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.
MALLORY FINNERTY
Job title: Resident director
Job location: Main campus, Sedona Hall
What attracted you to GCU? I am thrilled about the growth that’s happening around GCU. When I was interviewing for this position, the Residence Life team kept talking about the opportunity for growth and the potential for impact I would have as a new employee joining the GCU team. I love that I get to be a part of a team that is thinking strategically and innovatively about the future of Residence Life here.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Before moving to Arizona and being landlocked, my answer would have been the beach. However, that certainly has changed. I love being outdoors, swimming and playing water sports. I also love really good coffee and shopping (Scottsdale Fashion Square is fabulous).
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about developing student leaders and providing them with the opportunity to learn, grow and serve in the community. My entire leadership style and abilities enhanced after I worked in Residence Life in college. I want to provide a similar experience for these student leaders so that when they leave GCU they can impact the world for Jesus Christ.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Since I just moved here, I don’t feel like I know a ton about what’s happening in the Valley — but I am definitely looking for suggestions if you have any! I do know that going to a Cardinals game and a Diamondbacks game are on my must-do list in Phoenix.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a terrible cook! But am pretty good at faking it ’til I make it.
What are you most proud of? I am incredibly proud of my younger sister, who is one of my favorite people. She tenacious, kind, and is working so hard in nursing school right now. She has always been and continues to be God’s best gift.
-----
BRANDON CLARKE
Job title: Resident director
Job location: Main campus, Saguaro Hall (aka “Sag Swag”)
What attracted you to GCU? The growth. It is incredible to see what is happening around here. I was very excited about the opportunity to be a part of such a revolutionary organization during a time of incredible growth. Combine that with the opportunity to pour into students the way that so many people have poured into me, and it would have been hard for them to keep me away.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? Give horsey rides and pretend to be a super hero/Jedi/ninja. I have an 18-month-old and a 6-year-old, and getting to be a part of their imaginary worlds is such a blast. When we get moments to escape the offspring my wife and I love to see movies and eat good food or eat good food and see movies — it’s fun in any order.
What are you passionate about? Hammocking. And food. More than that I am passionate about any opportunity I have to pour into community. It is such a blessing to get to be a part of students’ lives and to see how God is moving in them. To be a part of a community that is learning and growing and bettering themselves with every passing day is such an amazing privilege.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? If you haven’t picked up on the trend, I really enjoy great restaurants. We just moved from California and are slowly learning all of the fun places and are very excited for the numerous family activities that can be found in the area. I am also excited to see the Arena full of students cheering on their teams. I imagine that is a pretty remarkable place to be.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: When I was in junior high I broke my pelvis playing kickball in PE. I kicked the ball too hard and broke my own pelvis. That’s probably the lamest broken bone story you have ever heard.
What are you most proud of? My kids. They are incredible. It is amazing to see their personalities forming and to see them becoming unique individuals. God has given them talents and interests that are completely their own and it’s incredible that I get to be a part of that.
-----
JODIE GARCIA
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? One of my best friends attends GCU and works here, plus I have people in my church who also attend GCU and talk about it all the time. I wanted to know what all the talk was about. I looked up GCU on the Internet and everything I found was simply fascinating, so I applied. Not only was I drawn to the school; it was a much shorter drive!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I like to watch movies, so I will go on binge movie sprees where I will catch up on a bunch of movies in one weekend. I just was roped by my best friend and boyfriend into playing a card game called Magic. Other than that, I like to go on the hunt for a good book. There are books I am missing, and looking for them can be an adventure. I can sit down and lose myself in a book very easily. My boyfriend does not approve of losing the battle for my attention.
What are you passionate about? Music is one of my greatest passions. At one point I was training to be an opera singer. I love marching bands and am a huge band geek as well.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley/Arizona that you like to visit? I went to the Grand Canyon for the first time not too long ago and thought it was absolutely gorgeous. On the way up there we stopped in Prescott and found a little lake that I love.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a huge Batman fan. Don’t even try coming up to me and telling me Superman is better. You will have a battle on your hands with a feisty 5-foot bundle of energy.
What are you most proud of? That I’m still standing. I have had enough obstacles put in my path in just the last three months that would have knocked me off my feet when I was younger. I was forced to leave home June 9 and had to start from scratch. I got my first car and my own phone and then shortly thereafter was blessed and got this job. I was actually homeless for about two months before finally getting my first apartment a few weeks ago. It has been exciting and terrifying at the same time. I am proud of that fact that I have been able to grow into a stronger individual and remain standing with my morals intact. It certainly has not been easy, but God has truly blessed me with all the opportunities that He has provided.
