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.
MOLLY ELMER
Job title: Math instructional assistant
Job location: Main campus, Building 16
What attracted you to GCU? I had been tutoring algebra for about a year when I saw that similar positions had been created at GCU. The Instructional Assistant program was new when I was hired, and I was excited by the opportunity to get in on the program right from the start. I really love that GCU is on the rise as a great institution, and I am happy to be a part of that.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? For fun I like to go on runs or do any other type of physical activity. When you spend most of your time doing math, you need an outlet to relieve your mind. Running is a way for me to do that because I can do it anywhere, anytime. After eight hours of solving word problems, I definitely need a little active time outdoors to de-stress.
What are you passionate about? My family, friends and the students I work with. I didn’t know until I started teaching and tutoring that I would enjoy it so much. I get so much out of seeing that “light bulb moment” when a student finally figures out a subject such as math, which causes many to struggle. Helping students here at GCU has become a source of much joy in my life, and I hope I’ll be able to do it for a long time.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I’m a huge sports fan, and one of my favorite times of the year is spring training. I also love attending pretty much any event that enables me to try new and different foods, such as the state fair and the food truck festival.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I just ran my fifth half marathon this year at the P.F. Chang’s Rock ’n’ Roll event. Running half marathons is something I only started about a year ago, so I consider this a pretty major accomplishment in my life.
What are you most proud of? I’m most proud of the life I’ve created for myself in Phoenix after moving out here only a few years ago. I grew up in Missouri and my family still lives there, so it’s been difficult to be away from them. But I moved out here to see if I could be successful out on my own, and so far I have accomplished that. I’m very proud of myself for sticking with it and working hard to achieve a happy life out here in Arizona.
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FELIPE REYES JR.
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? I was on the men's soccer team from 2010-14 and have extreme love and respect for GCU. Serving as the Student Athlete Advisory Committee president for GCU and the Western Athletic Conference convinced me to continue my journey here.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love art and designing. I’ve worked with a few local clothing lines and through a vision I was blessed with established my own, www.holycoutureclothing.com.
What are you passionate about? Fulfilling my calling for serving Christ.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I’m a huge music fan and love to go to concerts as often as possible in various genres, from hip-hop and electronic dance to Mexican and classical orchestra. The different instruments and combinations are extremely fascinating to me.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Besides playing sports and designing clothes, I also like to create music … or at least attempt to create music.
What are you most proud of? The day I handed my parents my first of many to come college diplomas and thanked them for all the obstacles we overcame to obtain it.
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MAGGIE WIEMEYER
Job title: Talent acquisition coordinator
Job location: 27th Avenue
What attracted you to GCU? After going to concerts on campus, attending basketball games and hearing all about life as a Lope from my sister and fiancé, who were students, I knew that this place was special. I am extremely excited about the mission of GCU, the awesome workplace environment, the opportunities it provides for students, its Christian values and its service to the community.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? My fiancé and I have a ton of fun taking day trips up north — Sedona, Flagstaff, Prescott, etc. I enjoy being active and doing things outdoors. You often can find me running, taking a walk or bike ride, hiking, slacklining or just spending time outside. Slacklining is amazing! It’s essentially an outdoor activity that has a nylon strap hooked between two trees (preferably over grass because you are guaranteed to fall at some point). It’s kind of like tightrope walking, but the line isn’t rigid (it’s quite bouncy). I saw some fellow college students practicing one day and I went out to buy one for myself. After a few months and a million falls, I started to get the hang of it and loved it. It’s really difficult and a good core/leg workout, too.
What are you passionate about? My relationships with Jesus and my family.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I live near Thunderbird Park and Deem Hills Park, which have some good trails to run. It’s almost always nice to be outside in places like that.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I love to journal. I used to write nearly every day. I’ve kept all my writing and like to look back on it to see the ways my life has changed.
What are you most proud of? As I grow up, I am proud of the opportunities I’ve had to travel, play music, compete athletically and become an independent individual.
