APU Articles
Student Spotlight: Mackenze Tezak, MA ’26: The Art of Purpose
October 29, 2026 | Arts, Education
For Mackenze Tezak, MA ’26, art isn’t just a hobby. It is a way to encourage children to be their best selves and embrace faith in every aspect of their lives. “My job as an art educator is not just to help them draw a picture or paint a masterpiece, but to really see themselves as someone capable of creating,” said Tezak.
Alumni Feature: Diana Navarro, MA ’24: Cultivating Impact Through Inclusion
October 28, 2026 | Alumni, Education, Health Sciences
On the playground, special education teacher Diana Navarro, MA ’24, noticed students with disabilities were sitting on the sidelines during recess—so she decided to change the game. From founding an inclusive social club to securing Special Olympics funding, her APU graduate research transformed campus culture.
Student Spotlight: Jazmine Gurrola ’26 Pursues Math to Work for Major League Baseball
October 26, 2026 | Humanities and Sciences
Jazmine Gurrola ’26 has always loved baseball, and she’s tailored her APU experience as an applied math major with a concentration in computer science to prepare her for a job with Major League Baseball (MLB).
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.
