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.
LAUREN LOFTUS
Job title: Copywriter
Job location: Marketing, Colter Offices
What attracted you to GCU? I’ve always wanted to work in a higher education atmosphere. I love the energy and diversity of college campuses, and GCU makes a real effort to foster community involvement.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Checking all the travel destinations from around the world off my bucket list.
What are you passionate about? Good books, good friends, good humor.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Any new restaurant or brewery around town, I’m there. Plus, spring training games. Yes, please!
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: When I was a little girl, my portrait was used for the cover of a kids’ spy book series.
What are you most proud of? Taking a big leap of faith this past summer by taking three months off to backpack through Central America by myself. While there, I conquered my fear of heights by sledding down a volcano and hiking up a Mayan temple in complete darkness.
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SAM CHAFE
Job title: Enrollment Counselor, Ken Blanchard College of Business
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? I heard from a classmate in my cohort here at GCU that it was a great place to work and they took care of their employees.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I am a big ice-hockey fan and player. I have played for 15 years and play in an adult league in Glendale.
What are you passionate about? Hockey is a big part of my life and is my biggest passion. I also am passionate about advocating for education.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Jobing.com Arena for Coyotes games. My favorite place would have to be the ice rink on 83rd Avenue by the Peoria Sports Complex.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am from Tri-Cities, Wash., and I went to school at the University of Idaho, where I was a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity. Other than that, I am a huge fan of road trips. I have driven from Boston to Tri-Cities and Tri-Cities to Phoenix.
What are you most proud of? I am proud of myself for continuing my education and going after my M.B.A program.
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DENITA BURDEN
Job title: Enrollment Counselor
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? The rigorous academics and (as an employee) the financial growth.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Sword fight and dance (jazz and contemporary).
What are you passionate about? My son and completing my degree at GCU in business management.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Discovery Park in Gilbert. It has lots of family and fitness events.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I use to do aeronautical acrobats flying bi-planes.
What are you most proud of? That I’m still alive and a mom now. I wasn’t supposed to survive past the age of 4 years old.
