New Honors College at GCU Funded by Philanthropists

EDITOR'S NOTE

Arizona Power Couple Funds New Honors College at Grand Canyon University

This story was originally published in the [insert magazine name] issue of GCU Magazine, available digitally or in the purple bins across campus.

Photos by Ralph Freso/our website

Mike Ingram sits at a big desk in front of a big window overlooking a big golf course so picture-perfect it looks like some kind of posh Scottsdale movie set. Yet artwork of horses, John Wayne and wild desert landscapes adorn his office.

The powerfully successful co-founder and chairman of El Dorado Holdings, one of Arizona's leading real estate development companies, fits right in with that Western aesthetic.

But today, he's missing his cowboy hat.

"Can you get my hat? I left it in the pickup," he calls out to an assistant.

The cowboy hat and suit, the symbol of a formal body of work topped by an unpretentious head, is not merely a brand. For this all-hat-and-all-cowboy man, his Western wear marks humble beginnings. They symbolize the hard work of a gentleman cowboy - a man of his word who takes off his hat if there's a lady in the elevator.

That's what Ingram reminded folks, off the cuff, at a February press conference at Grand Canyon University to announce the naming of the Sheila and Mike Ingram Honors College.

"[He said] My hat goes off to you and the students of this university,"

The benefactor is helping the college in its efforts to become one of the finest in the land, with a renovated 51,000-square-foot building expected to be completed by fall 2026 that will be a collaborative and communal hub for honors students who share a mission rooted in Christ.

But in his office, he doesn't talk about big buildings or golf - he only plays a round a year these days for charity. Instead, he talks about people who inspired him.

One wall is full of their photos with him, such as musician Reba McEntire, who visits his Montana ranch every year, as well as actor Kevin Costner, politician Mike Pence and Hall of Fame quarterback John Elway.

It doesn't feel like name-dropping. He's just as likely to talk at length about late author and motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, perhaps famous only to those keen to self-help salesman inspiration. He shared both friendship with Ziglar and his core philosophies.

"You can have everything in life you want, if you will just help enough other people get what they want," Ziglar wrote, in addition to his celebrated quote: "Your attitude, not your aptitude, will determine your altitude."

Ingram's conversation is peppered with stories of his life, from his childhood to his business ventures. He talks about his wife, Sheila, and her importance in his life.

The two met while Mike was working at Stock Yards Bank, and Sheila was an accountant. They started dating, and eventually got married. Sheila had a big impact on Mike's life, and he credits her with helping him to become a better person.

The article continues with stories of Ingram's early life, his business ventures, and his philanthropic efforts, including the establishment of the Sheila and Mike Ingram Honors College at Grand Canyon University.

Conclusion

The Ingrams are a remarkable couple, and their story is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a commitment to serving others. Their legacy will continue to inspire future generations of students at Grand Canyon University.