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.
TAMMY BERNARD-FRASER
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Tempe
What attracted you to GCU? The awesome reputation they have in the community, their integrity, working for a Christian organization and being a part of something great. As a former educator, I love being a small part of helping teachers who are passionate about their calling and want to continue their education as well as assisting those new to the profession whose dream is to be in the classroom.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? My husband and I love to hike and try to do so every weekend. There are so many awesome places to hike in Arizona and we live eight miles from the San Tan Mountains, so we often go there. Also, we are a big game-playing family and host game nights every three or four weeks. We will have friends and family in, everyone will bring a dish to share and we will spend the evening playing games.
What are you passionate about? Maintaining strong family connections. Family is very important to me, and the legacy of love I leave behind is a top priority for me.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? San Tan Flats has great food, and we love the entertainment and atmosphere. Because we are fairly new to the Valley we love to try new things, whether it be the Salsa Festival, the Ostrich Festival, etc.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I have traced one family line back to 69 A.D. I started with my grandparents and great-grandmother and got as much information about their family as they could remember. From there I contacted town offices where their parents lived as well as local churches, which often have better records. I also have found online databases and state libraries, which typically have a large genealogy section, to be incredibly helpful. My genealogy to 69 A.D. goes through Mayflower descendants, who had ties to several lines of royalty in England from Edward Longshanks (if you have seen the movie Braveheart, you know the king I am referring to) through the fifth-century royalty from France. Records of royalty are well kept and much easier to trace.
What are you most proud of? My two sons. They are in their 20s and have grown up to be great men already. I especially love seeing how incredible they are to their wives and the respect they have for others.
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ROSA AVILA
Job title: Enrollment counselor
Job location: Peoria
What attracted you to GCU? The fact that as a Christian university, GCU is interested in giving back in the community to make it a better place, always puts people first and provides quality education at a reasonable cost.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to hike and spend quality time with my family and especially love spending time on my organic backyard garden.
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about helping people on their journey. I believe my purpose is to connect and point them in the right direction to achieving their educational goals.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love the outdoors, such as driving up to South Mountain, and read, shop for fresh fruit and produce at the downtown Farmers Market. I also participate in annual events such as the Walk for Autism and Walk for the Cure.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I grew up in a small town and my parents didn’t speak English, so I became the family’s interpreter at a young age, which led to a fun career. I have translated for private meetings with Arizona and Mexico governors, immigration conferences, Border Trade Alliance, NAFTA, Environmental Protection Agency and more.
What are you most proud of? I am proud to be the first in the family to have a bachelor’s degree. I inspired my children, nieces and nephews to follow my steps.
