Get to Know the Grace College Admissions Counselors

You’ve heard about Grace College, but you have no clue what we have to offer. You may have even found yourself thinking, “I have so many questions! How am I supposed to get them all answered?” Do not worry, and do not fear: Your admissions counselors are here! They can help you compare your college options, navigate the admissions process, and even apply for financial aid! But who are these college admissions counselors, and what are they like? 

You just might find that you have more in common with them than you realized! Learn some fun facts about our team of college admissions counselors.

Jesse Harmeyer

Director of Undergraduate Admissions
B.S. in Management of Information Systems, Grace College (2020), M.B.A., Grace College (2020)

What is one thing you own that may seem insignificant to someone else but is important to you?
I have a collection of rubber ducks and each duck holds a special meaning to me; gifts from family, friends, or just finding one! 

 What is an embarrassing childhood memory?
I used to play the drums in the church’s worship band.  During rehearsal one Sunday morning, I accidentally let go of one of my drumsticks  and just missed one of the volunteers in the front row!  Ever since then, I have not hit anyone with my drum sticks.  

 If you could join any past or current music group, which one would you choose?
If I had the opportunity to join any music group, I would have to say the Jonas Brothers! 

What is the best joke you have ever heard?
You know that rain brings May flowers but do you know what May flowers bring? Pilgrims.  

Drew Lyons

Assistant Director of Admissions
B.S. in Marketing, Grace College (2021)

What Grace professor would you most want with you if you were stranded on a deserted island?
Dr. Rata, that guy would keep me entertained 24/7 whether we are playing table tennis or him teaching me about the Old Testament.

What is one professional skill you are working on improving?
I am working on being more adaptable to different situations.

What is one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Getting Qdoba. Whether it is 5PM or 5AM, Qdoba is the best food on Earth.

What is at the top of your bucket list?
I want to see the Northern Lights sometime in Alaska.

Izzy Eaton

Admissions Counselor | Transfers
B.S. in Worship Arts, Grace College (2024)

What is your go-to karaoke song?
“Love Song” by Sara Bareilles. Her music is very fun to belt out and sing. 

What’s in your fridge right now?
A pitcher of iced sweet tea and Sargento snack breaks.

You were a Grace College student recently. What was your favorite memory from that time?
This past February, I got to lead a team to a camp two hours away, where we led worship for high school and middle school students.

Would you rather have the ability to see 10 minutes into the future or 150 years into the future?
I would choose 10 minutes because when I am nervous about a situation, I could jump ahead 10 minutes to see how it turns out and then not be nervous anymore. 

Grace Anderson

Admissions Counselor
B.S. in Educational Ministries, Grace College (2024)

What would the name of your autobiography be?
The title would be “Sunset on the Water.” I like to draw, so I would design a beautiful sunset with me on the water’s edge.

What is your most bizarre life experience?
The first thing that comes to mind is gymnastics. I’ve calculated that I’ve done roughly 50,000 flips in my lifetime.

When you give a tour of campus to a high school student, what do you want him or her to feel and remember about Grace as a college admissions counselor?
I want them to remember a welcoming environment that has a Christ-centered community. I want to have a smile on my face to make a personal connection.

What would be your walkout song?
The first one I can think of is the “VeggieTales” theme song. That would be hilarious.

Ella Zeigner

Admissions Counselor
B.S. in Educational Ministries, Grace College (2024)

Say you are living in Florida in the summertime, and your job is to sell hot chocolate. What is your strategy to get people to buy it?
For my Florida friends, I would tell them that they don’t have to miss out on the glories of hot chocolate just because they live somewhere hot. I would have a Christmas set booth to my right so they could imagine themselves in a cold climate, and a tropical setting booth to my left with iced hot chocolate so they can embrace the weather and still enjoy the hot chocolate to the fullest! 

You are having a dinner party, and you can invite anyone who is dead or alive. Which three guests are you inviting?
I would invite Peter (the disciple), because I feel like we have a lot in common, as well as Colonel Sanders (because why not), and finally Drew Flamm because he’s the type of guy who can bring all parties together in one very enjoyable conversation. 

You can switch places with any Grace faculty or staff for a day. Who would you pick, and why?
I would switch places with Daniel Marquez, so I can enjoy his massive apartment for a day. 

Similar to the movie Groundhog Day, if you had to live the same day over and over again, what day would you choose?
I would relive the day I spent riding elephants in Thailand for my Go Encounter. I don’t think a day can get better than that one!

Crystal Crespo Santiago

Admissions Counselor
B.S. in Health Science, Grace College (2020)

If there was a movie made about Crystal Crespo Santiago, which actress would you want to play you?
I love Selena Gomez. Sometimes people say I look like her.

If you had a time machine, would you travel forward to the future or backwards to the past and why?
I want to go to the past because I want to see the 1950s really badly. My grandma talks about life in Puerto Rico in the 50s, and I long to see the heyday of the territory where I was born.

You were a student at Grace College, and now you work here. What makes you excited about where Grace is headed?
I came into Grace in 2016. Being a Hispanic student, the community was just starting. Now as a college admissions counselor, I see how multicultural and more involved we are.

Would you rather eat your favorite meal for every meal the rest of your life, or never be able to eat your favorite meal again?
I’d rather eat my favorite meal for every meal. It’s calledarroz habichuela. It’s basically rice with a side of beans.

Ben Miles

International Admissions Counselor
B.S. in Information Systems, Grace College (2015), M.S. in Nonprofit Management, Grace College (2016)

If you could only watch one movie for the rest of your life, what would it be?
The “Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Definitely.

What is your favorite memory of a family vacation?
Traveling to a beach on the shores of Egypt.

What do you like best about your job as a college admissions counselor?
Getting to connect with students and help them through the admissions process!

What is the best gift you have ever received?
My wife. :)

While the college selection process can be overwhelming, these college admissions counselors are here to help you handle whatever comes your way. Do you have questions to ask admissions counselors? 

Find out who your AC is here, and get started on your journey to more with Grace College!