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.
KRISTIN LUCIANI
Job title: Hotel accountant
Job location: Phoenix
What attracted you to GCU? I relocated to Phoenix from Tucson because I've always wanted to be part of a team. The growth of GCU is amazing as well as what it stands for and what it does for the community. It makes me very proud to be a part of such a dynamic and diverse university. I have searched my whole life for a company with these morals and values, and I will definitely be taking part in volunteering my time to help GCU continue to help those in need.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I enjoy hiking and exercising. In Tucson, my favorite place is Sabino Canyon.
What are you passionate about? Accounting in the hospitality environment and helping others feel at home while they are away from their homes by making sure their experience is fantastic.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Sporting events — including football (Green Bay Packers), baseball (Chicago Cubs) and hockey (Chicago Blackhawks) — and attending concerts. I’ve been to a Clint Black concert, and I’m looking forward to seeing Garth Brooks and Kenny Chesney.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I'm from Wisconsin and moved to Tucson five years ago. I have two beautiful dogs: a black lab, “Sly,” who is 2½ and a chocolate lab, “Thor,” who is a year old. I also have a 24-year-old daughter, Brianna, who lives in Wisconsin and is attending college to complete her degree in Marketing.
What are you most proud of? My daughter. She is my biggest accomplishment. She has a beautiful soul, she is compassionate and her values and morals are beyond my expectations.
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DINA LUNDBLOM
Job title: Strategic Educational Alliances K-12 coordinator
Job location: Main campus
What attracted you to GCU? I wanted to remain in the education sector utilizing my experiences in education and in business. And, I had heard that the people at GCU really enjoy working there and are doing great work for students and the community, in addition to having a team atmosphere where the energy is contagious. So, I wasn’t only looking for a place I can contribute to based on my experience and skills, but also be a part of a great culture of people and I have already found all of that to be true…. There are some wonderful people here doing some really amazing work and I’m grateful to get to be part of it.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love doing almost anything with my family. I love to go to movies, hiking in cooler weather, hanging out with friends and even going to the spa for a day. I’m not from San Diego, but I have spent many vacations there. I love the relaxing time of riding your bike while soaking in the sea air. Plus, there’s always pretty interesting people on a board walk. So, it’s fun and relaxing and brings back good memories. I also love to paddle board in the San Diego Bay. It is great fun to be on the water just paddling along checking out all there is to see around the bay. When I’m in San Diego, I try to go out every day on a paddle board… first thing in the morning is the best. But, I don’t always make it out first thing in the morning because I also love sleeping in.
What are you passionate about? There are many things I feel strongly about — my faith, my husband and my kids — but I’ve seen the impact of education and mentoring and how teachers, principals, youth leaders and caring adults help mold and shape kids’ lives. I love being part of that in some way. It makes a difference to individuals, but also to our communities, organizations, towns and cities. How cool is that?
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? One of my favorites is Los Dos Molinos — I’m a sucker for spicy Mexican food. I love their salsas and they have delicious green chili. I usually get their green chili plate or their green chili burro… my mouth is watering just thinking about it. We heard about Los Dos several years ago and would drive over to the one in Mesa (about a 40 minute drive) just to get some good Mexican food, but it was totally worth it. Now, they have other locations that make it more convenient to grab dinner with friends and hang out while eating some really delicious green chili.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was a Young Life leader in college and worked in the summer at Young Life camps in California. Also, I wanted to be a marine biologist when I was a kid.
What are you most proud of? Besides my kids, I’m proud that I’ve completed four half-marathons (though I’m not really a runner). I never could have dreamed I could do it.
