APU Articles
Advancing a New Era of APU Education
August 02, 2024
From its humble beginnings as the Training School for Christian Workers to one of the top Christ-centered universities in the nation, Azusa Pacific University has been an instrument of God throughout its 125-year history to advance His work in the world. APU students graduate transformed to answer a higher calling and make a difference in the lives of others. As we celebrate this special anniversary, APU looks forward to extending its legacy of transformation to new generations of disciples and scholars. As part of this issue, three university leaders share APU’s vision and strategies for boldly advancing APU toward a promising future while living out the Four Cornerstones of Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service.
A Most Peculiar Kind of Ministry
August 01, 2024
Tucked into the corner of University Promenade across the street from Azusa Pacific University’s East Campus sits one of the best hidden gems in all of Southern California: The Ministry of Peculiarities. Created by brothers Jonathan (Jon) ’05 and Benjamin ’11 Berk, The Ministry is home to Hope End, a one-of-a-kind escape room that has captured the imagination of thousands.
Xirui Huang ’25 Bridges Biotechnology and Statistics Masters Degrees to Help Others
July 30, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences
After completing his Masters of Statistics and Applied Analytics, Xirui Huang ’25, decided to pursue a Masters of Science in Biotechnology. Huang had such a positive experience at Azusa Pacific University while working towards his first master degree that he felt the school’s biotech program would help him reach his career and experience goals.
Global Engagement Series: Hannah Hawley ’24 Solidifies Her Belief in the Importance of Service
July 29, 2024 | Theology
Five Azusa Pacific University students spent three weeks this summer on a Global Engagement trip in Thailand. Students worked in children and prayer ministries to serve impoverished community members.
Mike Benton ’04 Lives Out His Calling as Broadcaster for the Seattle Kraken
July 26, 2024 | Communication
In the summer of 2021, Mike Benton ’04 got a text that changed his life. After nearly two decades of broadcasting for minor league baseball and hockey teams, a colleague texted Benton to see if he was interested in becoming the in-game host for the Seattle Kraken, a National Hockey League (NHL) franchise which would celebrate their inaugural season that fall. Benton, who had dreamed of becoming a broadcaster for an NHL team since he was a kid, replied, “Absolutely!”
Hannah Grace Cicciari ’25 Discovers Her Calling in Social Work
July 24, 2024 | Behavioral Sciences
Hannah Grace Cicciari ’25 spent her summer discovering her calling. As a social work major, Cicciari always knew she wanted to advocate for others, but it was only when she received the opportunity to work at the Tiglin Ocean View Women’s Centre in Brittas Bay, Ireland, that she discovered her passion for helping people recovering from addiction. Cicciari’s discovery in Brittas Bay this summer was a direct result of her saying “yes” to God’s call.
Student Spotlight: Samkele Mtonga ’25 Integrates Her Faith Into Science
July 17, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences
Azusa Pacific University graduate student Samkele Mtonga ’25 decided to move from Zimbabwe to America in order to pursue her passion of helping others through science. Mtonga is enrolled in APU’s Master of Science Biotechnology program.
Academic Feature: Phil Cox, PhD, and Biochemistry Students Conduct Cutting Edge Drug Metabolism Research
July 15, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences, Provost
This summer, Phil Cox, PhD, began research for a project his whole life’s work has led up to. As a principal investigator for drug metabolism research at Azusa Pacific University, Cox and three undergraduate students are collecting data in order to better understand how an antidepressant is metabolized by the human body.
Global Engagement Series: Heather Buck’s Experience in Spain
July 15, 2024 | Theology
English major Heather Buck ’24 spent two weeks leading the Spain Apotheca team in Santiago on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. By following God’s calling for her to lead the team, Heather learned what it means to fully trust in the Lord’s plan for how He seeks to use her skills and presence to make a difference.
Global Engagement: Makenna Malkin ’25 Utilizes Music Ministry In South Africa
July 15, 2024 | Theology
Seven Azusa Pacific University students traveled to the Limpopo Province of South Africa for two weeks over their summer breaks to serve in various ministries. The South Africa Global Engagement trip was focused on soccer ministry, but students participated in a variety of other ministries that allowed for individual gifts to be shown.
Global Engagement Series: Luca Fenlason Puts His Faith Into Action In Chiapas
July 08, 2024 | Nursing, Theology
Seven Azusa Pacific University students traveled to Chiapas, Mexico, for two weeks over their summer breaks to serve at an orphanage. The Chiapas Global Engagement trip aimed to cultivate supportive relationships with the children, but junior nursing major Luca Fenlason also learned how to translate his faith into his actions.
Global Engagement Series: Adelaide Towne’s ’26 Experience in Greece
July 01, 2024 | Theology
Adelaide Towne ’26, a sociology major, spent three weeks serving in Greece on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. She deepened her faith by connecting with people through engaging acts of fellowship.
Alumni Feature: Nicky Slavich ’14, MA ’18 Shares the Value of Human Connection
June 28, 2024 | Alumni
Nicky Slavich ’14, MA ’18 never thought he would work at Google as a recruiter. By forming meaningful connections, Slavich discovered his career calling. Throughout his journey, Slavich has learned that his identity stems from who God continues creating him to be.
New Tissue Engineering Facility Provides Cutting-Edge Opportunities
June 27, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences, Provost
In June 2023, Azusa Pacific University received funds to build a state-of-the-art tissue engineering research facility in the Segerstrom Science Center. This lab enables students to do research to set them up for success in the rapidly growing field of pharma and biopharma product development.
Alumni Feature: Razel Zapanta ’21 Lives Out Her Many Callings as a Singing Dental Student
June 25, 2024 | Alumni, Humanities and Sciences
Razel Zapanta ’21 is a testament to the fact that when you pursue your dreams, they really can come true. She is a two-time contestant on Wheel of Fortune, and has garnered a large following on Instagram by documenting her dental school journey, expressing her passion for creativity and science. She often calls herself a singing dentist, and recently sang the national anthem at a Phoenix Suns game. Zapanta continuously finds joy and fulfillment in her vocation, inspiring others with her optimism.
