This week, campus is bustling with SPECTACULAR campers. Some of them will be returning as Graceland students.
For a couple of summer break weeks, campus lay quiet and still…
…until…
…SPECTACULAR happened.
500 young campers and their delegation leaders have taken over campus since and turned it into a colorfully bustling exploration park of happy gatherings, fun activities, artistic expression and inspiring devotion.
Sponsored by the Community of Christ and hosted by Graceland University, “SPEC” is a Lamoni summer institution: an annual camp for high school kids (aged 14/15-18) that provides a closed, safe space away from their usual environments, daily routines and pressures.
The visiting delegations come from across the country and even all the way from Australia. The mission of SPECTACULAR is to create a Christ-centered community that encourages young people to discover God, their inherent worth, and their giftedness.
Between the foam cannons and tie-dye shirts, outdoor games and indoor workshops, it is clearly visible how much the kids are taking in and thriving in the joyful inclusive community that is BEing* lived on campus this week.
Some of them will be returning to campus as Graceland University students with a passion to serve in community: one SPEC highlight is the award ceremony for six scholarships—four partial and two full scholarships.
*BE is the guiding theme of this year’s SPEC camp.
Press Release
September 8, 2026
Students interested in becoming athletic trainers now have a faster and more affordable path to a master’s degree through a new partnership between Graceland University and Grand View University. The new program offers both 3+2 and 4+2 options for earning both an undergraduate degree in Allied Heath from Graceland followed by the Master of Science in Athletic Training from Grand View.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
September 2, 2026
Graceland University mourns the passing of Professor Emerita Dr. Phyllis O’Daniels, who died Sept. 1, 2026. An alumna, longtime faculty member and university leader, O’Daniels dedicated nearly 40 years to serving Graceland and its students.
Press Release
August 31, 2026
Graceland University and Logan University have established a new 3+3 articulation agreement that provides Graceland Allied Health students with an accelerated pathway to earning both a Bachelor of Science in Allied Health and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 20, 2026
Michelle Fillinger ’97 Schamp has been named Associate Dean and Executive Director of Residence Life. In this role, she will provide leadership for the university’s residence life program while fostering a residential experience that supports student learning, leadership, and community.
Administration and Staff, Press Release
July 6, 2026
Graceland University has named Dr. LaVerne Manos as the new Dean of the School of Nursing effective July 31.
Administration and Staff, Athletics, Press Release
April 14, 2026
A transformative era for Graceland University men’s basketball has reached its natural turning point. After engineering one of the most impactful rebuilds in program history, head coach Todd Lorensen has accepted the head coaching position at Rockhurst University. In response, Athletic Director Brady McKillip has elevated Associate Head Coach Matt Dickman to lead the Yellowjackets forward.
