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.
WENDY ALFORD
Job title: Electronic resources librarian
Job location: 27th Avenue, Building 71
What attracted you to GCU? I have strong feelings about supporting Christian education. I was lucky enough to have attended a private Christian school for all of my pre-college education. Working for a university that supports and provides high-quality Christian education sounded like a dream to me!
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? At the risk of reinforcing the librarian stereotype … I really do love reading! I can’t go a day without reading for at least half an hour. Amazon is great for getting books quickly, but nothing will ever beat wandering aimlessly through a bookstore, never knowing what new favorites you might stumble upon!
What are you passionate about? I am passionate about Christian rock music! My favorite band is Thousand Foot Krutch, and I have been lucky enough to see them in concert five times. People don’t normally expect a quiet, book-loving girl like me to love rock music, but I will rock out at a TFK concert with the best of them. I am also passionate about the importance of college ministry. Attending and then being on the leadership team at Christian Challenge at ASU changed my life, and I think it’s critical for churches and universities to purposefully attempt to reach college students during such a formative time in their lives.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? I love attending productions by Southwest Shakespeare Company at the Mesa Arts Center. Every play I have seen performed there has been excellent. I also have enjoyed bowling ever since I was on the team at my high school. My favorite bowling alley is the AMF at Thunderbird and the I-17.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: Some people know that I got my bachelor’s degree in linguistics. However, most people don’t know that I was destined to study linguistics, even from a young age. You see, when I was 8 years old, I became fluent in Ubbi-Dubbi, a made-up language from Zoom, the kids’ show on PBS. I picked it up quickly and easily. The crazy thing is, I still can switch back into Ubbi-Dubbi at a moment’s notice even today, nearly 20 years later!
What are you most proud of? I was able to earn my master’s degree in library science in 2 1/2 years despite simultaneously working full-time and planning, then having, my wedding.
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SHAYE DALLMANN
Job title: University counselor
Job location: 27th Avenue, Building 71
What attracted you to GCU? I love the Christian community and how close all the students are. I also love the campus. As soon as I took a tour of the campus, I fell in love. It may be in a lower income area, but when you are on campus it is as if you are in an oasis.
What do you do for fun and where do you find that outlet? I love to hike and go off-roading and cliff jumping. My favorite spots are in Mesa, Strawberry and Sedona. If you have never been to Fossil Creek, I highly recommend that as well. It is beautiful!
What are you passionate about? Helping others. I try to help my friends and family whenever I can, but I also love serving at my church. I am starting with the child center and production soon, and I can’t wait.
What are your favorite places or events in the Valley that you like to visit? One of my favorite places to visit is the Swap Meet in Mesa. It is a mile-long farmers’ market. You get to shop but also get fresh air and look at some cool homemade things.
Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know: I can sing. I took voice lessons for four years at GCU and was in choir for two of those years as well. I have been in choir since third grade. I do not like to sing in front of people, but if there is karaoke at a party I am always the first one up.
What are you most proud of? Persevering. I was put through a lot of trials the last couple of years of college. I really did not think I would make it through, but it actually grew my faith and gave me an everyday positive outlook on everything. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel. I have worked hard to get where I am, and I am growing every day in every way.
