Dr. Jason Lepojärvi, a professor of theology and literature, an Honors professor, a former contestant on Survivor, and a dedicated scholar of C.S. Lewis, shared his deep appreciation for the celebrated author and a glimpse into his teaching journey at George Fox University.

A line stretches out the cafeteria door for lunch, and diane gray (who requested that her name not be capitalized) recognizes most students by name. Scanning George Fox University (GFU) IDs from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. each weekday, this Café Bon Appétit worker embodies the university’s “Be Known” promise.

Online learning during the pandemic four years ago has left a lasting impact on college education, and George Fox University (GFU) is no exception. English professor Jessica Hughes notes that the effects of Covid continue to shape her classrooms in surprising ways.

Among the vibrant cultural clubs at George Fox University (GFU)—such as the Latinx Heritage Club, the Black Student Union, the Fusion Asian & Asian American Club, the Hawaii Club, and the Women of Color Collective—one stands out in its approach: the Global Village. This club brings students together over a universally loved activity: sharing food.

It is 1964, and Phil has just come to George Fox University (GFU) for summer camp. He knew right then and there that GFU would be a part of his future.

Soccer, with complex demands of teamwork, coordination, and quick thinking, is challenging for any prospective player to master. However, Dr. Earnest Kim, a psychology professor at George Fox University, is taking this challenge to a new level—by teaching the intricacies of soccer to rats.

In the fast-paced environment of George Fox University (GFU), students often seek places to relax, study, or connect with friends. But where can they go?

Listed next to laundry supplies, linens, and dorm decorations on the “What to Bring to Campus” section of the George Fox University (GFU) website, is a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit. According to the university, each student should have various survival, food, shelter, hygiene, and medical supplies that would make them mostly self-sufficient in an emergency for up to three days.  

George Fox University (GFU) has a long-standing tradition of hosting a film festival at both the Cameo Theatre and in Bauman Auditorium. With this year being its 26th anniversary, it is no surprise that the festival is a highlight in the Newberg community and on campus. With works from cinematic arts majors, animation majors, film production majors, and even kinesiology majors, the festival is open to all undergraduates to submit their films. 

On Aug. 25, 2021, I moved into the second floor of Hobson Hall and took my first steps onto George Fox University’s (GFU) campus as a new student. As a bright-eyed 18-year-old and newly out lesbian, I felt invincible. I was clueless about the state of queer acceptance and existence at GFU, but I didn’t care. I had purple hair, a new septum ring, and the courage to handle whatever would come my way. Serendipitously, I met some beautiful queer friends on my floor and fell into the LGBTQ+ community at Table 14. Along with making friends, I was learning so much in my classes and loved my major. Nothing can compare to the freshness of that first semester of college. 

In late January and February George Fox University (GFU) held its annual Scholarship Summit, an event for admitted incoming freshmen. Each department organizes an event for potential students and awards prizes ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 on top of merit and need-based scholarships. However, this event has significantly evolved to achieve its current state.

Dr. Carlisle Chambers is easily one of the toughest chemistry professors in the Chemistry Department at George Fox University (GFU). However, there is much more behind Chambers than just a love of electronegativity and spontaneous reactions. 

Carena Hadi is a sophomore marketing major at George Fox University (GFU). She’s a marketing intern for UREC, a student ambassador, and involved in spiritual life. In many ways, she’s a regular GFU student and a well-connected member of the community. But Carena is also Palestinian-American, and her life has been impacted by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Being a Christian, a Palestinian-American, and a GFU student places Carena in a unique and challenging position as she navigates campus culture. 

Professor Isaac Choi, director of the Honors Program and associate professor of Philosophy, is well-known around the George Fox University (GFU) campus. Students from the  Honors Program, to the Theology department, to even the Biology department know who he is. Though he has his Ph.D. in philosophy, Choi’s first love as a young boy growing up in Chicago was science. 

This year marks George Fox’s 400th birthday. George Fox, the founder of the Religious Society of Friends, also called the Quakers, was born in 1624. Now 400 years later, George Fox University (GFU) operates a university under his name.

According to Mary Peterson, George Fox University (GFU) vice president of Academic Operations, “[the academic] strategy at the university over the last ten years has been investing in [...] ‘high barrier, high demand programs.’”

Since that fateful day of March 2020, George Fox University (GFU) has undergone a slew of dramatic changes. Programs and majors have been cut, demoted, and restructured. Students and faculty have been promised, then denied, new facilities. Departments have shuffled around the quad. And finally, the campus has carefully watched the construction of the new chapel. These tumultuous changes have been a mixed bag of the administration struggling to fulfill its promises and students criticizing their decisions. However, the Board of Trustees and President Robin Baker have big plans for the future of GFU.

Makensie Toole is a prominent figure on the George Fox University (GFU) campus. As a senior, star golfer, and student pursuing a double degree in both communications and marketing, she is an impressive athlete and student. As an Australian international student, Toole has had many different experiences during her time here in the United States: a few of these include studying at GFU, winning a National Championship trophy in golf, and becoming a part of a community that made her feel at home.