APU Articles
Debbie Harris ’93 Brings Christian Education to Under-Resourced Communities
March 11, 2025 | Alumni
After graduating from Azusa Pacific University, Debbie Harris ’93 went into teaching and came across a new school called Hope Academy in Minneapolis whose goal is to bring a remarkable God-centered education to under-resourced communities.
Staff Saturday: Rick and Richie Orr: a Father-Son Duo Whose Family Has a Lasting APU Legacy
March 08, 2025
Rick and Richie find joy in a Christ-centered community where they can pour into others, cultivate spiritual growth, and watch God's handiwork across campus.
Faculty Friday: Jennifer Young, PhD, Encourages Students to Find Their Calling in Chemistry
March 07, 2025 | Humanities and Sciences
Jennifer Young, PhD, associate professor of chemistry and chair of the Department of Biology and Chemistry, connects with students academically and personally to show them how they can live out their callings in school and after graduation.
Staff Saturday: John Kirstenpfad ’06 Helps Keep APU Safe As Assistant Director of Campus Safety
March 01, 2025
John Kirstenpfad '06 uses his law enforcement experience to keep APU safe, mentor students, and support their faith.
Faculty Friday: Danielle Lascano MA ’07, EdD, LMFT, RPT, Spreads Hope Through Psychology
February 28, 2025 | Behavioral Sciences
Danielle Lascano MA ’07, EdD, LMFT, RPT, is an assistant professor, the associate dean, and the program director for the Master’s in Counseling Psychology program. In college, she wanted to find a way to combine her strong faith with her passion for mental health, and found that APU allowed her to do just that as both a student and a professor.
Alumni Feature: The Full Circle Journey of Steve Dang ’05
February 24, 2025 | Alumni, Theology
Steve Dang '05, MDiv, survived a rare cancer (HDGC) at just 29. He's now Chief Ministry Officer at Valley Christian School and an APU trustee.
Staff Saturday: Freddy Rivas ’99 Gives Back by Mentoring Students Discerning Pastoral Ministry
February 22, 2025
Freddy Rivas '99 came to APU as an undergraduate eager to dive into biblical studies and discover his calling to serve the Lord through ministry. For the past nine years he has given back to the community that shaped him.
Faculty Friday: John Burdett ’01 Cultivates Leaders Through Music
February 21, 2025 | Music
John Burdett ’01, EdD, had a transformational experience as a student at Azusa Pacific University. He has since dedicated himself to helping his students grow into strong leaders through music.
Student Spotlight: Emma Sanchez ’25 Deepens her Love for Christ and Learning
February 18, 2025 | Honors College, Humanities and Sciences
Emma Sanchez '25 has made the most of her college career. She is studying biology and honors humanities.
Staff Saturday: Bethany Blomquist Gives Glory to God as Assistant Athletics Director for Internal Operations
February 15, 2025
Bethany Blomquist coaches, supports athletes, and glorifies God.
Faculty Friday: Bala Musa MA ’12, PhD, Teaches Communication Through Friendship
February 14, 2025 | Business
Bala Musa MA ’12, PhD, professor of organizational leadership and communication, finds that having communication skills is a great way to create friendships and strengthen one’s faith. His love for teaching inspired him to integrate Christian values with his passion for communication into the classroom.
Community Engagement: APU Volunteers Collaborate with the Community and Food ED on Green Care Day
February 13, 2025 | service
APU students help fulfill needs in the community through collaborative volunteer opportunities such as Green Care Day, an annual event put on by Food ED.
APU’s Ethnic Organizations Connect and Uplift Students’ Stories
February 13, 2025
APU’s ethnic organizations foster diversity, unity, and belonging by giving students spaces to share their unique stories and celebrate cultural heritage.
The Value of a Lifelong Student-Professor Relationship
February 10, 2025 | Alumni, Theology
When William Johnston ’16 began his collegiate journey at APU he knew that he wanted to make the most of his experience. As he walked into his CLFM class the first week of school, Johnston met Matt Elofson, PhD, a professor who would not only become a trusted mentor, but also a lifelong friend.
Staff Saturday: Leslie Castro-Kolta, MBM ’22, Helps Employees Reach Their Full Potential
February 08, 2025
Leslie Castro-Kolta, MBM '22, uses her gifts to make a difference. As a business partner in APU's Office of Human Resources, Leslie is passionate about implementing her skills to create a positive impact for her colleagues.
