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.
MOYO MAKINDE
Job title: Clubs and commuter coordinator
Job location: Prescott Hall
What attracted you to GCU? I have literally dreamed of working here, not all my life, but in the year or two preceding my employment. I knew a small handful of people working here in different departments, and they were all ecstatic at the thought of those dreams coming true. I guess you could say all these things fueled my fire of attraction to the University!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I absolutely love creating, performing and experiencing music! The creative process, however, takes the cake. Being able to create something out of nothing and then listen back to the final product never gets old, ever.
What are you passionate about? I have a desire to see the unchurched and formally churched who have left the four walls experience a real-life God encounter at the hands and feet of a church that breaks out of the “four-wall mentality.” We are living in a new era, and I think American believers are stepping into a mental paradigm shift that begins to embrace all of who Jesus was and is.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I used to be addicted to gummy worms.
What are you most proud of? I am not sure if I can say that this is the one and only thing that I am most proud of, but I was born of immigrant parents who voyaged to the U.S. (from Nigeria) with next to nothing in their pockets. Despite the many hardships we faced, I am able to look around me and find that the grace of God has allowed me, my parents, my siblings and their families to experience success beyond what anyone of us could have ever imagined.
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RICH HINSHAW
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? The opportunity to be a part of a local school with a strong brand.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I teach and perform music. My band is Rusty Nail, and I teach the Williams Field High School drumline.
What are you passionate about? Drums and raising kids.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I can breakdance!
What are you most proud of? My kids and a new drumstick company I work for part time called Element Percusssion.
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SYLVIANETTE BALLESTEROS
Job title: Regional admissions representative
Job location: San Diego
What attracted you to GCU? I was most attracted to GCU because it stands out from all other universities. I truly believe GCU takes the student’s best interest into account with every decision that is made. The cost of GCU allows higher education to be attainable for students who never knew it was an option. I also appreciate the community that GCU has to offer. One day on campus makes anyone feel a part of something so powerful. It really is like being a part of one big family.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? When I actually have a free second I like to take photos, whether it be a high school senior anxiously waiting to go to college, a couple about to embark on a new phase in their life or an old bridge in the distance. Photography allows me to be out in the open air and gives me an outlet to meet new people.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about the success of inquiring minds. I am passionate about showing people their potential and the power of that potential. I am passionate about change and progression so that we may better ourselves. I am also passionate about my family, Chipotle burritos and pumpkin spice lattes.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Most people don’t know how to say my name correctly -- SIL-vee-uh-NET. People also do not know that I spent a year studying in Argentina and traveling around South America.
What are you most proud of? I am proud to say that I was raised by a single mother who never quit believing in me. Although she was unable to help me pay for college, I was able to finish strong (and without too much debt). I truly believe her prayers and continuous support were more valuable to me than monetary aid. I am thankful for her and that opportunity.
