Azusa Pacific University prioritizes a unique experience for undergraduate students, which is reflected in students like Zelie Ebiner ’26, whose involvement and leadership continue to enrich campus life. Students like Ebiner help APU’s campus thrive and serve as a reminder of the importance of communion with God.
Originally from San Dimas, Ebiner moved to Pomona at 10 years old. When choosing a college to attend, Ebiner knew she wanted to be close to home. Her brother had attended APU as well, and she decided to participate in a mock Honors College colloquy to figure out if this was the place for her. “I went to one of Dr. Mark Bernier’s colloquies and had a conversation with him afterwards,” said Ebiner. “It made me realize that if I came to APU, I’d be in good hands.” Ebiner is now a high-achieving double major in honors humanities and history, with a minor in ancient languages. She consistently demonstrates academic excellence, thoughtful engagement, and contributes meaningfully to discussion and dialogue in the Honors College.
Ebiner chose APU and the Honors College because they offered a space to engage challenging ideas while grounding her education in faith. “It’s easy to get burnt out in college when you have to sit in class and listen to lectures. Through engaging deeply with challenging texts by authors like Plato, Aristotle, and Thomas Aquinas, and discussing them in community, I’ve learned how intentional reading and dialogue help shape ideas that ultimately lead to a deeper faith,” said Ebiner. One of the things Ebiner loves most about Honors is being able to sit and have conversations about what she reads. She deepens her own understanding while also learning from those around her.
Ebiner quickly found that her academic interests aligned with APU’s Honors College, which became a central part of her college experience. “When I came to APU, I saw Honors as my primary major, so I wanted something to complement that,” said Ebiner. “My two majors and minor complement each other so well because we read a lot of Scripture, and knowing how to translate that from the original writing in Hebrew was powerful.” Ebiner discovered her love for ancient languages from a young age. She grew up learning Latin from her father, so she came to APU interested in learning another language. Ebiner decided to try out Hebrew with Eunny Lee, PhD, assistant dean and professor in the Department of Biblical Studies, Theology, and Ministry. “I ended up loving Hebrew with Dr. Lee,” said Ebiner. “My last couple of years taking Hebrew were independent studies. She dedicated a lot of time to me as an individual.” Ebiner enjoyed learning Hebrew because it allowed her to read the Bible and pray in a new language. “One thing I’ve realized is how much the translation of Scripture can shape what we believe. Most Christians don’t read the original Hebrew texts, but rely on translations of them. Every translation is an interpretation, and some of the nuances of the original languages can be lost in English,” said Ebiner. “Languages aren’t meant to transfer perfectly from one to another, and learning this has given me a deeper appreciation for Scripture.”
Throughout her time at APU, Ebiner began serving as the ministry head of young adults at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. “We meet every Friday night, and we will do a rotation of worship nights, inviting speakers, giving testimonies, serving the community, and Bible studies,” said Ebiner. “Our church is in an impoverished area, so we go down the street to pick up trash or to Skid Row and give out meals to the unhoused.” Ebiner’s servant heart reflects a deep commitment to living out her faith through action, using her leadership to foster spiritual growth. She also serves as the president of APU’s Seton Catholic Club, positively spreading the light of God through minor interactions every day. “There are a large number of Catholic students on campus who are looking for connection. My brother was the president the year I arrived, so it was a natural thing to get involved. We would host speakers, attend service events, and visit different churches,” Ebiner said. “Being a Catholic on campus has created opportunities for meaningful dialogue and allowed me to build authentic friendships rooted in shared conversations about faith and purpose.”
Throughout her time in the Honors College, Ebiner experienced many different colloquies. During her senior year, she has had the pleasure of taking Oxbridge II with Honors College professor Diana Pavlac Glyer, PhD. “Up until my senior year, I had always heard that Dr. Glyer’s classes were too intellectually challenging,” said Ebiner. “When I eventually had her in Oxbridge, that perception completely changed, and I gained tremendous respect for her.” Ebiner’s experience in Glyer’s course helped her grow as a scholar, sharpening her critical thinking and encouraging thoughtful, engaging conversations in a challenging but supportive classroom. “She is an incredible professor and a woman of God who knows how to push her students while also being someone you can rely on. She teaches with both excellence and grace, knowing exactly when each is needed,” said Ebiner. Another professor who impacted her college experience is Rico Vitz, PhD, director of the Honors College. “In Honors, the students tend to have good intentions and a love for knowledge. The way the classes are structured, we read from a variety of authors and viewpoints. Our goal in this is to seek the truth,” said Ebiner. “Through this, I met Dr. Vitz. We would spend hours talking and having great debates.” Vitz quickly became a trusted mentor to Ebiner, offering guidance and support during seasons of uncertainty. “I remember going into Dr. Vitz’s office in tears and telling him, ‘I don’t think I’ll make it through,’” Ebiner said. “Now, as a senior, he likes to remind me of that moment and how far I’ve come since then.” Ebiner encourages fellow students to trust God through the unexpected challenges of life. “Looking back, I can see where God has worked in the small details, which is something I couldn’t see in the moment. I have faith that things are going to work out.”
In her parting words to APU, Ebiner relishes all the experiences she has had throughout
her four years here. “I was surprised at how much God revealed to me about my interior
life and relationship with Him. He showed me that I needed APU to push me,” Ebiner
said. Her experiences in the classroom at APU have contributed to a well-rounded academic
formation and deepened her engagement with her faith. “My major and the Honors program
will allow me to build a Christ-centered family on the morality, theology, and history
I have learned at APU,” said Ebiner.
One thing the Honors College taught her is that she loves to learn. While Ebiner is
not planning on pursuing a graduate program, she wants her life to be filled with
countless new ideas and lessons that God will teach her. “I don’t want it to stop
here. Honors always felt like home,” Ebiner said. “This is where I needed to be, and
I know I’m going to miss it.”
Ultimately, Ebiner’s experience at APU has shaped her not only as a student of history but as a thoughtful, faith-driven individual who seeks to understand the past to engage the present with purpose, compassion, and hope.