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.
ERIC NORDBERG
Job title: University counselor
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? Aside from the mascot being the second fastest land animal, I was attracted to GCU because I went to GCU for my undergrad. I was sick of dealing with the winters in Minnesota, so what better way than to move to the middle of a desert?
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love the outdoors! Fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, and playing sports all are fun. You can’t get Vitamin D if you sit inside and play video games!
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about people. I love talking to people because it allows me to learn more about different cultures and knowledge that they have. Also, not talking to a lot of people would make life boring. I eventually want to be a physician assistant or a high school science teacher; both obviously involve a lot of interaction with others.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My favorite places in the Valley, apart from GCU, would be either Camelback Mountain or Squaw Peak or any of the few bodies of water — just so it makes it feel as if I am not stuck in a desert. I grew up in Big Lake, Minn., so my favorite lakes are in Minnesota. For instance, Lake Superior is amazing, and the Rum River has great fishing.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I use to compete in bass fishing tournaments when I lived in Minnesota. I was an amateur bass fisherman, fishing against pros. To say the least, my partner and I did not place in the top three in any of the tournaments. However, we did get ninth place one time.
What are you most proud of? Finishing my B.S. in Biology from Grand Canyon University. I had a very hard organic chemistry professor.
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RHONDA RIVA
Job title: University counselor
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? When I finished my master’s degree at GCU, I decided to see if there would be a place for me at my alma mater. Since my master’s is focused on online education, I am excited to be a part of GCU’s growing online education programs.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? My favorite outlet is doing yardwork. I am working on the landscaping in my backyard — moving rock, building a retaining wall and planting a garden. Even on hot days, I love to get outside when the sun is coming up to work in the dirt for an hour or two.
What are you passionate about? I always have had a heart for young adults. I taught high school English for several years and saw too many high school graduates who were unprepared to live in the adult world. My desire is to assist young adults to find their way in the world and be successful adults.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love theater. I have enjoyed performances by community theater organizations, high school theater groups, Grand Canyon’s theater program and professional theater. I particularly like seeing musicals on stage.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a Disney fanatic. When my kids were growing up, we visited Disneyland at least once a year. I have decorated my house using Disney-themed items.
What are you most proud of? My kids. I have two college-age children who love the Lord and are devoted to me. They are in stable relationships with wonderful people. I am so proud of the adults they are becoming.
