Homecoming 2026 Recap
Friday, September 18:
Chapel, Fellowship, and
’80s Era Reunion
Homecoming events launched on Friday morning with a special Chapel and Q&A lunch featuring guest speaker and APU Football alumnus Steve Connor ’83. Drawing on more than four decades of experience in sports ministry and discipleship, Connor shared powerful insights on faith, leadership, and lifelong ministry.
Friday also belonged to the ’80s alumni, bringing a vibrant sea of orange across campus.
Alumni gathered in the “Caf” for lunch and a hangout at the Alumni House, reliving college memories.
The evening concluded with a reunion dinner featuring an entertaining program full of APU in the ’80s nostalgia, stories, and connection.
Saturday, September 19:
Legends, Night at the Zu,
and Football Victory
APU Athletics legends Innocent Egbunike ’85 (Track & Field), Coach Bo Beatty ’94 (Football), April (Reed ’94) Hoy (Women’s Soccer and Softball), Coach Terry Franson (Track & Field), and Coach Cliff Hamlow ’56 (Men’s Basketball) were honored at the President’s Lunch with the Legends, as stories of their past victories, personal growth, and what APU has meant to them echoed through the room.
A major milestone was marked with the official groundbreaking for the East Campus Revitalization Project. Theme-titled “Transformed by Design” and funded by $8.1 million in generous gifts and pledges, this initiative reimagines the heart of campus.
As evening approached, the campus celebrated with pre-game excitement at Night at the Zu, featuring a Support Local Market and pre-game festivities.
President Adam Morris, the APU Cheer team, and students led a spirited parade down to the stadium.
The crowd cheered on the Cougars in an electric home opener against Whittier College. The night ended in victory as APU secured a 35-17 win, capping off an extraordinary weekend of community and Cougar pride.
Alumni Features
Are you or an alumnus you know making a difference for the cause of Christ and have a powerful story to share? Share your story with us, and it could become an APU article!
Greg Nassir ’92, MBA ’00: Following God’s Call in the Commercial Real Estate Marketplace
LBUSD Superintendent Don Austin, MA ’01, EdD ’05, Uplifts Educators
Zachary Ifland ’07 Spreads the Gospel through Surfing the Nations
Jessie Bullock ’08 Is Shaping Young Minds Through the Language of Music
Alumni Events and Opportunities
Tell us which exciting alumni opportunities, discounts, and events you want—locally and regionally—by personalizing your alumni experience.
Alumni Giving Opportunity:
RezLife Care Packs
for APU Students
Pre-order Now-October 31
Cost:
$25/package
Send encouragement back to campus by sponsoring a Care Package packed with essentials, study supplies, and a personal note delivered to APU students during “Dead Week”—the high-stress week right before finals. 100% of proceeds fund Resident Advisor leadership training. Help Residence Life reach its goal of selling 100 boxes!
Transformative Talks:
Business Leaders Unplugged
Virtual or Wilden Hall
Cost: Free
Alumni are invited to connect with corporate leaders, founders, and APU alumni for candid conversations on career navigation, leadership, and today’s market challenges. Following the speaker keynote, there will be an interactive Q&A session, so come prepared to connect, learn, and grow!
Dinner Rally:
APU Fundraising Gala
Friday, October 16, 2026
5 p.m.
Felix Event Center
Cost:
$50/person
Celebrate the 75th anniversary of APU’s annual fundraising gala and transform students’ lives through scholarship support with an evening of impactful stories, great food, live music, and an unforgettable performance from APU theater and music students.
It’s Official—
A New Date for Cougar Stadium!
Saturday, October 17, 2026
Ribbon Cutting: 5:30 p.m.
APU vs. Chapman
Football Game: 6 p.m.
Alumni Discounted Cost:
$12 $7/ticket
Show your school spirit and join us for Cougar Football and a ribbon-cutting for our newly renovated stadium!
Alumni and Kids Event:
Trick-or-Treat
Friday, October 30, 2026
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Alumni House
Cost: Free
Live locally to APU? Alumni and kids are invited to stop by the Alumni House for a special treat and free APU alumni merchandise. Costumes encouraged!
Support APU Baseball:
Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser
Monday, November 9, 2026
8:30 a.m.
Glendora Country Club
Tee it up for Azusa Pacific Baseball! Join alumni, family, and friends for golf and fellowship supporting Cougar student-athletes. Register as a single or foursome, become a sponsor, or donate today. Contact Coach Kirk Nieuwenhuis at knieuwenhuis@apu.edu for questions.
Check Out Your
Alumni Benefits
As a valued member of the APU community, you’re eligible for Alumni Engagement benefits such as campus privileges, discounts, resources, and more to help you stay connected to APU and thrive. Check out your alumni benefits now!
Update
Us
Have you changed your name, address, email, phone number, or contact preference? Update your contact info now!
Support Future
Alumni
Empower the next generation of APU students pursuing their higher calling! Scholarship support is crucial for many students. Your gift will transform a student’s life and invest in the futures of countless individuals they will impact. Make a difference in a student’s life today!
Connect with
Career Center
We offer resources, workshops, events, career consultation appointments, and information to support alumni in their professional endeavors. Access these opportunities through APU’s Career Platform, Handshake. It's free for life!
