Grand Canyon University: Notable Alumni Shaping Diverse Fields
Grand Canyon University (GCU), since its founding in 1949, has fostered a diverse community of learners who have gone on to make significant contributions across various fields. From business and healthcare to ministry and athletics, GCU alumni are leaving their mark on the world. The Alumni Hall of Fame celebrates and honors the accomplishments of GCU’s notable alumni, individuals who exemplify the spirit of GCU and have made significant contributions to the university and as humanitarians to our society. These individuals do more than succeed in a job or career. As part of the annual Homecoming/Canyon Day festivities, guests are invited to hear their stories and become inspired when the University’s Office of Alumni Relations recognizes the outstanding inductees.
A Legacy of Leadership in Business and Technology
GCU's Colangelo College of Business has produced numerous leaders who are driving innovation and growth in the business world.
Brent Cannon, a 2012 MBA graduate, is the executive vice president and director of the Community Bank at National Bank of Arizona. He leads an organization of approximately 350 bankers and is responsible for 56 physical branches across the state of Arizona, primarily serving the financial needs of Arizona consumers, small businesses, and larger businesses in rural Arizona. Cannon's extensive experience and leadership skills have made him a valuable asset to the Arizona banking community.
Wendy Greenland, a 2016 graduate of the Colangelo College of Business, serves as the CEO of Openforce, a company connecting independent contractors with businesses in the gig economy. With over three decades of experience leading fast-growing technology companies, Greenland also serves on the boards of the Alliance of Technology and Women (ATW) and the National Home Delivery Association, and actively participates in Women in Trucking initiatives.
Jeff, a 2008 Executive MBA graduate, currently serves as the president of Thermo King West, an industry leader in transport temperature control systems. Thermo King West was given the 2019 North America Dealer of the Year award, recognized for its commitment to customers, its leadership in the industry and its endless pursuit to delivering quality. Jeff is also a member of the Thunderbirds and Young President’s Organization.
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Garth Bailey, a 1981 graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, has spent over 38 years in the IT industry, primarily in the aerospace and defense sector with Lockheed Martin. He has built and led high-performing teams contributing to state-of-the-art intelligence systems. Now, Garth is the CFO for LortsManufacturing, a producer of high-quality wood furniture here in the Phoenix area.
Melissa, who obtained her Bachelor of Science in Business Management and MBA from GCU, is the co-founder and CEO of Arizona Charter Academy. Melissa is also the president of Education Redefined, a consulting company that supports schools, businesses and nonprofit organizations in all operational areas.
Champions of Healthcare and Wellness
GCU alumni are making a significant impact in the healthcare industry, from hospital administration to nursing and behavioral health.
Courtney Ophaug, a 2009 graduate of the Colangelo College of Business, was named CEO of Banner Estrella Medical Center in 2015. With over 20 years of experience with Banner Health, she has served in various roles, including hospital administrator at Banner Boswell and Banner Thunderbird Medical Centers.
Dr. Noelle Trinder, a 2003 Bachelor of Science in Nursing graduate, is the senior director of health care careers at Banner Health. Passionate about easing the transition from academia to practice, she frequently speaks on this topic locally, nationally and internationally.
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Michael, who has graduate degrees in nursing leadership and business administration from Grand Canyon University, has worked in multiple acute and non-acute settings over the past 30 years, evolving into progressive leadership roles.
Steven Sheets has been with Southwest Behavioral and Health Services since 2013 and has served as president and CEO since 2018. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Christian studies from Grand Canyon University and his master’s in professional counseling from Ottawa University.
Rachel Winkler, a 1997 graduate of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, serves as the vice president of individual segment at Blue Cross Blue Shield, where she has spent over 21 years in various positions, including director of healthcare economics.
Dr. Linda Buscemi is co-founder of a behavioral health tech company, TapRoot Interventions & Solutions, which has created a digital tool for caregivers to manage behaviors for those who have cognitive deficits.
Advocates for Education and Community Empowerment
GCU's commitment to servant leadership is reflected in the numerous alumni who are dedicated to education and community empowerment.
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Lynette Stant, a 2006 Master of Arts in Teaching graduate and a member of the Diné Nation, is a dedicated educator with over 20 years of experience, currently teaching third grade on the Salt River Indian Reservation in Scottsdale, Arizona. Her mission is to empower Indigenous students with the tools they need to become leaders, while ensuring their education honors their cultural identities and promotes academic success.
