Antelope Intros: Amanda Menchaca and Donna Spreckels

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!”

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Bible Verse

"All things have been committed to Me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him. Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:27-28)

To Read More: www.verseoftheday.com/