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February, 2008

A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Dear Alumni

The GCU Alumni Association is honored to present to you the first GCU Alumni Legends eNewsletter. This monthly publication was designed with you in mind! Our desire is to keep you involved in the transformations at your alma mater, as well as to rekindle old friendships and establish new ones. Since your graduation at GCU, God continues to bless the University. With the vision of our Executive Team, it is developing into a beautiful modern-day campus; one where many students live, learn, and grow.

The Alumni Association has also been busy creating partnerships and programs to better benefit our loyal graduates. One of the successful programs we have started is the Alumni Chamber of Commerce monthly breakfast. This program was created to continue enriching the spiritual and intellectual growth of our Alumni while providing an environment rich in networking opportunities.

We continue to pray for all Alumni and their successes. If you would like to share with us a special moment, a memory, or even some exciting news, we would love to include it in the next publication. We wish you God’s best in 2008 and look forward to hearing from you soon. Please read, relax, and enjoy.

Blessings,

Madeline LoConti Winney
Director, Alumni Relations
602-639-6310
http://www.gcualumni.com

Memories from the Past

Alumna, Leona (Wood) Baker reflects on the time when she worked in the GCU cafeteria during her freshman year in 1954. She was serenaded daily by Sharky Baker as he walked through the food line. Leona commented, “Maybe he was trying to get a larger helping of food!” Sharky would sing Ramona, I Hear the Mission Bells Above, but the romantic would replace Ramona with Leona. Less than a year later, Sharky started courting Leona and by the end of the year they were engaged. The two went to see the movie Friendly Persuasion, starring Gary Cooper, and when they returned to campus, Sharky proposed to Leona. They were married in August of 1957 and have been married a blissful 50 years. They had a wonderful 50th anniversary celebration given by their children and grandchildren last fall. The Baker family has been loyal to GCU and being an Antelope. There are approximately 30 Baker family members that are Alumni of GCU. Amongst meeting her beaux at GCU, some of Leona's favorite memories include the baseball games, banquets and the 15 cent hamburgers!

Do you have a favorite memory of GCU you would like to share? Please, we want to know! Contact mbeem@gcu.edu and share your special recollection of GCU.

Alumni Chamber of Commerce Breakfast

January 31, 2008 was the first meeting for the GCU Alumni Chamber of Commerce. The topic discussed was, "Maximizing Your Marketing Resources in 2008," featuring GCU Alumna ('06), Amy Thomas, Executive Director Center for Educational Excellence, Grand Canyon University. GCU Alumni represented over 35 organizations. The first breakfast was a great success and we envision it growing with every monthly networking activity.

February's event, "Networking for Success" held February 21st, resulted in 20 new additions to the Alumni Chamber community. Keynote speaker, Robin Hanson, Prudential – Associate Manager of Local Initiatives presented ways explore effective networking techniques and cost efficient ways to grow your business through social networking. Please feel free to review “Networking for Success” PowerPoint and utilize these techniques at March’s Chamber Breakfast. http://gcualumni.com/docs/Chamber_Breakfast.ppt

The Alumni Chamber will meet monthly to discuss a variety of topics to better enrich GCU graduates and assist them in business development. All Alumni and guests are welcome to attend. Our next event is March 20th, "Before You Spend a Dime on Advertising, There are a Few Things You Should Know..." with guest speaker Vickie Isaac, Director of Edge Media. View Invitation

GCU's Spring 2008 Career Fair

Mark your calendars for Thursday, February 28 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. for GCU's annual Career Fair. Over 100 of the Valley's top employers will be at the Student Union and on the Promenade of GCU's campus representing their organizations. Need to find a job? Need to find employee? This event will satisfy both desires. Please contact Louise at careerservices@gcu.edu with any questions you may have.

