News Archive
First Professor to Embark on Trek
January 31, 2003
"Oh God don't let anyone ask me to go on the winter trek. I am not physically prepared. I am 56 years old. I haven't put my body under that kind of stress in many years." This was my prayer and my excuses when I arrived at Bass Lake to teach the Art History course of the Great Works Program in January of 2003. The students arrived ready for a rigorous academic and physical schedule. They are so young and filled with so much energy was my thought. Was I like them when I was in college? Oh well, if I am real lucky I can bluff my way through any invitation to attend the trek. Twenty-five miles carrying 35 pounds in the snow, in a tent at night. I don't think so.
Marshburn Library, a House of Information
January 13, 2003
Azusa Pacific University takes great pride in providing its students and faculty with state-of-the-art facilities to further their education. An example of such facilities is one of the two university libraries is the William V. Marshburn Memorial Library located on East Campus. It was built in 1963, and has been renovated and upgraded several times since. The building is home to a plethora of educational tools for patrons to access, including a microform collection, a writing center, computers, the Sakioka Technology Training Center, the Ed Peterman Reading Room, and a theology and reference room.
From Russia, With Love
January 01, 2003
The Holy Spirit uses our weaknesses to bring glory to God. This truth was never more evident as a team of APU alumni ventured this summer into what was once enemy territory. The team arrived in Russia, unable to speak the native language and unsure of the adventure that awaited. Led by Rick Givens ’83, associate director of the Office of Alumni Relations, and Valery Zhakevich ’96, Media Center coordinator, the team included Jennie Larsen ’00, Rebecca Brannon ’98, Katie Colonna ’00, Jodi Visser ’03, Bruce Baloian, Ph.D., professor of religion, and myself.
Celebrating the Season of Harmony
December 13, 2002
On Wednesday, December 4, the School of Music celebrated the Christmas season with a presentation of selected carols sung by the Bel Canto Women’s Choir and the Men’s Chorale. The performance drew an overflow crowd to the Munson Recital Hall on APU's East Campus.
Short Acts, Big Laughs
November 25, 2002
The 2002 performance of An Evening of One Acts, performed from November 21-23, created three nights that were all laughter. The five short comedies ranged from 10 minutes to a half-an-hour, and included an act by the Drama Ministry team and a French absurdist piece.
Changing to Kinzley
November 20, 2002
Shelby used to be a Benning, now she’s a Kinzley. She will graduate from APU this December with an art major, and her senior art show, the culmination of her creative work, centers around the transformation she underwent when Changing to Kinzley.
Serving the Community
November 20, 2002
Over the years, APU has always encouraged students to get involved in local churches. In some cases, this involvement stretches beyond graduation, and develops into a lifelong ministry. This past weekend, a local neighborhood was touched through a handful of APU students and alumni who worked hand-in-hand with Neighborhood Christian Fellowship (NCF). The result: G.R.I.N.D. Skatehole (God’s Revelation in New Dimensions) celebrated its launch Saturday, November 16, 2002 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Family Matters in the Harry Potter Novels
November 01, 2002
Despite criticism by well-meaning adults that the Harry Potter novels might lure child readers to fascination with the occult, the overriding truth remains that the novels consistently warn against the practice of magic by non-magic people, including all readers of the novels.
C.S. Lewis and the Potter Debate
November 01, 2002
Three years ago, I was approached by James Hedges, the chair of Azusa Pacific University’s Department of English, to teach a section of Children’s Literature in the Adult and Professional Studies Program. The course went smoothly until I decided to substitute Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone by J. K. Rowling for The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis as an example of children’s fantasy. Why would a Christian professor teaching at a Christian university ask her students to read a book about witchcraft and wizardry?
A Celebration of Scholarship
October 31, 2002
Casualty of Thought
October 29, 2002
“My art is inspired by a desire to tell stories about the human experience,” said Guerrero. “I think some of our most interesting experiences take place within. I want to make visual all those things inside us nobody ever gets to share or see.”
Perpetuating Foundations
October 28, 2002
On October 21 and 22, the Haggard School of Theology hosted the annual Lectureship on Holy Living. The featured speaker was Stephen Gunter, Ph.D., who serves as Arthur J. Moore Chair of Evangelism at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.
