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.
ERICA GOLBACH
Job title: Cohort student services counselor
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? My father earned two degrees from Grand Canyon University and was pursuing his second master's when he passed away this past summer. He spoke very highly of his experience here and consistently showed off his purple pride. I plan to follow in his footsteps.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy spending time with family and friends and trying out new restaurants/bars. I am a self-proclaimed “foodie” and proud of it! Comedor Guadalajara, Rosita’s Place and The Keg are some of my favorite spots. I also enjoy the outdoors and hiking various trails around the Valley. Every Labor Day weekend we go camping near Munds Park for a three-day extravaganza. South Mountain Park, North Mountain Park and Camelback are my three favorite mountains to hike.
What are you passionate about? Family, my faith and my sports teams (San Francisco 49ers and S.F. Giants). I became a 49ers fan when I was about 8 eight years old. My cousins from Albuquerque are San Francisco fans and I used to spend the summers out there, so it was inevitable I follow their lead. Yes, I know, the 49ers are horrible this year, but I’m faithful to my team! I became a Giants fan in 2011 and now bleed orange and black. I absolutely love the city of San Francisco, so it makes sense to me that I’m a diehard fan for life.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I enjoy attending sporting events so long as it’s the Giants or 49ers playing. I also enjoy outdoor concerts (such as Country Thunder) and so many others at Mesa Amphitheatre and Ak-Chin Pavilion.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I have a little sister who is almost 30 years younger than me!
What are you most proud of? My drive to be the best person I can be. My father instilled many things in my brother and me. Most important, he instilled his devout Christian faith, work ethic and determination. These are all things I bring to GCU … Lopes Up!
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MELINDA PIANTEDOSI
Job title: University counselor, College of Education
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I always have had an affinity for GCU, but my husband and niece also are taking classes here and my sister-in-law is a University counselor. Most of all, I was attracted to the reputation that GCU has within our community.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? For fun, my husband and I like to do random day trips, such as going to the lake in Prescott, visiting Sedona, going to Payson and doing a cookout in the forest picnic areas. We try to go to a different location each time to experience something new and different. My father, who is 91, moved in with us, so our weekend day trips have been somewhat limited, but we still try to find an interesting place within Arizona to visit at least once a month.
What are you passionate about? I'm passionate about God and being respectful to others.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? The Phoenix Zoo, Arizona State Fair and Castles and Coasters.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a licensed cosmetology instructor. I taught cosmetology and esthetics for several years here in Arizona.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of being Italian and my Italian traditions and heritage.
