Meet Jade Velarde

Meet Jade Velarde from Houston, Texas! A man with an inspiring story and a heart for the Lord. He’s a junior graduating in December 2021. If you know Jade, you know he is the perfect example of a Lope who has made the most of his college career. A local outreach leader, president of GCU Young Life, and president of GCU Sales Club—these are just three of the impressive roles Jade takes on in his day-to-day life. His brother, Remy, loved attending GCU, which is a big reason why Jade committed to the school and left his home in Houston, Texas. “My freshman year, I really tried to get involved in literally anything.” Because of COVID-19, a lot has changed for Young Life and local outreach, although the teams have made the best of it. In the meantime, Jade leads a small group on Friday mornings for Young Life, a young adult’s group that leads individuals to Christ. His local outreach team continues to meet every week. “We are trying to emphasize growing as a team and inviting volunteers to meet with us.” Typically, this team would go to a gated rehab facility for single moms and provide Bible studies and childcare for their kids while they worshipped. This past summer, Jade and his family tragically lost his older brother, Remy. Remy was not only a constant light in Jade’s life, but a light for everyone he met. Jade shares, “I looked up to him in so many ways. He was an example of how Jesus lived. He had the ability to connect with others and always included everyone.” Recently, a scholarship fund was created in Remy’s name for GCU’s graphic design program. Job 1:20 has been a verse that has guided Jade through this difficult time. “The love and community at GCU has been insane.” For Jade, GCU has become his home. He is looking forward to graduating with a Bachelor’s in Business Management and hopes to feel fully equipped to share the gospel by the time he graduates. Jade encourages students at GCU to be themselves. “It sounds cheesy, but I genuinely think there is a place for everyone here.” If you have the pleasure of meeting Jade’s spunky and vibrant self, or if you happen to see him around campus, shoot him a Lopes up!