Azusa Pacific University Names Andrew Barton Interim President

The Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Andrew Barton, EdD, as Interim President of Azusa Pacific University, effective November 5, 2021. Read the full letter.

Azusa Pacific University Names Angie Di Claudio ’89, MA ’17, the Director of Alumni Engagement

“As an alumnae of APU I look forward to the opportunity to keep our amazing community of past and future alum connected with APU, its resources, and each other as we continue to live out our mission of equipping difference makers impacting the kingdom of God across the globe.” Read Angie's full story.
Angie would love to hear from alumni! Contact her at adiclaudio@apu.edu.

Joseph "Joey" Olsen,
BSW ’09

Olsen obtained an internship with the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) during his last year at Azusa Pacific. He went on to work for Los Angeles County for the next four and a half years before Olsen and his family relocated to Northern California. His experience in child welfare strengthened his client-centered approach and assessment skills, opening his eyes in a profound new way. A lot of the individuals he served are viewed by their families, society, and even themselves, at times, as “the least of these.” Through his work, he came to realize we are all a few steps away from tragedy and the importance of healthy coping.
Read more about Joseph's journey from APU into social work.

APU Alumni Perks

Alumni Engagement provides alumni with perks of local and national discounts from thousands of hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, retailers, florists, car dealers, theme parks, national attractions, concerts and events! Just visit the APU Alumni Perks website and use the code: APU1899

Nationwide Airport Parking Discounts (including LAX) at The Parking Spot

Receive a 15% alumni discount in all 22 markets in nearly 40 locations when you park your car! Sign up through The Parking Spot App. Select Join and on Step 3, enter code: APU1899. Visit The Parking Spot website today and sign up.

Nathan Ryberg ’83

It is with a heavy heart we announce the passing of Nathan Ryberg. Nathan lived an extraordinary life; he was a recently retired police detective, and he and his wife Lori (also an APU alum) fostered more than 30 children, adopting several all with special needs. We will miss you greatly, Nathan.

James Griffin ’91

James Griffin is a partner in Weil’s Mergers & Acquisitions practice and is based in Dallas. James represents both private and publicly held companies from a broad range of industries, and was included in a press release naming him one of the Best Lawyers in America 2022.

Merry Brown ’94

Merry published a work of nonfiction, The Food Addict: Recovering from Binge Eating Disorder & Making Peace with Food. 

Christina Gomes ’97, MEd, ’99 

Christina is now the Senior Director of Clinical Operations at OPKO Health, Inc.

Brian Ostrovsky ’02

Brian is proud to share his book, Marketing 3-4-5: The Business Owner's Guide to Effective Local Marketing in 15-Minutes or Less, which is based on a workshop he has been teaching across the country. As part of this tour, his family of seven has been visiting communities since June 2020.

Ryan Fasani ’03

Ryan Fasani recently published Consuming Hope (June 2021, Klug Publishing), a powerful memoir about his father’s fight with ALS, a eucharist meal, and their journey of reconciliation.

Ronaele Heard ’04

Ronaele is currently teaching 11th grade English literature, as well as coaching the boy's basketball team at Lakewood High School. 

Ashley Hudson, MA ’11 

Ashley, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, recently launched her private practice therapy business in Yorba Linda, California. She focuses her work on teenagers, young adults, anxiety, depression, grief, and loss.

Ralph Rivas, MAPS ’12

Ralph has been the assistant coach of the women’s volleyball team at APU since 2001. His team won Conference in both 2018 and 2019. He and his wife, Debra, also celebrated 45 years of marriage on September 25, 2021. Congratulations, Ralph and Debra!

Meline Braich ’13

Meline works as a registered nurse at Kaiser Permanente. She currently specializes in the emergency department.

Cielo Ruiz ’13

Cielo started her MSW program this fall. She also has a son, Angel, who just turned one in November. Happy Birthday, Angel!

Amber Bruce ’15

We are pleased to announce the engagement of Amber to her boyfriend, Andrew Peter on October 8. Congratulations Amber and Andrew!

Alyssa Daum ’14, MA ’15 

Alyssa has written a book with the working title Water the Roses: Enjoy Today; Thrive Tomorrow, which discusses life satisfaction for dreamers.

Ryan McIntosh ’15 and Kristin Atwan ’16

Alumni Ryan and Kristin married on June 12, 2021, in Beverly Hills, California. These two met at APU and dated for four years before getting engaged in New York City in August 2019. After multiple postponements, the happy couple finally had their perfect day! The McIntosh’s live in Irvine, California. Congratulations!

Joshua Cross ’17 and Trista Harig ’19

Trista earned an MA in Psychology from Rutgers University in Camden in May. She married APU alumnus Joshua Cross on June 19, 2021. Congratulations, Joshua and Trista! 

Scott Jonathan Dinsfriend, MA ’17

Scott is in his third consecutive year with a full-tuition PhD scholarship. He is currently teaching at University of Oregon as a music theory graduate employee while pursuing a PhD in Music Composition. Scott is also a Music Director at City First Christian Academy in Eugene, Oregon. 

Cyinna Drotos ’17

Cyinna received her MA in Intercultural Studies from Biola University this May. She is currently working in the Academic Success Center at Fresno Pacific University as the Student Success and Tutoring Coordinator.

Melinda Nelson, MA ’17

Melinda continues to serve with her ministry, Flourish & Thrive, in impoverished Mozambique. Her organization focuses on assisting young adult orphans to transition successfully when they leave their orphanages or children's homes.

Victoria Andrews, MBM ’18

Victoria recently accepted a full-time position at Hyundai as Senior HR Business Partner. She married her best friend in San Diego on July 16, 2021. Victoria attributes her career success and development to her APU courses and mentorship. Congratulations, Victoria!

Anthony Roldan ’15,
MPEd ’18

Anthony married his beautiful wife, Carly, on August 21, 2021. He has also been promoted to ASB Director at Valley Christian High School in Cerritos, California. Congratulations, Anthony and Carly!

Lucas Rucks, EdD ’18

Lucas was appointed as Executive Dean for Business, Communication Studies, and Social Sciences at Shoreline Community College. In 2020, he was elected to the Workforce Education Executive Board to help lead the statewide advisory council for Workforce Education programs in Washington.

Toni Caddell, PsyD ’20

Toni has recently accepted a position as Staff Psychologist at Patton State Hospital.

Chanel Starks BSN ’17, MSN ’21 

Chanel began as a Medical RN at L.A. County USC, serving there for one year before shifting to the OR for two years. After three years at LAC USC, she became an OR RN travel nurse. Chanel started PHN as a nurse facilities evaluator for L.A. County.