News Archive
How to Be a Compassionate Neighbor During a Global Health Crisis
March 13, 2020
The reality of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic is difficult to process on many levels. You may be worried about a sudden change to your routine, concerned about protecting your loved ones, and aching over the turmoil and loss of life around the globe.
Resources for Students: APU CARES Supports Students in Need
March 12, 2020
Over the course of their college years, many students face family crises, encounter mental or physical health issues, or have difficulty navigating their academic courses. These situations are often a part of life, but when students are struggling, they may not know how or where to seek help.
Student Experience: Being an Animation Student Near Los Angeles
March 11, 2020
“When it comes to defining moments in careers like animation, most people realize this is what they want to do in their childhood,” Qamdhyn Hale ’22 explained. But for Hale, an animation and visual effects (VFX) major at Azusa Pacific University, the career-defining moment took place at the 2019 Annie Awards, an award ceremony presented by the International Animated Film Association in Los Angeles.
Kingdom Couple: APU Graduates Make a Difference as Nurses
March 09, 2020
Behind several locked doors at Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, in a softly lit room, Michelle Rosas ’15 glides to and from incubators housing newborn babies, soothing them in a hushed voice, gently repositioning them, and feeding the hungry. They are small—under 3 pounds or younger than 32 weeks old—and alarms signal Michelle to attend to the needs of the most vulnerable and fragile. Amidst the bustle, every sacred moment in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) holds value.
Student Experience: Finding My Calling as a Physics Major
March 06, 2020
When Oganes Khatchikian ’20 began pursuing a physics major and computer science minor at Azusa Pacific University, he entered a world of numbers and formulas. Data-driven information, mathematical techniques, and scientific methods became a part of his regular routine.
What Is an Articulation Agreement and How Can It Help You?
March 05, 2020
You may not have heard much about articulation agreements before, but they play a crucial role in many students’ college experiences. An articulation agreement serves as a stepping stone between one higher education system and another. These partnerships between junior colleges and universities allow students the flexibility to plan for graduation in a way that respects their time and finances.
Faculty Spotlight: Tom Hynes, Commercial Music
March 03, 2020
I Love Telling Stories: What Majors Are Best for Launching Storytelling Careers?
March 03, 2020
At its heart, storytelling is about connecting people to each other—and it’s a central part of what it means to be human. You may love telling stories, but don’t know how to spin that skill into a major or know what storytelling careers are available to you. We’ve got you covered!
Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Davidson ('19)
February 28, 2020
APU Alumnus Goes to Great Lengths to Capture Award-Winning Photograph
February 28, 2020
Azusa Pacific alumnus Randy Robbins ’99, ’02 clutched his camera and eyed the distant trees, hoping today was the day. Water gently lapped against his kayak and a breeze drifted across the Northern California lake, nestled among sweeping forests and distant hillsides, as an eagle took flight. The beating of wings, splashing of water, and click of the camera shutter—in a flash, Robbins captured a spectacular shot of a bald eagle catching a fish, a photo he had been hunting for months.
The Graduate Student Experience: How to Balance Work and School
February 27, 2020
Leslie Castro, MS ’20, will admit that balancing graduate school and a full-time job wasn’t always easy. Sometimes it was downright challenging. But, as she nears the end of her graduate student experience at Azusa Pacific University, she said it has absolutely been worth it.
APU's Games and Interactive Media Hosts Global Game Jam
February 26, 2020
Accreditation in Higher Education and Why It Matters
February 25, 2020
APU Student Experience: Becoming a Physician Assistant
February 21, 2020
6 Tips for Thriving in Your Sophomore Year of College
February 20, 2020
Sophomore year can take you by surprise! Everyone expects the first-year transition from high school to college to be a big change—and it is. But transitioning from the exploratory first year to a more focused sophomore year of college can be challenging too.
5 Graduation Questions to Ask Before You Leave College
February 18, 2020
Faculty Profile: Jesse Negron Goes Off
February 13, 2020
Why Hybrid Programs May Be for You
February 13, 2020
There’s no doubt about it—online education is here to stay. Online classes let you learn on your own schedule, allowing you to attend classes whenever and wherever is most convenient for you. More and more graduate degree programs are now being offered virtually, helping students pursue their education remotely.
February's Featured Alumnus: Zachary Fuhr '17
February 13, 2020
Your College Application Checklist: 8 Tips for Success
February 11, 2020
As a high school senior, applying to colleges is an exciting milestone. You’re planning for your future and envisioning potential career paths. But gathering all your information and filling out those college applications can seem a bit overwhelming. We get it!
Alumni Spotlight: Steven Schmidt ('17)
February 07, 2020
8 Ways Professional Students Can Access Resources for a Bachelor's Degree
February 06, 2020
Adult students who are working to earn a bachelor’s degree tend to have different needs than traditional undergraduates who enroll in college right after high school. Considering those needs, Azusa Pacific University strives to meet its student community where they are at. For instance, APU’s regional campuses offer learners a range of resources for a bachelor’s degree that can help professional students succeed no matter where they’re located.
