Happy New Year from GCU: Highlights from 2017

Another year has flown by here in Lope Country! We think 2017 has been one for the books and filled with so many things to be joyful about. From the growth of the school to making the full transition to Division I, so much has happened this year that we have to celebrate. Here are some GCU highlights from 2017:

GCU Embraces and Improves the Community

Grand Canyon University prides itself on its outreach efforts and helping the community around its campus. At the beginning of the year, Arizona Governor Doug Ducey, Phoenix Mayor Greg Stanton, and renowned economist Elliott Pollack praised the university for its efforts to revitalize the community and transform the neighborhood surrounding the West Phoenix main campus.

GCU Campus Community Reaches New Highs

The school’s growth reached an all-time high this year! In fall 2016, GCU welcomed nearly 17,500 students to its campus. It’s impressive to see the numbers increase over time, with plans to grow the student population to 25,000 over the next several years.

With the added students, GCU continued to expand its campus and is well on its way toward achieving its 10 in 2 initiative to build 10 new sports facilities on campus in just two short years. The newly renovated Brazell Stadium on the west side of campus, home to the GCU baseball team, is due to be completed in advance of the 2018 season. It will feature two levels of seating, a grass berm behind home plate, two broadcast booths and concession space. The softball stadium renovation is also underway, which will include chairback seats, an enclosed press box, concession stands, and restrooms. It is anticipated to be completed in time for the 2018 season and will no doubt be a hit with fans.

GCU also expanded its state-of-the-art Lopes Performance Center! The center is designed as a training facility for our Division I athletes. The facility will gain hydrotherapy pools, three weight-training areas and a Gatorade Fueling Station for the nutritional needs of the student-athletes.

Over on the east side of campus, a few changes have been made with GCU adding its latest on-campus apartments: Diamondback. On that same side of the school, the Colter Office Complex has been demolished. It is set to be made into the new Colangelo College of Business building.

GCU Completes Transition to Division I

In August 2017, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) approved Grand Canyon University’s move to Division I, elevating the school to active membership status which allows them to compete in NCAA championships. This is an exciting moment for our hard-working athletic teams and the incredible Havoc fans, who captured nationwide attention during the 2016-17 season as one of the best student sections in college basketball.

GCU Named One of the Best College Campuses in the Country

In August, GCU was recognized as one of the best college campuses in the country in Town and Country magazine! Niche, a company that specializes in data on educational institutions, took information based on college statistics, student reviews, classrooms, labs, performance venues, housing, food, and facilities, to rank the best college campuses. Grand Canyon University claimed number 7 on the list, ahead of schools including Yale and Stanford!

Thank You for an Amazing 2017

The GCU Blogs Network would like to thank all of our contributors and readers who have helped make the blogs successful. We are excited to continue to write this upcoming year and share new and exciting content with you all! Here is to a great 2018!

Grand Canyon University has been the gateway to success for countless scholars and industry leaders for over 65 years. To learn about GCU’s degree programs, visit our website or request more information by using the button on this page.