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.
KYLE HARRIMAN
Job title: University development counselor
Job location: Colorado
What attracted you to GCU? I was lucky enough to work with the ground admissions team for four years in Colorado, where my love for the Lopes started. I then spent some time away in the corporate business world and decided that aligning myself back with GCU was going to be a great decision, so here I am and happy to be back.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Racing mountain bikes is my passion and hobby, but anything outdoors really draws me. Hikes, camping, fishing, archery hunting ... you name it!
What are you passionate about? I love bringing smiles, learning how I can assist and teaming up to find success. I want to make sure that person knows that they are not alone.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Love hiking Piestewa Peak and Camelback, but who doesn’t love a good day at Talking Stick or Topgolf? Heck, make it both.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I was raised on a self-sustainability farm.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of playing college football after being coached by my father in high school and making him and my family proud.
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DONNA WARD
Job title: Technology program director
Job location: Main campus, Building 1
What attracted you to GCU? The entrepreneurial spirit of GCU and its desire to be the leader through cutting-edge business ideas, technologies, and degrees/courses that break new ground. The opportunity to be a part of this culture and contribute to the success of GCU is an honor.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Competing at RoboGames (robotic game competitions) held annually in San Francisco and playing golf (well, attempting to!) on any of the multitude of golf courses in the area and beyond.
What are you passionate about? Any exhibition, symposium or other event related to technology, and comics and cars also pique my interest. Since being in the United States, I’ve converted from being a rugby follower to an NFL fan.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Any golf course, art exhibition and sports event happening in the Valley. I’m new to the Valley, so it’s an open field for all events and activities right now – I just have to select which ones!
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: As a graduate student, I flew on the NASA Gerard P. Kuiper Airborne Observatory (KAO) – a highly modified C-141A Starlifter aircraft with a telescope projecting through the roof – to observe the Southern Hemisphere. The 12-hour flight commenced in New Zealand, with the flight path comprising Antarctica, Australia, Fiji and returning to New Zealand, flying at a height of 48,000 feet. At this height, I experienced the most amazing sunrise coming up over the Earth. Yes, I could see our planet and the curvature of the Earth!
What are you most proud of? Rescuing several animals and giving them a new lease on life.
