Richie Orr ’16, MA ’20, knew he would attend Azusa Pacific University since he was seven-years-old. His father, Rick Orr ’16, began working as a carpenter at APU in 2000, and Rick brought his son to Night of Champions, an annual event that ministers to youth. “The staff needed extra hands to help remove trash, so that’s really when I started working at APU,” Richie joked. He and his father have come a long way since then. Rick’s four children have attended APU, and even Rick himself earned a bachelor’s degree in organizational leadership. As director of operations for Facilities Management, Rick works just a few buildings across from Richie, who works in Campus Safety as clery compliance coordinator.
Originally from South El Monte, Rick was a general contractor before finding his way to APU. In search of a career change, Rick felt God leading him to call a friend who worked in facilities management. Working his way up from carpenter, to manager of maintenance, to director for the past decade, Rick has not only seen the university grow and foster disciples of Christ, but he has also witnessed God’s goodness in his own spiritual development. “It’s been very fulfilling to me to deepen relationships with people who share the same commitment to put God First,” Rick said. “While the wonderful team I work with maintains campus facilities, we also encourage one another to pray and study the Bible together to draw us closer to the Lord.”
Richie studied social sciences, intending to teach while pursuing his passion to coach high school football. His experience at APU was one filled with meaningful friendships and enriching opportunities to explore his interests. Richie played football during his freshman year, then worked in campus safety, played rugby his senior year, and met Jen, his wife of four years. After graduating, Richie began substitute teaching and discovered his calling lied elsewhere. When a position in Campus Safety opened in 2017, Richie decided to join the staff full time while earning a master’s degree in business management with sports management as an emphasis. Richie worked as an officer, earned his graduate degree in 2020, and in 2021 moved into his current role.
The Orrs are not only committed to doing their work well, but they also strive to cultivate connections with the people they encounter through APU to share God’s light. Because Rick’s role entails overseeing maintenance, custodial, and transportation departments, his days are often filled with interactions across different sectors of campus. From federal and state compliance tasks, to ensuring campus work orders are fulfilled, Rick’s positive contributions to APU pour into both his colleagues and the students who get to learn and grow in a space that is well maintained. Similarly, Richie’s position widely impacts the APU community. Among his many responsibilities in keeping students, faculty, and staff aware of any safety concerns, Richie is often the one publishing timely warnings to inform the community of any crime or natural disasters on or around campus. He connects with resident advisors, coaches, and any staff members who students frequently speak with so even if they don’t communicate to campus safety itself, reports for important situations are being made.
I have asked God throughout the years about what He wants me to do, and He’s always continued to call me to APU. It’s been very fulfilling to work in a place where I can make a difference.Rick Orr
For both Rick and Richie, living out their calling at APU comes down to implementing their skills and efforts to help further the school’s mission to develop difference makers. As they each strive to make their departments the best they can possibly be, the Orrs share the same drive to keep God at the center of all they do.
The community at APU is one I’ll always be grateful for. Our ability to talk about faith plays a vital role in the ways we mentor students and grow personally.Richie Orr
When they’re not working, the Orrs love spending time together with their family. Rick has been married for 37 years to the love of his life, Sandra. Richie is their oldest son, and their other children Philip, Timothy, and Bethany are also proud APU alumni. Richie became a father a year ago, and his wife is due with their second child in July.
The Orrs continue to cultivate their love for God, each other, and how they can use their calling to create a legacy.