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 ZINK
Job title: Curriculum developer
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? The fact that GCU is a Christian university. I love teaching here because of the type of students that come to GCU. Becoming a full-time employee is something that I wanted because of the great people I have worked with as an adjunct professor.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I'm an NCAA basketball official, and I love running up and down the court with athletes and making sure that they follow the rules of the game.
What are you passionate about? I love teaching students and watching them learn, whether it's in the classroom, on the basketball court or under the water (see next item). Letting students become successful and become better people is important to me. I'm also working on my doctorate in education so that I can help students attain their goals.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I'm a diving instructor through the Professional Association of Diving Instructors. I love planning diving trips and teaching people how to dive and explore the wonderful world of underwater exploration, watching people overcome fear and turning it into triumph. God tells us to walk boldly in this world, and we should scuba dive boldly, too!
What are you most proud of? Being married to the most beautiful and wonderful woman in the world, and my 5-year-old grandson who loves his grandpa.
___
REBECCA MURPHY
Job title: Online enrollment counselor, College of Education
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? I visited GCU last October when I was checking out the Phoenix area. I had no idea at that point that GCU would be such a big part of my life. The first people to welcome me to Arizona were GCU employees who showed how genuine and caring the University's atmosphere is. From then on, I began to notice GCU signs and banners everywhere, and I saw it as a sign that I was supposed to be a part of the GCU family.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? My absolute favorite thing to do is hike and run. I love living in Arizona because there are a lot of races to participate in as well as a ton of awesome hiking trails. Lately, I have been hiking Shaw Butte, but I am looking for a new spot that is dog friendly. I have two little dogs who think they are labs, so I try to take them on trails that are not too intense for their little legs.
What are you passionate about? I am most passionate about helping others. I worked in the nonprofit world for several years and really enjoyed giving back and making a difference in at least one person’s life. I am looking forward to doing something similar in the future with an organization here in Phoenix. I am also very passionate about health. I love everything that has to do with the science and biology of how the body works and why. Therefore, I am that nerd who reads about biology for fun.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My favorite events are anything sports-related. The No. 1 would have to be spring training. Last spring, I went to almost every stadium to watch a game at least once. I'm from Reno, Nev., so the closest we came to professional sports was the Triple-A baseball team, so I try to take advantage of watching any professional game I can.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I used to participate in Junior Rodeo, and was “Junior Miss Fernley Rodeo” in 1996.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of moving to a new city (after living in the same place my whole life) and making it a successful change. I had to struggle through bad job situations and learning to make new friends, but overall it has been the best life enhancement I have ever made.
___
ROSIO AGUAYO
Job title: Military qualifying specialist
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? ? I was attracted to the Christian, tight-knit, humble and loving community that describes GCU.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I like to swim, dance and hike (but not when it’s 112 degrees out).
What are you passionate about? I am most passionate about feeding the homeless, and our country’s veterans have a huge piece of my heart.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I like to attend tattoo shows.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a vegetarian with a huge appetite.
What are you most proud of? The way I am raising my daughter, through Christ and with the same morals and values that my mother instilled in me.
