lobb, who emphasized that Amazon’s engineers, whether they have a doctorate or no degree, are all are very sharp and can get the job done. “ … I think the path is different for everybody.”

The panelists also spoke about a day-in-their-life at Amazon.

It starts with the Stand-Up Meeting, when Amazonians address their team by answering three questions: What did you do yesterday? What is your highest priority today? And, do you have any blockers?

By the time those questions are answered, the team knows where it stands and can help team members who have “blockers,” anything that’s preventing them from moving forward in their task or project.

The panelists also spoke about work-life balance and Amazon’s motto: “Work Hard. Have Fun. Make History.”

“We DO work hard,” said Carrasco, but it’s the kind of work that, by its nature, is fun for him. “… The kinds of problems we’re solving are big-scale and challenging. … It’s what makes it fun.”

Lobb said Amazon always wants to be in that “startup culture” mode and push forward with the kind of innovative ideas, gusto and hard work that define start-up companies. There are times, she added, that employees will put in a lot of hours, such as when there might be project deadlines coming up, but “we want you to have a life outside of Amazon.”

Amazon teams in the COVID era meet on Zoom not just to work but to bond, too. Panelists said their teams plan specific online meetings just to chat, and when they are at the office in person, they meet for lunch and plan social events.

Lisa Lobb said Amazon always wants to be in that startup culture mode.

“We saw ‘Captain Marvel’ together,” Lobb said. “So it’s building relationships outside of work.”

Carson said that lately he has been putting in more than 40 hours a week, but it’s by choice, so his work-life balance is a little off. But even when he’s not coding for Amazon, he’s working on his own coding projects at home.

“I love what I do,” he said.

Some other tips from the speakers:

• Be on time to your interview.
• Turn off your phone during the interview.
• Ask clarifying questions before you start whiteboarding.
• Don’t just answer questions, ask questions about the company and the job. “That shows your level of engagement,” Lobb said.
• Do get an internship. While it’s not compulsory, it’s advised so you can gain experience and make connections. Panigrahy said he learned different industry coding standards at a Tempe company he interned with “which are very different from the kind of code we write in college.”
• Sign up for Amazon’s Career Day, which was happening during Wednesday’s panel at GCU: amazon.jobs/careerday.
• Apply to be an intern at Amazon.
• Don’t treat the interview as a test, said Carrasco, particularly when you’re asked to whiteboard a problem. “This is your peer asking you for help, and so you’re just going to help them solve a problem. … They’re going to see what it’s like to work with you, as far as solving problems is concerned, in a collaborative setting.”

The College of Science, Engineering and Technology spotlighted speaker Dave Reha, a hardware engineering director for Apple, as one of its Provost Speaker Series guests last year, and series organizers are committed to bringing more exceptional career-related events to campus.

CSET is among several colleges at GCU that partner with Strategic Employer Initiatives and Internships to offer the Provost Speaker Series, which are high-caliber career development events in which seasoned professionals share valuable industry advice with students.

Next in the series for CSET will be a talk about cybersecurity, coming up in November.

GCU senior writer Lana Sweeten-Shults can be reached at lana.sweeten-shults@gcu.edu or at 602-639-7901.

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The post Amazon panel delivers in its career talk at GCU appeared first on GCU Today.

By Rick Vacek
GCU News Bureau

Making the best of a bad situation has become a way of life this year, but the trick is to make the alternative the best it can be.

That was the challenge facing the Grand Canyon University’s One Foundation program, normally a monthly Lunch and Learn for faculty. Because the pandemic precludes large gatherings, the six sessions in the 2020-21 academic year had to be online. But that won’t detract from their value.

The goal, said College of Theology Dean Dr. Jason Hiles, is simple:

“How do we come at a moment like this, a historical moment, and give something that is actually constructive and helpful? The content coming out of One Foundation is going to be pretty rich.”

With a theme of “Kingdom Treasures,” each session will focus on discovering the unique worldview resources available within Christianity for a life of faith, hope and love during a time that is marked by the global pandemic, political conflict, racial tension and intense human suffering.

“We’re trying to get a number of different perspectives on some of these hot-button issues, but not like the cultural dialogue where everybody’s mad all the time,” Hiles said. “It’s from a Christian perspective where people are trying to say, ‘How do we redeem this situation, how do we live with this situation, how do we love one another?’”

