Check out the latest alumni updates, Homecoming recap, and upcoming events
Fall Homecoming Recap
October 25-26, 2024
Azusa Pacific University’s Homecoming made a return to fall, centered around the energy of Cougar soccer and packed with memorable events and school spirit!
The weekend kicked off Friday morning with a special Chapel gathering that brought the community together for powerful worship music led by APU alumnus Russell Vista ’19. Vista was accompanied by a full alumni band sharing their musical talents and inspiring words, connecting past and present generations of Cougars.
On Saturday, the Lunch with the Presidents brought a cozy, autumnal atmosphere, where President Adam J. Morris and SGA President Travis Gray shared insights on student life and spirituality, deepening the bond within the APU family.
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The excitement continued with the Support Local Market and Street Fair, featuring inflatables, food, and booths from local businesses, including alumni-owned brands like Bondi Bowls by Bailey Wilson ’18 and Strides of Faith by Christian Granadosin ’22.
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The community’s spirit soared as the crowd donned Cougar pennants and scarves to rally around the men’s and women’s soccer teams for their final home games.
Halftime was full of surprises, from raffles to penalty kicks with Freddy Cougar, and a youth game featuring Grace Sports Soccer League!
The men’s soccer team held their opponents at bay ending their game in a 0-0 tie. As a perfect close to Homecoming 2024, the women’s soccer team claimed a thrilling 1-0 victory! Fall Homecoming was a true celebration of faith, fun, and Cougar pride!
Alumni Feature
Are you or an alumnus you know making a difference for the cause of Christ and have a powerful story of transformation to share which could become an APU article or Life on Film? Nominate yourself or a fellow alumnus.
Hazel Hu, MA ’03 Achieves Success as Entrepreneurial Leader
Hazel followed her dreams of becoming an entrepreneurial leader. She is the president of Permasteel, one of the most distinguished grill companies in the U.S., and recently celebrated the brand’s 20th anniversary. As a Chinese immigrant, Hazel is proud to have broken barriers and paved her way in the business world.
Jonathan (Jon) ’05 and Benjamin ’11 Berk: A Most Peculiar Kind of Ministry
Tucked into the corner of University Promenade across the street from APU’s East Campus sits one of the best hidden gems in all of Southern California: The Ministry of Peculiarities. Created by brothers Jon and Benjamin Berk, The Ministry is home to Hope End, a one-of-a-kind escape room that has captured the imagination of thousands.
Boaz Goss ’13 Awarded Teacher of the Year in Fort Worth by Combining Christ and Scholarship
APU students find that their positive experiences with faculty members is part of what sets their college experience apart from others. Faculty’s dedication to helping their students grow in their respective fields and genuine care for their wellbeing was what influenced Boaz to become a teacher.
Tom Scott ’15 Navigates the Film Industry While Keeping God First
Tom came to APU with a God-given dream to pursue cinema. He graduated with more than just the skills to produce meaningful films, but with the rigor to keep God First. Tom has now worked for companies like Netflix, Dreamworks, and Disney, and is currently working on a major animated film called David, inspired by the biblical story.
Kelsey (Maher ’17) Cruz Lives Her Dream as a Voice Actor
Kelsey is a voice actor who has worked on prominent anime shows such as One Piece, SpyxFamily, and Attack on Titan. From talking elephants and scientists to magical creatures, Kelsey loves getting to discover new parts of her personality by portraying different characters. She embraces the talents God instilled in her to make a difference.
Alumni Events and Opportunities
Tell us which exciting alumni opportunities, discounts, and events you want—locally and regionally—by personalizing your alumni experience.
APU’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
3:30-7:30 p.m.
Kresge Plaza, APU West Campus
Snow Sledding and Carriage Rides: 3:30-4:30 p.m., 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Main Program: 4:15-5:30 p.m.
“Swinging into Christmas” Concert: 6-7:30 p.m.
This beloved APU tradition returns with more holiday cheer than ever! Experience West Campus transformed into a winter wonderland and celebrate the start of the Advent season as we anticipate the birth of our Savior.
Enjoy musical entertainment, a Christmas carol singalong, snow sledding, carriage rides, holiday treats, and a few surprises to delight all!
No RSVP required.
Christmas Canticles and
Cocoa and Cookies
Friday, December 6, 2024
Cocoa and Cookies: 6:30-7:15 p.m.
Alumni House, APU East Campus
Christmas Canticles: 7:30 p.m.
Upper Turner Campus Center, APU East Campus
Join us for an evening of celebration and reflection of the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Alumni are invited to enjoy cocoa and cookies at the Alumni House before the program that weaves music performances with narration and congregational carol singing.
Performing ensembles include APU’s Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Singers, Oratorio Choir, Men’s Chorale, and Bel Canto Women’s Choir. Come, let us adore Him, together!
Pride and Prejudice
Tea and Show
Saturday, February 15, 2025
APU West Campus
Info and tickets coming soon!
Anaheim Ducks Hockey Game
Winter 2025
Honda Center
Info and tickets coming soon!
Alumni Updates
If you have any news you’d like to share with the alumni community through our newsletter, let us know!
Paul Weissenstein ’85 Paul returned to California in 2002 to use his God-given calling to spread the love of Jesus through writing books and screenplays. Paul recently authored a book and screenplay adaptation, The Pyramid Principle, releasing on November 19, 2024. It is expected to be a New York Times Best Seller and has been covered by Sports Illustrated.
John Hayward, John wrote a book of daily Advent devotions for his adult children and had it published. Rediscovering the Magic of Christmas: An Advent Adventure from Genesis to Revelation traces the historical progress of what the Scriptures reveal about the birth of Jesus.
Christian Ernst ’08 Christian was married in 2012, had two kids, and moved to Nashville, Tennessee. He is currently a part-time personal trainer, group fitness instructor, beef cattle farmer, and stay-at-home dad. |
Emily Chesley ’13 Emily and her co-host released season 2 of their popular history podcast, Women Who Went Before. Through interviews and research, the season brings to life women across the ages. It ranks in the top 10 percent of podcasts globally!
Amanda Bankhead ’19, MSW ’20 Amanda married the love of her life in October 2022 and they are currently expecting their first child in November 2024! She is now a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and recently moved to San Diego where she works remotely for a Mental Health Insurance company.
Nathan Brekke ’20 Nathan has a new job as the visual and graphic artist at Renew Landscape Management in Spokane Valley, Washington. |
Allie McBride ’20 Allie spent every summer throughout college working as summer staff at Mount Hermon Camp and Conference Center. She secured a full-time job as a recreation manager at the camp in March 2023.
Tiffanie Lee, MFT ’21 Tiffanie and her husband work as houseparents at the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pennsylvania. They care for 13 underprivileged middle school girls and teach them socioemotional, communication, and other life skills in a family setting while tending to their daily needs.
Leslie Castro-Kolta, MBM ’22Leslie works as an HR business partner at APU, a role that was a goal of hers when starting her MBM program. For her, it is a privilege and an honor to be able to provide human resources services to her alma mater. Her son turned 1 in June 2024! |
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