APU Articles
APU’s Literary Journal "The West Wind" Has Uplifted Student Voices for More Than 30 Years
August 14, 2024 | Provost
APU’s literary journal The West Wind has provided students with a space to explore their creativity for more than 30 years. Sponsored by the English Department, The West Wind allows students of all majors to submit poetry, fiction, nonfiction, and 2D art to the journal for publication. They are also welcome to serve on the staff of editors, an excellent opportunity to strengthen creative and leadership skills.
APU Students’ and Alumni’s Favorite Spots On Campus
August 12, 2024
Many of us grow accustomed to routine throughout the semester, meeting friends or doing homework in comfortable spots across campus. There are many cozy nooks and fun places to explore throughout APU’s campuses, however. From study spots, to places to socialize, to peaceful hubs for prayer, here are some APU students’ and alumni’s favorite areas on campus.
Global Engagement Series: Olivia Redmond’s Experience in the Dominican Republic
August 12, 2024 | Theology
Senior liberal studies major Olivia Redmond ’25 and a team of Azusa Pacific University students spent one month serving in the Dominican Republic on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. Redmond witnessed God’s love through the children she and her team served, discovering the Lord’s handiwork.
Esther Conde-Turpin ’26 Runs Down Her Dreams
August 07, 2024
At the beginning of every race, Esther Conde-Turpin ’26 fixates on the sound of her heart beating. Even as spectators cheer and the crowd goes wild, all she can hear is the thumping in her chest. When her legs kick off as the race commences, sweat drips down her neck, her sneakers pound the track, and she’s fearless, majestic, focused. Her breaths are steady. Breathe in, pace, breathe out. The applause reaches her ears, and when she crosses the finish line, she experiences an indescribable feeling: a tug on her heart, a relentless realization that her body was made to run as she keeps chasing her athletic dreams every time the opportunities present themselves. The vivid feeling of being alive, anticipation for the action ahead, and the hope for what her body can achieve drives her to be present. Conde-Turpin is in her element—free, centered, and energized.
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 Series: Adelaide Towne’s ’26 Experience in Greece
July 01, 2024 | Theology
Adelaide Towne ’26, a sociology major, spent three weeks serving in Greece on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. She deepened her faith by connecting with people through engaging acts of fellowship.
Alumni Feature: Nicky Slavich ’14, MA ’18 Shares the Value of Human Connection
June 28, 2024 | Alumni
Nicky Slavich ’14, MA ’18 never thought he would work at Google as a recruiter. By forming meaningful connections, Slavich discovered his career calling. Throughout his journey, Slavich has learned that his identity stems from who God continues creating him to be.
Alumni Feature: Razel Zapanta ’21 Lives Out Her Many Callings as a Singing Dental Student
June 25, 2024 | Alumni, Humanities and Sciences
Razel Zapanta ’21 is a testament to the fact that when you pursue your dreams, they really can come true. She is a two-time contestant on Wheel of Fortune, and has garnered a large following on Instagram by documenting her dental school journey, expressing her passion for creativity and science. She often calls herself a singing dentist, and recently sang the national anthem at a Phoenix Suns game. Zapanta continuously finds joy and fulfillment in her vocation, inspiring others with her optimism.
Global Engagement Series: Natalie Hultgren’s Experience in India
June 24, 2024 | Nursing, Theology
Nursing major Natalie Hultgren ’26 spent two weeks serving in India on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. Engaging with doctors and nurses to serve the lower caste population expanded Hultgren’s heart to learning about the image of God in all people.
APU’s Art Galleries Showcase Students’, Alumni’s, and LA Artists’ Beautiful Work
June 20, 2024 | Arts
As I walked through the Duke and Darling buildings on West Campus on my way to a class last semester, an interesting sight stopped me in my tracks. Across the typically blank walls were multiple images I had never seen before—vibrant depictions of outer space, ancient Greece, and the ocean to name a few. Beside each picture was a QR code containing the link to a unique song that stirred the artist, Riley Sumaquial’s ’24, vision. I appreciate gleaning insight from Sumquial’s immensely talented synesthetic mind.
Global Engagement: MJ Sanchez’s Experience in Belize and Guatemala
June 17, 2024 | Theology
Maia (MJ) Sanchez ’26, a liberal studies major with a concentration in psychology, spent two weeks serving in Belize and Guatemala on a Global Engagement trip through the Office of Service and Discipleship this summer. She learned about the value of connecting with others through listening and sharing one’s story, as well as relinquishing preconceived expectations.
Alumni Feature: Becky Keife, MA ’18, Shares God’s Love Through Words
June 10, 2024 | Alumni
Words have the power to transform, inspire, and uplift others. Becky Keife, MA ’18, was born with a passion for writing, drawn to empowering, life-giving words. Her childhood dream of becoming an author came true within a journey of venturing into different career paths, fearlessly raising her three children alongside her loving husband, and discovering joy through the challenges of making her aspirations a reality.
Alumni Feature: Vienna Christensen ’20 Makes a Difference as Outreach Manager at World Relief Western Washington
June 05, 2024 | Alumni, Behavioral Sciences
All her life, Vienna Christensen ’20 has been fascinated with travel, cultures, and serving others. As the daughter of missionaries, she never lived anywhere for longer than three years at a time. Her exposure to the beauty of different backgrounds combined with her heart for ministry through effective guidance led her to study sociology and honors humanities at Azusa Pacific University. She now serves as the Outreach Manager at World Relief Western Washington, assisting in refugee resettlement, drawing from what she experienced growing up and the ways her education expanded her understanding of others.
Alumni Feature: Caitlin Volk ’07 Creates Flourishing Family Business Selling Quality Coffee
May 16, 2024 | Alumni
There’s no feeling quite as comforting as a warm cup of coffee in the morning, or an iced latte on a sunny afternoon. While savoring coffee is a daily ritual for many all over the world, Caitlin (Hill) Volk, ’07, has turned her love for a freshly brewed cup into a flourishing family business. For the past year, Inland Roasters has served California’s Central Valley with quality coffee that pays homage to her late father-in-law.
