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.
DEREK OLSON
Job title: Field experience counselor
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? I was a student worker while attending GCU. I loved working for GCU and knew I wanted to work here when I graduated.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I really enjoy playing and watching sports. I will often go to the local LA Fitness to play basketball.
What are you passionate about? I really enjoy San Diego sports. My favorite football team used to be the San Diego Chargers, but I’m bitter because they moved to Los Angeles.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My favorite place to eat is Chino Bandido. If you haven’t had it, you should. I also enjoy going to all the sporting events AZ has to offer.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I have a half fake eye. When I was in fifth grade I was doing a project for school where I had to make an airplane fly across my classroom. When I was cutting a wire it flipped up and hit me. I had to get surgery on my eye, but now I can see like I would normally.
What are you most proud of? Graduating from college! When I was in high school I did not think it was going to be possible, but through hard work and the help from GCU I was able to do it.
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TYLER DWYER
Job title: University counselor
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? Its growth and commitment to the student experience attracted me to GCU for my education as well as my employment. I recently became an alumni and decided to explore career opportunities at GCU once I graduated. I am blessed to be a part of such an innovative and exciting culture here as an employee!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love playing basketball. Anywhere that there is a court, I’ll play. Conditions don’t matter. The ball could be flat, the rim could be without a backboard, I could be in full dress clothes, and I still will step out on the court and play. Just let me know when and where.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my family. My children continue to make me proud and continue to fascinate me by how much they learn and grow every day. My family motivates me to be the best possible at everything that I do.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I am kind of a homebody, but when I do leave the house, more than likely it is to go play basketball. I also like to go to downtown Phoenix to catch a Suns game, to Glendale for a Cardinals game or Scottsdale for a night out (very rarely).
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I have had eight surgeries from playing basketball in high school and college. I still show up to play, under any circumstance, but I never said if I was still good or not.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of my children and the paths they are following. They are all extremely good kids and do well in school. I have four kids (one on the way), and they are 16, 13, 6 and 3. The two oldest are girls, and the two youngest are boys. They make me want to be the best me possible, and I love them all more than they could possibly comprehend!
