APU Articles
Alumni Feature: Michael Birnbryer-Lao, MM ’14: Inspiring the Next Generation Through Music
October 05, 2026 | Alumni, Music
For Michael Birnbryer-Lao, MM ’14, music and education have always gone hand-in-hand. In 2026, he was named Pasadena Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year for his dedication to music education and his students. “I really enjoy building relationships with my students and helping them stay enthusiastic about learning and being part of something,” Michael said. “I want students to work hard and create beautiful things.”
Alumni Feature: Jessie Bullock ’08 Is Shaping Young Minds Through the Language of Music
October 02, 2026 | Alumni, Arts, Music
Azusa Pacific alumnus Jessie Bullock ’08 recognizes the benefits of music for his middle schoolers in Carlsbad. Working to support young students as they find themselves through band, orchestra, choir, and ASB, Bullock is helping to build the next generation of difference-makers.
Student Spotlight: Justin Bruursema, MFA ’27, Redefines His Artistic Vision Pursuing an MFA
October 01, 2026 | Arts
Justin Bruursema ’27 has been a commercial photographer for 25 years. He decided to pursue a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Visual Art at APU to develop his artistic skills and open doors to a future in teaching while exploring different media and creating a new artistic vision for himself.
A Heart for Nursing: Leslie Perez, DNP ’26
September 28, 2026 | Nursing
For Leslie Perez ’26, nursing is more than a career. It’s an opportunity to help patients feel seen, heard, and cared for during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. “It’s pointless to give information to someone, and they’re not understanding it,” said Perez. Now pursuing her Doctor of Nursing Practice at Azusa Pacific University, Perez is passionate about health literacy and making sure patients understand their care. Read Perez’s story to learn how compassion and perseverance continue to shape her journey in nursing.
Alumni Feature: LBUSD Superintendent Don Austin, MA ’01, EdD ’05, Uplifts Educators
September 25, 2026 | Alumni, Education
Don Austin, MA ’01, EdD ’05 was recently appointed superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). From learning how to manage diverse groups alongside his dissertation team to working with students and staff throughout his career, Don sees opportunities to serve others in everything he does.
Greg Nassir ’92, MBA ’00: Following God’s Call in the Commercial Real Estate Marketplace
September 24, 2026 | Alumni, Business
Greg Nassir '92, MBA '00, serves as first vice president at CBRE, the largest commercial real estate company in the world. At APU, Nassir was equipped with skills in his communications major and graduate business courses to meet his clients' needs in the marketplace.
Affording APU: The ScholarshipUniverse Advantage
September 01, 2026 | Undergraduate
A quality education could be more within reach than you think. At Azusa Pacific University, 100% of students receive some form of financial aid. From academic scholarships to opportunities for student leaders, STEM students, and veterans, APU offers a variety of ways to help make your education more affordable. Through ScholarshipUniverse, you can discover scholarship opportunities, see which ones you may qualify for, and learn how to apply. Explore your options and discover how APU can help make your education more attainable. Learn more about scholarships and financial aid at APU.
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.
