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Antelope Intros is a recurring GCU Today feature that introduces some of our new employees to the people around them in a way that is fun and informative. Employees are eligible to be featured in the month following their orientation.

MARETTE HAHN

Job title:  Online Enrollment Counselor, CONHCP

Job location: Peoria

What attracted you to GCU?  When I walked in for my interview, I was very inspired and relieved by the upbeat, energetic and friendly atmosphere. And now, having been here, I continue to come in every day because of the mentality of putting the student first, no matter what. Having come from another for-profit university, this is incredibly refreshing and inspiring.

What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I am in the last two classes for my master’s program, so I haven’t been able to do too much for fun recently, but I really enjoy being outdoors with my husband and watching sports. I am a die-hard Green Bay Packers fan and am really looking forward to football season! And once my master’s is done, I cannot wait to start reading for fun again.

What are you passionate about? I am completely person-driven. I am passionate about my family, friends and coworkers, as well as students. In the past, I have worked with first-generation college students and found my passion for access to higher education through that experience. I firmly believe in the availability of higher education and the ability to better one’s self through education, and I hope to share that possibility with as many people as possible.

What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit?  My husband and I just moved here from Minnesota, so we are open to suggestions! So far, we have really enjoyed hiking Camelback, Pinnacle Peak and the White Tanks as well as attending spring training games and a couple of restaurants such as Salty Senorita and Culinary Dropout.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know:  Most people don’t know I am actually a bit of an adrenaline junkie: I have been skydiving and ziplining and been on a hot air balloon ride (which is not nearly as common in Minnesota as it seems to be here!). To people who don’t know me well, these experiences may come as a bit of a shock, since I tend to be a fairly timid and introverted person.

What are you most proud of?  As I previously mentioned, I am in my final two classes for my master’s program, and when I complete it I will be the first in my family to earn a master’s degree. I am so excited!

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VIC HARREL

Job title:  Curriculum Developer

Job location: Annex 2 on main campus

What attracted you to GCU?  I was attracted by the small campus for a university.  In addition, the mission of developing global citizens, critical thinkers and responsible leaders through academic advancement and Christian camaraderie is important to me as an educator. Finally, I am an alumnus of GCU and “coming back” was a goal of mine.

What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy camping and fishing mostly in northern and east-central Arizona.  At home, I enjoy reading historical fiction and mystery novels.

What are you passionate about? My family -  my wife, four grown children and three grandchildren.

What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit?  I like to visit the Phoenix Zoo, the Botanical Gardens and the Renaissance Festival when it is open.  My favorite events are the Valley-wide celebrations of New Year’s Eve and the Fourth of July.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know:  I served in the Air Force, and as a result I had lived or worked in more countries than states before I retired from the USAF. 

What are you most proud of?  My family – I have been happily married for 34 years, and our children are all successful in their live endeavors.

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KYLEE PERRY         

Job title: Enrollment Counselor

Job location: Peoria

What attracted you to GCU?  I am a native to Arizona, and I have been amazed at the growth that GCU has been able to accomplish in the past five years. I grew up with the mindset that there were only three universities to attend in the state of Arizona, but now everyone needs to realize that Grand Canyon University is a force to be reckoned with! I am now proud to say that I am a ‘Lope, and I plan on spreading the word about this institution to anyone who is considering obtaining their degree!

What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to play volleyball! I play pickup games at a local gym, and I hope to keep playing for the rest of my life!

What are you passionate about? I am passionate about life (I know, cheesy). It’s true, though! I spend my days trying to find the positives in everything and want to live my life to the fullest! Always looking for an opportunity to cross something off my bucket list!

What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Sports, sports, sports. I LOVE going to all the sporting events in the Valley, especially spring training! Baseball season is definitely my favorite. Go D-backs!

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know:  I have never left the country before. That is definitely going to change SOON!

What are you most proud of? My best friend and I have a tomato plant that we have been growing for a couple months now. It is growing WAY faster than we expected, but we are very proud that we have yet to kill it off. There are a ton of tomatoes sprouting off, and we are proud to say we have a little green thumb.