Eileen O’Neall: Restoring Hope Overseas Through the Arts

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

One trip changed the trajectory of Eilen O’Neall’s (’12) life. During her junior year at Azusa Pacific University, O’Neall went on a Center for Student Action (CSA) trip to the Himalayas. O’Neall, who majored in music education and performance, was on the way to teach music classes at a Mother Theresa home in Kolkata when she saw a blind boy begging for change. “He was singing and he had such a beautiful voice,” O’Neall recalled. “That was my first time seeing the effects of human trafficking. It was an eye-opening experience.”

Many children like this in the region and across the world are intentionally harmed by adults because they’re likely to earn more as beggars if they have disabilities. “I learned that his eyes had been damaged on purpose. This didn’t sit well with me and I knew I had to respond,” O’Neall said. After returning to California, she began to research the problem and what was being done to fight it. “I asked myself, what can I do as a music educator? How can I help solve this problem?”

O’Neall made it back to South Asia after finishing her undergraduate studies at APU. “The reality of the vulnerable children I had encountered in the Himalayas never left my mind,” she said. O’Neall decided to found a nonprofit organization, Creative Hope International, with a small group of artists, all connections from APU. They led music and dance camps in countries in South and Southeast Asia with high rates of human trafficking. The camp made an impact in the lives of these children. “Girls that had been rescued from abuse and trafficking got to learn how to express themselves through dance, reclaiming their bodies for something beautiful. It gave them so much confidence. The counselors said it was amazing to see how big of a contrast there was in the girls after the camp.”

Although the group was limited by their school schedule, including O’Neall who was pursuing her master’s at Cal State Long Beach, they traveled across the world again the following year to continue the camp. After finishing her master’s, O’Neall moved to South Asia and the work with Creative Hope International became a full-time job. Since then, the nonprofit has expanded with a team of local staff in the Himalayas and a long-term partner in Southeast Asia. They’ve helped more than 1,000 people since 2014 through teaching singing, musical instruments, folk music, and dancing. “We believe love and creativity changes oppressive minds and systems. When people create, they can embody justice, beauty, and hope,” O’Neall said. “Music and the arts provide a powerful avenue for healing, restoration, and empowerment. We’re giving students channels of connection where they can realize their potential and have a better future.”

A large part of the impact O’Neall is making through her nonprofit is a result of the music education she received at APU. From being a part of the University Choir and Orchestra to participating in CSA mission trips, O’Neall said she was equipped for her current work through her time at APU. “I really loved my ethnomusicology class. It’s especially useful for my instruction today because it explores music in different cultures. Classical western music isn’t as appropriate in South Asian music classrooms,” she said. “The music education classes had us do a lot of observation and participation type of learning, which was really helpful.” While her music classes were vital to her current teaching, one of O’Neall’s biggest learning moments came in her Christian Life Faith and Ministry class with Michael Bruner, PhD. “I realized that being who God called me to be is Christlike.”

Faith plays a major part of O’Neall’s life and work. “I believe that God loves all people, especially these vulnerable children. My faith enables me to keep going and face challenges with confidence,” she said. “My work is 100 percent based on His faithfulness and His promises.” O’Neall said she has seen many examples of God moving in the Himalayas, including stories of her students letting go of negative and oppressive labels. “I catch a glimpse of the story God is weaving, and I love seeing how God’s love changes people’s hearts and lives.”

STEM Research Symposium Offers Undergrad Students Unique Opportunity

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Azusa Pacific University’s Center for Research in Science (CRIS) recently hosted the fourth annual STEM Research Symposium. The symposium, held in the Segerstrom Science Center, provided an opportunity for more than 30 undergraduate students from the departments of Biology and Chemistry; Engineering and Computer Science (ECS); and Math, Physics, and Statistics (MPS) to share the research they conducted under guidance of faculty advisors. “The symposium provides an excellent opportunity for our undergraduate researchers to disseminate their findings,” said Louise Huang, director of CRIS and acting dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

A unique part of this event is the collaboration between departments. While working only a few classrooms away from each other, students rarely get to see what kinds of research other STEM majors are doing. “It was great to see other student’s research,” said William Dortch, a sophomore systems engineering major. “I was amazed at how much work they put into it. It inspired me to go further in my research.” Dortch, alongside sophomore Isaiah Chang, worked with faculty advisor Aisha Chen, PhD, to research music therapy and machine learning. “It’s such a fresh field. We gathered lots of research to assess the best music therapy practices in order to improve movement for patients with neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.”

