APU Articles
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.
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.
Alumni Feature: Michael Birnbryer-Lao, MM ’14: Inspiring the Next Generation Through Music
October 05, 2026 | Alumni, Music
For Michael Birnbryer-Lao, MM ’14, music and education have always gone hand-in-hand. In 2026, he was named Pasadena Unified School District’s Teacher of the Year for his dedication to music education and his students. “I really enjoy building relationships with my students and helping them stay enthusiastic about learning and being part of something,” Michael said. “I want students to work hard and create beautiful things.”
Alumni Feature: Jessie Bullock ’08 Is Shaping Young Minds Through the Language of Music
October 02, 2026 | Alumni, Arts, Music
Azusa Pacific alumnus Jessie Bullock ’08 recognizes the benefits of music for his middle schoolers in Carlsbad. Working to support young students as they find themselves through band, orchestra, choir, and ASB, Bullock is helping to build the next generation of difference-makers.
Alumni Feature: LBUSD Superintendent Don Austin, MA ’01, EdD ’05, Uplifts Educators
September 25, 2026 | Alumni, Education
Don Austin, MA ’01, EdD ’05 was recently appointed superintendent of Laguna Beach Unified School District (LBUSD). From learning how to manage diverse groups alongside his dissertation team to working with students and staff throughout his career, Don sees opportunities to serve others in everything he does.
Greg Nassir ’92, MBA ’00: Following God’s Call in the Commercial Real Estate Marketplace
September 24, 2026 | Alumni, Business
Greg Nassir '92, MBA '00, serves as first vice president at CBRE, the largest commercial real estate company in the world. At APU, Nassir was equipped with skills in his communications major and graduate business courses to meet his clients' needs in the marketplace.
Alumni Feature: Zachary Ifland ’07 Spreads the Gospel through Surfing the Nations
August 13, 2026 | Alumni, Global Engagement
Zachary Ifland ’07 is living a life of faith, service, and adventure through his work with Surfing the Nations (STN). Initially introduced to the organization as an undergraduate student at Azusa Pacific University, Ifland has served on numerous mission trips across the world, with a base in Baja California. He is blessed to serve alongside his wife and fellow APU alumna, Charis, as they follow God’s calling. Through faith and community, Ifland is fulfilled through doing kingdom work while adventuring across the beauty of God’s creation.
David Sexauer ’92: Building a Legacy of Service and Leadership
August 06, 2026 | Alumni
David Sexauer ’92 arrived at Azusa Pacific University unsure of where his path would lead. Through professors who invested in him, experiences that shaped his perspective, and a faith that continued to grow, Sexauer discovered that true leadership is found in serving others. “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care,” said Sexauer. Now, as CEO of DAST Consulting Services, he uses his experiences to help create opportunities for students to access Christ-centered education.
Isabel Liana (Randall) ’21: Opera as a Mission Field
July 30, 2026 | Alumni, Music
From virtual performances during the pandemic to professional opera stages, Isabel Liana (Randall) ’21 continues to pursue excellence as an artist, lifelong learner, and follower of Christ. Reflecting on her journey, she shares, “I see opera as my mission field.” Read how APU helped prepare Liana for a career in opera and how she hopes to encourage the next generation of musicians.
Alumni Feature: Blaine Aguiar ’18, DPT ’23: Serving Elite Athletes from APU to the NFL
July 28, 2026 | Alumni, Health Sciences
From the Cougar football field to the sidelines of the NFL, Blaine Aguiar ’18, DPT ’23, has spent his career helping athletes recover, rebuild, and return to the game they love. After trusting the process through APU’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Blaine eventually landed a dream role working with the Pittsburgh Steelers
