News Archive
Karla C. Alejandro Meza: Following God’s Lead
February 28, 2022
Choosing to pursue leadership positions as an APU college student was a transformational decision for Karla Consuelo Alejandro Meza ’22. From becoming a residence advisor her sophomore year to serving as president of Azusa Pacific University’s Student Government Association (SGA) her senior year, Meza follows God’s call to lead. “I want to advocate for students and amplify their voices,” she said. “I love APU students. I love people. I’ve been surrounded by amazing leaders here who have inspired me. When I took a leap of faith in obedience to serve, that’s the moment God started using me to make a difference for His Kingdom.”
Mapping Your Path to a Public Administration Career in 3 Steps
February 27, 2022
If you’re looking for work where you can match a passion for the public sector, diverse interests, and a rapidly expanding job market, a public administration career may be the right fit. California’s public sector has become a growing source of new public administration jobs in recent years, making this career path attractive for residents of the Golden State.
APU Professor Sings on Golden Globe-Winning and Oscar-Nominated Film
February 25, 2022
Star Wars, Star Trek, I Am Legend, X-Men, Men In Black, Jurassic World—just a few of the many major motion picture scores that Azusa Pacific University professor Michael Geiger, MFA, adjunct professor, School of Music, associate director, Men's Chorale, has performed on throughout his 40-year musical career. Recently, Geiger’s vocals were featured in the film and soundtrack of the latest cinematic adaptation of Frank Herbert’s 1965 novel, Dune, directed by Denis Villeneuve. Geiger worked on a team under the direction of award-winning composer and arranger Hans Zimmer, who received a Golden Globe award and Oscar nomination for his work on the project.
March's Featured Alumnus: Adam Craycraft, '11, Ph.D.
February 22, 2022
Building Bridges Between Faith and Science
February 18, 2022
As a community of disciples and scholars who desire a holistic and transformational education experience, Azusa Pacific University works to build bridges between faith and science. APU’s Center for Research in Science (CRIS) offers STEM students top-tier resources and support, research and internship opportunities, and space to dialogue on the relationship between faith and reason. With the objective of equipping students for scientific endeavors of all kinds, CRIS director Louise K. Huang, PhD, assistant dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, noted, “As followers of Christ, we have a responsibility to pursue excellence in our craft, acknowledging and honoring God in what we do.”
Advancing Renewal
February 17, 2022
In October 2021, Azusa Pacific University published its inaugural Renewal Annual Report, which details the progress of the university’s new seven-year strategic plan. As designed and implemented, Renewal: Strengthening Our Capacity for Cultivating Christ-Centered Scholars and Leaders will advance APU as a university of impactful Christian scholars and leaders characterized by best practices of the highest quality. The strategic plan, which launched in September 2020, provides a blueprint for a university-wide commitment to effectively promote and sustain Christ-centered academic excellence for highly diverse constituencies at all degree levels. The annual report features first-year successes in meeting strategic recommendations, references action items and timelines, and highlights a number of significant milestones and achievements related to these five Grand Initiatives:
Leading K-12 School Communities During Times of Uncertainty
February 14, 2022
Being a leader in K-12 school communities means making decisions and guiding others when things are uncertain—even in the face of immense challenges.
The Importance of Professor and Student Connection
February 11, 2022
The Gift of Christian Community: APU’s Return to Campus
February 10, 2022
Duffle bags and dorm rooms, sporting events and bonfires, crisp new books and old favorite study nooks—college life conjures up different expectations for everyone. But no one expected the COVID-19 college experience. Like countless campuses across the country, Azusa Pacific University went from a bustling hub of activity to nearly empty overnight. Now, a year and a half later, the APU community is back on campus. Familiar faces and places restore a sense of comfort, but something has definitely changed, fueled by meaningful lessons learned from being apart.
Earn a Degree While Working Full Time: 5 Strategies for Success
February 09, 2022
It can be easy to imagine earning your bachelor’s or master’s degree as a “traditional” student—an 18-year-old who’s starting college full time a few months after graduating high school, or a recent college graduate transitioning directly into a master’s program––but these days, student demographics are changing.
In the News: APU Alumnus Matt Orzech Heads to Super Bowl with Rams
February 08, 2022
Equipping Difference Makers in Engineering and Computer Science
February 04, 2022
In high-demand industries like engineering and computer science, Azusa Pacific University is equipping new professionals with the skills needed to be difference makers in these innovative fields. APU’s Department of Engineering and Computer Science offers a practically-informed curriculum and close interaction with accomplished industry professionals, preparing students for successful careers. “Our first priority is our students’ success,” said James Hsi-Jen Yeh, PhD, interim chair and associate professor, Department of Engineering and Computer Science.
APU Grad Shows Resilience with Medal Win in Tokyo Paralympics
February 03, 2022
Trenten Merrill ’15 went to the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games on a mission. He was determined to succeed in the long jump and represent the U.S. on the podium after falling just short in his Paralympic debut at the 2016 games in Rio de Janeiro. Although his jump in Rio was a personal best and it broke the American record, it placed him fourth and just off the podium.
A Crescendo of Opportunity
January 28, 2022
Nothing competes with the satisfying feeling of unwrapping the perfect Christmas present or opening a much-anticipated school acceptance letter. Azusa Pacific University alumnus Erick Quintanilla ’11, MM ’13, had that same magical feeling the first time he opened a saxophone case in his 7th-grade band class. From the moment Quintanilla laid eyes on the shiny instrument, his world opened to new possibilities. For the first time, he experienced the power of music to inspire young minds. Little did he know, he would use his gifts and talents years later to lead his own school band program, enabling the next generation of young musicians to experience that same feeling.