Club Social Work brings awareness to human trafficking
February 05, 2020
4 High-Paying Jobs for English Majors
February 04, 2020
Earning an English degree is a rewarding accomplishment that can open many career doors upon graduation. While the degree does equip you to excel as a teacher, there are many other versatile jobs for English majors to consider as well.
How to Eat Healthy on Campus: 4 Tips for College Students
February 01, 2020
The cold weather season has arrived. And if you aren’t taking care of yourself, a cold or flu could be in your future!
APU Receives Carnegie Community Engagement Classification
January 31, 2020
Jaye Beekhuis: Doing the Write-Thing
January 30, 2020
Supporting Student Wellness: An Important Part of the College Experience
January 30, 2020
Finding success during college relies on a variety of factors, from study time to spiritual formation. But few are more important than student wellness!
APU Grew My Faith in the Midst of Skepticism
January 24, 2020
In the News: Discovery of Inscription Captures Media Interest
January 16, 2020
January's Featured Alumnus: Brian Kam '10
January 15, 2020
Student Spotlight: Isabella Luchi and Cristian Guzman
January 15, 2020
Great Places to Do Homework in the Azusa Community
January 15, 2020
Students can often feel stuck in the same routine in terms of where they complete their homework. Whether that be in one of the usual spots like the campus libraries, common eating areas, dorms, or even at one of the many tables located outside, sometimes finding a new place to do homework with refreshing scenery can be a huge help to both productivity and overall enjoyment. Getting off of APU’s campus to do homework is a great opportunity to switch things up their homework routine that has become stale.
STEM Scholarship Provides GI Bill Extension for Military-Connected Students
January 14, 2020
If you’re a military-connected student interested in earning a degree in a STEM (science, technology, engineering, or math) field, or want to add a teaching credential to your STEM degree, there is a new program that may help you pay for it. The Edith Nourse Rogers STEM Scholarship, which went into effect August 1, 2019, is for students who qualify for Post-9/11 GI Bill® benefits, but need a little more funding. This program kicks in after the GI Bill® to encourage degree completion.
We are STRONG: Living with Chronic Illness in College
January 11, 2020
I have been living with chronic illness my entire life. I received my first diagnosis at age 9 and have picked up several others along the way. I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). This means my joints are too loose and often dislocate, my skin is fragile to the point of tearing easily, and my heart does not work quite right. I live every second of my life with a level of pain I hope no one else ever has to experience.
APU Alumnus Challenges Football Team to Do the Right Thing
January 10, 2020
When Andre Johnson ’85 addressed Azusa Pacific University’s football team before their homecoming game in October, it brought back memories from his days as a Cougar. As a student, Johnson was a star cornerback, anchoring the defense while legendary running back Christian Okoyoe shredded other teams up on offense. Terry Franson, Johnson’s track coach at the time, reflected, “Andre was one of the finest defensive backs in APU football history. I cannot remember him ever getting beat on a deep pass. He recently spoke to our team on courage—he put his life on the line for others when no one else would.”
5 Tips for Managing Stress in College and Staying Healthy
January 09, 2020
Taking care of your health in college may sometimes seem like just another thing to add to your already-packed schedule. But staying healthy should always be your number one priority (along with excelling academically)!
Veteran Uses Yellow Ribbon Benefit to Pursue Dream Career
January 08, 2020
5 Tips for Online Courses: How to Connect with Your Professors
January 07, 2020
In the News: L.A. Times Features APU Alumnae Blanca and Susan Rubio
January 06, 2020
Spiritual Formation: How APU Helps Students Grow
December 19, 2019
Spiritual formation isn’t a secondary part of the student experience at Azusa Pacific University—it’s a driving component of what makes the campus community unique. The motto, God First, has guided the university since 1899, and its work to help students grow spiritually is a critical part of keeping that commitment.
Carnegie Classifies APU as an R2 Research Institution
December 18, 2019
Azusa Pacific University achieved the prestigious R2 designation from the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, the most influential rating organization among colleges and universities. This recognition heralds good news for current and prospective APU students seeking academic programs at the forefront of their fields. Students’ ability to engage in a high level of research with faculty members who are leaders in their industries translates to richer learning opportunities and better marketability upon graduation.
Military Scholarships Can Supplement Your Education Benefits
December 17, 2019
Many active duty, veteran, or other military-connected students use their hard-earned education benefits to help fund their college education. However, these benefits may not always cover the entire cost of tuition or associated expenses at their chosen school.
Serving Our Hispanic Students
December 13, 2019
Equipped with drive, ambition, yet some doubt, Jennie stepped onto APU’s campus as a first-generation college student committed to pursuing her academic goals. Reflecting on her APU experience, Jennie shared, “I’m extremely grateful for my time at APU. My academic journey set me up for success outside of the four walls of a classroom. I learned how to critically think for myself, acquired noncognitive development skills, and gained mentors that will forever pour into me professionally and personally.” Jennie earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in college counseling and student development and has served first-generation students at APU and low-income families in the community.
