News Archive
Alumni Feature: Nicky Slavich ’14, MA ’18 Shares the Value of Human Connection
June 28, 2024
Nicky Slavich ’14, MA ’18 never thought he would work at Google as a recruiter. By forming meaningful connections, Slavich discovered his career calling. Throughout his journey, Slavich has learned that his identity stems from who God continues creating him to be.
New Tissue Engineering Facility Provides Cutting-Edge Opportunities
June 27, 2024 | clas-biology-and-chemistry
In June 2023, Azusa Pacific University received funds to build a state-of-the-art tissue engineering research facility in the Segerstrom Science Center. This lab enables students to do research to set them up for success in the rapidly growing field of pharma and biopharma product development.
Alumni Feature: Razel Zapanta ’21 Lives Out Her Many Callings as a Singing Dental Student
June 25, 2024
Razel Zapanta ’21 is a testament to the fact that when you pursue your dreams, they really can come true. She is a two-time contestant on Wheel of Fortune, and has garnered a large following on Instagram by documenting her dental school journey, expressing her passion for creativity and science.
Global Engagement Series: Natalie Hultgren’s Experience in India
June 24, 2024
Nursing major Natalie Hultgren ’26 spent two weeks serving in India on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. Engaging with doctors and nurses to serve the lower caste population expanded Hultgren’s heart to learning about the image of God in all people.
APU’s Art Galleries Showcase Students’, Alumni’s, and LA Artists’ Beautiful Work
June 20, 2024
As I walked through the Duke and Darling buildings on West Campus on my way to a class last semester, an interesting sight stopped me in my tracks. Across the typically blank walls were multiple images I had never seen before—vibrant depictions of outer space, ancient Greece, and the ocean to name a few. Beside each picture was a QR code containing the link to a unique song that stirred the artist, Riley Sumaquial’s ’24, vision. I appreciate gleaning insight from Sumquial’s immensely talented synesthetic mind.
Alumni Feature: Video Editor Jordan Orme ’19 is Learning to Use His Platform to Share His Faith
June 18, 2024 | alumni-engagement, cota-cinema
When Jordan Orme ’19 created his YouTube channel at the beginning of the pandemic, he had no idea it would grow so quickly. Orme had spent the previous two years editing music videos for major artists such as Justin Bieber and Post Malone, working on documentaries for celebrities including Demi Lovato and Kylie Jenner, and creating commercials for Amazon and Nike. His channel started as a passion project, with Orme hoping to pass along insights he had gleaned from these experiences into video editing advice. When he began breaking down edits on some of his favorite music videos—especially in the K-pop genre— his following boomed. In the four years since launching, Orme’s channel has amassed more than 873,000 subscribers and his videos have garnered more than 111 million views. While the numbers are eye popping, he realized his work was not truly fulfilling.
Stacy Kula, PhD, Named Dean of College of Education and Behavioral Sciences
June 17, 2024
Azusa Pacific University Provost Anita Fitzgerald Henck, PhD, named Stacy Kula, PhD, founding dean of the newly formed College of Education and Behavioral Sciences, effective July 1, 2024. Kula brings more than 25 years of education experience to the role with expertise in qualitative research methods, achievement gaps, and education of underserved and immigrant populations.
Global Engagement: MJ Sanchez’s Experience in Belize and Guatemala
June 17, 2024
Maia (MJ) Sanchez ’26, a liberal studies major with a concentration in psychology, spent two weeks serving in Belize and Guatemala on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. She learned about the value of connecting with others through listening and sharing one’s story, as well as relinquishing preconceived expectations.
Alumni Feature: Vienna Christensen ’20 Makes a Difference as Outreach Manager at World Relief Western Washington
June 05, 2024
CLAS Senior Awards and Spring Dean’s List
May 20, 2024
Alumni Feature: Caitlin Volk ’07 Creates Flourishing Family Business Selling Quality Coffee
May 16, 2024 | articles
There’s no feeling quite as comforting as a warm cup of coffee in the morning, or an iced latte on a sunny afternoon. While savoring coffee is a daily ritual for many all over the world, Caitlin (Hill) Volk, ’07, has turned her love for a freshly brewed cup into a flourishing family business. For the past year, Inland Roasters has served California’s Central Valley with quality coffee that pays homage to her late father-in-law.
Local Engagement: Young Life Capernaum
May 08, 2024 | articles
Azusa Pacific University students have engaged with the local community this year by working with disabled teens and young adults through the Young Life Capernaum program.
