News Archive
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.
APU’s MSW Program Ranked Among Nation’s Best Social Work Degrees
April 11, 2024 | Media Relations
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.
APU Theater Presents Lauren Gunderson’s Silent Sky
April 04, 2024 | Media Relations
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 | 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.
Global Engagement Series: Fatima Pulido and Jonathon Krohn’s Experience in Ensenada
March 04, 2024 | Theology
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.
Christina Mansour ’07: Serving Students as an Educational Counselor
February 29, 2024 | Alumni, Education
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
Faculty Feature: Friary Nguyen’s Outpouring of Love Through Her Faith and Vocation as a Nurse
February 23, 2024 | Nursing
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.
APU’s School of Music to Receive Historic Gift to Build Pat Boone Scoring Stage & Recording Studio
February 23, 2024 | Media Relations
Equipping Difference Makers in Art History and Art Education
February 22, 2024
Faculty Feature: Dave Dunaetz Branches into Multiple Fields of Study While Sharing Christ’s Love
February 16, 2024 | Business
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 | Honors College
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.
International Voices: Hesou Zetelian ’26 Fearlessly Jumped into the Unknown and Discovered His Passions at APU
February 07, 2024 | International
Jumping into the unknown can stir a range of emotions, from excitement for a fresh start, to confusion about where decisions will lead. For Hesou Zetelian ’26, diving into change has produced a domino effect of finding his passions, community, and faith.
Faculty Friday: Aisha Chen’s Conscientiousness and Commitment to Mentorship
February 02, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences
Many professors have a heart for mentorship, and for Aisha Chen, PhD, creating connections with students is as thrilling as developing code, a passion of hers that has led her to many research and computer science discoveries. As an engineering professor, she strives to not only offer students the tools to help them succeed in the future, but to broaden their perspectives about humanity and how their role in science can further God’s plan for them.
International Voices: Jonathon Krohn ’27 Shares His Love for Different Cultures and Servant Leadership
January 31, 2024 | International
For Jonathon Krohn ’27, traveling the world and being immersed in different cultures is at the heart of growth, finding community, and following God’s calling for his life. Having already been to 10 countries, and eager to visit more, Krohn’s dream to become a travel nurse stems from his passion for diversity and helping others.
International Voices: Madey Sule ’27 Reflects the Love of God and Her Family in All Her Endeavors
January 29, 2024 | International
Madey Sule ’27 has always been fascinated by the way mechanisms work. From cell phones to ceiling fans, she always wondered how the circuits caused such devices to function. Her curiosity, interest in improving day-to-day life, and yearning to answer God’s calling gave her the drive to leave her home in Nigeria for the first time in order to pursue an engineering degree at Azusa Pacific University.
APU Alumnus Dave Canales ’03 Hired as Carolina Panthers Head Coach
January 26, 2024 | Alumni
After an athlete’s playing career wraps up, the pinnacle of professional sports is becoming a head coach at the highest level: the major leagues. Azusa Pacific University alumnus Dave Canales ’03 reached that pinnacle yesterday when he was named the head coach of the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers. David Tepper, the Panthers’ owner, said “Dave's background is rooted in success. He has an innovative mindset and positive energy that connects well with players and staff. We are impressed with his ability to bring out the best in players.”
APU Theater Presents William Shakespeare’s
January 24, 2024
Faith-Informed Excellence in Science and Research
January 22, 2024 | Health Sciences
From undergraduate biology majors exploring the intricacies of human drug-metabolizing enzymes to biotech master's degree students utilizing 3D tissue models of human organs to minimize animal testing, APU students are fully engaged in high-level research in their fields. With access to multimillion-dollar, industry-standard equipment, along with professor-mentors to lead projects, students conduct experiments, submit papers for publication and make original contributions to the sciences well before graduation.
Faculty Friday: Tim Samoff’s Diligence as a Game & Program Director
January 19, 2024
For Tim Samoff, MFA, developing Azusa Pacific University’s Games and Interactive Media program was much like creating a video game. His dedication to God’s plan for his life mirrors the engagement, exuberance, and perseverance that one must use when moving to the next level.
Called to Faithfulness
January 18, 2024
Throughout the pages of the last several issues of APU Life we have intentionally focused on APU’s unwavering commitment to Christ-centered higher education. After all, how can we claim to be a God First institution if the Truth of God’s Word doesn’t permeate every crack and crevice of this place?
Dominique Johnson '10: Pouring into the Next Generation
January 17, 2024 | Alumni, Business, Transfer
Dominique Johnson ’10 is driven to pour into the next generation. After 13 years playing professional basketball in the NBA D-League, for many international teams, and in the Big3, Johnson returned to Azusa Pacific University to serve as assistant coach on the men’s basketball team. “I wanted to share my knowledge and experience,” Johnson said. “I talked with (head coach) Pete Bond and he said I should start here. I’m grateful for the opportunity and it’s been great to be back at APU.” Johnson’s journey back to his alma mater was a long one, filled with lots of life lessons that he hopes to pass on.
