APU Articles
Why Graduation Rate Matters in Your College Search
April 25, 2017
As an incoming freshman, Marissa Hartel ’17 admits she was “oblivious” to the idea that it could take longer than the expected four years to graduate. Now, as a graduating senior, she says it is “incredibly important” that she completed her bachelor’s degree in psychology on time.
John Thornton Talks About New Book, Jesus' Terrible Financial Advice
April 18, 2017
John Thornton, Ph.D., CPA, is professor and chair of accounting ethics at Azusa Pacific’s LP and Timothy Leung School of Accounting, and author of Jesus’ Terrible Financial Advice: Flipping the Tables on Peace, Prosperity, and the Pursuit of Happiness.
Tending the Shepherds: Helping Ministers to Thrive
April 17, 2017
I love pastors. I always have, even before becoming one myself. My parents have been in the music ministry for more than 50 years, which provided a unique training ground for me, as we visited hundreds of pastors’ homes from across many denominations. In doing so, I underwent a kind of seminary training by osmosis—witnessing the deep joys of ministry as well as the sacrifices and difficulties. My paternal grandfather, also a pastor, mainly served small, “clergy-killing” congregations in New England. He set aside the opportunity to inherit the family dairy, and went back to Harvard University for his Master of Divinity. He served faithfully, preaching with depth and excellence and providing remarkable pastoral care. And it cost him dearly.
Andrea Ivanov-Craig Talks About New Book, Moving Toward Redemption
April 04, 2017
Andrea Ivanov-Craig, PhD, is a professor in the Department of English and scholar of Catholic short-story writer Andre Dubus. Her research of Dubus spans nearly two decades. She recently published her book, Moving Toward Redemption: Spirituality and Disability in the Late Writings of Andre Dubus (1936–1999).
Mexico Outreach Commissions Students to Mexicali
March 02, 2017
is a long-standing tradition at Azusa Pacific University, deeply cherished among students and alumni. Mobilizing students and local churches since 1970, the program aims to glorify God in Mexicali, Mexico, through service. Since it’s inception, more than 200,000 people have participated, and the numbers continue to grow.
Why La La Land Matters
February 23, 2017
La La Land, Damien Chazelle’s vibrant, dreamlike musical, is this year’s top grossing Oscar-nominated movie earning more than $340.5 million worldwide. Not only has the film succeeded financially, it smashed award nomination records. This classic Hollywood love story, won the most Golden Globes by a single film in history, ringing in a total of seven, including Best Screenplay, Best Musical, and Best Director. It also tied the record for the most Oscar nominations, 14, placing it alongside Titanic and All About Eve. La La Land went on to win Oscars for Best Actress, Best Director, Best Original Musical Score, Best Cinematography, and Best Production Design.
Why Bioethics Matters in Biotechnology
February 10, 2017
The last five years have witnessed amazing acceleration of innovation in biotechnology. CRISPR will lead to precision gene editing that could vastly improve food crop yields and provide cures to cancer. Lightning-fast gene sequencing will enable early detection of cancer from a simple blood test. High-speed bulk data transfer allows the entire genomes of millions of people to be compared online in the search for cures to both common and rare diseases. Neuromorphic chips will accelerate the dawn of artificial intelligence, and smart prostheses will allow para- and quadriplegic patients to move, the deaf to hear, and the blind to see.
Cougars Pack the New Den
January 25, 2017
When APU students camp out, it is usually for Trek, Outdoor Adventures, or Mexico Outreach. Smith Hall resident advisors Luke Irving and Sam Carleton, both junior communication majors, camped out for an entirely different reason. They wanted to be the first in line for the grand reopening of the Cougars' Den. “As the den’s most loyal fan, I needed to be the first to experience it’s reopening,” said Irving. “Camping outside the den started as a joke, but as it got closer we realized that we had to see the transformation before anyone else,” said Carleton.
APU Launches New MSN in Healthcare Administration and Leadership
January 23, 2017
Azusa Pacific University’s Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) in Healthcare Administration and Leadership, launched in spring 2017, is designed for BSN-prepared registered nurses who are looking to advance their career and move into management and leadership roles in a myriad of healthcare settings. The master's program prepares students to improve the efficiency and quality of healthcare services by giving them the skills to become competent and compassionate leaders.
Catholic Bishop’s Visit to Campus Inspires Hope
January 12, 2017
When Bishop David Gerard O’Connell, Episcopal Vicar of the San Gabriel Pastoral Region under the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, stepped onto campus the occasion marked the first time Azusa Pacific University hosted a pastoral visit by a Catholic bishop. The visit, preceding the holidays, included a tour of campus, the bishop leading prayer before chapel, a meeting with Catholic students and faculty, and a luncheon in his honor.
APU’s School of Accounting Connects Students with Dream Opportunities
December 16, 2016
If asked what a dream internship would entail, a flexible schedule, networking with multinational corporations, and an all-inclusive trip to Disneyworld may come to mind. Kellie Platek ’17, an accounting major at APU, lived this dream internship experience through PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the “Big Four” firms that offers corporate financial and legal services in 157 countries with global revenues of $35.9 billion.
Called to the Table
November 21, 2016
Locals and out-of-towners pour into a restaurant where fire pits and string lights on the patio lend a warm glow to the darkening sky. Conversations and background music blend into a comforting din as Mark Perone ’98 surveys the scene. He steps forward to greet the families and couples laughing and playing on the bocce court between bites of food and then nods in approval as his kitchen and wait staff move at a hastened clip to serve the influx of customers.
What Students Can Do Now to Get a Job When They Graduate
November 18, 2016
Take the Sabbath Challenge
November 10, 2016
Have you ever played misery poker? Here’s how the game works: you sit around with a group of friends and each one takes a turn sadly sharing how busy you are and how overwhelmed you feel. The key to winning is one-upping all the other players—if you are the most stressed out, work the longest hours, and are the most miserable, you win! But . . . do you really want to win that game?
Jesus' Tomb Uncovered
November 02, 2016
Recent news headlines announced the uncovering of Jesus’ burial place for the first time in centuries. Restoration work in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (originally called the Church of the Resurrection by early Christians) has exposed this most sacred place. Pilgrims who visit the church today are often surprised to learn that they are not looking at an actual tomb, but a marble edicule (Latin for “small house”) on the spot where the tomb stood. So where is the original tomb? And what is this so-called edicule undergoing restoration?