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.
MARSHALL DILWORTH
Job title: Assistant coach/recruiting coordinator, GCU swimming
Job location: Main campus, Kaibab
What attracted you to GCU? The swimming team has had exponential growth and success the past few years. I was familiar with head coach Steve Schaffer and his coaching philosophy from when I swam here in Phoenix. When there was a vacancy on staff, I jumped at the opportunity.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? A few years ago I really fell in love with backpacking. I have had some amazing adventures all over the Rockies as well as some international hiking trips. There is something about how everything you need is (or isn’t) on your back when you start your journey. Although my time commitments don’t allow me to backpack as much as I would like, I can easily head up to Payson or Flagstaff when I really get the itch.
What are you passionate about? I am very passionate about serving others. I find that genuine service toward others can be a great tool to motivate and cultivate an environment of success with those you are serving. When even the “least” person in the group feels a part of things and believes that they matter, the entire group’s dynamic can become so powerful and successful. I try to look at my swimmers and see how I can best serve them first in hopes to see them reach a high level of success both as individuals and as a team.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I had lived away from Phoenix for about six years and moved back a little more than a year ago. For the most part, I feel as if I am rediscovering the city all over again. I enjoy exploring different live music venues downtown or the unique restaurants. Of course, a good hike when I can to Camelback Mountain or Piestewa Peak is always a favorite, too.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I always prefer being barefoot. Last fall, my brother got me into trying barefoot walking and hiking. I have taken that even further and run/hike/backpack completely barefoot. It has been a great experience, and I have actually seen significant structural health benefits from doing so. Yes, my feet have calluses, but not as intense as you might think. But, yes, the bottoms of my feet are usually quite black.
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DAWN LOOMIS
Job title: Qualifying specialist
Job location: Peoria and 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? Initially, furthering my education. After attending GCU, I knew I’d found an organization that truly cares about its employees and the community.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I’m a commissioned artist. I weave dream catchers, a skill passed on to me as a child by my grandmother. (My great grandfather was of the Tuscarora and attended the Carlisle Indian Industrial School with Jim Thorpe.) They’re an expression of my cultural heritage through symbology of my materials and designs. I am currently designing a dream catcher for my granddaughter Madison — she is due at Christmas time. I also love to swim under the stars and work on conquering my limiting beliefs.
What are you passionate about? Servant leadership and chocolate.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? Singh Farms. It’s a peaceful oasis in Phoenix where they care about the community and the food they grow.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I’m a patented inventor. U.S Patent No. 5,170,781 for a medical surgical supply.
What are you most proud of? My children and my grandchildren. My daughter teaches “only love” as a special needs teacher to at-risk students. My son is a certified public accountant for Deloitte. My grandchildren are the future and are amazing.
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VIANNEY HOENIG
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? . I always had a special place in my heart for GCU, especially because I had the chance to do Discover GCU and fell in love with the dorms, the food and especially the cadaver lab.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I tend to be a home soul during the week, but as soon as Friday arrives, I don’t even know what home is. I love being surrounded by my friends and family, whether we are out for dinner, barbecuing and having fun by the pool, two-stepping at Toby Keith’s, or going out to Scottsdale.
What are you passionate about? Activism is my biggest passion. I am a member of Movimiento Estudiantil Chicana/o de Aztlan (M.E.Ch.A), a national group started by Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers in the 1960s. It promotes Chicano unity and empowerment through political action and addresses all local and national issues regarding immigration and education laws and policies. I spend a lot of time researching and reading articles, attending regional and national meetings, doing community-service events and marching for different reasons.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I have been in Arizona for more than 10 years, and I have not explored all of its wonderful corners as much as I would like. I love the state fair, First Friday art walks and the wildlife zoo. I am a huge Diamondbacks fan and try to go to as many games as possible.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I am a very open person and most people know just about everything about me, but one thing not everyone knows is that once I get comfortable with you, my tone of voice goes from 1 to 10 and my laugh goes from appropriate to hyena.
What are you most proud of? I am proud of a lot of things in my life, such as being the first in my family to graduate from college and being the youngest member of my super team here at GCU. And I am proud to have survived without ever owning my own TV.