School of Music Presents Visiting Artist Series
October 17, 2002
Azua Pacific’s School of Music presented the first concert in the Distinguished Visiting Artist Series on Saturday, October 5. The concert featured a string sextet performing selected chamber music of Johannes Brahms.
Overcoming Fear
October 16, 2002
I am a young woman of many fears. I'm afraid of falling, heights, spiders, being left, the effects of artificial sweeteners, drowning, being weak, asking for help, and failing. (The latter two are the worst.) I had to meet all of these fears head-on in the first few days of the High Sierra Semester. Yes, I knew that I would eventually have to face them, but I was kind of hoping I could start with the artificial sweeteners.
Play it Loud: APU Radio Is Back
September 27, 2002
On Thursday, September 26, Azusa Pacific’s campus radio station, KAPU, transmitted its first broadcast of the academic year.
Getting Down to the Business of Central Banking
September 18, 2002
On Monday, September 16, APU students, faculty, and staff, joined businesspeople from the San Gabriel Valley to hear Honorable Edward W. Kelley Jr., former governor of the Federal Reserve Board. Presented by the School of Business and Management, the topic of the lecture was "The Functions and Impact of the Federal Reserve System."
Get Around, Get Around, I Get Around
September 10, 2002
On your mark, get set, go! Transportation at Azusa Pacific University has just become more convenient. In an attempt to move students, faculty, and visitors around campus more efficiently, the Office of Facility Management has improved last year’s trolley schedule by doing away with scheduled pickups and converting to continuous service.
Over the Foothills
September 06, 2002
Many APU students experience nearby Garcia Trail in the San Gabriel Mountains. Garcia is a favorite for its easy accessibility (east on Alosta Avenue, north on Barranca Avenue, left on Sierra Madre Avenue; park near the fire station; trailhead is left of the station). The short but semi-strenuous hike gives a bird's eye view of the valley to the south, and the APU campus. The view to the north reveals an expanse of mountains with waterfalls, a mysterious bridge, camping, wildlife, and an observatory hidden just beyond this range of hills.
Team Moldova
September 01, 2002
Team Moldova began as Team Kosovo, but God changed their plans and lead them instead to the little-known country of Moldova. Moldova is situated in Eastern Europe between Romania and Ukraine. The Moldova team partnered with a Euroteam to work with a local church in the town of Capriana. They knocked down walls, tore off the roof, and dug holes (and dug holes, and dug more holes) for foundations necessary to build a second floor balcony on the church.
Team China
September 01, 2002
Team China was broken into two groups, serving at various locations, teaching English to high school students. Their purpose in going to China was to build relationships with the students in their classes, and after relationships were built, they have the opportunity to share with them the Good News.
Team Samoa
September 01, 2002
Team Samoa did a little bit of everything. During their first few days, they held a seminar for coaches, instructing them in drills, plays, and a variety of other skills that would help them to be better coaches to their students. After the seminar, they were able to lead a Bible study for the coaches.
Team Barbados
September 01, 2002
Team Barbados partnered with Child Evangelism Fellowship where they ran several Vacation Bible Schools for local children. The team visited local schools, holding Bible clubs featuring crafts and a puppet show. The children loved every minute they spent with the APU students.
Beach Break
August 27, 2002
L.A. by Subway
August 22, 2002
Though APU is close to Los Angeles, the city may seem like another world - until you become familiar with it. There are many exciting things to explore in L.A., even if you don’t have a car or lots of cash. Follow this guide to a car-less metro tour of the city, stopping at Olvera Street, Chinatown, downtown, Hollywood, and Universal Studios. Attempting the entire trip in one day would be exhausting. Arrange your own itinerary to fit your schedule. For an extensive guide to L.A., check out Lonely Planet’s Los Angeles.
APU Holds Barbecue for G.A.T.E. Participants and Families
August 05, 2002
With the at APU coming to an end, there was one last event for parents. Friends and family were invited to APU’s West Campus for a tour and barbecue. It was a time for students to exhibit what they learned and for parents to see the campus and the classrooms their children used.
