Each year, thanks to the generous gifts of donors, Azusa Pacific University awards nine full-tuition Trustees’ Scholarships. This award recognizes scholars who have consistently demonstrated high academic achievement and will live out APU’s mission during their academic studies and later in their chosen careers. After a thorough selection process, finalists are invited to campus to interview with APU faculty and administration, before the nine recipients are chosen. Meet the incoming class of Trustees’ Scholars!
Harshdeep (Harsh) Brar
Harsh is a motivated and compassionate student from Rancho Cucamonga, California. After graduating from Los Osos High School, Harsh is excited to continue in her education in nursing at APU. She is passionate about helping others and staying actively involved in her community.
“Receiving the full-tuition Trustees’ Scholarship is a tremendous blessing from God,” Harsh said. “I look forward to using my education to give back and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those around me while I strive to put God first in all I do.”
Evelynn Caulley
Evelynn is from Larkspur, Colorado, and will graduate from Colorado Connections Academy. Evelynn loves spending time outdoors with family and friends as much as getting lost in a great book. At APU, Evelynn will double major in business management and honors humanities, with a minor in biblical studies. After graduating, she hopes to work in the nonprofit or corporate sector, using her education to serve communities and people in need while reflecting the light of Jesus (drawing inspiration from 1 Peter 4:10).
“I was drawn to Azusa Pacific University because of its deep commitment to Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service,” Evelynn said. “What ultimately solidified my decision was the university’s intentional investment in its students—not only academically, but spiritually and personally. I’m excited to call APU home and to grow in both my faith and leadership during my time there.”
Sarah Cijin
Sarah is from Sunnyvale, California, and will graduate from Homestead High School with a 4.32 GPA. She plans to major in kinesiology at APU. Sarah’s passion for kinesiology developed through Homestead's sports medicine internship and her time on the track and field team. She is part of the Middle College program, where she gained early exposure to the college environment. Sarah looks forward to this new season of life and hopes to build new friendships, explore and learn, and continue growing in her spiritual journey. After graduating, she aims to earn a Doctorate in Physical Therapy and work with athletes in an environment where she can support and serve others.
“Azusa Pacific drew me in because of the love and fire for the Lord that is clearly reflected in the faculty, staff, and students,” Sarah said. “God First is not just a slogan, but the way APU lives out its mission.”
Kaeden De Leon
Kaeden is from Arcadia, California, and will graduate from Arcadia High School. Kaeden played varsity basketball at AHS for three years and serves as the president of the school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, allowing her to encourage others in their faith and build a Christian community on campus. She is currently interning at her church where she leads a life group of eight grade girls and plays bass guitar on the worship team. Kaeden plans to major in allied health at APU and to pursue a career as an occupational therapist, with the goal of bringing healing and hope to people during their rehabilitation journeys while building meaningful relationships and integrating her faith into her work.
“I have a deep passion for serving others and truly believe that God has given me these opportunities to make a difference in people’s lives,” Kaeden said. “After attending the Trustees’ event, I felt a strong sense that God was calling me to APU. I’m excited to meet ambitious, like-minded students and pursue an enriching education rooted in faith. I believe that at APU I will have the opportunity to do all things for the glory of God.”
Savannah Hoekman
Savannah is from Ripon, California and will graduate from Ripon Christian High School. The oldest of four siblings, Savannah is the daughter of Greg and Kathy Hoekman, both proud APU alumni. Savannah loves boating, spending time with family and friends, and deepening her faith. She will major in nursing at APU.
“I’m looking forward to APU’s nursing program and getting involved in mission trips through the university,” she said.
Mia Huang
Mia is from Altadena, California and will graduate from Maranatha High School. She has a strong passion for service and looks forward to going on local and global engagement mission trips during her time at APU. Mia plans to major in psychology at APU.
“The Lord has blessed me with this amazing scholarship opportunity and I pray that He will help me to steward it well for His glory,” Mia said. “I’m so excited for this new chapter of my life and can’t wait to experience all that APU has to offer. Go Cougars!”
Jeremiah Hurley
Jeremiah is from Upland, California, and will graduate from Barossa Academy with a 4.08 GPA. In high school, he pursued flight training at Cable Airport, logging 75 hours of flight time. Jeremiah served as a lead worship coordinator and head of electrical wiring for youth mission trips to Rosarito, Mexico, while also leading worship and serving as team leader for his church’s youth group every Wednesday. Jeremiah plans to major in nursing with a minor in honors humanities at APU. After graduating, he plans to return to APU in order to go into a career as a nurse practitioner in orthopedics.
“I chose APU because of the university’s dedication to placing God First, and its commitment to excellent education in order to advance the word of God throughout the world,” Jeremiah said. “I can’t wait to take classes in the highly ranked, Christ-centered nursing program, and to learn more about my Lord and savior, to be equipped to serve Him in everything I do for His glory.”
Hayoung (June) Ryu
A native of Korea, June will graduate from International Community School of Bangkok. Throughout high school, she was deeply committed to service in her church and the broader community, leading initiatives to improve hygiene education for Thai children and organizing service projects that support underserved families.Through these experiences, June has cultivated leadership, responsibility, and cross-cultural communication skills. June will major in allied health on the pre-physician assistant track at APU. She aspires to continue learning to serve others through compassionate, patient-centered healthcare, with a focus on communities with limited access to medical resources. For her, healthcare is not only a profession, but a calling to integrate faith and service, offering care that restores body and spirit.
“I was drawn to APU because of its Christ-centered foundation, which resonates with the values I hold dear in my life,” June said. “APU’s God First motto is a guiding principle I strive to live by. After attending the Trustee’s event, I felt a profound sense of belonging and look forward to growing academically, spiritually, and socially, while continuing to serve with humility and grace.”
Zoe Toney
Zoe is from Claremont, California, and will graduate from Western Christian High School with a 4.29 GPA. During high school, Zoe acted in and stage managed her school’s musicals, served on her church’s kids ministry and production team, and participated in global missions trips. At APU, she plans to major in cinematic arts production due to her love of storytelling and her goal to work in film and media production.
“I chose APU because of the integration of faith with academics and the community that the school has,” Zoe said. “I’m excited to start the next chapter of my life and grow spiritually, academically, personally, and relationally.”