APU News
APU’s 18th Presidential Inauguration
Azusa Pacific University celebrated the inauguration of its 18th President, Adam J. Morris, PhD, on Wednesday, September 21, 2022. More than 2,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university filled the Felix Event Center to watch as Morris was officially sworn in to take the helm of APU. “During my interview process with the Board of Trustees, I told the leadership of this great university that I wanted to be part of something so big that only God could do it,” Morris said. “It’s that hopeful expectation of what God will do in our midst that motivates and encourages me to join each one of you on this epic adventure called Azusa Pacific University.” Read more and watch a recap of the entire program.
Dedication of the Duke Student Commons
Following the Presidential Inauguration of Adam J. Morris, PhD, there was a ribbon cutting ceremony dedicating the newly completed Duke Student Commons, a space for students to fellowship, study, eat, and rest on West Campus.
James (Jim) Hedges, PhD, APU Professor Emeritus, Peacefully Joined the Lord in Heaven on July 25, 2022
Hedges dedicated more than 30 years to Azusa Pacific University. He taught over 20 courses in English, communication, and journalism; advised the student newspaper for five years; developed the children’s literature course and taught it to hundreds of students training to be teachers. Highly respected and admired, Jim often stepped into positions of leadership among faculty colleagues. He was also well-loved by students who treasured his wit, enthusiasm, and colorful neckties. Throughout his APU tenure, he went to extraordinary lengths to meet student needs, evidenced by the wide array of courses he taught. His contributions to APU are invaluable, and continue to pour into the lives of students.
University Archivist Kenneth Otto ’77 Retires After 35 Years of Service
Kenneth Otto, MLIS, MS, served as a liaison for the areas of undergraduate and graduate engineering and computer science, undergraduate and professional math and physics, all departments within the School of Music, as well as the Honors College and Special Collections.
Shino Simons ’96, MA ’00, Bids Farewell to APU After 25 Years of Service
A farewell celebration took place on October 5, 2022, to bless Simons with expressions of love and appreciation for all that she has given to the APU community. The breadth of her influence and impact has been significant.
Alumni Spotlight
Stephen Vogt ’07 Retires From Major League Baseball
APU Baseball alumni gathered at the Oakland Athletics game on September 27 to cheer on APU Baseball alumnus, MLB All-Star, and A's Catcher, Stephen Vogt ’07. While at Azusa Pacific University, Vogt set nine school records from 2003-2007. Some of the
records include the highest career batting average, hits, doubles, walks and RBIs. Vogt graduated in 2007 and was inducted into the APU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019. He retired from Major League Baseball last week after a long, respectable career. He announced his retirement in September and played his final game against the Anaheim Angels. His last game in Oakland was a special moment for both himself and the franchise. In his first at-bat, Vogt’s three children made their way to the booth and announced their dad. Later, during his final at-bat as a Major League player, Vogt crushed a fastball over the right field wall for a home run.
Read full article on ZU Media.
Melissa Moore ’11:
Finding My Voice Through “Faith Hope Love”
Although the decade after graduating from Azusa Pacific University didn’t go exactly according to plan, Melissa (Dowdy) Moore ’11 is living her dream. Moore is the host of the “Faith Hope Love” show on Spirit Radio in Visalia, CA. “I dreamed of being on the radio as a kid, but I never thought it could actually happen. I was a bit of a nerd and lacked the courage necessary,” she said. “It was only over time that God gave me the opportunities—many of which were at APU—to slowly build my confidence, to trust in Him that whatever He called me to, He would make happen.” Read more about Melissa's APU journey.
Tevin Krall ’18 Launches Mama Boy Movers LLC With APU Alumni
In early 2020, Tevin launched his own professional household moving company called Mama Boy Movers LLC with the help of many other APU graduates: Jonah Wataru ’17, Keaka Kaakau ’18, Cordell Smith ’18, Jay Brylka Duvu ’20, Noel (Ming) Hosnell ’20, and Brandon Jackson ’20. Mama Boy Movers is centered around faith and making an impact in our communities, and they proudly promote reduced rates for single moms and parents who are struggling financially.