Dr. Jason Hiles, Dean of the College of Theology, said the goal this year is to provide faculty with different perspectives on the key issues facing the U.S. today.

The format will be the same as in past years: an opening dialogue by Theology faculty, followed a panel discussion led by representatives of another college.

The only changes from past years: The start time will be noon, and reservations will not be required for participation. 

And there’s one other important addition to the program: The new TheologyCommons.org website has valuable content for faculty. For example, chapters 16 and 17 of the Christian worldview eBook are exclusively devoted to faith integration and academic discipline and vocation.

Additional content also will be posted throughout the year on Living Faith, the College of Theology’s blog. 

Faculty can get a head start by viewing three introductory videos:

• Sept. 18: Part 1 (Kingdom Treasures)
• Sept. 21: Part 2 (Guiding Principles)
• Sept. 28: Part 3 (Theological Virtues)

The six One Foundation livestreams and their content, as described in an email to faculty:

● Oct. 12: “Character Formation in Times of Difficulty”

The global pandemic of 2020 gives rise to questions about God’s purposes in the midst of difficulty and suffering. In the spirit of the early church father, Irenaeus, this session will explore the ways in which God works within the midst of suffering and pain to form us for his purposes by strengthening our character and deepening our faith in Christ. Watch

● Nov. 9: “Christian Civility and Public Discourse”

During the course of another contentious presidential election process, the diversity of political opinion and opinions about other topics has drawn attention to the notion of civil discourse. For Christians, discourse about politics and other topics represents one of the many ways in which Jesus’ call to love others should be applied to our daily interactions with neighbors and even our “enemies.” This session will explore the opportunities and challenges one faces in demonstrating the love of Christ within the context of conversation and controversy. Watch

● Dec. 7: “Kingdom Diversity (Part 1)”

From beginning to end, the Bible demonstrates that God loves people from every nation, tribe and language regardless of the various identities that tend to divide us (race, ethnicity, gender, socioeconomic status, class, etc.). In the midst of many divisive factors within our culture, this session will explore the biblical vision for unity and diversity within God’s Kingdom. Watch

● Jan. 11: “Kingdom Diversity (Part 2)”

This session will continue the previous discussion about the biblical vision for diversity within God’s Kingdom. Dialogue within this session will explore practical ways that Christ followers can begin to live into the reality that Jesus Christ has broken down the “wall of hostility” (Ephesians 2:14) in order to create for himself a new community by faith made up of people from all nations, tribes and languages (Revelation 7:9). Watch

● Feb. 15: “Justice in Biblical Perspective (Part 1)”

Justice is pervasive in the biblical narrative. Within Scripture, God is revealed as a just God who requires justice from His people and who will ultimately ensure that justice is one day a reality on earth just as it is now in heaven. The vision for justice, however, differs significantly from secularized visions of justice at play in the current cultural dialogue. This session will compare and contrast biblical justice with the concept of justice in alternative worldviews. Watch

● March 22: “Justice in Biblical Perspective (Part 2)”

This session will continue previous discussion about the biblical vision for justice and alternative conceptions of justice within non-Christian worldviews. Dialogue within this session will explore practical ways that Christ followers can begin to strive for personal justice and promote justice within their respective vocations and communities. Watch

The year will conclude with two Series Conclusion recorded videos, on April 12 and April 26.

The goal, Hiles said, will be to “layer the conversation without just hitting it right on the nose at every point” and to hear from diverse groups of people.

“We don’t want to just jump into controversy,” he added. “We’re trying to help people think from a Christian perspective.”

Contact Rick Vacek at (602) 639-8203 or rick.vacek@gcu.edu.

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The post Faculty to discuss issues from Christian perspective appeared first on GCU Today.

Editor’s note: This story is reprinted from the August issue of GCU Magazine. To read the digital version of the magazine, click here. The GCU INsider is an annual feature that provides a snapshot of the new academic year.

GCU Magazine

What will the classrooms look like?

Under the blended learning model, most classrooms will be at 40-50% capacity to create appropriate physical distancing. Students will be assigned to receive face-to-face instruction from their faculty member one day per week, accompanied by a second day of synchronous learning that will occur remotely through LoudCloud in the same time slot of the corresponding day. Courses that require more hands-on work will meet in person regularly, and safe environments will be created. The University also is creating additional classroom space.