APU's Summer Commencement
July 30, 2002
Azusa Pacific University’s undergraduate, graduate, and accelerated degree programs commencement was held July 26 at Cougar Stadium. David S. Dockery, Ph.D., president of Union University in Jackson, Tennessee, was the guest speaker. He advised graduates to "run the right race."
APU Hosts AUSD's Summer G.A.T.E. Program
July 19, 2002
Azusa Pacific University is the site of Azusa Unified School District's (AUSD) Gifted And Talented Education (G.A.T.E.) summer program.
CMA Holds 27th Vietnamese District Annual Conference at APU
July 18, 2002
The Christian and Missionary Alliance (CMA) held its Vietnamese District Annual Conference from July 12-16. The conference is held in a different state every year. This year it was held at Azusa Pacific with more than 80 participating churches.
Construction on the New Residence Hall to Begin August 1
July 17, 2002
On August 1, Azusa Pacific University will break ground on a new five-story residence hall. The facility will help to accommodate the rapidly growing student body.
SIE/A.I.M. Host Taiwanese Cultural Showcase
June 14, 2002
The School of Intensive English (SIE), now known as the American Languages and Cultural Institution, and the American International Mentoring Program (A.I.M.), joined forces once again to host the Taiwanese Cultural Showcase on June 13. Donovan Gray, DMA, associate professor of music, and his wife, Lana, hosted the event.
Food for Thought
June 07, 2002
Even during summer, APU students, faculty, and staff have an option of where to eat. The cafeteria is open every day Monday-Friday from 11:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Notes from the Field: Ecuador, May 17
May 24, 2002
Hi! Well, it's been awhile since our last update. We've been really busy this past week but it's been very worth it. We have been working with the street kids since Monday and will be working with them through Sunday. They are an incredible group of kids and we have all grown to love them so much. I think that we are learning just as much from them as they are learning from us.
2002 NACCAP Conference Held at APU
May 22, 2002
The 2002 National Association of Christian Colleges Admissions Personnel (NACCAP) Conference was held at Azusa Pacific University from May 19-22. The purpose of the conference was to aid in professional development as well as a time for the admission’s counselors from the various colleges to network with peers.
The Town and Gown Phenomenon – Part 1
May 01, 2002
These words evoke images of quaint communities and velvet robes of the academy in thoughtful coexistence. Yet the flesh and blood reality of any relationship between a diverse town (i.e., city officials, community leaders, and residents with demographic influences related to socioeconomics, politics, religion, ethnicity, age, etc.) and a gown (i.e., a college or university replete with distinct attributes derived from institutional heritage and mission as well as community makeup) provides a window into the complexity involved in defining the scope of the exchange.
Racing on Route 66
April 17, 2002
APU's School of Business and Management was successful at "Returning the Kicks to Route 66," at the seventh annual Canyon City Classic. The races began at 10 a.m. on Azusa Avenue, south of Foothill (Route 66) on Saturday, April 13.
British Misunderstanding
April 16, 2002
opened to lots of laughs and audience approval Thursday, April 11. A complex series of misunderstandings, accusations, fraud and tea drinking make up the basis of this very British comedy. Written in 1997 the entire play takes place on one set, the London home of Linda and Eric Swan. The story centers on the bumbling Eric who has created numerous false claims and is receiving more Social Services checks than he can handle. When he involves his soon-to-be-married tenant Norman McDonald, the problem spins delightfully out of control.
Students Honor Scholarship Donors
March 27, 2002
Four local foundations were represented on campus on Monday, March 11, for the annual Foundation Appreciation Luncheon hosted by the Office of University Advancement. Representatives from the GenCorp Foundation, Magic Johnson Foundation, James L. Stamps Foundation, and the TELACU Education Foundation attended a luncheon to honor foundations that grant scholarships to APU students each year.
