The University’s Military Division of more than 100 employees turned out shortly after sunrise to welcome both active-duty and retired military to campus for free coffee and doughnuts provided by Dunkin’ Donuts. About 1,000 car-mounted American flags were distributed to visitors and to motorists along Camelback Road in west Phoenix. Radio station KNIX-FM and television stations KSAZ (Fox 10) and KNXV (ABC 15) were on hand to report the story. Thunder, the antelope mascot for GCU’s athletic teams, also was part of the festivities.

"Thank you for doing this for us," said Army veteran Steve Mora, 58, a member of American Legion Post 41, the oldest Hispanic post in Arizona. "Memorial Day is a special time." Formerly known as Decoration Day, the Memorial Day holiday honors U.S. men and women who died in service to the country. The day was first enacted to honor Union soldiers of the Civil War and was expanded after World War I. GCU has been recognized by GI Jobs Magazine as one of the most military-friendly institutions in the nation. The University’s ground-campus and online population includes a significant number of active-duty and retired military students from across the country.

Dressed in fatigues for the occasion was Army National Guard Lt. Michelle Dehorney, 24, of Yuma, who has earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from GCU and is already at work on a doctorate in organizational development. "The culture at GCU really works well with the military," Dehorney said as she passed out doughnuts and flyers. "The instructors and deans really work with you."My service means everything to me, and education is one of the most important things in my life. It’s necessary in order to be successful."

Ray Brady, 42, served in the Air Force for more than 21 years and now works in the Military Division at GCU. "Our military people at GCU understand the needs of that population," Brady said. "We can speak to them in their language. It builds relationships and trust. They know you know what they’re talking about." Most military are impressed with GCU’s reasonable tuition rates and ready acceptance of transfer credits, according to Kelly Jensen, 52, who served in the Army for 24 years and has worked for the University for two years. "It’s a beautiful program," said Jensen, who earned a master’s in business administration from GCU. "We have a lot to offer veterans, their spouses and retirees." Brady said the flexibility of online courses presents an ideal complement to the rigors and demands of military life. "When you deploy, you can continue to go to school," he said. "You don’t have to stop. Back when I deployed, it wasn’t this convenient."

Three representatives from the Navy’s recruiting district in Phoenix came out to campus in full dress and enjoyed being part of the event. "Memorial Day reminds us of why we do what we do," said one of the officers, 33-year-old Aaron Spaulding. "On a day like this, I remember a lot of people I’ve worked with over the years." For more information on Grand Canyon University’s programs for military, call 888.333.1242 or 800.800.9776 and ask to be directed to a Military Division Enrollment Counselor.