Students will be encouraged to get outdoors this fall as much as possible.

INsider tip: “Time management and active participation are the keys to success in this active learning model – you can gain the most by logging in and being there, actively engaged with your faculty and peers. You will be amazed by how much you learn in the first three weeks of this model and how well you will know your fellow students, your course materials and your faculty when you show up to the face-to-face experience.” — Dr. Hank Radda, Provost

What intramural sports will be available, and will the fitness centers and swimming pools be open?

Cornhole, pickleball, badminton, tennis, sand volleyball, nickel softball (like normal softball but three teams of five players at once with one team at bat, second team in the infield and third team in the outfield) and esports (Madden, NBA2K, NHL, MLB, FIFA) will be available in the fall. There will be hand sanitation before and during game, temperature checks before game play, cleaning of equipment and social-distancing markers for spectators and team benches. There’s more information on the new campus recreation portal, myrec.gcu.edu. Appointments will be required to use the fitness centers and pools.

INsider tip: “We feel confident this will still provide plenty of ways for students to have fun on campus, compete in recreational sports and provide a safe and healthy atmosphere to do so.” — Matt Lamb, Director of Campus Recreation

What will be the setup for Chapel?

Attendees will need tickets (they’re free, of course) to gain access to one of four sites – GCU Arena, Canyon Activity Center, Antelope Gymnasium and the church. The Arena, which will be mainly for freshmen, and the CAC will have live bands; the other two will have the broadcast on screen. Unfortunately, The Gathering on Tuesday nights had to be suspended temporarily, but life groups still will meet.

INsider tip: “All the Chapel locations will be adhering to the proper social distancing. Everyone will be in pods of four or five, and they’re all going to be spaced out.” — Braelyn Armenta, Director of Spiritual Life

GCU Softball Stadium would be a nice place to enjoy dinner while another spectacular Arizona sunset.

What’s the plan for campus events?

A number of Welcome Week events are being planned for Sept. 25-26, and then students will be kept busy all the way through the semester. But think small – most events will be limited to 10 or fewer people. Major events have been postponed until the spring semester.

INsider tip: “Students love the big events, but the thing they love the most is the relationships and the community that they experience, and that doesn’t necessarily happen in huge events. I think they’ll be really excited and grateful for the opportunity just to be with their peers, even if it is in a modified way.” — Danielle Rinnier, Assistant Dean of Students

Will there be more places on campus to eat and relax outdoors?

GCU is expanding its outdoor seating areas in three ways. First, tables, chairs and picnic tables are being added to existing shaded areas on campus, such as the North Rim Apartments area. Second, shaded areas are being increased with seating and both permanent and temporary shade structures near the center of campus (Lopes Way and Promenade) and near eateries. Finally, students are encouraged to use the seating in the soccer, baseball and softball stadiums.

INsider tip: “Grab your lunch to go, grab your friends and kick back in one of the stadiums. Plenty of room for physically distancing while eating and keeping cool.” — James Kossler, Vice President of Facilities Planning and Operations

Any new buildings to go with the new shade?

Ponderosa Apartments, at 29th Avenue and Camelback Road, is the only completely new building, but the top two floors of Student Advising Services (Building 18) also were finished – there are 10 classrooms on the fourth floor and faculty offices on the fifth floor. The recently acquired church building and annexes at 31st and Camelback will be used as classrooms for the first semester. Also on the horizon are three more apartment buildings and a parking garage at 29th and Missouri avenues.

INsider tip: “There’s lots to love at Ponderosa. The parking lot right in front provides easy access to the building for residents, plus the new amenities of the Herd Stop and Antelope pool are within walking distance.” — Elizabeth Sparks, Resident Director, Ponderosa Apartments

How is GCU going to help students and employees stay engaged with the community outside campus?

The departments of University Relations, Strategic Employer Initiatives & Internships, and K12 Educational Development are working together to ensure students, employees and alumni still can connect meaningfully with partner organizations. Ground students will be able to attend virtual career fairs offered through Career Connections along with ongoing academic and career support options. Alumni and employees will be connected with organizations in a separate virtual capacity.

INsider tip: “With technology, innovation and a passion for purpose leading the way, we’ll continue connecting capacity to need in the #GCUheartofPHX.” — Debbie Accomazzo, University Relations Manager

Can students be tested for COVID-19 on campus, and how can students obtain masks?

