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.
AMANDA “LO LO” MENCHACA
Job title: Enrollment counselor, Colangelo College of Business
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? I graduated from GCU on April 24, and I loved the school and its atmosphere. I always wanted to go to a Christian university, and when I got the scholarship to GCU I was so excited. I also worked at GCU as a student worker and I loved it. After I graduated I wanted to pursue a career at the University because of its reputation and how much it is driven to help students succeed. I wanted to be part of an organization that is there for its students, families and community.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I play a lot of outside sports, such as softball and basketball. I play slow-pitch softball and street basketball around the Valley as well. I love to go to boxing matches. I am a leader at my church and I love it so much. I feel as if these roles are my outlet and I can help everyone I come across.
What are you passionate about? God is my passion, of course. Another passion of mine is family. I am always around my family, and I love the fact that we are very family oriented. They are my pride and joy, and I always love being around them.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love to go up north to get some snow action. I always go to Glendale Glitters here in the Valley with family to just have a good time and walk around. I also love going to the zoo and visiting California to see friends and go to the beach.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: When I was younger I had a root canal from hitting my face on the ground while playing basketball, and I broke my nose twice. I never broke any other bone in my body in all the sports I played. I got MVP for a state tournament here in Arizona for slow-pitch softball.
What are you most proud of? Graduating from a university. I am the first in my family to do this and got this amazing job after I graduated.
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DONNA SPRECKELS
Job title: University development representative, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Job location: Chicago
What attracted you to GCU? I am a “pay it forward” kind of gal and wanted to find my last job that would make a difference. I took the time to research all opportunities to give back and chose the best fit.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I am a certified spin instructor and have been teaching at a local health club twice a week for seven years. I have coffee with my students after class to reward them for their hard work and let them know I am available to them. Chicago winters bring a lot of professional cyclists and triathletes indoors. It is typical to have a signup sheet an hour in advance to get a bike reserved (40 bikes per class) from November through April. People often ask me why my students don’t talk during my class. It’s simple — they are unable to.
What are you passionate about? Motivating people to achieve their goals. I have helped several spin students lose weight, increase fitness levels, prepare pre- and post-operatively for better surgical outcomes and recoveries (knee and hip), and helped several spin students diagnosed with cancer maintain and regain their physical and mental strength through exercise. … I attended the recent GCU vs. Illinois-Chicago basketball game here in Chicago, and it was great — lots of swag, snacks and purple pompoms for current students, their families and alumni. It was a great opportunity to introduce students to their local UDR advisers, and it was thrilling to see the coaches, the team and, of course, a victory.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I’m a novice to the Phoenix area but recently stayed in the Biltmore area and enjoyed the great food.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I not only graduated from Northern Illinois University but worked for NIU in the Motorcycle Safety Program (yes, I can ride that kind of bike, too) and as a sign language interpreter (my second language).
What are you most proud of? My faith, my family and my ability to positively impact people’s lives. This email I got from an online student sums up why I wanted to do this: “It is people like you that let people like me go to a school roughly a thousand miles away online and be reassured that we are encouraged and have a resource to this prestigious university. Lord willing, I will be a proud graduate next year from GCU (go Lopes!). I hope to do GCU proud!”
