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 LEMSTER
Job title: Curriculum Developer for Colangelo College of Business and College of Nursing and Health Care Professions
Job location: 27th Avenue, Building 71
What attracted you to GCU? I worked at GCU from 2009 to 2011 and left to teach for seven years after earning my master's degree at GCU. I worked for the College of Education as an academic counselor and then a field experience specialist. My husband also attended GCU (at a different time than me). GCU is close to our hearts.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Travel! I’ve been to four countries in the past four years -- England, Spain, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic. Next year, my husband and I are going to Greece, Italy and back to Spain. In the meantime, we’ll be exploring Colorado in September (I’ve had the Rocky Mountain National Park on my bucket list for a while) and New Orleans in January. I try to see as much of our beautiful country as I do other countries.
What are you passionate about? Faith, family, football -- go, Chargers! I did my undergraduate coursework at California State University, San Bernardino, and we used to go to Chargers games all the time. I was hooked! I’m not thrilled they’re in Los Angeles, but they needed a new stadium badly.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? We love to eat! Our favorite places are Postino (where we had our first date six years ago), The Vig, The Duce and Hula’s Modern Tiki.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: My husband and I sponsor two children (a boy and a girl) through our church. The church partnered with Compassion International to sponsor children and send church members on a mission trip to Colombia. We hope to visit them when they’re older. I also want to do something major in my life, such as hike the Appalachian Trail or climb Kilimanjaro.
What are you most proud of? My faith, family, education and travel experiences.
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MONIQUE ACEVES
Job title: Technical Support Specialist II
Job location: 27th Avenue, Building 66
What attracted you to GCU? I love the close-knit community. It’s wonderful seeing many people serve the surrounding neighborhood. As a student, it was a blessing to be a part of volunteering with the numerous organizations offered on campus, such as Canyon Kids, Homeless Ministry and Colter Commons. Now that I am transitioning into staff, I hope to continue volunteering my time.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love photography, preferably taking pictures of landscapes. Although you can never capture a place as it truly is, I take joy in sharing my traveling adventures with others.
What are you passionate about? Serving! If I’m not serving others, I feel like I am not achieving my purpose.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love visiting the Phoenix Art Museum on First Fridays. During this time, the museum is free from 6 to 10 p.m. Some of the exhibits may stay the same, but it is cool to see all the new art and faces of interesting people who walk through the doors.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: During one summer, right before my sophomore year at GCU, I studied abroad in Reggio-Emilia, Italy. Let me just say I never go to Olive Garden because the food in Italy is so authentic and delicious nothing can compare to tasting it there.
What are you most proud of? Being a first-generation graduate in my family. I’ve been tremendously blessed with a great support system, and I know this is only the beginning of my career.
