It seems like Chick-fil-A has always been a part of the Azusa Pacific University family. To many students, Chick-fil-A is a great place to eat, study, or hang out.
Because of the special relationship shared between the two, on Jan. 9, APU President Jon Wallace named Chick-fil-A the unofficial south campus of APU. *Wallace presented operator Carlos Mayen Solorzano with a plaque stating the school’s appreciation.(see Final Copy)*
*Since many (see Final Copy)* Chick-fil-A team members are APU students, they found Jon Wallace’s award to be an exciting event and honor.
“This store has become like my second home. I think it’s awesome. It’s cool that we have a great community between Chick-fil-A and APU,” team leader and Citrus student, Jessica Hernandez, said.
The hospitable and loving environment Chick-fil-A creates has easily provided a second home to students at APU.
“If they were a couple they’d be married,” Hernandez said, referring to APU and Chick-fil-A.
APU provides a majority of the guests that eat at Azusa’s Chick-fil-A, and about 30 to 40 members of its work force are APU students. With this much Azusa Pacific influence in the business, Jon Wallace’s decision to make it the official south campus does not come as a surprise.
“I am honored to receive this reward,” Carlos Mayen Solorzano said.
As the Operator of the Azusa Chick-fil-A, Solorzano runs the restaurant with the goals of the company founder’s, Truett S. Cathy, teachings in mind, particularly Proverbs 22:1. “A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.”
This award by Dr. Wallace is more than just a plaque or a statement. To Solorzano, it is held with great respect because of the values he holds personally and within his store.
*“I believe Chick-fil-A Azusa and APU have a partnership,” Solorzano said. “Students are gathering knowledge and need to be refreshed and restored and we want to do that here.”