Benjamin Donnelly ’28 was drawn to Azusa Pacific University in unexpected ways, and his faith in the Lord’s plan for him has led him to dreams he never would have imagined. As a child of APU alumni, Donnelly was initially apprehensive about continuing in his parents’ footsteps. But through the community on campus and a trust that God would provide, he committed to APU. A physics major, with minors in math and biblical studies, Donnelly serves as a resident advisor (RA) and learning assistant (LA), and is making his own mark on APU’s community.
Originally from Sylmar, California, Donnelly grew up visiting APU’s campus for alumni
events with his parents. When he started looking towards his own college career, APU’s
community drew him in. Spending Trustee’s weekend meeting professors and building
relationships, Donnelly hoped that God would provide a way for him to afford to attend
APU. “Trustee’s was my confirmation from the Lord, and how if I obeyed Him, He would
make a way for me to attend APU,” said Donnelly.
In his first semester, Donnelly fell in love with physics, switching his major from engineering. “When I changed to Physics, the Lord was changing my mindset. I have been called to serve locally, and I am so passionate about becoming a teacher,” said Donnelly. Through experiences like serving as a learning assistant, Donnelly has been able to build on his passion and academics. “I love being a middle ground between the professor and students, and bridging the communication between them,” said Donnelly. “My favorite thing in life is building relationships with people. As an LA, I get to be a friend in addition to being a tutor, in and out of the classroom. I have been blessed to add to one of the main reasons I came to APU.”
Donnelly is also pursuing a biblical studies minor, an addition which has helped change him for the better. “Even though it doesn’t directly add to my major or field, understanding the Bible adds to everything. It affects your attitude, your interactions, and your day-to-day. If I can understand the Bible more, I can understand the heart of God more and better follow Him,” said Donnelly. Fine-tuning his research and analytical skills, this minor has also added to his Physics degree and daily conversations. Being able to have a solid foundation in Scripture has also aided Donnelly’s faith journey. “There were a lot of things I was raised believing that I assumed everyone agreed on. But discourse and conversations on campus have opened my eyes. It has been really challenging, but I want to have a deep belief, not just in teaching but in the Lord,” said Donnelly. “That scholarly side of my foundational belief in Christ has grown since I came here, and I am excited to see it grow even more over the next two years.”
Donnelly also serves as an RA in Trinity Hall. As a sophomore, he has found mentors
in upperclassmen RAs and learned to provide support to the freshmen in his hall. “I
was nervous when I started, worrying that my residents wouldn’t want to connect with
me. But it turned out that I was blessed with an amazing hall,” said Donnelly. His
hall’s community is thriving, with students connecting and participating in ways that
Donnelly never expected. He has also been able to disciple residents, guiding them
through their first year of college.
Balancing heavy academics and his work as an LA and RA, Donnelly emphasizes the importance of intentional rest. “I have been intentional about taking a Sabbath, being with people, and taking time with the Lord. It fills you up to take on the next week,” said Donnelly. “In the midst of stress and heavy loads, choosing rest and breaks lets you be more efficient when you return to your work.” He has also learned to lean on the APU community and the relationships he has formed through his time on campus. “Dr. McCoy always says, ‘Friends don’t let friends do physics alone,’ so I am intentional about studying with someone. It helps to support one another, bouncing ideas or sitting in contemplation about an equation,” said Donnelly. Establishing strong study habits and collaborating with classmates has helped him to thrive with a heavy workload.
As he continues on his academic journey, Donnelly continues to lean on the Lord and trust His plan. He also works to add to the community that initially drew him to APU. “Being willing to try things that may be uncomfortable leads you to community. Putting forth the effort to talk to people and getting over my discomfort has allowed me to meet people who are now some of my best friends,” said Donnelly. “Be willing to meet new people and have new experiences and let God do the rest.” By trusting God, Donnelly continues to be a light and a leader on campus.