Grand Canyon University Recognizes Exceptional Leaders with Servant Leadership Awards

Grand Canyon University Celebrates Servant Leaders

On February 24, 2026, Grand Canyon University (GCU) hosted its sixth annual Colangelo Servant Leadership Awards, honoring four remarkable leaders in Arizona who exemplify the values of servant leadership. This prestigious event highlighted the dedication and commitment of individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities through selfless service and innovative solutions.

Presented by Freeport-McMoRan, the Colangelo Servant Leadership Awards seeks to recognize those who embody the spirit of serving others, a philosophy championed by famed business and sports leader Jerry Colangelo.

This year’s distinguished recipients include:

1. Ken Brissa - Chief Executive Officer of Phoenix Rescue Mission
Under Brissa's leadership since 2020, the organization has seen unprecedented growth, enhancing its housing, recovery, and workforce development programs. His efforts have transformed the lives of countless individuals and families navigating homelessness, addiction, and trauma.

2. Todd LaPorte - Chief Executive Officer of HonorHealth
With a strong background in accounting, LaPorte has successfully guided HonorHealth through a transformative phase, focusing on community-centered healthcare. His leadership fosters a culture of compassion and integrity, serving over three million patients annually in Maricopa and Pinal counties.

3. Rachel Mitchell - Maricopa County Attorney
A seasoned prosecutor with over 30 years of experience, Mitchell has made significant strides in advocating for vulnerable victims through trauma-informed reforms and rigorous prosecution of complex sex crime cases. Her dedication to justice and reform profoundly impacts the community.

4. John Moore - Founder of John Moore Associates
Moore, a certified advisor with four decades of experience, leads a faith-based financial planning firm where he helps individuals and organizations align their financial decisions with meaningful, purpose-driven goals.

In his remarks, Dean John Kaites of GCU's Colangelo College of Business noted, "When selecting recipients for the Colangelo Servant Leadership Awards, we prioritize those who exemplify selfless leadership and dedication to service. Brissa, LaPorte, Mitchell, and Moore embody the ideals we value and promote."

Jerry Colangelo, whose extensive career spans sports, business, and philanthropy, emphasized the importance of servant leadership in cultivating community-focused enterprises. He remarked, "This approach should guide every successful organization, and our awardees truly set the standard for future leaders in Arizona."

GCU has integrated the principles of servant leadership into its educational framework, ensuring that students not only learn these values but also live them out in their personal and professional lives. This emphasis helps develop future leaders who prioritize community well-being over personal gain.

Throughout its history, GCU, founded in 1949, has become Arizona's foremost private Christian university, offering a diverse array of academic programs that prepare students for meaningful careers while nurturing their spiritual growth.

The Colangelo Servant Leadership Awards serve as a testament not only to the significant achievements of this year’s honorees but also to the ongoing commitment of GCU to foster leaders who will continue to make positive impacts in the community and beyond.

For more details on GCU and its programs, visit gcu.edu.