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.
AMY DIETZMAN
Job title: Curriculum developer
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I’m an alumna! I attended GCU and graduated with my B.A. in 1998. I did an internship in the public relations department at GCU (which was only one person) in 1997. I also wrote for the GCU newspaper, but don’t look up any of my old articles. They were awful! Before that, my sisters attended GCU in the 1980s. I’ve seen the campus grow and change dramatically over the last 20-25 years. I attained my master’s from GCU in 2010 and should be completing my doctorate from GCU this fall. Lots of history with GCU. I’m a Lope for sure!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to hike, mountain bike, run, road bike or do just about anything else outdoors. I live in a neighborhood surrounded by mountains, so I have plenty of opportunities for outdoor exercise. However, I’m deathly afraid of rattlesnakes and do not exercise on the mountain at this time of year — I stick to the roads. We just spent a week in Park City, Utah, and I enjoyed the mountains even though there were a lot of things that rustled in the trees and bushes near the trails. I didn’t know what little creatures were out there; I just imagined they were cute little squirrels and chipmunks.
What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about fitness and healthy eating. My husband and I have worked really hard over the last year to eliminate anything processed from our diet. I cook healthy and try to eat clean for every meal. My youngest son is not too thrilled with the cooking these days, but hopefully we are slowly getting him to adopt healthy eating habits, too. I’m also passionate about the show “So You Think You Can Dance.” I’ve never missed an episode in all 12 seasons, and my family knows that when the show comes on, Mommy is not available.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Lux Central is one of my favorite places to visit. I love coffee, and they have the best. I’m super excited to work at a location close to it.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’m double jointed and can bend my fingers all the way back and turn my elbows inside out. When I was a dancer, I kicked myself in the head once during an audition. For real.
What are you most proud of? Well, I’ll be pretty proud when I finish my dissertation! In all honesty, I’m mostly proud of my kids. I think I pretty much achieved perfection with them. Hunter, 13, and is an amazing mountain biker and trumpet player. Hayden, 10, is a fantastic swimmer and mountain biker, too. They are both kind and care for others and are all-around great boys. I’m also proud of my growing shoe collection! My kids keep asking why I need more shoes, but I’ve decided that I can never have too many pairs.
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DR. WYATT HOCKMEYER
Job title: University development representative
Job location: Owasso, Okla., near Tulsa
What attracted you to GCU? I was attracted by the strength of the brand and the dedication of the leadership team to publicly express and adhere to our Christian values.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I run up to 100-mile ultra-marathons for fun. I also am working to get certified on a world-class hand gripper, and I play the Dobro guitar, which has resulted in my nickname, Slider.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about life. I try to do my best at everything I do, and I only do things I enjoy — hence, I am passionate about everything in my life.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Last time I was in the Valley, I ran the canal for 30 miles from the Peoria location to downtown Scottsdale and back. I enjoyed getting to experience the city on foot, and I hope to find time to continue my journey and explore the mountains next time I am in town.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Most people do not know and I am hesitant to make it known that I was in show choir in high school, and we competed nationally. I am also a second-degree black belt and used to be a power lifter, so the jazz hands does not fit the image most people have of me.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my family. My wife, Julia, is much stronger than me both mentally and emotionally (and much better looking than me), and my stepson, Little Wyatt, is a very talented musician and academic who is much better at being a 13-year-old than I ever was.
