APU Articles
Student Spotlight: Xhymena De La Fuente, PsyD ’31, Holds Sacred Space for Healing
October 15, 2026 | Behavioral Sciences
When a personal loss introduced Xhymena De La Fuente, PsyD ’31, to a school grief counselor in the eight grade, a fire was lit insider her to ensure no underserved community was left without mental health support. Today, in Azusa Pacific University’s Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) program, she is learning to weave faith, cultural integration, and compassionate care into a powerful tool of healing.
Alumni Feature: Bethany Murillo ’21 Pursues Dream as Chicano Hollywood Cofounder
October 13, 2026 | Alumni, Arts
Cofounder of Chicano Hollywood, Bethany Murillo ’21, creates content, hosts events, and empowers the Latino community while using her gifts to glorify God.
Student Spotlight: Mia Pierce ’27 Prepares for Career in Medical Research
October 12, 2026 | Humanities and Sciences
As she continues through her final year as an undergraduate at APU, Mia Pierce '27 is looking toward a future career in medical research where she can pursue her love of learning, work in a lab and with patients, and help others in the women’s reproductive health field.
Justin Kemp ’16 Helps Politicians Turn Their Dreams into Reality
October 09, 2026 | Alumni
In the high-stakes arena of political strategy, Azusa Pacific University alumnus Justin Kemp ’16 knows that turning big ideas into winning campaign strategies takes more than passion—it takes precision.
Student Spotlight: Ben Doerksen ’27 Explores His Faith Through Community and Creativity
October 08, 2026 | Arts, Honors College
Ben Doerksen ’27 is an honors humanities and cinematic arts double major. By building community and deepening his faith through open conversation, Ben's been able to better understand how film and humanities can create complex, complementary perspectives on entertainment.
APU’s New Master’s in Kinesiology Brings New Opportunities for Sport and Fitness Professionals
October 07, 2026 | Health Sciences
Azusa Pacific University’s Kinesiology program is committed to constantly improving and innovating to give its students the best possible education. As part of this innovation, APU’s Master of Arts in Sports Medicine program is changing into the Master of Science in Kinesiology.
Student Spotlight: Sequoia Grantham, MS ’26: Bringing Compassion and Faith into Pediatric Care
October 06, 2026 | Health Sciences
For Sequoia Grantham, MS ’26, a career in child life is about bringing comfort and hope to children and families during difficult moments. “What I’m most excited about is to be the light. In rooms that feel heavy, I want to let people know to take a deep breath and know that someone is here to walk alongside them.” Through her experience at APU, Grantham has found community, grown in her faith, and prepared for a career supporting children in medical settings.
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.