A Commitment to Biblical Diversity
January 14, 2024
Faculty Friday: Brian Plummer Spreads Joy by Fulfilling His Purpose
January 12, 2024
Brian Plummer, PhD, is known among students for offering words of affirmation at the end of each class, sharing wisdom and “rules to live by” at the end of the semester, and ultimately using his humor and optimism to create a lasting impact. He frequently tells them, “stay beautiful,” “you matter,” “Plummer loves ya,” and many other encouraging phrases. His role as a history and political science professor combines his passion for mentorship, storytelling, and faith in Christ.
International Voices: David Saenz ’24 Seeks to Inspire and Uplift Through Film and Building Community
January 10, 2024 | International
When a family is grounded like a sturdy tree, even the most torrential weather cannot tear them apart. David Saenz ’24, who grew up in Chihuahua, Mexico, attributes his bravery, adaptability, and faith to his family. He carries immense passion for filmmaking, remains rooted in his Mexican culture, and hopes to share an aura of positivity in every smile to someone across campus, conversation with someone new, and act of kindness to a stranger.
Going for the Gold: Natalie ('17) and Chris Meinhold ('20) Make an Impact Through Physical Therapy
January 03, 2024 | Alumni, Health Sciences
As sneakers skid across the gym floor and the basketball is passed from player to player, physical therapists Natalie (Peterson) ’17 Chris Meinhold ’20 watch closeby—ready to provide critical on the court assistance as needed and cheering on the players they’ve trained with over the course of the past two weeks. The basketball swishes, and their team—the USA men’s deaf basketball team—wins the 2023 World Deaf Basketball Championships in Heraklion, Greece as the crowd erupts in cheers. The USA women’s team follows suit.
International Voices: Camille Campbell ’25 Adapts Through Changes and Cultural Identities
December 13, 2023 | International
At six-years-old, Camille Campbell, ’25, moved with her family from Philadelphia to a city near Paris, France. Campbell’s father, a pastor, felt called to pursue ministry, and after falling in love with French culture on previous mission trips, his family joined him on a life-changing expedition.
International Voices: Heejae Jeong’s Diligence, Perseverance, and Jeong
December 12, 2023 | International
The Korean word jeong means intimate connection between people in community. Heejae Jeong, ’26, embodies jeong, demonstrating a love for deepening relationships with others and striving to share the joy he finds in Christ with everyone he encounters. His dedication to worshiping God through community led him to pursue a degree in international relations and honors humanities.
Azusa Pacific University Hosts Fall 2023 Commencement Ceremonies
December 12, 2023
International Voices: Victoria Gautto ’24 Discovers Endless Possibilities While Following Her Dreams
December 11, 2023 | International, Music
When she was six-years-old, Victoria Gautto, ’24, was walking around Canoas, Brazil with her family as they heard an array of winds, chimes, and basses. Following the sounds, they found a local social project with a mission to help people from all walks of life have the opportunity to learn how to play an instrument. Music ran in Gautto’s family, as her father sang and played guitar in a band, and her younger sister participated in marching bands, so Gautto’s lifelong pursuit of music gradually began. Her journey to Azusa Pacific University to earn her Masters in Music in Clarinet Performance was one of perseverance, faith, and diligence toward her craft as a clarinet player.
News Release: APU School of Education Receives National Reaccreditation
December 11, 2023
Faculty Friday: Kat Ross’ Versatility as an Author and Receptiveness to the Doors God Opens
December 08, 2023
All throughout life, doors open and close. While some only stay open for a season, others last a lifetime. For Kathryn Ross ’15, MA ’18, she never imagined that English would be her major, her hobbies would become a career, and she would stand in front of a classroom of students eager to hear what she has to teach. By stepping through the doors God opened for her, Ross has discovered value in vulnerability, developed deep relationships with a heart for knowing others well, and pursued truth and goodness through everything she writes.
Student Spotlight: Tyler Jones ’24 Strives to Be a Light
December 07, 2023 | Communication
Tyler Jones ’24 aims to be a light in the lives of others. A senior communication management major with a psychology minor, Jones felt called to Azusa Pacific University after learning about what the school stood for as a God First institution, which matched his values. He was thrilled to find out he had received a multi-ethnic leadership (MEL) scholarship on top of his academic award and financial aid. “The scholarships lined up perfectly,” Jones said. “They made it possible for me to come to APU and I’m grateful.”
APU Receives $1.25 Million Lilly Endowment Thriving Congregations Grant
December 06, 2023
International Voices: Cheyenne Woon ’23 Found Her Home Away From Home at APU
December 05, 2023 | International, Transfer
As a child, Cheyenne Woon, ’23, dreamed of living in America, exploring a big city, and discovering opportunities to expand her career and life. When she transferred to Azusa Pacific University in Fall 2021, her dream came true, but with that came a period of growth, marked by reidentifying what matters most to her, and learning to embrace the parts of her culture that she’ll always love.
