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.
DARLENE MENJIVAR
Job title: Enrollment counselor, College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? I’ve been in elementary, high school and university settings and realized my passion falls within the university setting. GCU offered so much in advancement opportunities, great reputation and values-based environment.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love trying new things, specifically food! Sushi is my favorite, followed by Greek and Salvadoran.
What are you passionate about? Passionate about personal development, always learning new things, gaining new skills and developing new talents.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Downtown Phoenix has some great places for salsa dancing.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I love dancing salsa, was a salsa dancer a few years back and even competed. I have gone skydiving and can’t wait to do it again. And I have eaten iguana and it was delicious!
What are you most proud of? I was asked to attend the CIA’s recruitment conference, which happens every five years, because of my accomplishments as a student at Arizona State University.
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NICK RATHBONE
Job title: Enrollment counselor, College of Doctoral Studies
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? I had only heard good things about GCU, and a couple of my good friends graduated from here. I was looking into some programs for my master’s at GCU, and it was awesome to be able to work here as well.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I really love to play board games, and my roommate and I host board game nights biweekly. We are also part of several other groups that meet up to play regularly.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about finding ways to help people and enjoy bringing smiles to people in the form of lame jokes and puns.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love to dance. My partner, Kristen, and I go all over the Valley and enjoy all types of dancing, from swing to country to salsa. There are several places in Tempe, downtown Phoenix and Mesa that we frequent.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a third-degree black belt in American taekwondo.
What are you most proud of? Kristen, who recently earned her graduate degree from Columbia University. Our relationship has been going strong for almost nine years.
