APU Articles
Alumni Feature: Zachary Ifland ’07 Spreads the Gospel through Surfing the Nations
August 13, 2026 | Alumni, Global Engagement
Zachary Ifland ’07 is living a life of faith, service, and adventure through his work with Surfing the Nations (STN). Initially introduced to the organization as an undergraduate student at Azusa Pacific University, Ifland has served on numerous mission trips across the world, with a base in Baja California. He is blessed to serve alongside his wife and fellow APU alumna, Charis, as they follow God’s calling. Through faith and community, Ifland is fulfilled through doing kingdom work while adventuring across the beauty of God’s creation.
David Sexauer ’92: Building a Legacy of Service and Leadership
August 06, 2026 | Alumni
David Sexauer ’92 arrived at Azusa Pacific University unsure of where his path would lead. Through professors who invested in him, experiences that shaped his perspective, and a faith that continued to grow, Sexauer discovered that true leadership is found in serving others. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” said Sexauer. Now, as CEO of DAST Consulting Services, he uses his experiences to help create opportunities for students to access Christ-centered education.
Ahsie Sielna MA ’26 Shares the Gifts of God to Students Abroad through the TESOL Program
August 04, 2026 | Education
The role of educators extends far beyond the power of a good lesson, as Ahsie Sielna MA ’26 embodies with her students. Sielna works to provide her students with the best possible opportunities, even in times of conflict and war.
Isabel Liana (Randall) ’21: Opera as a Mission Field
July 30, 2026 | Alumni, Music
From virtual performances during the pandemic to professional opera stages, Isabel Liana (Randall) ’21 continues to pursue excellence as an artist, lifelong learner, and follower of Christ. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “I see opera as my mission field.” Read how APU helped prepare Liana for a career in opera and how she hopes to encourage the next generation of musicians.
Alumni Feature: Blaine Aguiar ’18, DPT ’23: Serving Elite Athletes from APU to the NFL
July 28, 2026 | Alumni, Health Sciences
From the Cougar football field to the sidelines of the NFL, Blaine Aguiar ’18, DPT ’23, has spent his career helping athletes recover, rebuild, and return to the game they love. After trusting the process through APU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Blaine eventually landed a dream role working with the Pittsburgh Steelers
Global Engagement: Ainsley Konow ’26 Turns Her On Campus Involvement into Global Action in Thailand
July 27, 2026 | Global Engagement
Ainsley Konow '26 used her background knowledge about advocating for women stuck in trafficking from her time as president of the Free the Captives club to help create spaces where women experiencing homelessness and trafficking in Thailand could feel safe and loved.
Pioneers of the Gridiron: The Dawn of APU Women’s Flag Football
July 23, 2026 | Parents
Next spring, students across APU’s campus will hear whistles blow and crowds erupt with cheers as the Cougars find the end zone. Football is back at APU in a big way, but not just for the university’s male student athletes. Spring 2027 will mark the inaugural season of women’s flag football, first as a club sport, with full integration to full intercollegiate competition in 2027-28.
Answering a Higher Calling
July 23, 2026 | Alumni, Education
How can California meet the need for quality educators in the midst of a severe teacher shortage impacting districts nationwide? A dynamic husband-and-wife teaching duo, Sunny and Charles Cho, may hold the answer.
Planning Their Next Mission
July 23, 2026 | Alumni, Military Education
Today, nearly 400 veteran and military-connected students find these answers at Azusa Pacific University. Recently recognized as the No. 4 Military Friendly® School out of all Tier 2 Research Institutions nationwide for offering comprehensive services and support, APU has made its commitment to veteran and military-connected students clear—and now its offerings to this population are expanding.
For a Faith that Flourishes
July 23, 2026 | Theology
The Institute for Faith, Leadership, and Service (IFLS) at Azusa Pacific University serves ministry leaders, parents, and professionals just like you. Our mission is to build bridges between faith, academic resources, and everyday life for the holistic flourishing of our communities.
