By Vickie Denning, Communications Director
TVLC is filled with remarkable people. Because of the number and size of our services, we often miss out on meeting folks or having the opportunity to get to know them. Today we’ll meet Mike Audelo.
About you?
Mike grew up in central California. He comes from a long line of bakers — a 300 year lineage originating in Italy, running through Spain, Mexico and ending in the United States. Mike worked in the family’s bakeries while growing up and through college, but Mike’s father encouraged Mike and his brothers to get an education and avoid the hours required of bakers.
Mike took his father’s advice and went to Chapman University in Orange, CA, studying Music Education. He earned a BS in Organizational Behavior from the University of San Francisco.
Mike has had varied experiences in the working world. He worked in law enforcement, city government, and human resources technology. He came to Tucson over 30 years ago as the result of a career opportunity, taking a “leap of faith” to join a startup software company. The company was sold in 2008 and Mike transitioned to the new company that was sold twice more, eventually to IBM. Mike currently works for Medallia.
Mike and Kathy met here in Tucson and married in 2004. Kathy is originally from Grand Rapids, MI and is a retired CPA. Kathy made Mike swear to “never to move her anywhere where they have to shovel the weather.” She is a University of Arizona alumna and has helped make Mike into a Wildcat fan.
Hobbies?
Mike plays guitar as part of the Saturday Night worship team. Mike says the hobby gives him great joy and provides a way for him “to recharge each week.”
Hidden Talents?
Mike has impressive musical talents. He knows how to direct a choir, serving as a church choir director for 11 years. At one point, Mike could play every instrument in an orchestra. And, Mike has done lights and sound for various musical groups including Earth, Wind & Fire, the Commodores, Styx, Van Halen and John Denver.
Favorite TVLC memories?
Mike said his first memory of TVLC was driving down Tanque Verde Road in 1991 and seeing the church. He was looking for a church to call home and decided to stop. It was the middle of the day and he was surprised to find the sanctuary open. Mike said: “I walked into the sanctuary and it was like a little whisper of breath saying ‘welcome home.’ I knew then and there I had found my church home. The love and acceptance we show to everyone confirms I made the right choice.”
Have you enjoyed getting to know Mike a little bit better? Can I share your story? I’d love to hear from you! Contact VickieDenning@tvlc.org
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