As two of Azusa Pacific University’s four cornerstones, community and service are at the heart of the student experience. All APU undergraduates complete at least 120 service hours throughout their four years on campus, but a few go above and beyond the call of duty. To honor these students, APU, in partnership with the Berdena Ruth Foundation, established the Community Engaged Learning Award program (formerly the Servant Leadership Award). The recipients of the Community Engaged Learning Awards for 2025 are Hannah Grace Cicciari ’25 and Evelyn Huang ’25.
The award recognizes students who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in the area of community service and engagement. Service may have been performed within APU, in the local community, internationally, or through an academic course. Numerous graduating seniors were nominated, with the two finalists receiving a $1,200 award, with $200 being designated to a charity or organization of their choice.
Meet the Winners
Cicciari is a social work major with a minor in visual art. She served locally and globally during her time at APU, including global engagement trips to Uganda and Ireland. Her service included helping others in addiction recovery and supporting fire relief efforts for the Eaton Fire. Cicciari’s deep passion for helping others stems from her belief that true service flows out of loving God and others well. She had modeled humility and cultivated compassion through her studies and service experience. Cicciari plans to pursue a master’s in social work specializing in substance use disorder after graduation, with the goal of opening her own rehab center where art therapy, recovery, and the Gospel will come together for holistic healing.
Huang has demonstrated unwavering commitment to both campus and community service. From leading worship in chapel band to participating in mission trips, she has consistently prioritized serving others. As co-editor-in-chief of The West Wind, APU’s literary journal, she ensures that the voices of other students are heard and valued. Huang’s leadership is driven by a genuine desire to uplift others. She has contributed to Epicentre Church as a worship leader and small group counselor, and recently assisted evacuees from the Eaton Fire. Huang aspires to become a criminal defense attorney, helping achieve justice for all. She remains committed to the power of community and showing God’s love to others.