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.
CARRIE ROGERS
Job title: Classroom operations specialist
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I wanted to establish a career within a growing company, somewhere I could see myself long term. My husband also works for the University, so that was another factor.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Beach trips to Carlsbad, Calif., with my husband, Josh, and our two sons, Joshua (4) and Jeremiah (2), are definitely at the top of my list. I always have loved the ocean and am thrilled that our boys share the same love for the beach. Just the other day my oldest son was showing me how to surf on the floor in our living room: “Mommy, look! First you paddle like this … then you stand up on the board like this!” Our trips to California also include visits to Legoland and/or SeaWorld.
What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about a lot of things — my family, health and fitness (especially lifting weights), education, car seat safety and the normalization of breastfeeding. The last one is especially important to me as a mother who has nursed both her children.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Our community has First Friday Concerts in the Park that feature bands of different genres. They also bring in food trucks from all over the Valley (our favorite is Waffle Crush). The best part about the concerts is the sense of community, getting to interact with our neighbors and seeing all the children playing together.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was nominated for National Cheerleaders Association All-American and danced during halftime of a Kansas City Chiefs game during my senior year in high school.
What are you most proud of? My sons. It’s amazing watching them grow and their personalities change over time. We definitely have our hands full with these guys!
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JOHN DAVID PATTERSON
Job title: Enrollment counselor, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Job location: Peoria, 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I chose GCU after extensive research and talking to current and former students and staff.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I am a huge outdoors person. During my time in Alaska, I learned to hunt, fish, camp and use survival skills. Being able to go out in the open terrain and live off the land is very peaceful. I also train in martial arts and teach self-defense. Knowing that you have given someone the skills to probably save their life is a rewarding feeling.
What are you passionate about? God, my family (mostly my daughter) and being the best person I can be in the short time I have on Earth.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I have not been here very long, but I am a big fan of all the hiking trails and beautiful landscapes that are a short distance from the Valley.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am big into politics and watch all things political. I like to be well informed about what’s going on in the world and our country.
What are you most proud of? After having a daughter at 17, I was told that I wouldn’t amount to anything. Because of that, I have strived to be the best that I can be with everything I have done. But even with all my accomplishments, my daughter is and always will be my proudest moment. Her growth and strength inspire me. No matter how bad my day is going, she always tell me, “Dad, it will be OK. You got this. You can do anything.” My daughter is my motivation.
