APU Articles
Staff Saturday: Sarah Hernandez Spreads Hope as the Student Placement Coordinator in the College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
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 MA ’94, EdD Lives Out His Calling Through Developing Student Engagement as the Director of 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.
Academic Feature: APU Theater Arts Program Studies Abroad in the UK
September 05, 2024 | Arts
During the summer, APU’s acclaimed Theater Arts program gave 20 students the opportunity to study abroad in some of the most renowned, historical theater sites in the United Kingdom. Led by professors Jill Brennan-Lincoln, MA, Kirsten Lundin Humer, MFA, and Sabrina Valenzuela (communications coordinator) students engaged in an unforgettable experience.
Staff Saturday: Brooke Lincoln Equips APU’s Women’s Soccer Team to Pursue Excellence
August 31, 2024
Introducing the Staff Saturday series: Azusa Pacific University’s staff plays a vital role in students’ transformative experiences on campus. We are blessed to have a community of Christians who follow their God-given callings, dedicating themselves to pursuing God’s goodness and honoring Him in all they do for the APU community. This new series is intended to uplift and shine a light on our amazing staff. Our first story features Brooke Lincoln, head coach of APU’s women’s soccer team. She finds fulfillment and joy in the sport she loves, inspiring her team to cultivate discipline, collaboration, and integrity on the field.