Randall Trice ’19, MSW ’20:
CCCU 2023 Young Alumni Award Nominee
Randall Trice is APU’s nominee for the 2023 Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) Young Alumni Award, which recognizes an individual who has achieved uncommon leadership or success in a way that reflects the values of Christian higher education. While attending APU, Trice started his nonprofit, Shoes4Grades, which donates shoes to at-risk and foster care youth and connects them with mentors for the long term, empowering these youth to develop crucial life skills, make healthy choices, and have successful futures. Read more about Trice's APU journey.
LeAnn Linenko, MPA ’22:
Changing Hearts and Minds with Police Therapy Dogs
When most people think of dogs in law enforcement, they picture big German Shepards who use their menacing presence to detain suspects and their advanced sense of smell to sniff for drugs and explosives. The Los Gatos Police Department recently added two pups to their unit, but instead of intimidating canines who use their noses to aid the police, they chose two adorable Goldendoodles—JJ and Gary—who use their hearts to help. These dogs joined the department thanks to dispatcher LeAnn Linenko, ’22, MPA, who wrote her capstone paper while a graduate student at Azusa Pacific University on the ways therapy dogs can support law enforcement officers’ mental health.
Read full article.
Alumni Opportunities
and Events
Let us know which events you are interested in and we will keep you informed of dates, times, and ticket availability as events are confirmed.
RECAP! ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT EVENTS
Cougars For Life: Summer 2022 Events
There were plenty of fun opportunities to engage with Alumni during our recent Summer events. Alumni volunteers handed out root beer floats to over 500 students for the traditional Student “Mugging” during Welcome Weekend. Alumni, family, and friends cheered on the L.A. Angels and L.A. Football Club teams. The APU community enjoyed hot dogs, games, and fellowship at the Cougars Tailgates for the APU's Women's Volleyball, Women's Soccer, and Men's Soccer games. Join us next time and be on the lookout for our upcoming events!
View event photos.
Honoring Coach Jim Milhon
Azusa Pacific 1975-95 Football Reunion
September 30-October 2, 2022
What a phenomenal weekend of events honoring the legacy of the 1975-95 football alumni and coach, Jim Milhon. Festivities began Friday evening with a Soccer Tailgate supporting APU Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams. At halftime, football alumni took the field and were recognized by APU Director of Athletics, Gary Pine. On Saturday, the old Hillside campus was the perfect backdrop
to exchange stories and share memories over a picnic lunch that culminated in a "race" to the cross with APU VP Emeritus, coach, and friend Terry Franson. That evening, all gathered once again to eat and fellowship together with the Milhon family where several alumni shared the lasting impact Coach Milhon has had on their lives extending far beyond their time at APU. The weekend concluded with a chapel service on Franson Field led by notable alumnus Steve Connor ’85. Read full article on ZU Media.
It is with sincere gratitude that the Alumni Engagement, Athletics, and Advancement teams were able to welcome back and honor the Azusa Pacific football alumni of 1975-95. In the words of Coach Jim Milhon, “There is always a road back.”
View event photos.
Click the video below to watch a presentation of Azusa Pacific Football - Coach Jim Milhon Era.
RSVP! APU COMMUNITY EVENTS
Black Student Association's (BSA) 50th Anniversary
Saturday, October 22, 2022
2-6 p.m.
Trinity Lawn, East Campus
Calling all APU Black Student Association (BSA) alumni, affiliates, and supporters! Join us in celebrating 50 years of BSA on Saturday, October 22 from 2-6 p.m. on Trinity Lawn. Come enjoy games, rides, food, and an alumni panel to celebrate BSA's history and inspire their future. This is a Halloween-themed event, so don't forget your costume.
Food: $6
Games/Rides: $6
Games & Food: $10
RSVP by clicking the button below. Contact blackalumni@apu.edu for questions.
Honors College: Shoestring Soirée 2022
Saturday, October 22, 2022
7-9 p.m.
