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.
ELIZABETH BOGENSPERGER
Job title: Veterans resource coordinator
Job location: Main campus, Building 18
What attracted you to GCU? I heard nothing but amazing things about GCU, so when I knew for sure we were moving to Phoenix, I looked on the website and found the perfect position. As the veterans coordinator, I get to help our student veterans and their families adjust to life after the military while championing their walk in higher education. Our GCU student veterans made a commitment to serve our country, and it is my commitment now to help them find their voice and individual purpose and see their leadership skills impact our community.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? My heart is my family. My husband is still serving in the military, and we have two children, a teenager and a toddler. Watching my son play high school football is what we live to do at the moment. Also, hanging out and being silly with my daughter is more enjoyable than just about anything else. When time permits, crafts and sports photography are longstanding hobbies.
What are you passionate about? I am deeply passionate about our military service members, veterans and my family. I think we owe our military community, past and present, so much. I understand life as a military member and dependent (both as a spouse and child) as well as the struggles in defining that next chapter after the military. I was medically retired from active duty in a matter of months, and from that I know firsthand about the challenges that come with transition. Now I am excited to continue my own service as an advocate for veterans at GCU.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? We’ve just moved here about two months ago, so getting our house together has been a main priority. Ideally, we’d like to get out of town and visit Flagstaff and Sedona. We are really looking forward to checking out some of the festivals in the local area. I am open to ideas. What is awesome here?
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I'd love to answer that, but then too many people would know my secrets!
What are you most proud of? My children.
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JOSHUA LEWIS
Job title: Housing operations coordinator
Job location: Main campus, Papago I
What attracted you to GCU? I heard GCU’s story from President/CEO Brian Mueller during a tour with a group last year and have seen the great advances they have made the last five years. I wanted to be a part of an organization that is thriving and going somewhere. I also heard that GCU values its employees, and I wanted in.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to play games with friends and family, whether it’s simple as Uno or Phase 10 or my all-time favorite, The Farming Game, which is very similar to Monopoly but with a farming twist. I also love to watch football and enjoy playing fantasy football while cheering on my favorite team, the Denver Broncos.
What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about youth ministry. I actually graduated with my undergrad in Youth Ministry and recently completed my master’s in Strategic Ministry. I’m volunteering with the high school group at Desert View Bible Church. It gives me great joy to walk alongside our teenagers to both guide them in life but, more important, point them to Christ.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I really like TopGolf and watching the bull riding at Buffalo Chip. The Wildlife World Zoo and Phoenix Art Museum also are favorites.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’m terrified of heights, but I’ve done things to help push me out of my comfort zone. I love going on high roller coasters, have ridden the Big Shot ride on top of the Stratosphere tower in Las Vegas, where it shoots you up the spire only to freefall back down, and I have even gone bungee jumping from 171 feet in the air. My goal someday is to go skydiving to overcome my fear and experience life in a new way.
What are you most proud of? My family. I have 14 nieces and nephews and loved ones who would go to the ends of the Earth for me. My family isn’t perfect, but I really appreciate them and am proud of them.