Faculty Feature: Tasha Bleistein Engages with Different Cultures as a TESOL Professor
May 03, 2024 | articles
Tasha Bleistein, PhD, shares her passion for cultures through teaching English as a second language with care, respect, and kindness to others. In APU’s MA in TESOL program, she equips students to find their calling in such a broad field.
APU School of Nursing Partners with AUSD to Foster a Healthy Community
May 01, 2024 | articles
APU's School of Nursing partnered with Azusa Unified School District to host eight “Ask-a-Nurse” pop-up events this school year to bring health education and resources to families in Azusa while allowing students to learn about community health.
Azusa Pacific University Hosts Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies
April 29, 2024 | Media Relations
Faculty Feature: Larry Santiago ’97 EdD Exemplifies Discipleship Through Holistic Care
April 26, 2024 | articles
Larry Santiago, ’97, EdD, pursues his calling by caring for others, guiding future nurses to approach their profession with spiritual, emotional, and physical well being in mind to provide quality treatment.
Alumni Feature: Daniel Griffes ’09 Builds a Life He Loves Through Tiny Home Business
April 25, 2024 | articles
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.
APU Names Glendora Resident Vice Provost for Academic Services
April 23, 2024 | Media Relations
APU Names Azusa Resident Vice Provost for Academic Effectiveness
April 23, 2024 | Media Relations
Faculty Feature: Alan Oda, PhD, Creates an Inviting Space for Students to Grow
April 19, 2024 | articles
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 | articles
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.
APU’s MSW Program Ranked Among Nation’s Best Social Work Degrees
April 11, 2024 | Media Relations
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.
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.
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.
APU Theater Presents Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky
April 04, 2024 | Media Relations
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.
APU School of Nursing’s RN to BSN Online Program Ranked #2 in California by RegisteredNursing.org
April 02, 2024 | Media Relations
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
March Featured Alumna - Hannah Vase ’21
March 05, 2024
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.
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.
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.
Azusa Pacific University Announces $13 Million Gift from Anonymous Donor
February 29, 2024 | Media Relations
Undergraduate Housing for Next Year!
February 28, 2024
APU’s School of Music to Receive Historic Gift to Build Pat Boone Scoring Stage & Recording Studio
February 23, 2024 | Media Relations
Faculty Feature: Friary Nguyen’s Outpouring of Love Through Her Faith and Vocation as a Nurse
February 23, 2024
Friary Nguyen, MSN, RN, CNE, CHSE loves spending time in the control room when nursing students are in simulation labs. She watches students on screen as they practice nursing techniques on life-size mannequins, and Nguyen gets in character, speaking through her headphones when controlling the human-like patients. As a certified healthcare simulations educator (CHSE), she enjoys pursuing her calling for loving others through nursing, and teaching students to approach healthcare with a heart for servant leadership.
Equipping Difference Makers in Art History and Art Education
February 22, 2024
For students interested in a graduate degree in Art History or Art Education from a Christian institution, there is no better option than Azusa Pacific University. APU’s graduate art programs top the national rankings of many sources including Forbes, Best Colleges, Intelligent, and Grad School Center. APU’s programs offer students rigorous coursework taught by experienced experts, flexible schedules including fully asynchronous or low-residency classes, and multiple entry points each semester, all while preparing students to become difference makers in the art world after graduation.
Faculty Feature: Dave Dunaetz Branches into Multiple Fields of Study While Sharing Christ’s Love
February 16, 2024
Dave Dunaetz, PhD, has had a thirst for knowledge his whole life. While he has acquired six graduate degrees, published many academic articles, and earned awards for his dedication in a variety of fields, Dunaetz’s desire to share the Gospel is the core motivation behind all his work.
The Honors College Presents a Taylor Swift Colloquy
February 13, 2024
Swifties in Azusa Pacific University’s Honors College were enchanted to get together for an evening of rich conversation surrounding the world’s most renowned popstar: Taylor Swift. Students couldn’t shake off their excitement when it came to celebrating and diving deep into the lyrical intricacies within Swift’s writing.
Faculty Friday: Terry Dobson Empowers Students Through Inviting Spaces While Inspiring Creativity
February 09, 2024
Through every transformative experience in life, we gather an appreciation for knowing and loving others better, and confidently expressing our passion for becoming a part of Christ’s bigger picture. This is the lens through which Terry Dobson, MFA, sees design as collaborative opportunities to serve, and like every designer’s eye for creating something enticing and new, Dobson has an eye for creating an inviting and growthful space for his students.
