APU Articles
Diana Glyer Talks About New Book, Bandersnatch
December 10, 2015
Diana Pavlac Glyer, Ph.D., is a professor in the Department of English and a leading expert on C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. She is the author of Clay in the Potter’s Hands and The Company They Keep, as well as co-author of The Liberal Arts in Higher Education. Glyer released her newest book, Bandersnatch, on November 25, 2015.
Glendora DCFS Unveils Murals Created by APU Art Students
December 08, 2015
On December 7, the Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS) office in Glendora unveiled six murals created by Azusa Pacific University Art 310 students. Jim Thompson, Ed.D., art professor in the Department of Art and Design, was commissioned to provide art for DCFS to bring color and cheer to its six interview and visitation rooms. “The rooms were furnished only with a table and chairs, and the addition of the murals creates a warm and welcoming environment,” said Monica Rivas, DCFS community and support worker.
Cougar Interview—William Lisbin ’12
December 07, 2015
As a financial analyst for Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, William Lisbin ’12 supports projects that are out of this world—literally. While his day-to-day responsibilities focus on supply chain management for the fabrication of spacecraft like the Mars rover Curiosity, his reflections on career advice, extracurricular interests, and calling are down-to-earth.
Hollywood Turnaround
December 03, 2015
For Jarret LeMaster ’01, 17 years of acting for stage and screen provided the training and inspiration to confidently pursue his dream of creating a feature film. Passionate about the entertainment industry but weary of the tension he regularly experienced between its secular demands and his Christian commitment, LeMaster envisioned a project that would tell a redeeming story and appeal to a broad audience without compromising artistic quality or his ideals.
The Science of Friendship
November 23, 2015
I was about to leave my office and head for the first day of my Cell Biology class to go over the syllabus. The course has gained a reputation as rigorous among the students. At the first meeting, I tell them everything they need to know and try to calm their fears. Before I left my office, I posted a question on Facebook asking for previous students’ advice for the new ones. Within minutes, many had replied. Some were funny, others dead serious, all of them good. I read each one to my students so they could hear what a bunch of high school teachers, physicians, physical therapists, and physicians’ assistants said about how to succeed.
Focus on Writing Elevates Students’ Skills across Disciplines
November 23, 2015
The digital age demands clear and powerful communications, perhaps now more than ever. APU takes a comprehensive approach across disciplines to develop students into strong writers. From additional writing courses in the new General Education (GE) curriculum, to the Writing Center’s expanded scope, to the full participation of departments and programs on campus, students will have myriad opportunities to strengthen their writing skills no matter their chosen field of study.
Azusa Pacific Graduates Rank Among Most Employable
November 13, 2015
More college graduates struggle to find employment in their field than ever before—but not because of a saturated market. In fact, job openings have far outpaced new hires since 2009, according this year’s report from the U.S. Department of Labor. Rather, the discrepancy lies in the gap between graduates’ skills and employers’ needs. Today’s workforce calls for a new breed of employee, those equipped with a comprehensive, flexible set of skills and unique employability—person-centered qualities that go hand in hand with specific skills, knowledge, and competencies. Employers no longer settle for a single skill and degree, but seek well-rounded individuals who can contribute to the workforce, the economy, and even the community.
Gary Black Talks About New Book, Preparing for Heaven
November 10, 2015
Gary Black Jr., Ph.D, is an assistant professor in the School of Theology and author of three books, as well as co-author of The Divine Conspiracy Continued: Fulfilling God's Kingdom on Earth. Black recently released his newest book, Preparing for Heaven: What Dallas Willard Taught Me about Living, Dying, and Eternal Life.
Leading from Behind
November 09, 2015
When women’s soccer head coach Jason Surrell ’96 thinks about Mayra Almazan ’15, the 16-year Cougar mentor sits back and chuckles. “We still joke about her ‘recruitment,’ ” said Surrell about Almazan’s unorthodox journey to Azusa Pacific. Surrell did not formally recruit her despite the fact she grew up just down the road from APU, played at Covina’s South Hills High School—where Surrell teaches and whose head coach, Scott Mocabee ’97, doubles as APU’s current assistant—and both coaches have known her since she was 14 years old.
Reclaiming Mindfulness
November 03, 2015
During dinnertime, my husband asked me to put my smartphone away. He explained that my sons and he often miss out on my presence and engagement at the dinner table, which he knows I cherish and value.
Exonerated from a Murder Conviction, Nick Yarris Speaks at APU
October 21, 2015
What happens when the justice system fails? How does an innocent man fight that system, clear his name, and rebuild his life? Find out Thursday, October 29, 9:30-10:50 a.m. in the VIP room as Nick Yarris, wrongly convicted of murder, describes his journey through endless legal battles, 21 years of incarceration, and his re-entrance into society.
Creation Care: Making Steps toward a Sustainable Campus
October 13, 2015
This past summer, Azusa Pacific University’s Facilities Management team completed Sustainability Circle, a six-month program leading to the launch of a full complement of impactful initiatives geared toward achieving a more environmentally friendly campus. Headed by REV Sustainability, Sustainability Circle partners with utility companies and facilities teams to reduce costs and carbon-footprints at universities, school districts, manufacturing companies, and corporations.
Nagel Institute Invites APU Professor to Help Research Sociopolitical Issues
October 12, 2015
Kay Higuera Smith, Ph.D., professor in the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies, joined 9 other North American scholars and 10 Indian scholars last summer to conduct a two-week intensive seminar in India. As part of the Nagel Institute of Calvin College, the team comprised a wide range of experts, including biblical and political scholars, sociologists, and economists, each uniquely qualified to enrich the discussion about the drivers and consequences of economic and social change in the country.
The Fear Factor: Recognizing and Overcoming this Classroom Obstacle
October 12, 2015
On the first day of college, excitement and high hopes fill the air. But concealed among those eager faces lie a few anxious students who share a serious secret. There’s the shy young woman who can barely speak, the class clown whose one-liners and humorous asides irk every professor, and the chronic procrastinator with plenty of smiles but no homework. What tie binds them? It may be debilitating feelings of fear or anxiety—feelings that, left unchecked, can derail the most promising student.
Accounting Students Get Career Boost at Meet the Firms Event
October 06, 2015
More than 100 Azusa Pacific students pursuing careers in accounting boosted their prospects recently at the inaugural Meet the Firms event, held at APU and featuring representatives from several top local, regional, and national accounting firms.