Upper Turner Campus Center
Student leaders in the Honors College will host an evening of desserts, live performances, and art displays for our Honors community. We invite all Honors students (both majors and minors), as well as alumni, faculty, and their families to attend! Semi-formal attire is expected.
RSVP by clicking the button below. Contact apuhonors@apu.edu for questions.
SAVE THE DATES! UPCOMING EVENTS
L.A. Kings
Hockey Game
January 14, 2023
7:30 P.M.
Section 218
Crypto.com Arena
TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON
Disney’s Frozen:
The Musical
February 17, 2023
7:30 P.M.
Orchestra Terrace
Segerstrom Hall
TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON
L.A. Clippers
Basketball Game
March 5, 2023
7 P.M.
Sections 107 & 115
Crypto.com Arena
TICKETS AVAILABLE SOON
Homecoming 2023 March 23-25, 2023
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Class Reunions Saturday, March 25, 2023 |
Alumni Updates
If you have any news you’d like to share with the alumni community through our newsletter—such as career or education accomplishments, a wedding announcement, or additions to your family, to name just a few— let us know!
Lyn Levens, MA ’62
Lyn thanks the Lord for 83 years of blessings, 61 years married to her high school sweetheart, 6 adult children, 18 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren who all know Jesus!
Beverly Crain ’71This year Beverly directed the play Murder with Absolution and performed the role of Helga in Night Watch at Newport Theater Arts Center. She also performed the role of Mother Abbess in The Sound of Music with Temecula Performing Arts Company. |
Ed Loomis ’75Ed is retired and living in Caldwell, Idaho. He celebrated his 80th birthday on August 23. He played football for APU in 1961 and 1965. |
Kristen Fry ’89Kristen is teaching Community Health Evangelism in rural Uganda. She does advocacy to stop child trafficking, building relationships, & sharing the Father's love. |
Arolyn Burns ’91, MA ’97Arolyn is the owner and therapist director at The A Treatment Center, which celebrated its 17th anniversary in Pasadena and its 5th in Newport Beach. They are also hiring psychotherapists in Pasadena. |
Kristen Goree ’96Kristen, husband Tim, and two of her three daughters moved to Branson, Missouri in September 2021. They are enjoying a very new way of life and excited for this next chapter. |
Thomas Green ’97Thomas retired from teaching in June 2021 and is currently volunteering as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster youth in Riverside County. |
Monica Sedberry ’97Monica is serving alongside her husband in the Children’s Ministry at her church in Corona. She is working full time as a supervisor in behavioral health and as a wife and mom of two children. |
Dallas Stout, |
Elisa Steele ’01On July 11, 2021, Elisa married Gabriel Johnson of Spokane, WA. They live outside Washington, DC, where Elisa continues to teach high school U.S. History while Gabriel works for the Department of Veteran Affairs. |
Brooke Snyder ’02After teaching abroad for two years in Brazil, Brooke has relocated to Boise, Idaho. Her family, including her two beautiful grandsons, live there as well. |
Benjamin Box, MA ’03Benjamin was named the 2022 US Navy Chaplain of the Year in August (formally called the Military Chaplain's Association Distinguished Service Award) for providing combat trauma care to Marines. He is deeply grateful for the foundation for ministry he received from Azusa. |
Mike Benton ’04Last fall, September 2021, the Lord answered Mike's long awaited job prayers and delivered. He is now into his second year as radio pregame, intermission, and postgame host for the Seattle Kraken of the NHL, and is also working as a fill-in host on radio flagship, 93.3 KJR-FM in Seattle, WA. |
Janet ’05 and John Arquillano ’05Janet and her husband John are both APU graduates and celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary on August 19, 2022. Janet works as a Certified Case Manager RN for NAMM/ PrimeCare while John works for Constellation software as a software engineer. |
Michelle Azar ’05, MA ’06Michelle is a proud member of the APU family! She hangs her APU pennant and license plate frame in her classroom and keeps one in her car, too. She lives in South Dakota and is teaching 5th grade. It's her 16th year as a K-8 teacher and she loves what she does. She thanks APU for giving her a Christ-centered education. |
