APU Articles
Lesa Brackbill ’05, MA ’24 Advocates for Children with Rare Diseases
June 12, 2026 | Alumni
Alumna Lesa Brackbill is the director of advocacy at Patient Advocacy Strategies, a board director for KrabbeConnect, a school board member of Derry Township in Hershey, PA, a twice-published author, and the leading force behind PA’s Act 133 of 2020.
APU Community Counseling Center Offers Affordable and Accessible Support to Community Members
June 10, 2026
Founded in 1988, APU’s Community Counseling Center continues to provide affordable mental health support to the Azusa community while preparing future clinicians through hands-on experience. Gregory Sanchez ’29, a PsyD student trainee at the CCC, said his experience at the clinic has played a significant role in preparing him for a future career in clinical psychology. “My time at the Azusa Pacific Community Counseling Center has been instrumental in developing my skills as a future clinical psychologist,” said Sanchez.
A Vision for Home: Isabelle Larsen’s Mission for Mental Health in Haiti
June 09, 2026 | Behavioral Sciences
At Azusa Pacific University, psychology is more than a field of study. It is a calling shaped by experience, compassion, and a commitment to healing across cultures. At APU, Isabelle Larsen ’27 has found a space where growth and vulnerability are part of the learning process. “I’ve been able to grow in a place where I feel safe, where I feel I can make mistakes,” said Larsen.
Annette Karim, PT, DPT, PhD, Builds the Next Generation of Physical Therapy Leaders
June 05, 2026 | Health Sciences
Annette Karim is focused on building the next generation of leaders in physical therapy and rehabilitation and movement science, guided by her faith and devotion to the students and patients she serves and faculty she serves alongside.
APU’s Business Management Program Prepares Students to be Leaders for the Kingdom in Every Environment
June 01, 2026 | Business, Undergraduate
Business management is a unique major, preparing students for not just the typical corporate atmosphere but also avenues like education, medicine, and hospitality. At Azusa Pacific University, students are provided with hands-on application, faculty guidance, and a strong faith foundation within the business management program.
APU Welcomes New Construction Projects, Building Community Engagement Across Campus
May 27, 2026
Azusa Pacific University consistently strives to provide students with the best possible experience on its campus. This year, that included upgrading the living areas and introducing many new conveniences for students.
Global Engagement: Ryder Burdett ’28 Engages in Meaningful Conversations with LDS Communities
April 28, 2026 | Global Engagement
Ryder Burdett ’28 joined APU’s Utah global engagement trip to share the Gospel through humble, respectful dialogue, prioritizing understanding and building genuine relationships with LDS students. Through prayer, common ground, and ongoing conversations, he learned that meaningful evangelism is rooted in compassion, patience, and trusting God to work over time.
APU’s Summer Bridge Program Introduces STEM Classes to Expand Student Impact
April 27, 2026 | Humanities and Sciences
Starting college can be a daunting endeavor for many incoming freshmen. Entering a new environment, living away from home, and taking new classes can feel like a lot, especially for first-generation students. For students starting at Azusa Pacific University, the Summer Bridge program helps alleviate those fears.
Dustin Coello ’26: From the Field to the Classroom and Back Again
April 24, 2026 | Undergraduate
After more than a decade in social work, Dustin Coello ’26 returned to pursue his MSW while continuing to serve children and families in his community. “When kids experience scary situations, it affects them more intensely when they don’t have their family as a support system,” said Coello. At APU, he found a Christ-centered education, meaningful mentorship, and a supportive cohort that reflects the same care he brings to his work every day.
Anita Tamang ’26 Is Changing the World One Student at A Time
April 23, 2026 | Education
Language is so much more than just a means of communication. Learning English can be life-changing, as Anita Tamang knows. She aims to continue to change lives, teaching English to students in Nepal.
