Azusa Pacific University -- In Focus

In Memory
Picture of Clarence Butz.

Azusa Pacific University mourns the loss of an outstanding faculty member in Clarence Butz, Ph.D., professor of business ethics and management in the School of Business and Management. Butz passed away suddenly on March 19, following a heart attack while on vacation in Australia. An APU veteran since 1988, he served as chair for both undergraduate and graduate business programs and held membership on the Educational Council and the Graduate Studies Committee. He was actively involved with students as an academic counselor and assisted 30 percent of undergraduate business students with career and life planning.
"Teaching at Azusa Pacific has been so fulfilling," said Butz in a 1992 interview. "I just enjoy this place-the faculty, staff, and, of course, the students. I come here every morning looking forward to the day."

Butz was perhaps best known by his students for handing out "cocktail swords" and exhorting them to "Take up their swords and follow him," through his courses and toward Christian management principles. Todd Warner '94, sales manager for Decore-ative Specialties, Inc., still utilizes the sword philosophy in his business today. "I would often call Dr. Butz for wisdom and knowledge; his teaching never stopped for me," said Warner. "He was a great teacher and a great man."

In honor of Butz's contribution to the APU community, the School of Business and Management has created the "Pick Up Your Sword and Follow Me" Scholarship Fund to award students exhibiting excellence in leadership. Contributions may be sent in care of the School of Business and Management.

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