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.
KENDRA KEMMERER
Job title: University admissions counselor
Job location: Scottsdale
What attracted you to GCU? I'm from Quakertown, Pa., and when I visited GCU I absolutely loved the beautiful campus, all the palm trees and how nice everyone was. GCU felt like one big family, and I knew I wanted to be part of it.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love all of the outdoor activities that this state offers. I love to hike, attend sporting events and volunteer. In college I volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, Refugee Ministry, Serve the City and more. They were all such wonderful opportunities!
What are you passionate about? I’m passionate about taking pictures of special moments in my life and journaling so I don’t forget them. I think it is too important in our society to take the “perfect” picture; I really like just having one time to get the picture.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? My favorites are Topgolf and any sporting event, especially Diamondbacks games and the Coyotes with my husband.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I graduated from GCU in April, got married in Pennsylvania in May, moved into our tiny home in June and started my full-time job as an admissions counselor in July.
What are you most proud of? My family and all of the encouragement they have given me over the years. With their help and support, I was able to move thousands of miles away to attend GCU, graduate in three years, meet my amazing husband and get hired by this wonderful university.
****
KATIE ESPARZA
Job title: University admissions counselor
Job location: Nashville, Tenn.
What attracted you to GCU? The culture – the way it takes care of students and employees is very different from other universities or businesses. There is something special about this place!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy hiking and going on adventures with my husband and our two dogs! I also love finding new coffee shops.
What are you passionate about? Helping and serving people locally and globally. I think it is so important to take ownership of where God has placed you but also to realize there is a big world out there that we are called to love and serve as well!
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Lux is a coffee shop I always try to visit when I am in town. It has such a great atmosphere. I also love gelato, so Frost (at the Biltmore) is always a special stop for me. It has so many different flavors, which makes it amazing and so hard to choose. Outside of coffee and gelato, I really enjoy the hiking in Phoenix. I try to go somewhere new when I am in town, but so far my favorites are Piestewa Peak and Camelback Mountain/Echo Trail.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: As much as I enjoy the outdoors and sunshine, I love when it rains – especially if I can stay indoors with a cup of coffee or hot tea and a good book.
What are you most proud of? My family and friends. They are so important to me and I love being around them! They bring so much joy into my life.
