APU Articles
Alumni Feature: Daniel Griffes ’09 Builds a Life He Loves Through Tiny Home Business
April 25, 2024 | Alumni, Business
Daniel Griffes, ’09, never thought that his childhood pastime, working on carpentry projects, would lay the foundation for his future as a tiny home builder. He serves God by building a life he loves, one that touches lives in unexpected ways.
Faculty Feature: Alan Oda, PhD, Creates an Inviting Space for Students to Grow
April 19, 2024 | Behavioral Sciences
For Alan Oda, PhD, entering psychology has not only allowed him to pursue his interests, but studying human development has given him the opportunities to strengthen his faith journey while helping others better understand their spiritual growth.
Leslie Sandoval ’04 Helps Students Succeed
April 16, 2024 | Education
Leslie Sandoval, ’98, MAEd ’04, is living out her calling as an educator and leader. She shows Christ’s love through her care for students and her staff, creating an inclusive environment for students to learn and thrive.
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.
Student Spotlight: TyLee Manuel ’24 Builds Community Through Basketball
April 11, 2024 | Business
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.
Alumni Feature: Gina Burnett MSW’22 Fulfills Her Mission Through Counseling Veterans
April 08, 2024 | Alumni, Military Education
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.
Faculty Feature: William “Jody” Wilkinson Finds Beauty in the Unexpected
April 05, 2024 | Behavioral Sciences, Health Sciences
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.
Student Spotlight: Arianna Sy ’25 Bridges Creativity and Christianity as an Actress
April 04, 2024 | Arts, Behavioral Sciences
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.
Alumni Feature: Issy Diaz ’20, MSW’22 Creates a Lasting Ripple Effect in Veterans’ Lives
March 21, 2024 | Alumni, Behavioral Sciences, Military Education
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.
Josh Holm ’15: Creating a Positive Impact Through Castles & Queens
March 20, 2024 | Arts, Theology
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.
International Voices: Grace Arrington ’26 Finds Community and Faith Through Uplifting Connections at APU
March 19, 2024 | Communication, International
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.
Faculty Feature: Bobbi Alba Lets Her Light Shine as She Encourages Students’ Callings
March 15, 2024 | Education
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.
Alyssa Hetschel ’13 Serves Others Through Social Work
March 14, 2024 | Behavioral Sciences
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.
International Voices: Sid Varland ’25 Radiates Ambition, Optimism, and Love for Others
March 13, 2024 | Arts, International
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.
Global Engagement Series: APU Students Share Their Experience Serving in Maui
March 06, 2024 | Theology
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.
