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.
McKENNA CRIMMINS
Job title: University counselor
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I loved the environment and the friendly personalities that I met here. I transferred to GCU for my senior year and recently graduated, and I didn’t want to stop there. It’s such an awesome place where I feel comfortable and am surrounded by people who will want me to succeed.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I watch a lot of Netflix and my favorite show, "The Bachelor/Bachelorette." I also love to just relax and hang out with my family, especially going over to my aunt and uncle's house and playing with her kids when I have the energy on the weekends.
What are you passionate about? Helping children who are in the foster care system and being a support system for them. I also love being able to help the foster parents by offering my services, such as respite and rehabilitation, in order to give them a little break and have some personal time.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Topgolf Scottsdale. I might be a little biased because I used to work there, but I love it! It’s so much fun to go with my friends and hit a few golf balls while getting a bite to eat — and make fun of my bad shots. It's worth the usual wait on weekends, especially during spring training.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Something that a lot of people don’t know about me is that I am a HUGE introvert. I have a very awkward personality, which is why I tend to make a lot sarcastic comments that usually involve making fun of myself. But when people get to know me, it’s easy for me to talk. Most people don’t understand why I love having my personal space and time. It’s always a surprise to them when they find out.
What are you most proud of? I am extremely proud that I was able to finish my undergraduate program before I was 21 and get such an amazing job, which gives me such great benefits, in all kinds of ways, right after graduation. I worked really hard for this opportunity and am really proud that I achieved my goals. I can’t wait to see what happens next in my life and where I am led.
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KIMBERLY SWINTON
Job title: Enrollment support representative, Operations
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I have a friend who works here and absolutely loves her job. She said GCU was hiring and to go online and apply. She was right — this is an awesome place to work! I am excited to be a part of GCU and this growing and energetic community that is making a difference in this world.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love spending time with my family and friends and doing anything social.
What are you passionate about? Jesus and people.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I enjoy attending any Arizona sporting event, from Arizona Cardinals games to the annual Waste Management Phoenix Open golf tournament. I also enjoy most any restaurant with a beautiful patio in the spring and fall seasons.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am an expert mover. I am a native to Arizona, and although I have moved around the Valley quite a bit as my husband climbed the corporate latter, nothing has been as exciting as moving to New Jersey in 2014. We were able to visit New York City anytime we wanted and were able to reconnect and visit with family that we had not seen in a very long time. In 2015 we moved to northwest Indiana and were able to enjoy time in Chicago. It gave me a whole new respect for winter and the cold. I do miss having snow days, though — it was nice to stay home and enjoy a warm cozy fire. But we are very happy to be back in sunny Arizona.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my husband of 22 years (and counting), Stan, and our two children, daughter Kileigh, a junior in college in Oklahoma, and son Dylan, a freshman at Glendale Community College who hopes to be a Lope soon. We have been through a lot as a family unit, but by God’s grace we walk day by day in His mercies — after all, we are all a work in progress. I am so blessed!