Tests (free with a copay) will be available at the Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic for students who request them as well as those who are symptomatic or have been identified through contact tracing as being a high-risk exposure to someone who has tested positive. Surveillance testing can also be administered if there is a high concentration of positive cases in one area (for example, a dorm floor). At this time, GCU is planning on providing three reusable/washable masks to all students for free. Students may bring additional masks from home or purchase them through the Lope Shop. 

INsider tip: “Do your part by using a mask, protecting yourself and others in your community. If you feel sick, stay home, isolate and get tested.” — Marcus Castle, Emergency Preparedness Manager

Public Safety personnel devoted their time this summer to helping with GCU’s effort to produce personal protective equipment. (Photo by David Kadlubowski)

What will the mask protocol be?

GCU is following requirements of Maricopa County and the City of Phoenix to wear masks in public or shared spaces. Currently, that means masks must be worn in classrooms, restaurants and other indoor community spaces as well as outdoor setting where physical distancing of at least 6 feet is not possible. Face coverings are not required within a student’s living quarters or outdoor settings where physical distancing is possible.

INsider tip: “Masks and distancing will support a low spread of COVID, allowing a more recognizable campus experience.” — Connie Colbert, Director, Canyon Health and Wellness Clinic

What will the visitor policy be in residence halls?

In order to protect campus residents, overnight guests will not be allowed in the residence halls, and daytime guests will be restricted to other campus residents with an active housing booking. Any other guests, including commuter students and off-campus guests, will not be permitted inside the living areas except active helpers at Move-In and Move-Out.

INsider tip: “GCU Public Safety welcomes all students back to campus this fall. Our employees stand ready to answer your campus-related questions, and we are open 24/7.” — Charles Miiller, Assistant Police Chief

The post GCU INsider: Students will have it made in the shade appeared first on GCU Today.

KHESTER KENDRICK

College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Khester Kendrick

Title: Teaching faculty

Years at GCU: Just under two years as a teaching faculty though I was a student at GCU for close to five years before coming to work here. 

Academic degrees: I have a B.S. in Applied Business from our awesome university and an MBA, also from GCU. I also have an M.S. in Cybersecurity from Liberty University. Finally, I am attending the University of the Cumberlands for a Ph.D. in Information Technology with an Emphasis in Information Security. I have about a year left in the Ph.D. program as I work on my dissertation.

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important? 

You mean, next to working here? For me personally, it was being able to talk to a bunch of nerds and geeks at Fan Fusion. What can I say — comic books and sci-fi movies are my thing, and being able to talk as a panelist was a highlight. On a professional level, I was selected to speak at the K12 National Initiative for Cyber Education with my colleague Dr. Dwight Farris. Having the opportunity to learn and help teachers across the country and better prepare them to educate our young adults is what being a faculty member is all about.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why? 

I thought we already covered comic books, “Star Trek” and “Lord of the Rings.” I enjoy discovering new ways of stopping the bad guy. Sure, we have the police, we have lawyers, we have public safety. Cybersecurity is that one field where you get to be a detective while eating nachos and drinking Mountain Dew. Of course, I’m over 40 now, so it’s closer to green tea and low fat Wheat Thins, but you get the point.

What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style? 

Last year we were working on a project with a company to identify vulnerabilities in their software. I had about 60 volunteers, from freshmen to seniors, all wanting to jump in and start digging around. The Honors College had a couple of business students who organized and set up a reporting structure online via Google Docs, and the team leads jumped in on the technical side.

It amazed me that we had students from five different degree programs all wanting to jump into cybersecurity at some level. More than that, the business students took the lead and worked with each technical team to identify the vulnerabilities and threats for this company even though it was obvious these business students didn’t even know what we were talking about half the time. It didn’t stop them — they asked questions, they learned and together GCU students showed we can accomplish anything.

We identified multiple critical vulnerabilities and helped the company patch their system. Because of our students’ hard work, the company was able to pass the security screening through Google on its first go-round. 

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time? 

You mean other than watch “I-Robot” and “Big Brother?” I think Christmas is going to take the win this season. I enjoy spending time with the kids watching cheesy reality shows that I never in a million years would have watched if it weren’t for them. I also have an aquaponics system in the backyard where we grow a variety of vegetables from fish poop. That’s pretty much it because between working on a Ph.D. and watching TV with the kids, I don’t exactly have a ton of spare time.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know? ​

Oh geez, something people don’t know. I have a pretty big mouth and talk too much — I’m not sure there is something that people don’t already know. 