Unlike most larger public and private institutions, STEM students at APU have the opportunity to conduct research during their undergraduate years. Dortch said this invaluable experience has taught him a lot. “I definitely learned the importance of time management and having excellent writing skills,” Dortch said. “Doing research at 19 is a lot of responsibility. It’s going to make me better and sharpen me at the end of the day.” Emily Gottry, a senior applied math and honors humanities major, echoed Dortch’s sentiments. “Research was a top priority for me when I was deciding where to go to college,” Gottry said. “I love to see math in action. The opportunity to do that for multiple years during undergrad with an expert to guide me is so impactful.”

Gottry won the “Outstanding Oral Presentation in ECS/MPS” award for her research on multipulsing and bifurcations of optical solitons in the 2D complex cubic-quintic Ginzburg-Landau equation with faculty advisor Edwin Ding, PhD. Since fall 2020, Gottry has worked with Ding to investigate optical solitons, waves that behave like a particle. “They can do some funky things, oscillating or forming two or three pulses instead of just one. The difficulty is that full simulations take a long time,” Gottry said. “We’re building a model to qualitatively reproduce it without taking so long. It’s neat to apply a statistics model on a physical problem.” Gottry said this research experience was paramount in helping her find internships over the past two summers: one at a government research facility and the other doing business analytics for State Farm. She thinks it will also be helpful when she goes to find a job in signals or data analysis.

The symposium prepared students to practice presenting their research, both in written and verbal mediums. Students put together posters showcasing their research, explaining what they had found with other students, faculty, staff, and members of the APU community. For senior organismal biology major Halina Liu, this was her second time presenting at the symposium. “Public speaking was never my strong suit. I was really nervous the first time, but I’ve gotten a lot better and really improved this year,” Liu said. Liu’s research focused on characterizing the kinetics of non-photochemical quenching and efficiency of photoprotection in Helianthus annuus, Venegasia carpesioides, and Celtis reticulata.

Under the direction of faculty advisor Charles Chen, PhD, Liu practiced formulating questions, composing a hypothesis, planning the steps of how to tackle the problem, and finding a solution. Two plants they experimented with were common types of sunflowers, since they’re an important economic crop in the U.S. with their seeds and oil being used frequently in food production. “We investigated how photosynthetic abilities and the photoprotective mechanisms differ in plant species,” Liu said. “By getting familiar with these characteristics, we may one day be able to manipulate these plants in order to increase harvesting, grow food crop yields, and fight food scarcity.” Liu said the research process has taught her a lot about problem solving. “That will be really important going forward after graduation. I’m so glad to have done research in undergrad. It’s a great opportunity at APU and I’d recommend it for anyone who’s interested.”

Tevin Krall: Helping Single Parents Through Mama Boy Movers

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Just four years after graduating from Azusa Pacific University, Tevin Krall ’18 is thriving in ways he never expected. Raised by a single mom, Krall moved more than 10 times as a child. Anytime the rent would increase, they would pack up and find a new place in his hometown of Ventura. Although he didn’t know it at the time, these experiences equipped him to one day start his own moving company, Mama Boy Movers, along with the education he received at APU.

Krall came to APU on a football scholarship, enabling him to become the first in his immediate family to go to a four-year college. “My scholarship opened the door for me and gave me an opportunity. I probably wouldn’t have been able to afford college otherwise,” he said. A powerful defensive lineman, Krall totalled 9.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles-for-loss in his career. He earned second-team all-GNAC (Great Northwest Athletic Conference) honors and was named to the GNAC academic conference team. This was a huge accomplishment, especially considering Krall entered APU on academic probation. “My coaches at APU took a chance on me. My GPA wasn’t the best in high school, but I told them I would work hard and find a way to keep my grades up,” Krall said. “Receiving tutoring and going to study hall sessions were part of the journey. It was a lot of hard work, but it all paid off in the end.”

Although he began college as a social work major, Krall quickly switched to sociology after taking an introductory class. He had never felt very interested in most academic subjects growing up, but he became engrossed with sociology. “I remember learning about topics like race and pay gaps and having an instant connection with it because I felt that I had gone through a lot of those things my whole life. It was so relatable,” he said. Krall wasn’t sure what he would do after college, but he knew he had a strong desire to help others. After graduation, Krall served as an assistant high school football coach for one year with former APU football coach Ben Buys. While this allowed him to continue with the sport he loved, it didn’t pay the bills, so Krall delivered packages for Amazon part-time. During a delivery one day, he had an epiphany. “In sociology, you learn that single parents move far more often than families with both parents. Moving is something that always just came second nature to me. I wanted to build a business that could help single parents,” he said. “Being raised by a single mom, I wanted to dedicate my company to her, so I started Mama Boy Movers.”

