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.
CATHY TELLEZ
Job title: Credential evaluator
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? The environment. As a student, I felt something special about GCU and knew I was in the right place. As an employee, I saw an opportunity to grow and increase my experience with a rewarding job. Plus, I get to work with my best friend, so I had a guaranteed lunch buddy.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? My idea of fun is sitting at home with a good book, a slice of pizza and every movie John Hughes was ever involved in.
What are you passionate about? Definitely pizza … oh, and leaving a positive imprint on the world. Whether I’m doing something for a student or just making a great cup of coffee for my friends in the morning, I strive to leave someone smiling.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love the CitySkate ice rink that opens every winter in downtown Phoenix. I love ice skating, but what I love even more is the opportunity to share one of my favorite things with some of my favorite people. I’m pretty clumsy, so it’s a good time for everyone.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: The reason I have bangs is because my sister surprised me with them on my 21st birthday. She asked me if she could do my hair and I agreed since she always loved doing my hair when we were kids. I didn’t even see her pull out the scissors until they were already cutting through a good chunk of my hair — she had decided that we needed matching bangs. It was too late to turn back, so I let her finish her “experiment.” Luckily, I liked them enough to keep trimming them, but I’ve never been so surprised by looking in a mirror.
What are you most proud of? I’m proud of the life I have. I have a supportive family, an incredible batch of friends and a strong relationship with God. I’ve struggled through so many things, but the experiences have shaped me into the person I am. Without my family, friends and God, I don’t believe I would have learned the important lessons I did or their significance in my journey. I’m so blessed and thankful for all of it.
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SERGIO PELAYO
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? The Christian-based culture and rapid growth. I wanted to be employed by an organization that rewards its employees’ hard work and success.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? During the week I try to get to the gym as often as possible. Weekends are dedicated to faith, family and work around the house. I love to play golf, especially with my family.
What are you passionate about? I take great joy in assisting others so that they are better off overall from when I first met them.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Most festivals are fun. Cardinals games are great. I’m really getting into GCU basketball. I enjoy watch my alma mater (the University of Arizona) play football, baseball or basketball at my favorite grill and pub, Zipps. Playing golf at Bear Creek Golf Course is always fun.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’m the youngest of seven children and am one of two boys. I believe that everyone should challenge their mind, hopefully through education.
What are you most proud of? Being a great father and spouse. One of my proudest moments was watching my son graduate from college.