The post Faculty Focus: Khester Kendrick appeared first on GCU Today.

Jacqueline Carter (center) is joined at her graduation celebration by Mike Faust (left), Director of the Arizona Department of Child Safety, and Noah Wolfe, GCU’s Director of Alumni Relations.  

By Ashlee Larrison
GCU News Bureau

Jacqueline Carter has experienced firsthand the effect substance addiction can have on a family. Several of her loved ones have struggled with it, forcing her to enter the foster care system at age 17.

She made the move just one week before she was scheduled to start attending Grand Canyon University. A concerned bystander saw her living situation and arranged to have her live on campus.

Fast forward to today. Carter, 21, has her bachelor’s degree in Counseling with an Emphasis in Addiction, Chemical Dependency and Substance Abuse and is enrolled to start working on a master’s early next year. She wants to help people like her family members recover and strive for successful lives.

Carter was celebrated with cupcakes, a plaque and a check for $1,500.

Carter was a part of an incentive program created by the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS) that encourages young adults in foster care to pursue higher education and vocational training.

Friday afternoon, DCS celebrated Carter’s accomplishment with cupcakes, a plaque and a check for $1,500. Mike Faust, Director of DCS, presented her with the plaque and check while also expressing the department’s pride in her.

“Where she may not see herself as an inspiration to others, she should know that we’re celebrating her because not only is she an inspiration to her peers, she’s also an inspiration to us who do this work,” he said. “When we’re able to see this level of success and positivity, to me that’s awesome.”

Several friendly faces from GCU surprised Carter at the event, including her favorite professor, Denise Krupp. Carter was asked to close her eyes before Krupp snuck into the room. When she opened her eyes, Carter broke into tears.

Carter’s favorite professor from GCU, Denise Krupp,  surprised her at her celebration.

“I’m so proud of you,” Krupp said. “I’m glad that even when it got tough you never gave up and that you kept the focus on your dream, which is to go out there and help other people that are struggling and may have walked through some of the things that you did.”

Carter said she will never forget her experience at GCU, starting with her sudden entry into the foster care system. 

“My world turned upside down that day,” she said. “I stayed in a home for a week until I moved into GCU and then I met all these people, and they’re like, ‘You don’t have to do this by yourself. We’re going to help you.’”

The sense of community helped Carter feel more at home on campus. So did GCU traditions such as basketball games, Lip Sync and Mr. GCU. 

“I just kept my eye on the prize and just took it one day at a time,” Carter said.

Young adults who grew up in foster care don’t always have the means to afford higher education. Faust’s organization hopes to change that  through its incentive program.

Carter’s advice to those who will follow in her footsteps: 

“You will make it. Don’t give up just because of one circumstance, don’t give up because of 10 circumstances, just don’t give up. Not matter what happens, don’t give up and stay focused on your education and stay focused on your goals.

“If you stay focused on your goals, then it’s going to happen because that’s where your focus is.”

Contact Ashlee Larrison at (602) 639-8488 or ashlee.larrison@gcu.edu.

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The post From foster care to GCU grad: Carter defied the odds appeared first on GCU Today.

Terry Mackey of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church delivers his online Chapel talk on fighting fear.

By Rick Vacek
GCU News Bureau

The words “Fear not” appear in the Bible 366 times – one for every day of the year, even in a leap year.

On the 265th day of 2020, which can’t take a hike soon enough, Terry Mackey summoned those words again to remind his online listeners at Grand Canyon University Chapel that God gives us the fortitude to face our fears.

“I do understand that these are unsettling times for us, and after much prayer the Lord has led me to a very familiar passage to encourage your hearts today,” the Pastor of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church began in the final exclusively online Chapel before the weekly worship service reverts to in-person gatherings next week.

Mackey’s elocution is as elegant as his words, filled with what he calls “Mackey-ology.” He’s also direct:

“All of us are afraid of something. It may yet harbor in the inner recesses of our minds. It may yet to have gained a prominent place in the museum of our memory. … Some people are afraid of the past, that something in the past will come in their present and will ruin their future.”

Mackey based his talk on 2 Timothy 1:7:

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love and of sound mind.