Lori Horn Bustamante, a 1994 Bachelor of Science in History and Justice Studies graduate, is a Maricopa County Superior Court Judge. Horn Bustamante has held numerous leadership positions within the court system and is currently the presiding judge of the Juvenile Department.
Jim graduated from GCU with a Bachelor of Arts in History. He is the founding member of Ledbetter Law. He serves on many different boards and committees in northern Arizona and was the founding director for the Boys and Girls Club of Cottonwood.
Rita graduated from GCU with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Rita worked alongside Jim at Ledbetter Law for many years and has supported various nonprofits and community organizations along the way. Rita also created the Verde Valley Baby Pantry, which provides supplies to teenage mothers in need.
Champions on the Field and Beyond
GCU's athletic programs have produced talented athletes who have achieved success both on and off the field.
Henry Cejudo is an American professional mixed martial artist and former freestyle wrestler. He currently competes in the Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he is a former UFC Flyweight Champion and Bantamweight Champion.
Tim Salmon, nicknamed "King Fish", is an American former professional baseball player who played his entire career in Major League Baseball (MLB) from 1992 to 2006 with the California / Anaheim / Los Angeles Angels. He is an analyst for Bally Sports West's Angels Live pre-and-postgame shows.
Horacio Llamas Grey is a Mexican former professional basketball player who played two seasons with the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association (NBA), becoming the first Mexican-born player in NBA history.
Cody Ransom is an American former professional baseball utility infielder who played for several Major League Baseball teams.
Grandy Glaze is a Canadian former professional basketball player.
GCU Roller Hockey's inaugural season took place during 2022-23. In only its second season (2023-24), the GCU Lopes emerged as the NCRHA Division I Champions. Karlin Stewart was the long jump national champion.
Leaders in Arts, Ministry, and Public Service
GCU alumni are also making a difference in the fields of arts, ministry, and public service.
Shawn Boskie, a 2018 graduate of the Colangelo College of Business, is the founder and CEO of Canyon Productions, an independent film company. For more than 10 years, Boskie served as vice president of development at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). In 2001, Boskie concluded a 15-year career as a professional baseball pitcher, nine of which were played in the major leagues.
Marty Caldwell graduated from Grand Canyon University in 1976 with a BA in Behavioral Science. Marty graduated from Grand Canyon University in 1976 with a BA in Behavioral Science. He has been a catalyst for the team, the vision and the building of Lost Canyon, the Young Life camp in northern Arizona, for the last 20 years.
Kevin Lincoln is an American politician and pastor who has served as the mayor of Stockton, California from 2021 to 2025.
James Robert White is a Reformed Baptist theologian and the director of Alpha and Omega Ministries, a Christian apologetics organization based in Phoenix, Arizona.
Bill Engvall is an American retired stand-up comedian, actor, and television host.
Rachel Mitchell is an American attorney serving as the County Attorney for Maricopa County, Arizona since April 2022.
A University on the Rise
Grand Canyon University has undergone significant transformation since its founding. Grand Canyon College was founded as a nonprofit institution in 1949 in Prescott, Arizona, by the Arizona Southern Baptist Convention. In 1984, the college's trustees voted to transition the college to a university for the school's 40th anniversary in 1989, becoming Grand Canyon University. Suffering financial and other difficulties in the early 21st century, the school's trustees authorized its sale in 2004 to California-based Significant Education, LLC, making it the first for-profit Christian college in the United States. After the infusion of capital, Grand Canyon University's size increased.
GCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). According to the HLC, Grand Canyon College entered candidacy for accreditation in 1961. By 1968 the school was regionally accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, HLC's predecessor.
In 2009, GCU began work on a $60 million campus expansion project, including a 500-bed dormitory, a 55,000-square-foot (5,100 m2) fitness and recreation center, 125-classroom facility, food court and bowling alley, and a 5,000-seat arena. In August 2016, GCU announced its 10 in 2 initiative, the building of 10 on-campus athletic facilities in a two-year span.
GCU's athletic programs have also seen significant growth, with the university joining the Mountain West Conference in 2024.
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