The Science of the Crucifixion
March 01, 2002
Each year, Cahleen Shrier, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Biology and Chemistry, presents a special lecture on the science of Christ’s crucifixion. She details the physiological processes a typical crucified victim underwent and teaches her students to see Christ’s death on the cross with new understanding. The exact events in this scenario may not have happened in Jesus’ specific case, but the account is based on historical documentation of crucifixion procedures used during that time period. Please be aware that the following is of a realistic and graphic nature.
Taking the Plunge: Cross-Cultural Immersion
October 01, 2001
In today's global culture, a growing number of college students look forward to studying and serving off campus as part of their university experience. This trend encourages the development of a wide range of study and service abroad programs, from short-term mission trips to study tours, field seminars, international internships, student exchanges, and language and cultural immersion programs. Immersion programs typically include living with a local family, serving in a grassroots organization, participating in self-directed language and culture learning, and conducting small-scale research based on community issues.
The Role of Christian Scholarship
June 01, 2001
In Thornton Wilder's Bridge of San Luis Rey, Brother Juniper tries to conduct quantitative research on the ways of God. Trying to figure out why certain people die, he sets up categories of goodness, piety, and social usefulness, applying numerical value to each person. He presented his carefully researched findings to the Church, which promptly burned him and his writings at the stake. Christian scholarship is a risky undertaking.
Notes from the Field: India, Summer 2001
June 01, 2001
Night of Champions
March 01, 2001
A small, informal barbecue in 1986 featuring 50 Azusa Pacific students has evolved into the powerhouse event known as Night of Champions, an evening buzzing with activities and inspirational messages from world-class actors and athletes. Once again APU will host the outreach event March 16 welcoming thousands of students for the first time to the brand new Felix Event Center.
Climbing, Camping, and the Classics
February 15, 2001
Professors and administrators in APU's College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) recently designed a program that blends the study of classic art, music, literature, philosophy, religion, and history with the scenic environment of California's High Sierra.
Canyon City Scholars
December 01, 2000
Last May, the Celebrate Azusa Citizens Scholarship Program awarded its first scholarships to Lidia Badillo '04 and Joseph Denny '04. Badillo, an Azusa High School graduate, and Denny, a Gladstone High School graduate, were selected for their impressive academic records and community-minded involvement. Badillo earned a 3.8 grade-point average (GPA), participated in drama, and worked with children at her church. Denny maintained a 4.4 GPA while being active in a number of school activities, including the Science Club, the Concert and Marching Band, and the California Scholarship Federation.
Gary Verboon ‘78: Taking Stock of Life
November 01, 2000
Nursing in the 21 Century
October 27, 2000
With the advent of the new millennium, we ponder the future: What are the trends, challenges, and opportunities that face nursing? I offer my views with diffidence, fully aware of the pitfalls of forecasting. Once the mapping and deciphering of the human genetic code is completed, nursing professionals must address the implications of this new knowledge for nursing practice as well as the ethical, legal, and moral dilemmas created by this revelation. Nursing education must prepare nurses that understand and use health genetics.
New Nursing Degree Program
October 01, 2000
Designed for health care professionals who want to advance their careers, the RN to BSN Degree Completion Program is available to RNs 25 years of age or older with two years of professional experience, and at least two years of completed college course work.
The Library Archives: Treasure Hunt
October 01, 2000
To the untrained eye, the assortment of books, maps, files, and artifacts housed in the Hugh and Hazel Darling Library's Mrs. Irving Stone Room may appear totally unrelated. But to Ken Otto, M.S., MLIS, special collections librarian, everything is connected. In describing the more than 13,000-piece Special Collections, Otto sheds his role as librarian and becomes a historian. With enthusiasm, he explains how California's history is connected to the beginning of the city of Azusa and the Azusa Foothill Citrus Association. He then shares how the city's history is tied to the history of Azusa Pacific University, which is, of course, linked to longtime President Cornelius P. Haggard.
Technology in Missions: The Future of Missions
October 01, 2000
"One of the highlights of the visit to the leprosy center was spending time with the patients in their living quarters. We went from bed to bed, listening in amazement to each heartbreaking tale. It became clear to us how significant Christ's healing of the leper truly was. It's fascinating to see how these experiences bring to life the Scriptures we have known for years and how God can use each person in so many unique ways."