Krall took a leap of faith and opened his company in January 2020 with the help of several APU alumni including Jonah Wataru ’17, Keeka Kaakau ’18, Cordell Smith ’18, Olivia Johnson ’18, Katie Little ’19, Gaige Allen '19, Jay Brylka Duvu ’20, Noel (Ming) Hosnell ’20, Brandon Jackson ’20, and Maeaeafe Alailima ’22. After two years in business, Mama Boy Movers has completed more than 700 local and long distance moves. The company has flawless 5-star ratings on Yelp, Google Reviews, and Facebook. “We’re more than just a moving company. Our mission is to make an impact in our community,” Krall said. “We’re an honest, trustworthy moving company from start to finish.” Krall is fulfilling his desire to help single parents by providing reduced rates for them and even doing some moves free of charge. “If you can share your story with us, we’re going to help you out as much as we can.”

While Krall’s hard work has led to entrepreneurial success, he knows that none of it would have been possible without God. Krall came to know Christ at a young age and served as president of his high school’s Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter, but there were times along his journey that he stepped away from his faith. At APU, he rediscovered his faith and it grew stronger. “My team and the community around me really helped shape and guide me, helping me grow as a man of God,” he said. However, it wasn’t always easy. In one particularly challenging moment after his father had passed away and he had a severe knee injury, advice from former coach Bo Beatty helped Krall stay on the right path. “I told him it didn’t feel like things were working out for me and I needed a fresh start. He asked me, ‘Why do you do what you do? Who do you do it for? Make sure that every decision you’re making is with God in mind,’” Krall said. “When he reminded me who I serve, I knew I needed to trust in God and stick it through. That led me to where I am today.”

APU Receives $5 Million Lilly Endowment Grant in Partnership with LPU and LABI

This news release was originally published on APU’s website.

As part of the Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative, Azusa Pacific University received a $4,999,904 grant to fund a partnership with Life Pacific University (LPU) and the Latin American Bible Institute (LABI) that will strengthen pathways for theological education for Hispanic students. “This grant from the Lilly Endowment is a huge blessing. Our partnership with LPU and LABI will help us advance and elevate Hispanic theological education in Southern California and around the country,” said Bobby Duke, PhD, interim associate provost and principal investigator of the grant.

Lilly Endowment’s Pathways for Tomorrow Initiative is a three-phase initiative designed to help theological schools strengthen and sustain their capacities to prepare and support pastoral leaders for Christian churches. In the first phase of the initiative, 234 theological schools in the U.S. and Canada, including APU, received funding ranging from $38,676 to $50,000 for planning and assessment purposes. In the second phase, Lilly Endowment made 105 grants between $500,000 and $1 million to implement programs. In the third phase, Lilly Endowment made 16 grants, ranging from $4,999,792 to $7,950,555 to support large scale collaborative programs involving multiple theological schools, congregations, denominations, and other organizations. APU was awarded alongside other prestigious institutions, including the University of Notre Dame and Emory University.

The grant seeks to make attaining a ministry degree in Spanish more affordable and accessible for Hispanic students. All three schools—APU, LPU, and LABI—are Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSI). To receive HSI status, an institution must have Hispanic students represent at least 25 percent of its undergraduate student body. There are only 559 HSI’s across the nation. “There are fewer universities that truly cater to first generation Hispanic students. We do that and have been serving Hispanic students since we opened in 1926,” said Marty Harris, PhD, president of LABI. “Our partnership with APU and LPU enables us to create pathways for our students to receive an associate’s and bachelor’s degree fully in Spanish. It also makes it much easier and more affordable for them to continue pursuing a Master of Divinity (MDiv), Master of Arts in Pastoral Studies (MAPS), or Doctor of Ministry (DMin) at Azusa Pacific Seminary. This is a trailblazing opportunity.”

The partnership between APU, LPU, and LABI will help develop a shared curriculum designed fully in Spanish, not translated from English. An integral component is providing cultural context in the curriculum. “Contextualizing is so important because Hispanic church leadership in the U.S. is very different than in Latin America, Europe, or other areas,” said Daniel Ruarte, EdD, vice president of academic affairs at LPU. “There’s a strong desire among Hispanic students to learn and grow theologically. There just haven’t been programs that have gone about it in the right way, until now.”

