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.
GREGORY VANDERVENNET JR.
Job title: University counselor, College of Education
Job location: Building 71
What attracted you to GCU? Amazing core values that I apply to my daily life.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Well, I play guitar when I’m not being lazy … try to stay in shape when I’m not being lazy … and play PS4 when I’m absolutely being lazy.
What are you passionate about? Life. I am a very charismatic guy, and I find that anytime I feel like voicing my opinion, there always seems to be quite a bit of passion and conviction in what I’m saying.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Any good hiking location that doesn’t wreak too much havoc on my knees.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was raised in Lansing, Mich., until about two years ago, when I decided to get out of the terrible Midwest winters.
What are you most proud of? Teaching myself guitar and the pursuit to never stop learning. I’m really, really good at Jeopardy. Like, I would win most nights as long as the categories aren’t ballet or really specific art … or politics.
*****
ALISON FANIZZI
Job title: University development counselor
Job location: Dallas
What attracted you to GCU? Antelopes are ridiculously fast! I aspire to work with the same ferocity.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to cook (and eat). My boyfriend and I spend a lot of time developing new recipes and testing them out at home. Some of my favorites include scratch-made bread and pasta, pistachio salmon and game-day wings.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about my work! As a first-generation college student, I struggled navigating college. My experience led me to study higher education and student services, and now I have made a career out of helping individuals pursue their own goals through education. Seeing my students be successful in classes and ultimately graduate with a degree always reminds me that anything is achievable.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I’m in Phoenix for the first time … so my favorite spot is hanging out at GCU.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I have a pet snake. Her name is Serafina and she is 7 years old. She has moved eight times with me and lived in three different states. She is a fantastic beast!
What are you most proud of? My nieces and nephew! They are 7, 5, and 1 years old and live in New York. Every day I receive pictures of their art projects, homework assignments and bedtime stories. They are all developing such strong and independent personalities, and I couldn’t be prouder to be their aunt.