Student Spotlight: Grace Berry, ‘23, Acting for the Stage and Screen
January 26, 2022
January's Featured Alumna: Hali Jungers, '14, DVM
January 10, 2022
Effectively Adapting to Any Situation (VUCA)
January 05, 2022
How to Find the Right Campus Tour for You
December 17, 2021
Private Scholarships: How to Help Your Student Find Them
December 15, 2021
Finding the right private scholarships can be overwhelming for high school seniors. Here’s how you can help your student thrive in this process.
Comparing Helping Professions: Marriage and Family Therapy, Social Work, and School Psychology
December 03, 2021
Alumni Spotlight: Nancy Hines, MFA ‘14, Art
December 03, 2021
Alumni Spotlight: Graydon Driver, ‘16, Design Studies
December 03, 2021
The Benefits of Transferring Colleges: A Guide for Parents and Families
December 01, 2021
Your student wants to change schools. In this parent’s guide, learn all the benefits of transferring colleges and why APU suggests students apply ASAP.
Why Your Student Needs a College Mentor (and How to Find One)
November 16, 2021
A good mentor can help your student grow professionally, socially, and spiritually. Those are just some of the benefits of having a college mentor at APU.
APU Hosts Universities from Across the Globe in Virtual International Business Colloquium
November 12, 2021
This fall, Azusa Pacific University’s School of Business and Management hosted five universities from five countries in an International Business (IB) Colloquium. The digital event occurred across seven weeks, with speakers offering TED Talk-style lectures on various topics regarding global business. In addition, each meeting featured breakout workshop sessions, in which students worked together in internationally-diverse teams to analyze and present findings on case studies designed by faculty. Session attendance reached up to 230 students, with more than 1,000 participants in total from APU, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences in India, Tunghai University in Taiwan, Union University of California in Vietnam, and LCC International University in Lithuania.
Benefits of Graduate Programs: Discover Your Calling in Graduate School
November 10, 2021
You likely already know of the many benefits of graduate programs, such as the potential for higher pay and better job opportunities. Still, it’s natural to pause before entering a graduate program, wondering if this is the right time or the next step for you.
Professor Don Neufeld - 49 years of service
November 05, 2021
Undeclared Majors: 5 Tips for Choosing Your Path If You're Undecided
November 02, 2021
How do students with undeclared majors choose their classes? Take the time to explore your interests while choosing your courses using these tips.
Why Research Opportunities in College Create a Strong Overall Experience
November 01, 2021
Today’s job market and graduate schools are increasingly competitive. As you look to pursue the next stage in your journey toward your intended career with a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degree, you’ll want to take advantage of every competitive advantage you can.
Adjusting to Campus as a Sophomore: How to Get Connected
October 27, 2021
If you’re an APU sophomore, it's likely that this year is your first experience on campus. Learn some ways you can get connected.
APU Honors College Book Hits No. 1 on Amazon Best Seller Lists
October 25, 2021
A team of APU Honors College students wrote a book about C.S. Lewis’ science fiction novels that has reached the top spot on two Amazon best seller lists. A Compass for Deep Heaven: Navigating the C.S. Lewis Ransom Trilogy, (Square Halo Books 2021), hit No. 1 in the “Religious Literature Criticism” and “Science Fiction & Fantasy Literary Criticism” categories. A Compass for Deep Heaven has received enthusiastic feedback from readers all over the world, including endorsements from more than a dozen major Lewis scholars and incorporation into the curriculum of numerous academic programs.
Commuting to College: 4 Tips for Making the Most of Your Class Schedule
October 20, 2021
If commuting to college works best for you, here are four key tips for making the most of your class schedule.
Remembering Jon Wallace
October 11, 2021
To honor the legacy that Jon Wallace left behind at Azusa Pacific University is to remember the ways in which he impacted the lives of students.
October's Featured Alumna: Sara Champlain Pendleton '15, MA '17
October 05, 2021
Dignity Coconuts: Creating a Thriving Community
September 27, 2021
Motorbikes rev their engines, neighbors greet one another, and roosters crow against the gentle lull of the ocean —a new day dawns in a remote Filipino village. Connie, a local single mother, begins her job as a sanitation employee, proudly earning an income so her sons can attend high school. Nearby, Jorge hugs his wife and three children close before heading to work—his days of traveling to faraway cities to earn money are behind him. In the surrounding countryside, a family starts their day on the coconut farm, finally receiving fair pay for their quality produce. These individuals, plus hundreds more, have had their lives impacted by Dignity Coconuts, a locally operated coconut oil business created and led by Erik Olson ’03, President, Bet Olson ’04, Lead Ideator, and her father, Stephen Freed, CEO.
Embracing Renewal
September 17, 2021
Since its launch in September 2020, APU’s seven-year Strategic Plan—Renewal: Strengthening Our Capacity for Cultivating Christ-Centered Scholars and Leaders—has shaped the focus of the university with its three-phase approach to Refocus (2020-21), Rebuild (2021-22), and Renew (2022-27). Despite myriad challenges during the 2020-21 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the first nine months of implementation brought remarkable gains in delivering on APU’s educational mission with excellence, addressing issues of equity and justice, and creating a sustainable financial enterprise. Considerable university-wide collaboration, new external funding sources, financial targets met, and student success in a year of imposed remote learning highlight meaningful progress toward the aspiration for APU to be the premier Christian university of choice for our culture and times.
Alumni Spotlight: Dhyana Lau ‘21, Music & Worship
September 17, 2021
In-Person Classes Are Back: Here’s How You Can Thrive
August 31, 2021
After more than a year of virtual learning, students at Azusa Pacific University are reuniting with their classmates and professors in person this fall. While most college students are excited to be attending in-person classes, this transition is inevitably an adjustment for all, and getting back into the swing of things could take time.
Professor Kristof Van Grysperre, Music Performance
August 27, 2021