APU Articles
Answering a Higher Calling
July 23, 2026 | Alumni, Education
How can California meet the need for quality educators in the midst of a severe teacher shortage impacting districts nationwide? A dynamic husband-and-wife teaching duo, Sunny and Charles Cho, may hold the answer.
Planning Their Next Mission
July 23, 2026 | Alumni, Military Education
Today, nearly 400 veteran and military-connected students find these answers at Azusa Pacific University. Recently recognized as the No. 4 Military Friendly® School out of all Tier 2 Research Institutions nationwide for offering comprehensive services and support, APU has made its commitment to veteran and military-connected students clear—and now its offerings to this population are expanding.
Cougar Stadium Renovations Enhance Fan and Student Athlete Experience
July 22, 2026 | Alumni
When APU’s football team faces off against Whittier College on Sept. 19, they won’t just be celebrating the return of Cougar football, they’ll be the first team to ever play on APU’s brand new field at Cougar Stadium. This is just one of many renovations the university is making to enhance the fan and student athlete experience as the APU community gets ready to cheer on the Cougars this fall.
Alumni Feature: Peter Holmstrom ’18 is Challenging What Education Can Look Like at Summit School
July 08, 2026 | Alumni, Education
Peter Holmstrom '18 is at the forefront of a new style of education. Holmstrom, who serves as head of Summit School in Waco, Texas, leads a school that focuses on project-based learning, with intentional play and time outside.
Kriss Akabusi ‘92: Running a Race Bigger Than Gold
June 30, 2026 | Alumni
From the Olympics to classrooms at APU, Kriss Akabusi ‘92 discovered that his greatest victories weren’t measured by medals alone. During his time at APU, he strengthened his faith, embraced his calling, and found a purpose that continues to shape his life today. “To be successful, you need commitment, dedication, hard work, and to show up,” said Akabusi.
Lesa Brackbill ’05, MA ’24 Advocates for Children with Rare Diseases
June 12, 2026 | Alumni
Alumna Lesa Brackbill is the director of advocacy at Patient Advocacy Strategies, a board director for KrabbeConnect, a school board member of Derry Township in Hershey, PA, a twice-published author, and the leading force behind PA’s Act 133 of 2020.
Veteran Lucas Naccarati ’25: A Mission-Driven Path to Business Success
April 16, 2026 | Alumni, Business, Military Education
Whenever Lucas Naccarati ’25 is faced with a big life decision, he turns to the same avenue that’s never let him down—prayer. From deciding to join the U.S. Marine Corps to selling his first business to starting a new one and investing his hard-earned capital, prayer and seeking guidance from the Lord are constant through lines in Naccarati’s life.
Alumni Feature: Anthony Powell MA ’13, DMin ’25: From the Entertainment Industry to Church Planting
April 07, 2026 | Alumni
Anthony Powell, MA ’13, DMin ’25, followed his passion for performance and discovered his calling in ministry. Today, he serves as the founding pastor of Redeemed Life Church in Azusa, creating spaces for transformation through both recovery and the arts. “I felt God ask whether I would surrender not just my life, but also my dreams, to the plans He had for me,” said Powell.
Alumni Feature: Austin Kramer ’22 Creates Impact Through HealthGoGo
March 27, 2026 | Alumni, Business
Austin Kramer ’22 is a man of many hats. At just 26-years-old, the Azusa Pacific University alumnus is the founder of the digital kiosk network HealthGoGo, executive producer of acquisitions for Redwood Studios, and serves as a business consultant for Beverly Hills Disc and Laser Therapy Center.
Steel Magnolias 1999 and 2026 Casts Share the Power of Sisterhood, Growth, and Impact of God-Centered Storytelling
March 19, 2026 | Alumni, Arts
As APU’s Department of Theater Arts prepares for the opening of their production of Steel Magnolias on Thursday, the value of sisterhood and growth through hardship has been on the minds of many of the current student actors and the alumni of past productions. The alumni of APU’s 1999 production of Steel Magnolias are attending the opening weekend of the show and are looking back on the memories they shared from their time on the stage.