APU became one of the first universities in the country to offer graduate degrees for Hispanic ministry leaders when it started its MDiv, MAPS, and DMin programs in Spanish. The program has grown rapidly in recent years, with more than 100 students currently enrolled. “In my 30 years at APU, we’ve grown to offer a truly multicultural, multilingual theological education,” said Enrique Zone, EdD, director of Hispanic Programs and founder of the Centro Teológico Hispano at APU. “All professors in the program were born in Latin America, whether South America, Central America, or Mexico. They live in the U.S., but have a background in Spanish culture. I’m grateful for this grant and how it will allow us to expand our program to reach more Hispanic students who will in turn have a greater impact in their churches.”

A unique aspect of this partnership stems from the cross-denomination collaboration. APU’s theology is centered on a Wesleyan Holiness tradition, LPU is sponsored by the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel, and LABI is an Assemblies of God institution. The shared curriculum and resources will prepare students to make a difference in a variety of churches and denominations and although all three schools are located in the San Gabriel Valley, the impact will extend far beyond Southern California. “We’re going to make attaining a Hispanic theological education more accessible than ever before by offering online courses so students across the country, and potentially across the world, can benefit from this partnership,” said Matthew Elofson, PhD, acting dean of the School of Theology (SOT).

The grant will be divided in a 30/30/40 split with APU getting the largest share. John Ragsdale, former SOT dean, led the team in developing the proposal and will continue to serve as a consultant for accreditation and other matters. A focus of the grant is to include dedicated funds for coaching. “A big critique of theological education is that schools don’t prepare pastors for the stresses that come with the job. By offering coaching to these students, they'll have someone to come alongside them, mentor them, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and prepare them to make a difference through their ministry,” Ragsdale said. “This grant and partnership are going to transform theological education in Southern California and beyond.”

Azusa Pacific Seminary provides advanced preparation for practical, effective ministry in the Church and in the world. Whether pursuing work in ministry, leadership, teaching, or community engagement, students benefit from a supportive and vibrant community dedicated to transforming the world with Christ.

APU Receives $1.25 Million Lilly Endowment Compelling Preaching Grant

This news release was originally published on APU’s website.

As part of the Lilly Endowment’s Compelling Preaching Initiative, Azusa Pacific University recently received a $1,249,837 grant to support the Formation of the Preacher for More Effective and Engaging Preaching project. This initiative, which will be implemented by APU’s Center for Vocational Ministry (CVM) in collaboration with the School of Theology, will be funded by the grant from January 2024 through December 2028.

“Through this work, we will help aspiring and current preachers to define their personal theology of preaching, while also learning alongside other preachers,” said Jenn Graffius, DMin, executive director of CVM. “Compelling preaching is more than just “good” preaching. It is the transformational, instructive, hope-building, action-inducing, community-centered delivery of the good news. This robust theology of preaching will impact the preachers, and have a transformative impact on churches and communities." Instructed by renowned pastors and preaching scholars, the Formation of the Preacher project offers a continuing education certificate in transformational preaching. This comprehensive program encompasses all levels of the formational process of a preacher and is open to pastors at all stages of their career (including undergraduate and graduate ministry students). Designed to provide a means for the academy and the church to collaborate, this program will provide pastors and ministry leaders with robust mentoring training, peer-to-peer mentoring, preaching conferences, coaching, and lectures from renowned pastors. Special focus will be given to women in ministry, pastors of color, and those serving in solo pastor congregations.

"In 1899, Azusa Pacific University was founded as the Training School for Christian Workers, and today APU continues to train Christian workers to become agents of change in the world for the cause of Christ, “ said Azusa Pacific University President Adam J. Morris, PhD. “Through the Compelling Preaching Initiative, we pray that pastors will grow in their theology of preaching and be transformed while learning alongside others in community, for the sake of the Kingdom and the church."

APU is one of 81 organizations receiving grants through this competitive round of the Compelling Preaching Initiative. Reflecting the diversity of Christianity in the United States, the organizations are affiliated with mainline Protestant, Evangelical, Catholic, Orthodox, Anabaptist and Pentecostal faith communities. Many of the organizations are rooted in the Black Church and in Hispanic and Asian American Christian traditions.

“Throughout history, preachers often have needed to adapt their preaching practices to engage new generations of hearers more effectively,” said Christopher L. Coble, Lilly Endowment’s vice president for religion. “We are pleased that the organizations receiving grants in this initiative will help pastors and others in ministry engage in the kinds of preaching needed today to ensure that the gospel message is heard and accessible for all audiences.”

The Lilly Endowment launched the Compelling Preaching Initiative in 2022 because of its interest in supporting projects that help to nurture the religious lives of individuals and families and foster the growth and vitality of Christian congregations in the U.S.

