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.
KAYLEIGH HOLTON
Job title: Student activities coordinator
Job location: Main campus, Building 26
What attracted you to GCU? My favorite color is purple (actually, it’s blue). During my interview process I was really attracted to the GCU community and the love that the Student Engagement staff had for students and for each other.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy the outdoors. My favorite hike so far has been Piestewa Peak. I like that there are so many opportunities in Phoenix to experience the outdoors. Nature is pretty neat!
What are you passionate about? Food and travel. I used to work for an airline, and I was blessed with the ability to travel to various places. One of my favorite places is Saint John in the U.S. Virgin Islands. I got to swim with sea turtles! It’s one of my favorite memories.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I relocated from Grand Rapids, Mich., so the Valley is still new to me. I’m open to suggestions! I created a bucket list, and there is always room for more things. My bucket list includes Havasupai (Havasu Falls), Fossil Creek and Antelope Canyon.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was one of the speakers at my high school graduation. I remember being terrified and praying that I wouldn’t trip! Also, I thought I knew everything when I graduated, but in reality I had so much to learn.
What are you most proud of? My family and friends. They are great people, and I’m lucky to have them in my life. Also, for the courage to move across the country! I am excited to be here, and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store.
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ZACHARY SCHWAB
Job title: University admissions counselor
Job location: Main campus
What attracted you to GCU? Initially as a student it was the price and placement. I completed my undergrad here in four years (2013-17) and completely fell in love with the school. I was able to graduate without any debt and even was able to save some money in my undergrad years. In the back of my brain I always had wanted to work for GCU after I graduated, and sure enough on the morning of graduation day, as I’m walking to my graduation ceremony I accepted a full-time position.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? For fun I like to go camping, backpacking and flyfishing. I also love playing sports and supporting the 13-time world champion Green Bay Packers. I also love traveling and just recently got back from a backpacking trip across Europe, where I proposed to my now fianceé.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about people! I love getting to know people from all walks of life and believe that life is all about relationships! I am also very passionate about the outdoors and Grand Canyon University. I am passionately supporting my Grand Canyon Antelopes in their quest to make March Madness.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love going to Suns games and have a few connections that are able to get me great seats. I also love hiking Camelback and Piestewa Peak in my spare time.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was born with an extra knuckle – pretty sweet. Also, I spent two summers working on deadliest catch boats up in Alaska to help pay for my freshman year here at GCU!
What are you most proud of? The fact that I competed in more than 215 intramural games during my time at GCU as an undergrad and made it to the finals 16 times across all the intramural sports. I came away with only four championships, so if you do the math that means I lost 12 championship games. Next time you bash LeBron James, just remember that I could have had more rings (or, in my case, intramural championship T-shirts) than Bill Russell.
