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.
JEFF PENZONE
Job title: Admissions representative
Job location: Main campus, Kaibab
What attracted you to GCU? My son is a sophomore at GCU, and my wife did some of her undergraduate studies here and fell in love with GCU while earning her master’s in education administration. It looked like a great fit for my gifts and experience, and I was fortunate and blessed to land here.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Spending time with the family is No. 1 for me. I also love coaching — I’m an assistant for the GCU men’s club soccer team (new on campus this fall) and also am the girls’ soccer coach at Northwest Christian High School in Phoenix. Longboarding is another passion although it’s been a bit since I’ve done some carving.
What are you passionate about? Helping people and organizations realize their potential.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love doing things with my family, no matter whether we’re hiking, going out to eat, attending professional sports events or just hanging around home and chilling. My favorite Valley places are Carefree and North Scottsdale.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’ve watched the “Back to the Future” movies more than 100 times — the original 75-90 times and the other two 25-40 times each. I had a fascination and appreciation for the simple times of the 1950s (the clothes, the music, the dancing, etc.), and the original “Back to the Future” is set in the 1980s, which was the greatest decade to grow up in (for the same reasons). I have a sci-fi geek side to me, which is why the future piece interests me, and I received a bachelor’s in American history, so the Old West scenes in “Back to the Future Part III” fascinated me. Time travel would be an awesome experience! I also do the Molly Ringwald “’80s dance” better than anyone I know.
What are you most proud of? Being husband to my wife and father to my kids.
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