Steven Dang ’05In July, Steven was promoted to Chief Ministry Officer and Campus Pastor of Valley Christian Schools in San Jose. |
Eileen O'Neall ’12Eileen started a non-profit after graduating and is being deeply impacted by one of the summer service trips, Creative Hope International. They do restorative arts in Cambodia and build music education programs in India and Nepal. They would love to find volunteers, interns, or supporters. |
Lacey Savage, MA ’12Vantage Leadership, a Chicago-based firm specializing in the selection, integration, and development of leaders, has welcomed Lacey as a consultant. She will work with clients across Vantage’s offering areas. |
Lucille Flores ’14, MA ’17 and Paul Flores II ’14Lucille and Paul recently welcomed the birth of their son, Paul Angel Flores III, on April 29, 2022. |
Chris Campbell ’15Chris was inducted by the Rancho Cucamonga Chamber of Commerce to be its General Counsel. |
Emmaleigh (Carlson) Klein ’16, MA ’20Emmaleigh married Benjamin Klein on March 12, 2022, in Savannah, Georgia. APU Alumni in attendance included Abigail Gaines ’00, Karen ’05 and Seth Rouggly ’05, Kel (Jolley-Ruud ’15) Cometa, Daniel Hogue ’16, Chris Moran ’16, Steven Rader ’16, Prezleigh Moy ’17, Aiden Burch ’19, and Sierra (Baughman ’19) Burch. |
Maegen Luna ’16Since graduating from APU, Maegen has had the opportunity to work as a Contract Administrator at Northrop Grumman in Azusa. She is currently supporting the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) Advanced Technology Microwave Sounder (ATMS) program alongside NASA. |
Sarah Sattler ’17Sarah and her husband Bryan had their first child, Micah Sattler, born on July 4, 2022. |
Ashli Lomeli ’18, MA ’21 and Jeremy Byrum ’18Last Spring (2022), Ashli began teaching English 101 (First-Year Composition) at the Maricopa Community Colleges in Arizona. She now lives in Chandler, AZ, with her fiancé Jeremy Byrum ’18, who she met in the MA English program at APU. He now works as a Senior PR Marketing Analyst at Mesa Community College. |
Karina Acevedo ’19After graduating from APU with her Bachelor of Social Work in 2019 and working for two years in forensic mental health, Karina moved to New York City to pursue her MSW at NYU. Karina is now working as a therapist and supervisor for one of the largest HIV-AIDS non-profit organizations in the city. |
Shania Alderson ’19Shania graduated from Gonzaga University in May 2022 with her Masters in Initial Teaching for Secondary Education with her endorsement in Social Studies. She will be spending the next year in Spokane, WA, substitute teaching while traveling and exploring all that the world has to offer. |
Jessica Estrada ’19Jessica, a Fontana resident, was one of 100 digital creators from throughout the country to be selected to participate in the Artemis I NASA Social at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on August 27-29. She also attended the Artemis I launch of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. Learn More. |
Lamont Young ’20Lamont produced and starred in the short film "Blue Eye Shadow" and has won 7 international film festivals. Lamont also created two companies, The Network SPS and Powerhouse Inc Productions, and has been on several major television platforms such as Nickelodeon. |
Quincey Mac Millan ’21Quincey started her second year of DPT school at Western University of Health Sciences. |
Bahram Jahed Shoar, MA ’21For the third time this year, Bahram started a new job at one of the biggest electronic manufacturing company in the U.S. as a Process Engineer II. During the hiring process, they reevaluated his qualifications and promoted him from Engineer 1 to Engineer 2. |
Ryan McCune ’22Ryan competed and won on the show Snake in the Grass while being a full-time MSW grad student last year. Each episode of the show follows four players competing to win $100k; however, one is The Snake, secretly looking to sabotage the game. Ryan’s episode aired September 19 on the USA Network. |
IN LOVING MEMORY
David Riggs ’91
APU football alumnus Dr. David Lee Riggs, Jr., passed unexpectedly on August 9, 2022, surrounded by all his children and wife who mutually shared a deep, engaged love throughout their lives. Read his obiturary.
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