About Lilly Endowment Inc.

Lilly Endowment Inc. is a private foundation created in 1937 by J.K. Lilly Sr. and his sons Eli and J.K. Jr. through gifts of stock in their pharmaceutical business, Eli Lilly and Company. While those gifts remain the financial bedrock of the Endowment, it is a separate entity from the company, with a distinct governing board, staff and location. In keeping with the founders’ wishes, the Endowment supports the causes of community development, education and religion and maintains a special commitment to its hometown, Indianapolis, and home state, Indiana. A principal aim of the Endowment’s religion grantmaking is to deepen and enrich the lives of Christians in the United States, primarily by seeking out and supporting efforts that enhance the vitality of congregations and strengthen the pastoral and lay leadership of Christian communities. The Endowment also seeks to improve public understanding of diverse religious traditions by supporting fair and accurate portrayals of the role religion plays in the United States and across the globe.

News Release: SBM Reaffirmed for IACBE Accreditation for 7 Years

This news release was originally published on APU’s website.

Azusa Pacific University’s highly ranked School of Business and Management (SBM) has received reaffirmation for accreditation by the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE).

“Receiving IACBE accreditation provides great assurance to our students that we continually pursue excellence and self evaluation,” said Todd Pheifer, EdD, associate dean and director of accreditation, assessment, and grants in the SBM. “We received the maximum length of accreditation—seven years—which is confirmation of not only the exceptional work we’ve been doing, but also where we’re going.”

IACBE accreditation is mission-driven and outcomes-based. It involves an independent, external evaluation of the business programs offered by an institution’s academic business unit. The effectiveness of the program is evaluated based on nine principles: commitment to integrity, responsibility, and ethical behavior; quality assurance and advancement; strategic planning; business curricula and learning opportunities; business faculty characteristics, activities, and processes; policies, procedures, and processes; external relationships; and innovation in business education.

“We received the gold standard level of accreditation. When IACBE conducted interviews with employers who have hired our graduates, they received stellar reviews about our programs, commending our innovation and creativity,” said Roxanne Helm-Stevens, DBA, interim dean of the SBM. “Our students benefit from our phenomenal faculty team. They’re so dedicated to our mission. They go out of their way to connect with, help, mentor, and pour into our students.”

Graduates from the SBM are currently working in high-level positions at top global companies including all of the “Big Four” accounting firms, Google, NASA, JPL, UPS, Travelers, Target, Kaiser, IEHP, TikTok, and the IRS, among many others. Graduates have also gone on to start their own successful companies.

“Our programs are on the cutting edge of business schools. We’re always looking for ways to innovate to provide more value for our students,” Helm-Stevens said. “We embed credentials and microcredentials in classes along the way, such as Excel, Google Digital Garage, and Hootsuite so students can set themselves apart for internships and jobs. When they meet with a prospective employer, they can showcase their skills and differentiate themselves from the competition.”

The SBM prepares students with the skills and integrity needed to do business well in today’s world. Experienced faculty integrate faith and character throughout each program, equipping students to make a difference and transform how business works. With nine bachelor’s degrees in business and accounting, students can select the program that best fits their career goals. For those looking to advance their careers at the graduate level, APU offers a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Business Management (MBM), available on campus and online, as well as a Master of Professional Accountancy, Master of Arts in Leadership, Master of Science in Organizational Psychology, and Master of Public Administration.

APU Opens Revamped Duke Student Commons

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Azusa Pacific University recently celebrated the opening of the new John and Marilyn Duke Student Commons on West Campus. The completely redesigned 27,000-square-foot-space, which was formerly known as Heritage Court, enhances the campus experience for all students. “The Duke Commons is intentionally designed to facilitate student connection, engagement, and belonging,” said Keith Hall, EdD, vice president of student belonging and chief diversity officer. “The Commons is a perfect environment for graduate and undergraduate students to organically cultivate new relationships or deepen existing ones with peers, faculty, and staff."

As you enter through the main entrance off of Parking Lot H, the space is filled with a variety of booths for meeting and leisure pods conducive to studying. “Although APU has a number of places across East and West campuses where students can gather, connect, and socialize, the Duke Commons provides a centralized space for students to relate, recharge, and refresh before, in between, and after classes. It offers utility that can serve as a home away from home,” Hall said. Commuter student Eli Herrera, a sophomore psychology major with a music minor, enjoys the many amenities Duke Commons offers. “The seats are comfortable and there are so many that I never have to spend time searching for a place to sit,” Herrera said. “I like how nice and organized it is.”

