APU Information
Azusa Pacific University Names Dr. Adam J. Morris as 18th President
Adam J. Morris, PhD, a nationally recognized and accomplished senior administrator and lifelong advocate for Christian higher education, will become the 18th president of Azusa Pacific University on July 1, 2022. Read more.
Alumni Academy
NEW Alumni Academy:
Leadership, Character, and Virtue with Dr. David Weeks
What characteristics form the foundation of a good leader? How do we at APU train leaders of character and virtue? Founding dean of the Honors College, Dr. David Weeks, will give you a taste of an APU classroom in his thought-provoking talk on Leadership, Character, and Virtue.
APU Alumni Spotlight
The Unexpected Legacy Left from APU Alumni, Lei ("Yvette") ’96 and Kalani ("Warren") Badua ’90
The moment they arrived in 1986, Lei and Kalani knew that Azusa Pacific University was going to be their new home. However, there was something missing before they could call APU their home. Both from O’ahu, Hawaii, the couple knew the Hawaiian culture that needed to be represented on campus.
In 1987, the first Hawaiian Club was founded. The organization offered a Christ-centered second home to Hawaiian students and enabled the campus to experience the culture. That same year, the club hosted the first lū'au, showcasing hula dancing. Today, the club has become the Pacific Islanders Organization (PIO), the biggest student-led club on campus. PIO hosted the 33rd Lū'au in the Felix Event Center emceed by the Baduas. The couple never imagined their club to have such an impact. Yet, their founding vision to serve God through sharing the Polynesian culture remain. Watch an interview of them in the Behind the Scenes Look at Lū'au 2022.
Art and Design Alumnus, DJ Javier ’15, Painted Murals in APU's Duke Hallway
Thanks to DJ Javier ’15, APU now has a colorful display of graphic art that fills an entire side of the Duke Hallway on West Campus. These four large murals will be on display indefinitely and can be viewed anytime. The artist’s work also graces global brands and walls from Los Angeles to New York City, and his studio is based in Santa Barbara. Read more about DJ and his journey to becoming an established artist and designer.
Homecoming: Alumni & Family Weekend Recap
There was something for everyone this year at Homecoming: Alumni and Family Weekend 2022
It was invigorating for the entire APU community to be invited back in person to fellowship together on the Azusa campus after such a long period of separation. Weekend highlights included academic discussions presented by esteemed faculty members, Dr. David Weeks, dean of the Honors College, and Professor Starla Anderson, chief of staff. Grandparents’ Luncheon, brought together students and their grandparents to participate in a variety of events and hear about the significant impact APU has had on generations of families.
In sports, the APU Baseball team took down Biola in Friday’s doubleheader, winning game one with a score of 15-8, before winning game two, 27-3 after incoming President Adam Morris (pictured above) threw out the ceremonial first pitch of the second game! The APU Softball team also beat Hawaii Pacific in two doubleheaders. The Baseball and Softball teams celebrated with family and friends during fun tailgate parties.
Friday night, Campus Pastor Coba Canales encouraged concert-goers and set the mood for a time of celebration and worship. God's presence was felt during the Brooke Ligertwood Concert (video of concert highlights above), deeply impacting those in attendance as they worshiped together and heard well-known Christian songs, including several written by the artist.
Saturday’s breakfast with Interim President Barton provided an opportunity of fellowship with students, faculty, staff, alumni, and families. President Barton reflected on APU’s 123-year commitment to Christian higher education and welcomed incoming President Adam Morris and his wife, Faith. The Cougar Walk Boutique provided a space for alumni, students, and the local community to showcase and sell their exclusive goods. The afternoon Cougar Tea Time (pictured above) provided a delightful setting for music performances by the APU Chamber Singers and the Guitar Ensemble, along with an uplifting message by Campus Pastor Ta’Tyana Leonard.
In the true essence of Homecoming, alumni from the past 40 years (class of 1991 pictured above), including the classes of 2020 and 2021, were invited back to the APU campus to share memories and reconnect.
One of the weekend’s most popular events was APU’s Pacific Islander Organization’s student-led 33rd annual Lūʻau (pictured above), depicting the life of Jesus as told through dances rooted in Polynesian culture. And, for students, the weekend ended with the Electric Zu Dance in University Village, where neon-clad students ate a never-ending supply of cotton candy and danced the night away.
Homecoming 2022 was not only a time to commemorate APU, but also represented the return to community we have all missed. View more photos of the Homecoming 2022.
