This spring semester, a new chapel service is being offered on Fridays called “Be Neighbors.” The service is an opportunity for students to participate in small service activities, such as writing encouraging notes on coffee sleeves to be handed out in the Bridge Café.

For several years, the George Fox University (GFU) Art and Design program has partnered with the Newberg Area Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) to provide students with opportunities to apply their academic skills through community service. A recent marketing project completed by students helped generate $42,000 in donations.

On Jan 16, students took the Polar Plunge into Hess Creek, an annual event at George Fox University (GFU). Members of the Student Activities Team filmed participants going through the creek, including President Robin Baker, and handed out sweatshirts to those who completed the plunge. But how much work goes on behind the scenes to make such events happen?

While at college, it is not uncommon for students to experience homesickness, missing their pets as well as their families. This absence can be difficult to fill, given there are less opportunities to interact with pets on a college campus than people.

Entering an environment where you must maintain your faith on your own is a struggle for many college students. One opportunity for George Fox University (GFU) students to praise the Lord is at an event known as The Burn. This year's fall semester Burn fell between the hours of 6 p.m. on Nov. 21 and 6 a.m. on Nov. 22.

Crossing between the classroom and the real world is a tricky endeavor. One way George Fox University (GFU) makes this transition smoother is by implementing required internship experience for a vast amount of majors.

On Nov. 14 and 15, the second Eclectic Texts Conference (ETC) occurred. The theme was Jane Austen in celebration of the 250th birthday of the famous writer.

Late in the semester, the course load thickens and so does the fog. With an 80% chance of rain, the campus consensus is surviving until break. George Fox University (GFU) students, however, have found warmth in a connection across Fulton Street. 

When students move to college, they may be leaving behind their garages, craft rooms and family members who always seem to own the right tools. Fortunately, George Fox University (GFU) offers a space that fills this gap. The Maker Hub, located in Klages Center, is brimming with resources for creators of all kinds.

On the night of Oct. 28, over the course of four hours, scraps of leftover pasta, bread, salad and meat grew into a heap as students poured their leftovers into plastic bins. This dinner demonstration by Bon Appétit was named “Weigh the Waste.”

Although the term “marketing” sometimes carries a negative connotation, George Fox University (GFU) does not stoop to unethical persuasion as it seeks to maintain relevance in an ever-changing environment.

Behind the scenes at George Fox University (GFU), many teams work to optimize the student experience. One employee is a part of two of these teams, Plant Services and Bon Appétit. Shirley Eckerdt finds her title goes beyond just “groundskeeper” and “kitchen staff”.

Food insecurity is an issue prevalent among college students, as meal plans often cost thousands of dollars. However, at George Fox University (GFU), there are ways to minimize food costs as well as alternative options for those unable to afford meal plans.

Many Americans embrace Halloween in their communities. Here at George Fox University (GFU), it is acknowledged through themed events like the annual haunted house. Attendance is optional, but it does bring attention to how accepted the holiday is, especially for a Christ-centered campus.

Honors students file into one of Canyon Common’s assembly rooms on a breezy September night. Freshman honors students, entering one of their first program assemblies, take their seats.

This semester, the new Art and Cinematic Arts building opened for classes. This is not the only change for the Arts program, as Brougher Hall and the clay studio were demolished during the Summer.

The Bridge Network is a special opportunity for students attending George Fox University (GFU) to grow as Christian leaders. One of the main reasons young adults choose to continue their education at GFU is to be surrounded by believers and the promise of being known. Another reason is athletics.

Many students struggle connecting to peers in their major due to the focused nature of the classroom. This raises the question: how do they accomplish genuine connection and relationships within their major, students and faculty alike?

When most people hear of Nikon, they think of cameras. And for good reason; the company has been a global leader in optics and imaging for decades. But beyond the lens, Nikon operates at the cutting edge of technology in areas like 3D printing, precision microscopy, medical imaging, and even space optics. 

As the academic year winds down, students at George Fox University are preparing for final exams, completing last projects, packing up, and heading into summer break. Whether this semester has flown by or dragged on, the last few weeks can be incredibly challenging as motivation wanes. Fortunately, an experienced upperclassman has some advice to help underclassmen finish strong.