Grand Canyon University has a legacy of guiding students and employees to find their purpose and become compassionate servant leaders. Connecting with the community has been the cornerstone of the university’s mission since 1949, and it remains the school’s focus today. As the heart and soul of the west Valley, GCU champions hundreds of causes and raises thousands of dollars for individuals and families who call the area home. In each case, GCU’s staff, faculty and students are on the front lines, contributing thousands of hours of their personal time each year. They do it because they believe universities should be part of the fabric of their communities. GCU is bolstering the community in another way – with jobs. The school is building a strong STEM workforce, has added 2,000 well-paying positions since 2008 and anticipates hiring another 1,500 workers in the next five years. GCU envisions a thriving, education-minded community, with well-paying jobs, safe neighborhoods, A-rated schools and K-12 students encouraged about the prospect of going to college. Outcomes from the school’s work are a testament to GCU’s impact on the local community, yet with the university’s visionary plan just beginning to take shape, its leaders believe the best is yet to come.