Anyone that steps on the Azusa Pacific University campus can see that APU is a great place not only for education, but for strong community and opportunities to cultivate lifelong relationships. Whether you’re a commuter, on-campus resident, freshman, senior, or transfer student, there is a place for you in the APU community. Gavin Haberle ’25 is a liberal studies major with a concentration in English and a minor in biblical studies. He transferred to APU in his sophomore year and has since found ways to connect with others through his passion for local and global engagement.
Haberle grew up in Rancho Cucamonga, not far from APU. He knew many people who had attended APU, so after a disappointing freshman year experience at another college, he decided to transfer to APU. He enrolled in the liberal studies program with the hope of working with kids in the future. Haberle greatly enjoyed getting involved with the program’s observation hours and opportunities such as the CHAMP program. He began working for the Office of Spiritual Life as a chapel and office administration intern, and later became a local engagement intern. “I began to see the fruits of what it meant to serve locally,” he said. “I saw students serving in spaces that were familiar but still challenged them to step out of their comfort zones.” Inspired by the idea of diving into challenges through service, Haberle became a global engagement intern in the Office of Service and Discipleship (OSD).
During his first semester at APU, Haberle looked for ways to further get involved
in the community. He went on a Global Engagement trip to Florida after the devastation
of Hurricane Ian. “I didn’t know what it truly meant to serve, but I had a lot of
friends encouraging me to try relief ministry” he said.
Having fallen in love with ministry, Haberle attended another Global Engagement trip in Rome that summer and later led three trips in North Carolina, South Korea, and Hawaii. “Service was pivotal in my faith journey and time at APU,” he said. “It has stretched and grown me into who I am today, and I’ve come back with a sense of community and great memories. I’ve been on trips with high and low moments, but Jesus is so faithful. If you’re scared to do something, do it with God.” Each trip, Haberle grew more confident and connected with the APU community.
As a transfer student, Haberle was determined to find a place and purpose on campus. He pushed himself to connect with others and challenged himself to expand his comfort zone. “The biggest thing I’ve learned being a transfer and commuter student is learning what it means to try new things and fail,” he said. “Failure is such a taboo word, and people think that failing is the worst case scenario, but APU has taught me that when we fail or don’t have an answer, it’s a learning experience that shapes up and deepens our faith.We can become better people and share that experience with others.” Haberle knew that he needed to put himself out there and get involved whether it was through on-campus jobs, service opportunities, joining a discipleship group, hanging out with others, or joining clubs. He said that spending time with others was a challenge to himself to try new things, but it made all the difference in his college experience. Haberle also shared advice for incoming transfer students. “Be willing to try new things,” he said. “APU is such a beautiful community of people that love doing life together. Transferring can seem intimidating, but the community here is willing to laugh through life together, and that’s such a beautiful thing.”
After graduating this fall, Haberle hopes to continue his participation in ministry. He originally planned to pursue a master’s in education, but his time at APU allowed him to hear God’s call to ministry. He is currently looking at seminary programs. “It’s a freeing thing knowing that even if my plans are not what I imagined as a senior in high school, I can see the fruits of what God has called me into and the person APU has shaped me into.”