The Commons also features stadium seating, with seven levels for students to gather under a Cougars banner. “We put a huge, drop-down screen facing the stadium seating, so professors can reserve the space if they’d like to show a film for class, clubs can have a movie night, and we’re planning on doing community events like World Series watch parties,” said Heather Snyder ’99, MBM ’09, director of auxiliary services.

The three eateries on West Campus have also been revamped. Hillside Grounds has a more open design that offers students a perfect spot to enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee. The Grill now features a broader menu including Mexican cuisine and a student favorite, loaded tater tots. The Market allows students to quickly grab a snack or beverage on their way to class. “With these dining venues, there’s something for everyone,” Snyder said. “Whether you’re in the mood for a sandwich, a burrito, or just a quick snack on the go, you can find it here.”

A popular change to the space is the addition of the Campus Store, which offers an extensive selection of APU gear, including t-shirts, polos, tank tops, sweaters, jackets, shorts, and hats. The store also stocks an impressive variety of APU accessories including mugs, water bottles, backpacks, stickers, ornaments, and more. Students can stock up on any necessary class materials from books to binders. Also located in the Commons, Cougar Tech features all the latest Apple products.

At the other end of the Duke Commons sits the Commuter Desk. This desk offers a one stop hub for commuter students to receive services including one free snack per day and access to a printer where they can print up to 10 pages for free each day. They can also store extra materials in lockers, keep their food in a refrigerator, and use microwaves to cook it between classes. “By nature, commuter students do not have the ability to run back to their residential areas, to rest or grab something, so we want to make their lives easier,” said Matt Browning, EdD, director of Commuter Life. “Commuter students are an integral part of the APU community. These students work especially hard to be here and balance work, family, and school. We’re proud to serve these extraordinary students.” APU has more than 1,200 commuter students enrolled for the 2022-23 academic year. Victoria Ramos ’22, a graduate social work student who commutes from Ontario, said the Duke Commons benefits commuters in ways Heritage didn’t. “This is a place where I enjoy spending time.”

Mary Wong Teaches Translanguaging in Vietnam

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

After two years of waiting due to COVID restrictions, Mary Shepard Wong, PhD, professor in the Department of Sociology, TESOL, and Modern Languages, traveled to five cities across Vietnam over three weeks to co-lead four workshops sponsored by the U.S. Department of State on translanguaging. Wong, along with another language specialist, Dongping Zheng, PhD, from the University of Hawai’i at Manoa, joined three Vietnamese professors on this project. The team worked together virtually from 2020-2021 to develop a guidebook for all K-12 English teachers in Vietnam on translanguaging in the classroom. “After leading the workshops, I have a much deeper and broader understanding of education in the region,” Wong said.

The guidebook, the in-person workshops, and an online course with prerecorded lectures, are part of a larger project supported by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training for thousands of English teachers across Vietnam. During the workshops, she and Zheng emphasized the power of using translanguaging in the classroom, a process in which teachers and students are encouraged to use all of the languages they know to support their learning. “Instead of using an English only approach, we want to value all learners, all languages, and the cultures they bring to the classroom, to celebrate them, to use all they bring to support learning,” she said. “It’s like being in an art classroom and being told to use only pencils. If you have all these wonderful paints, markers, and other art supplies, why would you limit yourself to just pencils?”

The vast majority of participants were believers in translanguaging by the end of the workshops. Wong taught the teachers to use action research in their classrooms to explore how best to apply translanguaging in their context. “One participant said she used to think research was too difficult and boring, but now she sees how it can help her improve her teaching and help her students learn. She’s planning to implement action research to explore how to best infuse her teaching with a translanguaging approach.” In a survey of 120 workshop participants, 118 agreed or strongly agreed that they would try to use translanguaging and action research. “Many in our workshops are lead teachers and teacher educators, so we anticipate a cascade effect, where they will share what they have learned across Vietnam,” she said. “Our goal was to train teachers and to promote an understanding of U.S. culture. I think we accomplished that in many ways inside and outside of the classroom.”

A big component of this mutual understanding was possible because of the intentional effort Wong put into experiencing Vietnamese culture. She and Zheng wore traditional Vietnamese dresses called ao dai when teaching. “They greatly appreciated how we embraced and honored their culture,” Wong said. “The food was phenomenal. The people were fantastic. They treated us so well.”

Although Wong has visited Southeast Asia more than 20 times over the past two decades, this was only her second time visiting Vietnam. The trip took her to Hanoi, Dong Ha, Ha Tinh, and Ho Chi Minh City. “I really enjoyed Hanoi because I got to see my former student, Andrew Riese (’11). He and his wife showed us the best of Hanoi, which has been their home for over a decade,” Wong said. “I hope to go back to Vietnam soon and follow up with my colleagues, see the teachers again, and experience even more that the country has to offer.”

