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Faculty Feature: Windy Petrie, PhD, Finds Joy and Fulfillment Through Literature and Hospitality

April 12, 2024

Book-lovers often enjoy reading for the sense of escapism stories provide; the ability to travel the world through ink on a page, embark on a journey with a character, and turn the final page with the feeling that they’ve experienced something life-changing. For Windy Counsell Petrie, PhD, chair of Azusa Pacific University’s Department of English, books have not only taken her on imaginary journeys, but her lifelong vocation to the literary world has provided her with multiple opportunities to travel and experience immersion in various cultures. She offers students the same comfort and joy that comes through literature by sharing her warm spirit and kindness that blooms like the roses outside her office.

Windy smiling

Student Spotlight: TyLee Manuel ’24 Builds Community Through Basketball

April 11, 2024

TyLee Manuel ’24 is a full time student athlete on the women's basketball team. She has learned the importance of community through her teammates. “APU has shown me how to be grateful through the people that I’ve met and the relationships I’ve created,” she said.

TyLee smiling

Alumni Feature: Gina Burnett MSW’22 Fulfills Her Mission Through Counseling Veterans

April 08, 2024

Efigenia (Gina) Ferrer Burnett’s, MSW ’22, family did not believe her when she came home from school one day and announced she was going to join the U.S. Army. Burnett was in high school, and aspired to become a police officer. While connecting with a cop through a school elective, the officer shared that law enforcement employers love hiring veterans. The seed was planted, and Burnett was committed to pursuing her goals. Little did she know how different the trajectory of her life would be through serving in the army.

Gina smiling

Faculty Feature: William “Jody” Wilkinson Finds Beauty in the Unexpected

April 05, 2024

Many meet God through worship settings, church, and engaging in discussions with believers. William “Jody” Wilkinson, MD, MS, encountered God in a personal and transformative way for the first time on a bike ride, leading him to pursue a career in exercise and fitness as a doctor in preventive medicine, who now taps into his passion for student development as a kinesiology professor.

Jody smiling

Student Spotlight: Arianna Sy ’25 Bridges Creativity and Christianity as an Actress

April 04, 2024

Ariana Sy ’25, an Acting for the Stage and Screen major and psychology minor, has found ways to pursue her creativity with Azusa Pacific University's God First motto in mind.

Arianna smiling

Alumni Feature: Issy Diaz ’20, MSW’22 Creates a Lasting Ripple Effect in Veterans’ Lives

March 21, 2024

Ismary (Issy) Diaz ’20, MSW ’22, has always approached service with an outpouring of compassion like a waterfall’s abundance. Through her 14 years of military work, earning two degrees in social work at Azusa Pacific University, and now counseling veterans, Diaz’s refreshing spirit flows into countless lives, creating a lasting ripple effect.

Alumni Feature: Issy Diaz ’20, MSW’22 Creates a Lasting Ripple Effect in Veterans’ Lives

Josh Holm ’15: Creating a Positive Impact Through Castles & Queens

March 20, 2024

On a chilly Saturday night in February 2023, Josh Holm, ’15, stood to the side of a runway in Milan, watching models show off apparel he had designed for his label Castles & Queens as cameras flashed and the crowd applauded in one of the four fashion capitals of the world. It was one of the biggest moments of Holm’s life, but just a few years ago, it seemed impossible—a dream that might never come true.

Josh Holm ’15: Creating a Positive Impact Through Castles & Queens

International Voices: Grace Arrington ’26 Finds Community and Faith Through Uplifting Connections at APU

March 19, 2024

Grace Arrington ’26 exudes a passion for legacy. As the daughter of an Azusa Pacific University alumnus, Arrington strives to pave her own path through her college experience, embrace her Chinese heritage, and continue to grow in her faith.

International Voices: Grace Arrington ’26 Finds Community and Faith Through Uplifting Connections at APU

Faculty Feature: Bobbi Alba Lets Her Light Shine as She Encourages Students’ Callings

March 15, 2024

Bobbi Alba, EdD, encourages her students to go out into the world to be lighthouses, guiding others to safety. Throughout her own career as an elementary and middle school teacher, counselor, and professor, Alba’s light has shined brightly. Her commitment to unconditional love illuminates in all she does.

Faculty Feature: Bobbi Alba Lets Her Light Shine as She Encourages Students’ Callings

Alyssa Hetschel ’13 Serves Others Through Social Work

March 14, 2024

Alyssa Hetschel ’13 discovered her passion for social work during her time at Azusa Pacific University which has allowed her to serve through her management and leadership skills. “Service is the name of the game for social work. I’m constantly serving my clients and community,” Hetschel said. “It’s embedded in me. Service is what appealed to me about APU.” She believes that social work is “very human work” that requires a passion for service and constant discipleship through mentorship.

Alyssa Hetschel ’13 Serves Others Through Social Work

International Voices: Sid Varland ’25 Radiates Ambition, Optimism, and Love for Others

March 13, 2024

Few enter college with a firm grasp of their calling, but for Sid Varland ’25, being able to hone his skills as a track and field athlete and a cinematic arts major made him certain that Azusa Pacific University was where he is meant to be. His ambition, optimism, and love for others radiates in every one of his projects and adventures.

International Voices: Sid Varland ’25 Radiates Ambition, Optimism, and Love for Others

Global Engagement Series: APU Students Share Their Experience Serving in Maui

March 06, 2024

Lucy Boles ’25, Sage Griffing ’25, and Cassia Arnold ’25 felt called to serve in Maui with 16 other Azusa Pacific University students for six days over winter break. The Maui Global Engagement trip aimed to provide for communities impacted by devastating fires that took place just months before the trip. The largest and most destructive was the Lahaina fire that occurred last August.

Global Engagement Series: APU Students Share Their Experience Serving in Maui

Global Engagement Series: Fatima Pulido and Jonathon Krohn’s Experience in Ensenada

March 04, 2024

Fatima Pulido, ’24, and Jonathon Krohn, ’26, felt called to serve in Ensenada, Mexico, along with 45 other Azusa Pacific University students, across five days over their Thanksgiving break.

Global Engagement Series: Fatima Pulido and Jonathon Krohn’s Experience in Ensenada

Faculty Feature: Charles Chen’s Appreciation for Nature and Stewardship

March 01, 2024

In the same way that plants need water, sunlight, and good soil to grow, people need a place to call home in order to cultivate their life. Biology professor Charles Chen, PhD, considers a number of places around the world as his home, offering him a firm foundation to explore his passions, discover his calling, and give others the tools to experience transformation as well.

Faculty Feature: Charles Chen’s Appreciation For Nature and Stewardship

Christina Mansour ’07: Serving Students as an Educational Counselor

February 29, 2024

After 16 years teaching high school math, Christina Mansour '07 became an educational counselor. She loves serving students, helping them plan classes & begin thinking about life after graduation, & caring for their needs through a wellness center.

Christina Mansour smiling