Alumni Opportunities
and Events
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APU Legacy Brick
As we celebrate another commencement season, we are reminded of the importance of legacy and commemorating meaningful experiences. The APU Legacy Brick is a way to leave a lasting memory on the APU campus long after our feet have stopped walking these grounds every day. Bricks are engraved with the name of the APU alumnus being honored along with their class year and is placed in the Hartwig Memorial Student Prayer Chapel walkway. Alumni and students alike consider it a very meaningful gift — one that lasts a lifetime. The $150 cost covers the brick purchase, engraving, and walkway placement. Order your brick today!
Class of 1970, 1971, and 1972's 50th Reunion
The classes of 1970, 1971, and 1972 will celebrate their 50th reunion along with our 2022 graduates at this year's commencement festivities. We look forward to celebrating with all of our alumni as we honor and recognize those who have come before us and those new graduates who will be joining the APU Alumni Community on May 7, 2022!
LAFC Game Alumni Event
Save the date to join fellow alumni, family, and friends for the L.A. Football Club vs. Real Salt Lake game at the Banc of California Stadium on Sunday, September 4, 7:30 p.m. Be on the lookout for more details coming soon on purchasing discounted APU Alumni tickets.
Homecoming 2023
All APU alumni are welcome back to join the entire APU community for Homecoming weekend every year. Stay tuned for more details on Homecoming 2023!
Alumni Benefits
Check for more Alumni privileges and discounts available to you.
APU Computer Store Alumni Discount
Alumni still have access to shop at the APU Computer store at a discounted education price. Take advantage of seasonal sales, plus get free shipping as an added bonus by using this discount code at checkout: V7V72TS97112. Visit the APU Computer Store online.
APU Alumni Perks
Alumni Engagement provides alumni with perks of local and national discounts from thousands of hotels, restaurants, movie theaters, retailers, florists, car dealers, theme parks, national attractions, concerts and events! Just visit the APU Alumni Perks website and use the code: APU1899
Nationwide Airport Parking Discounts (including LAX) at The Parking Spot
Receive a 15% alumni discount in all 22 markets in nearly 40 locations when you park your car! Sign up through The Parking Spot App. Select Join and on Step 3, enter code: APU1899. Visit The Parking Spot website today and sign up.
Join APU Connect
Connect with former classmates, employ or be a mentor to students and young alumni, expand your professional network and find your next job all on
APU Connect!
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!
Amy Hayton ’98
Amy is currently the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Wellness at the Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
She also created and directs the required three year course Christian Physician Formation where medical students in LIFE Community groups develop their professional identity.
Sergio Jimenez ’01
Sergio, alongside his wife Cristina and daughter Frances (APU Legacy Alumni 2021) announces his candidacy for Monrovia City Council 2022. He is very excited to take this next step in his career as he runs for local office.
Christy Owen ’03
Christy has been living in Ukraine for nearly a decade, and is currently serving refugees in Ostrava, Czechia. Learn about Christy and how you can support her missionary team Josiah Venture as they help get aid to Ukraine and get refugees out.
Marlene Soffera ’12
After 26 years as a pastor serving in California and Wisconsin, Rev. Marlene Soffera has retired from full-time ministry. She has moved to New Mexico to be closer to family, and will pursue part-time or volunteer opportunities.
Karissa Burgos ’14
Dr. Burgos, DDS, completed a Masters of Science in Dentistry, with a certificate in Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics from the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.
Sarah Snodgrass ’14
Sarah volunteers every summer in Ukraine, and is working with refugees with disabilities in Germany as well as shuttling humanitarian aid over the border from Poland into Ukraine. Please keep Sarah in your prayers.
Dustin Norton ’16
In 2018, Dustin was hired as an Athletic Trainer at St. Joseph Health in College Station, TX, where he currently fulfills his vocation as an athletic trainer with Lexington High School and the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets. That same year, Dustin married his wife, Cherie, in December, 2018. They have a 2 year old son named Greyson. The Norton’s built and moved into their current home in Bryan, TX in July, 2020.
Hanna (Price) ’18 and
Caleb Fair ’18
Hannah and Caleb (Willie) are now married and currently living in Nebraska. They met each other while attending APU, where Hannah was a cheerleader and Caleb was a football player. Congratulations, Caleb and Hanna!
Bobby Carmona ’21
Bobby will be starting two jobs on the floor as an RN, and has a new 5 year goal to become a family nurse practitioner. He'd like to thank his professors and classmates for helping him accomplish so much.
Rachel Jacobs ’14
We are saddened to announce the passing of Rachel Jacobs, who went to be with the Lord on August 11, 2021. She was a graduate of the BSOL 2012 and MLOS 2014 programs at the Murrieta Regional Campus, and was employed there until September 2017. She was a dear friend to many and will be terribly missed.
Impact Communities Near and Far!
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