APU Celebrates the Inauguration of Adam J. Morris

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Azusa Pacific University celebrated the inauguration of its 18th president, Adam J. Morris, PhD, on Wednesday, Sept. 21, 2022. More than 2,000 faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends of the university filled the Felix Event Center to watch as Morris was officially sworn in to take the helm of APU. “During my interview process with the Board of Trustees, I told the leadership of this great university that I wanted to be part of something so big, that only God could do it,” Morris said. “It’s that hopeful expectation of what God will do in our midst that motivates and encourages me to join each one of you on this epic adventure called Azusa Pacific University.” Watch a recap of the entire program or view President Morris’ address.

The festivities began with a processional as APU’s dedicated faculty marched down the aisle donned in regalia from their respective alma maters. Albert Tate, Board of Trustees vice chair, delivered an invocation and acknowledged special guests in attendance, including several university presidents, elected city leaders, and superintendents of local K-12 school districts. Many more special guests livestreamed the inauguration online.

APU’s renowned chapel band took the stage to lead the crowd in worship, followed by special remarks from Shirley Hoogstra, JD, President of the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU); Barry Corey, PhD, President of Biola University; and Richard Felix, PhD, President Emeritus of APU. Hoogstra wished Morris success in leading the university into a new era. Corey spoke of how instrumental Morris was in his role as executive vice president and chief transformation officer of Biola, helping the institution thrive missionally, academically, and financially in the ever-changing landscape of Christian higher education. Felix offered personal advice, having served as APU’s president from 1990-2000, encouraging Morris to stand on the shoulders of the 17 presidents who came before him. Felix said he was confident that APU had chosen the right person for the job, saying “His breadth and depth of experience is remarkable. His ability to deal with various and complex issues is simply amazing. He has a firm grasp of the challenges that face all Christian colleges across America today and seasoned wisdom in the pursuit of God’s calling for this assignment.”

The investiture of President Morris was led by Board of Trustees Chair, Thomas G. Miller. All 19 members of the Board took the stage and held onto a cord, which ran through a Bible that once belonged to Cornelis P. Haggard, APU’s 13th president. Morris placed his hand on the Bible with his wife, Faith, holding her hand underneath. “By the power conferred upon me by the Board of Trustees, I hereby instate you as President of Azusa Pacific University. And now, Adam, may the power, peace, and presence of God uphold, sustain, direct, and keep you always. To Him be all the glory,” Miller said. Lucie Moore, JD, prayed for Morris and APU as his tenure as president officially commenced.

Morris delivered his inauguration speech, revisiting the history of APU, back to its roots as the Training School for Christian Workers. “The institution grew to become Pacific Bible College, then Azusa College, followed by Azusa Pacific College, and today, Azusa Pacific University,” he said. “APU’s history is replete with remarkable men and women of God whom He has used to advance His mission throughout the world.” Morris spoke of the impact these great leaders had, including Felix, Haggard, William Marshburn, Cliff Hamlow, Carolyn Koons, Ron Turner, Nobel Henson, and past president Jon R. Wallace. “Pausing this morning to remember anecdotes from APU’s past is both healthy and wise. It’s Biblical and it’s fitting for a day like today,” Morris said. “The Psalmist writes, ‘I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you’ve done; I ponder the work of your hands.’ (Psalm 143:5) Recalling moments from our past is really an invitation to reflect on God’s goodness, faithfulness, and to acknowledge all that God has done.”

Morris spoke about the priorities for the year ahead, including developing a financial roadmap, reinvesting in infrastructure, bringing clarity to the strategic plan, spending time cultivating community well-being, and building an executive team to chart the course into a future full of possibilities. “There is much to do, and I couldn’t be more optimistic for our future, but I would be remiss today if I didn’t ground us yet again in our sacred, time-honored mission,” he said.

“APU is an institution that is unapologetically Christ-centered, with a deep commitment to academic excellence, a global Great Commission mindset, and a passion to touch the lives of our beloved and diverse student body.”

Morris gave examples of several students who are doing exemplary work, readying themselves to become difference makers in their respective fields. Having spoken earlier about the revival that had taken place in Azusa so many years ago, Morris called for the same thing to begin on campus today. “I’ve begun to pray for revival at Azusa Pacific University. I invite you to do the same,” he said. “It’s hard for me to put into words the strong sense that I have that God is about to do something new, and even miraculous, in our midst. But I can tell you that I sense it. I believe it’s coming.”