Baby 'Lopes

Baby ‘Lopes are the University’s future. We want to start them out young in being a loyal Antelope! Let us know of the new little miracle in your life, so we can send you a GCU bib. All we ask is that you send us a picture of your baby wearing the bib. We can show him or her off in the next eNewsletter for all to see. The little 'Lope pictured above is Tonja and Jeffrey Smith’s little girl, Sada Arnaé Smith, born March 15, 2007. She is PRECIOUS! Tonja is a member of the University’s Marketing team, and Jeffrey graduated from GCU with his Masters in Finance December '07. This family has school spirit and is passing on the tradition to their Baby ‘Lope!
To order a Baby 'Lope bib please email mbeem@gcu.edu.

Traveling 'Lope

The GCU Volleyball Team traveled to Hilo, Hawaii in October to compete against University of Hawaii—Hilo. The team is led by alumnae Kris (Belcher) Naber, and assisted by Melanie (Vidoni) Beem. Naber earned her degree in Physical Education in 1991 and Beem received a Business degree in 2004. It is exciting to see where the Traveling ‘Lope has been!

Show your fellow Alumni where you have been! Please take a picture of you, your family and friends with the sign in front of a landmark or beautiful scenery! To order a Traveling 'Lope please contact mbeem@gcu.edu.

ALUMNI $CHOLAR$HIP OPPORTUNITIE$

For more information or online applications regarding GCU Alumni Scholarships, please visit: http://www.gcualumni.com/scholarships.php or call call 800-800-9776 and ask for the Alumni Association.

Support Future Antelopes

The Alumni Association is excited to announce that Online giving is now a reality on our website! The donations given are used to support the tuition for next generation Alumni. If you would like to contribute to our scholarship fund, please click for Online giving.

Open Season

Have you been wanting to hunt down a fellow Antelope? Visit our website to find former friends. http://www.gcualumni.com/index.php

Do you want to be found? Visit our website and update your information. http://www.gcualumni.com/network.php

Antelope Athletics

For up to date information on GCU Athletics, visit their up to date website: http://athletics.gcu.edu/index2.php

Alumni Helping Alumni

James Butler graduated from GCU in '07 with his Masters in Curriculum & Instruction. He is going through an exciting time in his life where he has been accepted to volunteer for a year in the Nyumbani Village in Kenya. The Village was created as a supportive community for those left behind by the AIDS pandemic. He will be teaching orphans whom have lost both parents to AIDS. It is going to be an amazingly powerful experience that is a blessing given by God. For more information on James, please visit his website: http://leatoto.blogspot.com/

University Development - "The Rock"

GCU is constantly strengthening the environment surrounding the campus. One of the new visions inspired by the Solid Rock Foundation and is being implemented at GCU is Alice Cooper's “The Rock,” which was inspired by the Solid Rock Foundation. This building will be a 20,000 square foot, faith based haven for trouble teens to have fun in a safe place. To accompany Cooper with the dedication was American Idol, Jordin Sparks whose grandmother is a GCU Alumna ('93). The ground breaking ceremony was held on December 15, 2007.

Verse of the Month

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future

Featured Benefit Partner of the Month

Grand Canyon University Alumni Association is proud to continue its partnership with Liberty Mutual Insurance. Three former Grand Canyon Alumni, Jon Beaty ('06), Aaron Kerth ('01) and Jim Battle ('86), will be the contacts for answering any insurance related questions or concerns.

All three Alumni look forward to working with each and every one of you to provide discounted auto and homeowners insurance, while also giving back 2% of the annual premium to the Alumni program. Another benefit of the program is the high level of personal service that you will receive from your insurance agent. Please call 602-653-5231 and reference Grand Canyon University to get a no-obligation quotes or to review your current coverages.

ALUMNI Benefits

The Alumni Association has been working hard and cultivating great relationships with other businesses to bring the Alumni community great savings. For information on how these companies can benefit you, please contact your Alumni Association and they will connect you with an Alumni representative. Mention you are a GCU Alumni to receive special Association rates.

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