APU Articles
Alumni Feature: Kelly Schlenz ’03, MA ’11 Lives Out His God-Given Calling as Executive Director of Idyllwild Pines Camp
October 02, 2024 | Alumni
By serving as the executive director of Idyllwild Pines Camp, Kelly Schlenz ’03, MA ’11 makes a difference in many people’s lives in the same place that shaped him growing up. His years at APU as a student and employee provided him with the tools to foster community and practice Christ-centered leadership.
Alumni Feature: Tom Scott ’15 Navigates the Film Industry While Keeping God First
September 30, 2024
Tom Scott ’15 came to APU with a God-given dream to pursue cinema. He graduated with more than just the skills to produce meaningful films, but with the rigor to keep God First. Scott has now worked for companies like Netflix, Dreamworks, and Disney, and is currently working on a major animated film called David, inspired by the biblical story.
Staff Saturday: Sarah Hernandez Brings Hope as Student Placement Coordinator
September 28, 2024
As a child, Sarah Hernandez dreamed of becoming a teacher. While God called her into a different career path, Hernandez’s passion for creating an inviting classroom experience makes Hernandez an excellent student placement coordinator in APU’s College of Education and Behavioral Sciences.
Alumni Feature: Boaz Goss ’13 Awarded Teacher of the Year in Fort Worth by Combining Christ and Scholarship
September 26, 2024 | Alumni
Azusa Pacific University students find that their positive experiences with faculty members is part of what sets their college experience apart from others. Faculty’s dedication to helping their students grow in their respective fields and genuine care for their wellbeing was what influenced Boaz Goss ’13 to become a teacher.
Faculty Feature: Sam Girguis, PsyD, Embraces Forming Strong Connections With Students
September 26, 2024 | Behavioral Sciences
Samuel Girguis, PsyD, became interested in the field of psychology through a ministry opportunity while in college. God led him down a path of becoming a clinical psychologist, and now he gets to walk alongside students in APU’s Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program.
Alumni Feature: Kelsey (Maher) Cruz ’17 Lives Her Dream as a Voice Actor
September 25, 2024 | Alumni
Kelsey (Maher) Cruz ’17 is a voice actor who has worked on prominent anime shows such as One Piece, SpyxFamily, and Attack on Titan. From talking elephants, to scientists, and magical creatures Cruz loves getting to discover new parts of her personality by portraying different characters. She embraces the talents God instilled in her to make a difference.
Staff Saturday: Men’s Basketball Head Coach Peter Bond ’08 Exemplifies Selflessness
September 21, 2024
Peter Bond ’08 selflessly coaches APU’s men’s basketball team, exemplifying what it means to be a servant leader. By pushing the team to work toward their fullest potential, Bond inspires each player to perform well, do their best, and work together to glorify God through the sport they love
Faculty Feature: Paul Boles ’99, PhD Grows in His Faith Alongside His Students
September 20, 2024 | Theology
Paul Boles ’99 combines combine his callings of teaching and ministry to inspire his students as a theology professor.
Local Engagement: Neighborhood Homework House
September 17, 2024
Azusa Pacific University’s more than 20 year partnership with the Neighborhood Homework House program allows students to serve children in the Azusa community through education. It is one of the many year round local engagement opportunities offered to APU students through the Office of Service and Discipleship.
Alumni Feature: Hazel Hu, MA ’03 Achieves Success as Entrepreneurial Leader
September 17, 2024 | Alumni
Hazel Hu, MA ’03, followed her dreams of becoming an entrepreneurial leader. She is the president of Permasteel, one of the most distinguished grill companies in the U.S., and recently celebrated the brand’s 20th anniversary. As a Chinese immigrant, Hazel is proud to have broken barriers and paved her way in the business world.
Staff Saturday: Larry Handy ’99, MLS, MFA, Encourages Lifelong Learning as a Librarian
September 14, 2024
Larry Handy ’99, MLS, MFA, can often be found engaging in deep conversations with students in the library, sparking their interest in lifelong learning. His journey at APU started when he earned a degree in English and Philosophy. As a creative writer, he finds joy in expressing himself through his God-given talents.
Faculty Feature: LaShan Epperson, DBA, Demonstrates Perseverance and Integrity
September 13, 2024
LaShan Epperson, DBA, embodies respect and empowerment as a business professor. She connects with students by meeting them where they’re at, opening up about her experiences in the corporate world, and teaching them to lead ethically.
Malia Acosta ’25 Values Joy and Connection On Uganda Kinesiology Trip
September 12, 2024
Azusa Pacific University’s Office of Service and Discipleship offers many opportunities for students to express their passion for service through Global Engagement trips. For a month over the summer, the Department of Kinesiology encouraged their students to serve the Lord while gaining practical experience in their field of study on a Global Engagement trip to Uganda.
Staff Saturday: Matthew Browning, EdD, Engages Students in Commuter Life
September 07, 2024
Matthew Browning, MA ’94, EdD, serves APU’s commuters by developing resources to help them thrive, especially by facilitating events in the Cougar Dome to build community. By sharing about his faith and actively spreading Christ’s love, Browning is a true example of being a difference maker.
Faculty Feature: A Calling With a Definite Purpose: Rachel Castaneda, PhD, Teaches Students to Love Like Jesus
September 06, 2024
Rachel Castaneda, PhD, teaches psychology students to love like Jesus. As a significant contributor to the field of public health, she uses her calling to make a difference, especially through the many grants she’s earned toward partnering with counties to create curricula for addressing youth substance use early intervention.