Morris was presented with gifts embodying APU’s four pillars of Christ, Scholarship, Community, and Service from the Board of Trustees, faculty, staff, and student body. The gifts included a Bible, bookends engraved with Psalm 119:66, a statue of Jesus washing the feet of another, and a wooden table decoration representing the different backgrounds of APU students.

The Inauguration ceremony closed as President Morris was joined by his parents, children, and grandchildren on stage as Tate and Coba Canales, EdD, dean of spiritual life, prayed over the Morris family. “We ask that your love would fill them. We ask that your hope would guide them. We ask that your peace would sustain them. We pray that this presidency would be marked by your presence and your revival, in Jesus’ name.”

Marla Foster Morgan: APU Enabled Me to Make a Difference in the Foster Community

This article was originally published on APU’s website.

Marla Foster Morgan ’22 is making a difference in the lives of foster youth. While she pursued a Masters in Public Administration at Azusa Pacific University, Morgan earned a Richter Scholars Research Fellowship which enabled her to research issues affecting transitional aged foster youth. “I loved my experience as a Richter Fellow,” she said. “Doing research in the field was something new to me, but my professors, especially Kimberly Garth-James, supported me the entire way, which prepared me to have a greater impact in my current work as a public administrator.” Morgan’s research was recently published in the World Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities.

Morgan explored how trauma affects young adults as they transition out of foster care to independent living; how spiritual mentorship increases their resilience; and what resources are available for stable housing. She found that transitional age foster youth account for one-third of all homeless youth in the U.S. “I discovered that nearly all the individuals with a spiritual practice had a much better chance of avoiding homelessness and succeeding in life,” she said. “It was phenomenal how big of an effect this had on their resiliency through trials.”

While there are public programs and organizations in place, all of the individuals Morgan interviewed during her research spoke of a lack of resources available to them for addressing the issues of life skills, employment, housing, and trauma as they age out of the system. “My research shows that there needs to be a comprehensive approach,” she said. “We need to provide assistance with housing, resources, and spiritual support.”

As a former foster child herself, spiritual resiliency among foster youth is very important to Morgan. When she was 3-years-old, Morgan was taken from her mother’s care by the Department of Children and Family Services because of unsafe living conditions. Although she was placed in the care of her aunt, Morgan still regularly visited her mother, which led to further abuse. “As a child, I lost my voice to speak up for myself. I couldn’t share what I went through,” she said. “So when I turned 18 and graduated from high school, I moved out of my home immediately. I moved from one house to another, from this couch to that couch.” After months of struggle, Morgan secured a safe living space with help from an organization.

Morgan began attending Cal State Dominguez Hills, but balancing school and a full-time job and taking the bus from Long Beach to Carson every day proved to be extremely challenging, so she ended up dropping out. “That was such a hard season of my life,” she said. “My little sister noticed how unhappy I was. She told me I had always wanted to go to school and that I should go back. I prayed about it and God opened the door for me.” More than a year after dropping out, Morgan returned to college and persevered, earning a Bachelor’s in Public Administration.

After graduation, Morgan finally achieved a sense of stability, allowing her to focus on her work at a company in the private sector. “I did really well at my job, but I felt a calling to do something more,” she said. “I wanted to use my skill set to make an impact in the world based on my biblical values. I chose to pursue my master’s degree at APU so I could learn how to be a public administrator in a godly manner and be best equipped to help transitional age foster youth.” Morgan currently works at Hannah’s Homes, a nonprofit that seeks to provide housing, childcare, spiritual, life, and parenting skills to foster and at-risk youth. She also serves as the educational director on the board of another organization that helps foster youth, provides consultations, and speaks to organizations and foundations about how to better serve transition age foster and at-risk youth.

Morgan’s faith is paramount to the way she lives her life and interacts with others. At a young age, she received a children’s Bible, which she read cover-to-cover. “That’s when the word of God took root in my heart. It was very powerful,” she said. As an adult, Morgan got very involved at her church—Love and Unity Christian Fellowship in Compton. She would spend many hours every week there, even going during breaks from school just to pray with the elders. “They became a family for me. There were so many people at that ministry who were fully committed to God, which helped me grow in my faith. It transformed my life for the better,” she said. Morgan experienced more growth at APU with support from the Christ-centered community. Her faith played a huge role in her research and continues to do so in her work today. “My faith is my guiding compass, the basis for everything I do. I hope and pray that my work will truly make a difference in the lives of foster youth. It’s only possible because of God.”