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.
LANCE LEON
Job title: Online enrollment counselor (international)
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? After completing my bachelor’s degree I developed a strong passion for higher education and helping others achieve their goals. After moving to Phoenix to be closer to my National Guard unit, I heard nothing but positive remarks about GCU’s work environment and the services they provided for their students. Through a connection with a previous employer, I had the opportunity to apply and it has been smooth sailing since then. I hope to use this opportunity as a portal to eventually work closely with the student body and create a career for myself in higher education.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I have a 3-year-old American pit bull terrier named Belle that I enjoy. I also like cooking healthy food as well as doing any kind of physical activity, whether it be a sport or going to the gym.
What are you passionate about? Things I hold close are my physical fitness and health, my relationships with my girlfriend, family and friends, and anything you could think of that is Disney. I grew up going to Disneyland with my family. and it has stuck with me ever since. I have probably spent close to a third of a year at Disneyland since I was a kid. and I don’t plan on stopping. I am a Trivial Pursuit box of Disney knowledge, and I know the map of the park pretty much by memory. I think I became so attached to it because it was something that my family could enjoy as a whole regardless of the ages of my sister and me.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I am a homebody and fairly new to Phoenix, but if I am invited somewhere new I am always down to try it.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I got a Minnie Mouse tattoo as a dare when I was 19 years old. It was kind of a whim, and my friend who dared me to do it did not think I would. But I figured it would be a funny story, plus it is not very big and I made him pay for it so I went with it. I don’t regret getting just because it makes for a nice icebreaker or conversation piece whenever it comes up … AND I like Disney.
What are you most proud of? My proudest accomplishment at this point in my life would be earning my commission into the United States Army as a Second Lieutenant. I was a cadet throughout my undergraduate years at the University of Arizona, and upon graduating I commissioned into the Arizona Army National Guard. I am the first in my family to join the military, and it’s a fulfilling aspect of my life to know that I have served this beautiful country with the potential risks that are associated with the job.
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ANGELIQUE NEWMAN
Job title: Student services adviser
Job location: Tempe. I live 2.5 miles away, so I can ride my bike to work, which makes me so happy. I don’t like driving.
What attracted you to GCU? I used to be in banking, and I enjoy helping people understand their finances and achieve their goals. GCU’s mission of offering an affordable Christian education makes me feel as if I am part of something valuable.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Being active in God’s creation is important to me. I love to hike, rock climb, camp, bike, swim, snowboard, longboard and anything else that gets me outside. When I’m not at work or outdoors, you can usually find me with a book in my hand. I especially enjoy autobiography, mystery, sociological studies and theology.
What are you passionate about? Learning about Jesus and the Bible and its application. Gathering friends together for outings and dinner parties. I’m nostalgic about my home state of Oregon: Mount Hood, the coast, the forests and the quirky city of Portland.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Angels Trumpet Ale House, Piestewa Peak, hula-hooping and dancing at The Duce, Diamondbacks games, live music at the Crescent Ballroom, Salt River tubing, foreign films at Harkins Camelview, First Fridays downtown and my church, Redemption Church in Tempe.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: My mom is from France by way of Brazil, and I speak French and Spanish. My goal is to learn Portuguese next. Also, I’m pretty good at trivia. I know a lot of random historical facts.
What are you most proud of? Everything I have is a gift from the Lord, and everything good I’ve done has been done through Him.
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LISA PROSOSKI
Job title: Curriculum developer
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? The positive people and work environment.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to travel and work out. So far this year I’ve run two half-marathons, traveled to a dozen different destinations here and abroad and taken up hiking as a new way to experience the great outdoors.
What are you passionate about? Kindness — the world needs more of it, and if everyone would just try a little harder to focus less on themselves and more on what they can do to help and serve others, we’d all be better off.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I’m new to the Valley as of July, so I’m just beginning to learn about all the area has to offer. I do know there are lots of great hiking spots and some awesome places to hear live music.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’m a cowgirl. I was raised in rural Nebraska in ranch country. Growing up you could most often find me and my best friend scaling the fence to the local sale barn to ride the horses that were going up for auction each day. It’s a wonder we didn’t get bucked off and stepped on more than we did. Great memories!
What are you most proud of? My two sons, Jake, 15, and Josh, 12. They are smart, funny, kind-hearted and have a true passion for life. They keep me young and remind me what is truly important every day.