Timothy was fearful, too, which is why the apostle Paul wrote those words in his letter to him in his final words as he coached Timothy to take over his work.

“Let me put some ‘Mackey-ology’ on it for you,” Mackey said. “I believe what Paul is saying here is that God has not given us a hindering spirit, but He’s given us the helpful spirit called the Holy Spirit because when you get the Holy Spirit on the inside of you, guess what? He’s going to give you power. He’s going to give you love. And He’s going to give you a sound mind.”

Jesus shared the meaning of God’s power in Acts 1:8:

“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.”

That power, Mackey said, is from the Greek word dunamis, which means “power, force or ability.”

“It’s supernatural power,” he added. “It’s staying power to be able to take a licking and keep on kicking, to keep on pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of Jesus Christ.

“But what I love about this word (is) that the base word dunamis is where we get the term ‘dynamic.’ It’s where we also get the term ‘dynamite’ from because God gives us explosive power.”

What does fear have to do with love? Mackey pointed to 1 John 4:18:

There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

Then Mackey told the story of a girl who showed no signs of fear as an airplane appeared in danger of crashing. Her reasoning: Her father was flying the plane and would never let anything bad happen to her.

“I’m not just talking about that little girl. I’m talking about you …” Mackey said. “God will not let you falter. He will not let you fall.”

Finally, there’s a sound mind, which Mackey likens to the self-control addressed in Galatians 5:22-23:

 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Mackey noted that theologian Frederick Buechner once wrote, “A Christian isn’t necessarily any nicer than anybody else. Just better informed.”

But you can’t be better informed, Mackey emphasized, if you don’t study the Scriptures.

“You’ve got to know what the Word of God says because, as Christians, we get our news from a different network,” he said, and referenced John 14:26:

But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.

“The world tells you that if you want to go up the ladder of success, you’ve got to pull other people down,” said Mackey, shaking his head in disapproval. “But when you’re sound in the Scriptures, it gives you a sound mind.”

Mackey had two more Bible verses to share. First, 1 Peter 5:6:

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.

And then Psalm 121:7-8:

The Lord will keep you from all harm —
     He will watch over your life;
the Lord will watch over your coming and going
    both now and forevermore.

As is his distinct style, Mackey was building up to a crescendo about looking to Jesus, then concluded with this:

“He lives, and that should give fortitude to face your fears.”

And to fear not.

● Chapel replay

● Next Monday’s speaker: GCU President Brian Mueller

Contact Rick Vacek at (602) 639-8203 or rick.vacek@gcu.edu.

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GCU Today: Chapel receives passionate lesson in ‘Mackey-ology’

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GCU Today: God’s plan for you is for Him, Garcia tells Chapel

The post Chapel message: Nothing to fear, even this year appeared first on GCU Today.

Story by Rick Vacek and Ashlee Larrison
Photos by David Kadlubowski
GCU News Bureau

Alison Barstad didn’t hesitate early Monday morning when she was asked what it has been like to be away from the Grand Canyon University campus for the last six months.

“I missed a lot of friends. I missed campus. I missed GCU,” she said emphatically with nary a breath between syllables, as if she had thought about nothing else since March while staying at her home in Lake Arrowhead, Calif.

Students began moving in all sorts of furniture, some of it well protected, Monday at GCU.

But then she said something truly remarkable:

“There’s a certain peacefulness here that I can’t find anywhere else.”

About 4,000 fellow peace-seekers and their parents filled the busy campus on the first day of Move-In, starting before dawn and continuing well into the evening.

The “Welcome Home” signs and friendly greetings from student volunteers only confirmed that coming back to this place after an unprecedented six months away – or coming to live here for the first time – was worth the coronavirus-induced wait.

GCU President Brian Mueller wasn’t surprised to hear what Barstad said. But he knew where the credit lies.

“It is obvious that God is involved in this place. His presence is here,” Mueller said. “I or our team can’t create that sense of peacefulness. God has to do that working through people. But with all the divisiveness that exists in our country today and our inability to put others first and to get along and to live peacefully, for a student to say that about this environment is overwhelming to me.

“I am grateful for that. I feel extremely blessed to be a part of this. But I’m also highly cognizant of the fact that I didn’t create this. It’s God who created this, His presence is here, and I think as a result of that, the sense of community will be even stronger this year in the midst of this challenge.”

The welcome cloud cover Tuesday morning brought down temperatures.

