APU Articles
A Most Peculiar Kind of Ministry
August 01, 2024
Tucked into the corner of University Promenade across the street from Azusa Pacific University’s East Campus sits one of the best hidden gems in all of Southern California: The Ministry of Peculiarities. Created by brothers Jonathan (Jon) ’05 and Benjamin ’11 Berk, The Ministry is home to Hope End, a one-of-a-kind escape room that has captured the imagination of thousands.
Xirui Huang ’25 Bridges Biotechnology and Statistics Masters Degrees to Help Others
July 30, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences
After completing his Masters of Statistics and Applied Analytics, Xirui Huang ’25, decided to pursue a Masters of Science in Biotechnology. Huang had such a positive experience at Azusa Pacific University while working towards his first master degree that he felt the school’s biotech program would help him reach his career and experience goals.
Global Engagement Series: Hannah Hawley ’24 Solidifies Her Belief in the Importance of Service
July 29, 2024 | Theology
Five Azusa Pacific University students spent three weeks this summer on a Global Engagement trip in Thailand. Students worked in children and prayer ministries to serve impoverished community members.
Mike Benton ’04 Lives Out His Calling as Broadcaster for the Seattle Kraken
July 26, 2024 | Communication
In the summer of 2021, Mike Benton ’04 got a text that changed his life. After nearly two decades of broadcasting for minor league baseball and hockey teams, a colleague texted Benton to see if he was interested in becoming the in-game host for the Seattle Kraken, a National Hockey League (NHL) franchise which would celebrate their inaugural season that fall. Benton, who had dreamed of becoming a broadcaster for an NHL team since he was a kid, replied, “Absolutely!”
Hannah Grace Cicciari ’25 Discovers Her Calling in Social Work
July 24, 2024 | Behavioral Sciences
Hannah Grace Cicciari ’25 spent her summer discovering her calling. As a social work major, Cicciari always knew she wanted to advocate for others, but it was only when she received the opportunity to work at the Tiglin Ocean View Women’s Centre in Brittas Bay, Ireland, that she discovered her passion for helping people recovering from addiction. Cicciari’s discovery in Brittas Bay this summer was a direct result of her saying “yes” to God’s call.
Student Spotlight: Samkele Mtonga ’25 Integrates Her Faith Into Science
July 17, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences
Azusa Pacific University graduate student Samkele Mtonga ’25 decided to move from Zimbabwe to America in order to pursue her passion of helping others through science. Mtonga is enrolled in APU’s Master of Science Biotechnology program.
Academic Feature: Phil Cox, PhD, and Biochemistry Students Conduct Cutting Edge Drug Metabolism Research
July 15, 2024 | Humanities and Sciences, Provost
This summer, Phil Cox, PhD, began research for a project his whole life’s work has led up to. As a principal investigator for drug metabolism research at Azusa Pacific University, Cox and three undergraduate students are collecting data in order to better understand how an antidepressant is metabolized by the human body.
Global Engagement Series: Heather Buck’s Experience in Spain
July 15, 2024 | Theology
English major Heather Buck ’24 spent two weeks leading the Spain Apotheca team in Santiago on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. By following God’s calling for her to lead the team, Heather learned what it means to fully trust in the Lord’s plan for how He seeks to use her skills and presence to make a difference.
Global Engagement: Makenna Malkin ’25 Utilizes Music Ministry In South Africa
July 15, 2024 | Theology
Seven Azusa Pacific University students traveled to the Limpopo Province of South Africa for two weeks over their summer breaks to serve in various ministries. The South Africa Global Engagement trip was focused on soccer ministry, but students participated in a variety of other ministries that allowed for individual gifts to be shown.
Global Engagement Series: Luca Fenlason Puts His Faith Into Action In Chiapas
July 08, 2024 | Nursing, Theology
Seven Azusa Pacific University students traveled to Chiapas, Mexico, for two weeks over their summer breaks to serve at an orphanage. The Chiapas Global Engagement trip aimed to cultivate supportive relationships with the children, but junior nursing major Luca Fenlason also learned how to translate his faith into his actions.
