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.
CHAD GLENDENNING
Job title: Financial aid specialist
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I wanted to work for a company whose values and ethics more closely emulate my own.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I read a lot — mostly sci-fi books from the 1950s and '60s (Robert Heinlein, Frank Herbert, etc.). I fulfill that outlet mostly at secondhand book stores; I have always preferred the feel and smell of an actual book in my hands over a PDF of a book or reading on a Kindle. It’s just not the same to me. Also, the look and feel of a well-maintained but used book is like wearing a pair of worn in jeans; it’s just more comfortable to me.
What are you passionate about? Learning. I’ve always been someone who enjoys to read about and learn new things constantly. It allows me to grow as a person when I’m always tackling new topics and interests and seeking to "grok" them (if you know what this means, I'm glad to know we have the same taste in literature).
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I enjoy taking my daughter to the park. Watching her play with the sheer joy of innocence on a playground has never failed to bring a smile to my face no matter how daunting life’s challenges might seem.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I once got into an argument with Mark Hamill (the actor who played Luke Skywalker in the "Star Wars" films) at the San Diego Comicon back in 1996. I was 16 at the time and was attending the Comicon with my cousin, who works in the comic industry. While waiting for him to show his portfolio, I started talking to an older gentleman to kill the time. Mark Hamill approached the gentleman and started talking to him as if he knew him, and I just happened to join the conversation. One thing led to another, and after security arrived and separated us, my cousin approached me and asked me if I "got his autograph." I said I was pretty sure Mark Hamill wasn’t going to give me an autograph. My cousin then pointed to the older gentleman and said, “No, Frank Miller! Did you get his autograph?” (Frank Miller is the writer behind the "Sin City," "Watchmen" and "Dark Knight Returns" graphic novels that all were huge hits and ended up being interpreted into movies.)
What are you most proud of? My family. My better half, Esther (who reminds me not to take things so seriously all the time); my stepdaughter, Lily (who has taught me how quickly people can learn); and my daughter, Ivy (who has shown me that as a father, I really am a superhero, at least in her eyes).
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KATHY RICHARD
Job title: University counselor
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? I love purple! And I just graduated from GCU online in the College of Education! Plus I have several friends who work for GCU, and they all seem very happy to be here — not to mention all the swag they are constantly sporting.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Fun? Do I have time for that? Now that I have finished my degree, I have found time to binge watch Netflix and read books of my choosing — for pleasure! I like to road trip to Disneyland or jump in the van with my youth group and go anywhere, usually somewhere in California.
What are you passionate about? I love God and the opportunities He has given me to serve as a youth leader and camp counselor. He has made my heart heavy with the desire to focus on ministry related to youth in crisis, and I am hoping to further my impact through continued education at GCU.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My favorite places in the Valley are not actually in the Valley! I prefer the high country, where it is cooler and there are fewer cacti. My favorite event that I participate in locally is the Pat Tillman Run. It is for a great cause, in remembrance of one man’s sacrifice for his country. My favorite part is that it is a family affair that includes my kids, sisters and multiple extended family.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: This one is hard because I am usually an open book! When I was a kid, I spent a lot of time at Manzanita Speedway and wanted to become a race car driver, but I could never decide if my car would be purple or pink.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my children! I am a single mom and far from June Cleaver, yet somehow I managed to raise amazing kids who love Jesus!
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I spent almost 22 years in the U.S. Army and retired in October 2015. I do miss some things about being in uniform but really enjoy the freedoms that I have as a civilian.
What are you most proud of? My family, my sons and my military service.
