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.
JAMIE HARRIS
Job title: Marketing project specialist
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? After being at two local advertising agencies for six years I was ready to move to an in-house marketing department where my work will directly benefit the company I get to be a part of. Agencies are a lot of fun, laid back and collaborative so these were all important for me to find in my next career move – making GCU a great fit!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love traveling, seeing new places and experiencing new things. I’m also a huge movie and TV person. My boyfriend and I go to the movies almost every weekend and we constantly binge watching a show or two in our down time.
What are you passionate about? I’m probably most passionate about my dog, Bron. He’s the best guy and loves to cuddle – even though he’s over 70 pounds – and is always smiling! Stop by my desk and I will be more than willing to show you way too many photos.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My work with the Arizona Office of Tourism has helped me develop a huge Arizona bucket list. I love day trips or weekend getaways to explore this beautiful state we get to live in. There are so many places to see within short drives outside the Valley. So far my favorite places by far have been Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend – both are must sees!
I’m also looking forward to spring training. It’s a great time of year in the Valley. The weather is nice, it’s a great opportunity to relax and hang out with friends and a little baseball doesn’t hurt either.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I love all things adrenaline. I have been sky diving, have done all of the rides at the top of the Stratosphere in Vegas (I’m also a big fan of all things Vegas!) and gone flying in a glider plane. A few other experiences on my bucket list are sky diving over the Grand Canyon, zip lining somewhere adventurous and cage diving with sharks. It’s always fun to try to incorporate something different and exciting into my travels.
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IRENE MORGAN
Job title: Field experience counselor
Job location: 27th Avenue, Bldg 71
What attracted you to GCU? My daughter, Mallory Thomas, used to work at GCU and loved it. I came to GCU with the plan to love my job.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I run around with my pack of seven grandchildren (six are under age 5). We go to any splash pad in the Valley, but my favorite is Desert Ridge. We have also gone to Sea World in California and Seattle Aquarium. Anywhere with them is always fun. My goal is to be active with them.
What are you passionate about? I took the book Growing Kids God's Way a few decades ago and learned about honoring the preciousness of each child. It takes practice to honor a terrible 2-year-old and an intentional, planned life to have the patience to remember that all teens are precious. I worked for CPS for many years before coming here and my youngest son is adopted out of that system. I saw first-hand what can happen when parents are struggling. I remain passionate about intentional, positive parenting. I’m also passionate about refurbished items because I think it’s important to the planet, I think it’s good for many of us creative people, and it has been financially responsible.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Taco Guild because it is a cool reused building, and any splash pad in the summer.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don't know: I run a company called Odds with my daughter. Odds was created out of me repurposing materials to provide gifts and toys to children coming into custody when I was at CPS for many years. It turned into a family business. My family had the idea that we could do something we loved to do and something we could feel good about providing to our community. My daughter and I have expanded the initial team and many family members are now involved providing reusable, handcrafted items. I’ve had the company for officially a year but been doing reusable, handcrafted items for 20 years.
What are you most proud of? My children and my grandchildren. Every part of being a grandmother is great but being surrounded with pure child's joy and love is a happiness that can only be understood by other grandparents. I’m an active, run, sew, paint, and travel with the kids kind of grandparent. They know me well and I them. I’ve always been happy and peaceful and when they are with me, they too are happy and peaceful – mostly.
