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.
SANTOS BANNING
Job title: Credentials evaluator
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? Well, what initially attracted me was that GCU is growing so fast and I wanted to be a part of it. I attended GCU for my bachelor's and worked as a student worker for the last two years so I decided to be here full-time. GCU is doing some big things and it’s super exciting.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy surfing and sitting on the beach. There’s something soothing about the whole atmosphere.
What are you passionate about? My two passions are kids and education. I lived in a group home for 11 years and a lot that happened was out of my control. I realized at a young age I could control how well I performed at school, so that was my way of coping. I am passionate about kids because they have untapped potential. I actually went to the Dominican Republic a couple of times through GCU and worked with kids. I am currently working on my master's through GCU and received my bachelor's this past December.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Dutch Bros. Coffee and Prescott. Who doesn’t love coffee or the North?
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’m the funniest person you don’t know.
What are you most proud of? I am the most proud of graduating high school and college because I was the first person in my family to do so.
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ERIN MIRANDO
Job title: University development counselor
Job location: Flagstaff
What attracted you to GCU? Beyond the absorbent amount of purple, GCU’s mission is directly in line with my own personal values. GCU is an institution for higher learning that I’m happy to be a part of and help contribute to exceeding students’ expectations.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Since I live so close to one of the most beautiful places in the world, (Sedona) I’m an avid hiker; that’s not to say that I don’t love hiking in Flagstaff, but I save hiking there for the spring and summer and take advantage of AZ Snowbowl to go snowboarding in the winter. In addition, I’m a self-proclaimed "adult athlete" and am really big into Olympic weightlifting as well as CrossFit.
What are you passionate about? Higher education and health and wellness. I also volunteer regularly for non-profits that cater to Animal Welfare. In fact, my dream job would be to work for GCU’s future athletic facility that focuses on training animal athletes. In a perfect world, right?
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Sedona, for sure.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I grew up on the East Coast in Connecticut. My family is still scattered around the area and I love getting back as much as possible; Boston, where my sister lives and works is my absolute most favorite city in the states!
What are you most proud of? Becoming a member of GCU; this career opportunity was definitely a gift and I’m very excited to begin my journey here! Lopes up!
