APU Articles
Cultivating Transformation Through Spiritual Formation
October 25, 2023
Ta’Tyana Leonard, MDiv, is a familiar face at Azusa Pacific University as one of the school’s campus pastors. Although she stands on stage giving messages at APU chapels, shepherds students through pastoral counseling, and leads the Kaleo SALT (Service and Leadership Team) program, ministry wasn’t always part of Leonard’s plan for herself. As a business administration major who also played softball at Oregon State University, Leonard once believed her future was in sports.
Makoto Fujimura Presents 2023 James L. Hedges Lecture
October 24, 2023
World renowned artist, author, scholar, educator, and theologian Makoto Fujimura presented Azusa Pacific University’s 2023 James L. Hedges Lecture on Oct. 18 in Munson Chapel, introducing students to an exceptionally enriching, engaging, and captivating perspective when it comes to viewing and creating art.
Faculty Friday: Chuck Grieb’s Lifelong Animation Journey
October 13, 2023
As Chuck Grieb, MFA, was eating breakfast with his wife one morning a few years ago, he witnessed two hummingbirds jousting like knights, and began creating illustrations for what would become his self-published book “The Goblin Twins- A Garden Clan Tale.” The book contains more than 100 illustrations, featuring inspiration from creatures he noticed in real life, such as rabbits in his yard and a bobcat on the street. Grieb’s creative initiative began long before his career in animation and storytelling. He has created art for as long as he can remember.
Alumni Feature: Elisa Marchetti’s Authorship and Victory in the Face of Cancer
October 12, 2023
Elisa Marchetti (Rohlwing) ‘04, MBA ‘09, encounters superheroes everyday, and she is one herself. While she does not wear a cape or fight villains, she has faithfully fought a much tougher foe—cancer—as a caretaker. Marchetti shares her story in her debut book “,” serving as a testament to hope and spreading the joy of God’s healing.
Dave Blomquist: Cultivating Transformation on the Field
October 09, 2023
Dave Blomquist, MA, is living out his mission as the head coach of Azusa Pacific University’s men’s soccer team. Although his teams have had many triumphant seasons, including going undefeated during regular season play and being ranked No. 1 in all of NCAA Division II in 2019, Blomquist doesn’t measure success through traditional metrics. “I have no idea how many wins I have in my coaching career. As much as I love when our team wins, that’s not nearly as important to me,” he said. “Tell me how many players I’ve coached because that’s the number of opportunities I’ve had to help a young man grow, develop, and be transformed.”
My Favorite Coffee Shops Within 10 Minutes from APU’s Campus
October 02, 2023
When it comes to heavy workloads, study sessions, and never-ending to-do lists, spending a few hours at a local coffee shop offers a space outside of school to buckle down on work, alone or with friends, all while sipping a delicious drink. Here are some of the best coffee shops within a 10 minute drive from Azusa Pacific University’s campus.
Jill Lincoln: Cultivating Transformation in Theater Arts
September 28, 2023
Jill Lincoln, MA, loves training the next generation of great storytellers. As the head of Azusa Pacific University’s Department of Theater Arts, Lincoln is passionate about helping students become experts at their craft, sharing impactful stories through the art of acting. “Stories matter. They’re the way in which Christ communicated and if we equip students to become exceptional storytellers, that is success, especially when we’re 20 minutes from the largest entertainment industry in the world,” Lincoln said.
Raphaela Lacerda ’23 Makes Her Mark in Conducting
September 20, 2023
As hundreds of audience members watched, Raphaela Lacerda, MM ’23, took the stage to conduct the San Bernardino Symphony Orchestra (SBSO) for the first time. Lacerda was guest conducting Georges Bizet’s Farandole from L’Arlesienne Suite No. 2 after an invitation from renowned conductor Anthony Parnther for the SBSO’s final performance of 2022. Having only rehearsed with the orchestra for 20 minutes the day before the show, Lacerda remained confident and everything went smoothly as the audience burst into applause as the piece ended. “A lot of people came up to talk to me after the show, complimenting the performance and commenting on how young I was,” Lacerda said. “There were even a few kids who said they wanted to be like me when they grew up. That was a special moment, to think I could be a role model for them.”
Global Engagement Series: Emily Durbin’s Experience in Turkey
September 12, 2023
After Emily Durbin ’23 graduated in May with a bachelor’s in business management, she embarked on one more opportunity to serve alongside her Azusa Pacific University friends on a three-week Global Engagement trip to Turkey.
Global Engagement Series: Emily Guerrero’s Experience in Romania'
September 07, 2023
Emily Guerrero ’24, a senior journalism major, served on a Global Engagement trip this summer in Romania. She and her team of four Azusa Pacific University students traveled to the capitol of Bucharest for nine days in May.
Global Engagement Series: Kekai Kaaumoana-Cummings' Experience in Italy
August 31, 2023
Kekai Kaʻaumoana-Cummings ’25 is a junior kinesiology major from Hawaii. Like hundreds of Azusa Pacific University students, Kaʻaumoana-Cummings chose to spend part of his summer serving on a Global Engagement trip. He and five teammates traveled to Rome for two weeks to share the Gospel.
Global Engagement Series: Anthony Chow’s Experience in Guatemala
August 30, 2023
Anthony Chow ’24, a junior nursing major with a minor in philosophical apologetics, served on a Global Engagement trip this summer in Guatemala. He and his team of 11 Azusa Pacific University students visited Guatemala in May and served in a variety of ways. Read on to learn about Chow’s experience:
What to Know about the FAFSA 2023-25 Changes
August 28, 2023
College Grant vs. Scholarship: What's the Difference?
August 25, 2023
Navigating financial aid can be challenging, especially if you’re a first-generation student or don’t have any experience with the college application process. The good news is that your financial aid options are fairly straightforward once you understand the terminology surrounding a college grant vs. scholarship.
