APU Articles
Global Engagement Series: Natalie Hultgren’s Experience in India
June 24, 2024 | Nursing, Theology
Nursing major Natalie Hultgren ’26 spent two weeks serving in India on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. Engaging with doctors and nurses to serve the lower caste population expanded Hultgren’s heart to learning about the image of God in all people.
APU’s Art Galleries Showcase Students’, Alumni’s, and LA Artists’ Beautiful Work
June 20, 2024 | Arts
As I walked through the Duke and Darling buildings on West Campus on my way to a class last semester, an interesting sight stopped me in my tracks. Across the typically blank walls were multiple images I had never seen before—vibrant depictions of outer space, ancient Greece, and the ocean to name a few. Beside each picture was a QR code containing the link to a unique song that stirred the artist, Riley Sumaquial’s ’24, vision. I appreciate gleaning insight from Sumquial’s immensely talented synesthetic mind.
Alumni Feature: Video Editor Jordan Orme ’19 is Learning to Use His Platform to Share His Faith
June 18, 2024 | Alumni, Arts
When Jordan Orme ’19 created his YouTube channel at the beginning of the pandemic, he had no idea it would grow so quickly. Orme had spent the previous two years editing music videos for major artists such as Justin Bieber and Post Malone, working on documentaries for celebrities including Demi Lovato and Kylie Jenner, and creating commercials for Amazon and Nike. His channel started as a passion project, with Orme hoping to pass along insights he had gleaned from these experiences into video editing advice. When he began breaking down edits on some of his favorite music videos—especially in the K-pop genre— his following boomed.
Global Engagement: MJ Sanchez’s Experience in Belize and Guatemala
June 17, 2024 | Theology
Maia (MJ) Sanchez ’26, a liberal studies major with a concentration in psychology, spent two weeks serving in Belize and Guatemala on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. She learned about the value of connecting with others through listening and sharing one’s story, as well as relinquishing preconceived expectations.
Alumni Feature: Becky Keife, MA ’18, Shares God’s Love Through Words
June 10, 2024 | Alumni
Words have the power to transform, inspire, and uplift others. Becky Keife, MA ’18, was born with a passion for writing, drawn to empowering, life-giving words. Her childhood dream of becoming an author came true within a journey of venturing into different career paths, fearlessly raising her three children alongside her loving husband, and discovering joy through the challenges of making her aspirations a reality.
Alumni Feature: Vienna Christensen ’20 Makes a Difference as Outreach Manager at World Relief Western Washington
June 05, 2024 | Alumni, Behavioral Sciences
All her life, Vienna Christensen ’20 has been fascinated with travel, cultures, and serving others. As the daughter of missionaries, she never lived anywhere for longer than three years at a time. Her exposure to the beauty of different backgrounds combined with her heart for ministry through effective guidance led her to study sociology and honors humanities at Azusa Pacific University. She now serves as the Outreach Manager at World Relief Western Washington, assisting in refugee resettlement, drawing from what she experienced growing up and the ways her education expanded her understanding of others.
Alumni Feature: Caitlin Volk ’07 Creates Flourishing Family Business Selling Quality Coffee
May 16, 2024 | Alumni
There’s no feeling quite as comforting as a warm cup of coffee in the morning, or an iced latte on a sunny afternoon. While savoring coffee is a daily ritual for many all over the world, Caitlin (Hill) Volk, ’07, has turned her love for a freshly brewed cup into a flourishing family business. For the past year, Inland Roasters has served California’s Central Valley with quality coffee that pays homage to her late father-in-law.
Local Engagement: Young Life Capernaum
May 08, 2024
Azusa Pacific University students have engaged with the local community this year by working with disabled teens and young adults through the Young Life Capernaum program.
Faculty Feature: Tasha Bleistein Engages with Different Cultures as a TESOL Professor
May 03, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences
Tasha Bleistein, PhD, shares her passion for cultures through teaching English as a second language with care, respect, and kindness to others. In APU’s MA in TESOL program, she equips students to find their calling in such a broad field.
APU School of Nursing Partners with AUSD to Foster a Healthy Community
May 01, 2024 | Nursing
APU's School of Nursing partnered with Azusa Unified School District to host eight “Ask-a-Nurse” pop-up events this school year to bring health education and resources to families in Azusa while allowing students to learn about community health.
Faculty Feature: Larry Santiago ’97 EdD Exemplifies Discipleship Through Holistic Care
April 26, 2024 | Nursing
Larry Santiago, ’97, EdD, pursues his calling by caring for others, guiding future nurses to approach their profession with spiritual, emotional, and physical well being in mind to provide quality treatment.
Alumni Feature: Daniel Griffes ’09 Builds a Life He Loves Through Tiny Home Business
April 25, 2024 | Alumni, Business
Daniel Griffes, ’09, never thought that his childhood pastime, working on carpentry projects, would lay the foundation for his future as a tiny home builder. He serves God by building a life he loves, one that touches lives in unexpected ways.
Faculty Feature: Alan Oda, PhD, Creates an Inviting Space for Students to Grow
April 19, 2024 | Behavioral Sciences
For Alan Oda, PhD, entering psychology has not only allowed him to pursue his interests, but studying human development has given him the opportunities to strengthen his faith journey while helping others better understand their spiritual growth.
Leslie Sandoval ’04 Helps Students Succeed
April 16, 2024 | Education
Leslie Sandoval, ’98, MAEd ’04, is living out her calling as an educator and leader. She shows Christ’s love through her care for students and her staff, creating an inclusive environment for students to learn and thrive.
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.
