Passing of Professor Emerita
Sherri Bode

We recently learned of the passing of an incredible professor emerita, colleague, mentor, and friend. Sherri Bode went home to be with the Lord on April 11. Sherri loved people and music; her countenance radiated kindness and joy. In her retirement, Sherri remained active with the School of Music through generous scholarship contributions as well as prayer support. Sherri was the catalyst who helped provide healing experiences for APU vocal students facing similar vocal challenges they fought to overcome.

Dylan and Cheri (Hacker) Harris ’98 Are Fulfilling Their Call with
Shelter on the Lake

Dylan and Cheri are spreading the Gospel to the ends of the earth, or about as close as you can get to that. In 2011, the couple settled with their three kids in San Carlos de Bariloche, a lake town at the base of the Andes mountains in southern Argentina. They decided that this would be the perfect spot to launch a ministry—one geared toward backpackers. Read Dylan and Cheri’s story.

Beatrice Buob ’03: Sharing the Gospel Through Happy Voices

After graduating from APU with a Master of Music in Conducting, Beatrice was offered a job leading the African Children’s Choir. She returned to Switzerland and her home church, where she taught private voice lessons and began a Gospel choir. “I started Happy Voices in October 2004 and it’s still going nearly 20 years later,” she said. “I always wanted to be a missionary. He sent me back to Switzerland because this community choir is my mission field.” Read Beatrice’s story.

Corrie Loeffler ’04 Named Executive Director of Scripps National Spelling Bee

Corrie continued to invest in the spelling bee after her time as a contestant, volunteering the week of the competition as a high schooler and, before long, a freshman at APU. During her time in college, Corrie encountered a host of valuable, leadership-building experiences that would prepare her for her future career with the Bee. Read Corrie’s story.

Nikki High ’05 Opens First Pasadena Bookstore to Highlight Minority Authors

In 2022, Nikki took a leap toward the unimaginable: she left her successful corporate job to pursue her life-long dream of opening a bookstore. Not just any bookstore, but Octavia’s Bookshelf—a place of gathering and community that prioritizes Black, Indigenous, and other authors  of color. Read Nikki’s story.

Brian Casey ’09, ’12: A European Football Life

Brian did not plan to still be playing football at age 37. Then again, he didn’t plan to play American football for six different teams across five countries in Europe. “Never in my wildest dreams did I anticipate I’d play football professionally for as long as I have and travel the world along with it,” he said. “The ability to play the game and inspire others to continue their dreams is the greatest gift I could ever ask for.” Read Brian’s story.

Luke Irving ’17: Skilled Photographer and Communicator

When Luke initially visited APU, it was love at first sight. “I looked around at several colleges, and when I went to APU’s campus, I had that deep sense of home,” he said. After he graduated, Luke stayed at APU and worked as an admissions counselor for a few years, where he slowly discovered his passion for photography and videography. Read Luke’s story.

Bailey Wilson '18: If the Lord Leaves a Door Open, Run Through It

When Bailey opened her food truck, Bondi Bowls, she had no idea that it would become so popular and grow so rapidly. Bailey found a used food truck on Facebook Marketplace, fixed it up, repainted it with her father, and launched Bondi Bowls on June 1, 2020. Read Bailey’s story.

Taylor Mabuni ’21: More Than a Carpenter

While Taylor finished his degree at APU, he began working for APU’s Facilities Management and now works full time on the maintenance team. He had always liked working with his hands and loved to create. Taylor learned the skills of carpentry and welding, and got to work on many projects around campus like the Shalom Cafe sign. Read Taylor’s story.

Dorothy Bryan ’57

Dorothy graduated from Pacific Bible College in 1957. She served as a missionary schoolteacher in Brazil from 1957-58. She married Grant Nealis in 1959, and over the next 30 plus years, they were missionaries in Hong Kong and in the U.S. They retired to Lexington, Kentucky where they passed on into eternity.  

Norman Hugh Smith ’57, MA ’78

Following four years of service in the Navy during the Korean War and an honorable discharge, Norman was invited to attend a Sunday service at The Village Church in Burbank, where he committed his life to Christ. Norman then enrolled at what is now APU, earning a degree in biblical literature, in preparation for Christian missionary service. While at Azusa Pacific, Norman met and married fellow student Kathryn Rebecca Hauser, a marriage that lasted the remainder of his life. A student athlete, Norman was a standout pitcher and catcher for Azusa Pacific, completing a perfect season (11-0) with 3 shutouts in 1959. Within a year of graduation, Norman and Kathryn had been accepted for missionary service with The Gospel Missionary Union (now Avant Ministries) and had moved to Ecuador, where they served for 16 years and reared three boys. Upon returning to the U.S., Norman completed a master’s degree, with highest honors, at Azusa Pacific in biblical literature and theology. Norman was 92 when he passed away on February 23, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona.

Bernice (Graham ’62) Levens

At Los Angeles Pacific College, Bernice majored in elementary teaching and served as student body secretary and secretary in the music department. Bernice was also active in sports and music. She went to heaven in November, and after 61 years married to her high school sweetheart, Lyn.

Johnnie Aguilera ’14

On Sunday, April 23, Johnnie Aguilera, Operations Manager for the School of Music, passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer. Johnnie attended APU as a student from 2008-14, in the Commercial Music program. He was hired by the School of Music in 2015. Johnnie was a rock and roll drummer through and through, yet his passion for and curiosity about music was unquenchable and led him to performing many types of music. He was a fixture in ensembles who accompanied student recitals, was frequently hired to play professionally, and played with his own bands. He was the go-to guy for faculty and students alike and he did his job with the true heart of a servant. He will be missed by many APU music alumni all over the world who count him as their friend.