Check out the latest alumni updates and events
Congratulations, Class of 2024! Welcome to the APU Alumni Community!
We loved celebrating the amazing class of 2024 at their Baccalaureate and Alumni Initiation ceremony and seeing them graduate in front of friends and family at Spring Commencement. We can’t wait to see the impact they will have on the world for the cause of Christ!
Class of 1974’s 50-Year Reunion Recap: Celebrating a Lifetime of Memories and Achievements
On May 3-4, the classes of 1973, ’74, and ’75 reunited for an unforgettable 50-year reunion, commemorating five decades of friendship, growth, and accomplishment. The weekend celebration was filled with heartwarming moments, inspiring reflections, and honoring beloved alumni.
The reunion kicked off with a reception and dinner at APU, with esteemed alumni Cliff ’56 and June (Hill ’58) Hamlow, and President Morris in attendance. Old friendships were rekindled and new connections were made. Stories and yearbook photos sparked memories of their time at Azusa Pacific. Alongside the graduating class of 2024 and their families, alumni participated in a Baccalaureate service, reflecting on the God-First values that have guided APU over the years. The 50-year alumni were also recognized and honored with a medallion ceremony followed by a Candela where they lit the candles of the graduates to initiate them into the alumni community.
The reunion culminated with participation in the undergraduate Commencement ceremony for the class of 2024, where the class of 1974 processed in caps and gowns and were recognized. It was truly an unforgettable experience! We look forward to next year‘s 50-year reunion for the class of 1975 and staying connected for many years to come!
And the Winner of the 2024 Giving Day’s Alumni Decades Challenge is...
Congratulations, alumni from the 2010s decade (2010-19)! Your decade had the highest participation during Giving Day and gets to vote on the 2024 Alumni T-shirt design.
If you graduated between 2010-19, submit your vote by May 31 and be entered into the T-shirt giveaway! The design and giveaway winners will be announced June 3.
Ep. 7: Justine Brown ’19 on Prepping for Job Interviews
Justine majored in Public Relations. From the east Bay Area, she is a senior account executive for Pan Communications, a PR agency serving B2B tech and healthcare companies.
Ep. 8: Nicky Slavich ’14 on Guidance for Job Hunting
Nicky Salvich ’14 is a recruiter at Google and a major networker on LinkedIn with more than 400,000 followers, providing much-needed guidance and wisdom for both recruiters and people looking for a job.
Alumni Feature
Are you or an alum you know a difference maker and want to be featured in an APU article or Life on Film? Nominate yourself or a fellow alum.
Leslie Sandoval ’98, MAEd ’04, Helps Students Succeed
Leslie is living out her calling as an educator and leader, serving as principal of Grace Miller Elementary School in La Verne, California. She shows Christ’s love through her care for her students and staff, creating an inclusive environment for students to learn and thrive.
Caitlin Volk ’07 Creates Flourishing Family Business Selling Quality Coffee
Last year, Caitlin and her family opened Inland Roasters, a flourishing café born from a love of coffee and family. Caitlin’s journey after graduating from APU with a degree in Christian ministries to finding and fulfilling her calling through her family’s business is a testament to God’s unique plan.
Daniel Griffes ’09 Builds a Life He Loves Through Tiny Home Business
Daniel never thought that his childhood pastime, working on carpentry projects with his mom, would lay the foundation for his future vocation as a tiny home builder. He serves God by building a life he loves, one that touches the lives of others in unexpected ways.
Josh Holm ’15: Creating a Positive Impact Through Castles & Queens
Josh has experienced massive success as a designer in the last three years since starting his company, Castles & Queens, including presenting his apparel at New York and Milan's fashion week and being featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 list. Josh grew in his faith at APU while developing a passion for entrepreneurship.
Ismary “Issy” Diaz ’20, MSW ’22, Creates a Lasting Ripple Effect in Veterans’ Lives
Issy served in the army for 12 years and was in the National Guard for two years. Seeking to fulfill God’s purpose for her life after discharging from the military, she decided to further her education, earning two degrees in social work at APU. Issy is a testament to compassion and resiliency.
Efigenia “Gina” Burnett, MSW ’22, Fulfills Her Mission Through Counseling Veterans
Gina served in the military for 12 years, and uses her experience and understanding of service through her current job as a readjustment counselor for veterans. She cherishes the community she found while at APU, and is a testament to fulfilling God’s calling.
Alumni Events and Opportunities
Tell us which exciting alumni opportunities, discounts, and events you want—locally and regionally—by personalizing your alumni experience.
APU Alumni Gathering in Texas
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Lake House Pavilion, International Plaza II
14221 N. Dallas Parkway, Dallas
Calling all APU alumni in Texas! Join us for a regional alumni gathering in Dallas with FREE appetizers and dessert. Connect with fellow alumni and APU representatives, including Dr. Wendi McGehee, dean of the School of Business and Management, and Matthew Anderson ’23, winner of APU’s ZuVentures contest (APU’s version of Shark Tank) who will be sharing his winning product pitch with us!
FREE APU Alumni Virtual Workshop:
Paying Back Your Student Loans
Thursday, May 30, 2024
6:30-7:30 p.m.
Zoom Link
Struggling with student loan debt? Learn effective tips from financial advisors, APU alumnus Cole Bryant ’18 and Sean Little, on how to pay back your student loans and master budget strategies.
Alumni Updates
If you have any news you’d like to share with the alumni community through our newsletter, let us know!
Gifford Gifford is retired and living in Rancho Cucamonga, California. He is serving several Christian organizations, such as Favor International and Gospel Revival Ministries, with fundraising coaching, missionary efforts in Central Africa and Pakistan, and setting debtor prisoners free.
Jesus Arriaga ’97 Jesus is humbled that God has called him back to full-time ministry. He has stepped into the role of executive pastor and lead worship pastor of ONE&ALL Church in San Dimas, California. |
Caleb Rouse ’08, MEd ’12 Caleb and his wife, Stefanie, announce the release of their latest book, Wholehearted Love. This book tackles relationship challenges with biblical wisdom: communication, conflicts, emotional depth.
Madeline Madeline started a new job this year as a K-8 school counselor at Central Valley Christian School in Visalia, California. Last summer, she gave birth to her first baby, Hallie Caroline. |
Molly Hake ’23 Molly released her novel, In the Waiting. It is a faith-based, historical fiction romance published through Dove Christian Publishers.
Clifford Clifford married Nyah Marchell. He thanks all their APU friends, colleagues, and mentors who have supported and loved them throughout their relationship. Congratulations, Clifford and Nyah! |
In Loving Memory
Heinz Laumann, MBA ’97
Our APU community mourns the loss of Heinz, who tragically passed away at the age of 52 in an aircraft accident in the Austrian Alps on March 30, 2024. Heinz brightened every room he entered and touched the lives of everyone he met. He was full of contagious laughter and boundless kindness. He also had a passion for flying a small Cessna airplane and he lived life with a zest and enthusiasm that inspired his friends and family to embrace every moment with joy and gratitude.
Check Out Your
Alumni Benefits
As a valued member of the APU community, Alumni Engagement provides you benefits such as campus privileges, discounts, resources, and more to help you stay connected to APU and thrive. Check out your alumni benefits now!
Impact Communities
Near and Far
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APU Community News
If you want to read more APU news, check out other recent newsletters shared with the APU community.
