APU Life Magazine
The new edition of APU Life magazine is out now, with a fresh redesign and lots of great stories about all things APU.
The Rock is Back!
After a decades long hiatus, the rock is back. Learn more about the history of this beloved APU tradition.
New Look for Freddy Cougar!
APU unveiled the new Freddy Cougar mascot during the APU vs. Biola basketball game.
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!
Adam Cozens ’06 Fosters Community Through Comedy
Rachel Griffis ’06 is Teaching Christian Readers to Dig Deeper
Carlos Garcia ’15 Inspires Others Through Ministry
From Student to Mentor: Angel (Ramos) Park’s ’17 Full Circle Journey
Jessica Carter ’23 Grows Her Understanding of Medicine Through Community and Christ
Alumni Events and Opportunities
Tell us which exciting alumni opportunities, discounts, and events you want—locally and regionally—by personalizing your alumni experience.
Strides of Faith
Coming to the APU Campus Store!
Monday, February 16, 2026
C
APU West Campus
Check out the spirit-led family clothing brand Strides of Faith, founded by APU Design Studies alumnus, Christian Granadosin ’22. Their mantra, “Every Sunset Promises a Sunrise. Keep Moving Forward in Faith,” reminds us that each stride is guided by Him. Seeing his brand featured in the Campus Store is a full-circle moment for Christian and a testament to God’s faithfulness.
APU vs. Westmont
Basketball Games:
Embassy Suites VIP Lounge
Thursday, February 26, 2026
5-9:30 p.m.
VIP Room
Felix Event Center
APU West Campus
Cost:
Free VIP Lounge entry
with RSVP and
purchase of basketball game ticket
This exclusive experience includes food and giveaways provided by Embassy Suites, and a special view of the APU vs. Westmont basketball games for APU alumni and guests. Must RSVP to enter—limited spots are available!
Night of Champions:
Fun, Food, and Fellowship for
Junior High and High School Students
Saturday, March 21, 2026
4-8 p.m.
APU East Campus
Cost: $15
Invite any junior high and high school students in your life to join the APU community for a night of fun, food, fellowship, and the Gospel of Christ.
Women, Wealth, and Wisdom
Tuesday, March 24, 2026
7-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
During this workshop, we’ll unpack the unique financial challenges women face—like the “widow’s penalty” and why many retire with 30% less—and then walk through how to strengthen your foundation, protect what matters, and make smart, tax‑efficient decisions that stretch every dollar. Expect real stories, clear steps you can take now, and space for your questions.
Giving Day:
Alumni Decades Challenge
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
The alumni decade with the most donors during Giving Day get to exclusively vote on the next Alumni T-shirt design and unlock extra scholarship support for students! Help your decade win by posting on social media using the Alumni Quick Guide.
School of Nursing’s
50th Anniversary
Jubilee Celebration
Thursday, March 26, 2026
4:30-8:30 p.m.
Lindley-Scott House
Azusa
Cost: $50
We are honored to celebrate 50 years of excellence at the APU School of Nursing. Join us as we commemorate the lasting impact of our alumni, faculty, staff, students, and community partners.
APU Legacy Brick
Order Now for Spring 2026 Engraving
Leave your mark on your alma mater! Bricks are engraved on the Hartwig Prayer Chapel walkway with the name of the APU alumnus being honored along with their class year and special sentiments.
Class of 1976
50-Year Reunion
May 1-2, 2026
Azusa Pacific University
The classes of 1975-76 are invited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the class of 1976 with a reunion dinner, baccalaureate, and commencement processional. RSVP by April 1.
The Sound of Music
Friday, June 5, 2026
7:30 p.m.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
Costa Mesa
APU Alumni Discounted Cost:
$89 $65/ticket
Join alumni for a theater outing. The Sound of Music is a timeless story with an irresistibly charming score. Now, a critically acclaimed North American tour brings the cherished musical to the stage to teach a new generation to sing.
Paying Back Your Student Loans
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
7-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Learn effective tips on how to pay back your student loans and implement budget strategies from Financial Advisor Cole Bryant ’18.
Homecoming
Save the Date!
September 18-19, 2026
Azusa Pacific University
Football is back! All alumni are invited to return to APU for celebratory events across the Azusa campus and the first home football game of the season.
Alumni Updates
If you have any news you’d like to share with the alumni community through our newsletter, let us know!
Willie Hamlett, MEd ’83
Willie retired after nearly 30 years of service in APU administration. It was a fantastic career, especially teaming with Terry Franson and other remarkable leaders.
Ron Aramburo ’03
Ron is the lead discipleship pastor at ONE&ALL Church. In his first year, Ron revamped Serve Team onboarding, renewed their discipleship vision, and strengthened discipleship pathways across campuses—creating next steps and leadership development for the current and next generation.
Lesa (Close ’05) Brackbill, MA ’24
Lesa is the director of advocacy at Patient Advocacy Strategies, focusing on newborn screening and access to treatment for rare diseases. She was recently elected to the school board of Derry Township in Hershey, Pennsylvania. She continues to write and has a second book in progress.
Isabel Randall, MMU ’21
Isabel earned her Master of Music in Vocal Performance at APU. In February 2026, she'll have her first professional solo recital with Rochester Oratorio Society, exploring the music of Spain and Black America. She is a Fellow for Cincinnati Song Initiative’s 2026 Fellowship of Song.
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 will also 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!