The challenge had relegated most families to a secluded life together. For Barstad, it was just her and her parents, Rob and Nicole, and Lake Arrowhead is a quiet place anyway.

“There’s not a lot to do,” Rob said.

Still, moving her back to GCU, where she’ll have plenty to do, was a day of mixed emotions.

“I’m still in denial that she’s grown up,” he said.

Geneen Martinez echoed that feeling as she and her husband, Rodney, helped daughter Jontelle.

“I don’t want to let her go,” Geneen said. “I love having her at home.”

But there’s a twist to their story that speaks loudly of why Jontelle was moving in at GCU and not somewhere closer to her hometown of Rio Rancho, N.M. She attended another college last year – her mom’s alma mater – and decided to transfer to GCU to continue her studies in graphic design and digital advertising.

“I understand,” Geneen said, looking at the happy scene outside Sedona Hall. “It’s so organized and welcoming.”

At The Grove, which houses freshmen in four residence halls in the northwest corner of campus, there were “GCU Mom” and “GCU Dad” T-shirts with an occasional Grandma and Grandpa shirt. There also were laughs, hugs and even a few tears as a new generation of Lopes arrived at their new home.

Unpacking the rear of an SUV will be a common sight all week.

Freshman Kaetlyn Jeschky and her mother, Kelly, were among the earliest to move in. The family traveled from Illinois to help make the most of Kaetlyn’s first semester – and, oh by the way, enjoy the warm Phoenix weather, too.

“I’m super excited to make new friends and be in a new environment,” Kaetlyn said.

For Kelly, the excitement stems from getting to watch Kaetlyn take this next step in life.

“We’re going to miss her, but she’s going to spread her wings and fly,” she said.

Trent Hawes was another parent excited see what his daughter Taylor would accomplish at GCU.

“She’s ready for college,” he said. “I’m excited for her.”

Taylor, an English in Professional Writing major, said she was eager to snag a spot on the first day of Move-In because she couldn’t wait to start the in-person college experience after beginning the semester with online classes.

“I just wanted a lot of time to settle in,” she said.

On the other side of The Grove, Justin Vergel De Dios and his family also adapted to a change in scenery as they helped Justin bring his belongings up to his room. The fact that he was homeschooled before coming to GCU made the Move-In experience that much more meaningful.

It’s never too early to start creating memories.

“I’m really excited about the community here at GCU and just having the ability to study with my peers,” the Sports Performance major said. “It’s a very different environment for me.”

Selecting Monday as his move-in day was not a hard decision for Eddie Duenas. It was all about finally getting to meet his roommates in person.

“I’ve talked to them through Instagram and stuff, but I haven’t met them yet,” he said.

The Finance and Economics major said he’s looking forward to GCU’s basketball season and hopes he can experience the excitement in person at the games.

And while Monday was still exciting for those freshmen, the only wistful aspect for the student volunteers was that the newcomers couldn’t witness what Move-In is normally like – thousands of students singing, dancing and shouting their name as they drive in, then descending on their vehicle to carry all of their belongings to their room.

Not only did the need for physical distancing during the pandemic limit the number of volunteers, it also forced restrictions on how much they can do.

“I wish we could do more,” junior Ashton Hamilton said. “It’s fun to take over for them and let them feel welcome. But I’m glad that we can at least load up their stuff, say hi to them and let them know we’re here for them.”

The lobbies of residence halls were set up for social distancing.

Nothing can change the fact that it’s still Welcome Week at GCU, a place that knows how to welcome people.

“To me, it feels pretty similar,” said Charity Norman, Director of Welcome Programs. “With as much as we changed Move-In, it still really does have a lot of the same energy and a lot of the same vibe – a lot of the same exciting things, a lot of the same challenges.

“It just feels really, really good to have the students back.”

The feeling, no doubt, is mutual. Finally, after six long months, they are at peace in the place they call home.

Contact Rick Vacek at (602) 639-8203 or rick.vacek@gcu.edu.

Contact Ashlee Larrison at (602) 639-8488 or ashlee.larrison@gcu.edu.

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GCU Today: Earlier than ever, Move-In is moving and grooving

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GCU Today: Going behind the scenes to make Move-In magic

GCU Today: Move-In unpacks emotions of volunteers, too

The post A different kind of Move-In, a familiar kind of peace appeared first on GCU Today.