By Alena Crouse
For many Azusa Pacific University students, our on-campus experience has been impacted by Jeffrey “Jeff” Braden, the red trolley driver. Whether we interacted with him once or daily throughout our time as students, it is hard to imagine what APU would be like without him. Even though it feels like he has always been a part of this community, Jeff began working here nine years ago, after spending 30 years working at Northrop Grumman, one of the country’s largest aerospace and defense companies. After working here for almost a decade, what is next for Jeff?
Despite his steady involvement on campus, Jeff plans on retiring from APU after May 2027. While we are sad to hear of his departure, it is exciting that we get at least one more year with him on campus.
“When a student tells me I’ll miss their senior year and asks me to stay one more year, I tell them I could end up being a 90-year-old man, using a walker and trying to drive a trolley, to stay “one” more year,” Jeff comments in response to students’ desires for him to stick around longer.
After he retires, he plans on “working around the house, working on [his] 2 boats, doing some camping in [his] 5th wheel trailer, [and] visiting [his] sister in Oregon.” Overall, he hopes to slow his pace of life further and spend more time with his friends and family. He also hopes to continue serving at his church, where he has volunteered for their bus ministry for over 30 years, until the church ceased their student bus services.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time at APU, especially meeting the students; they’re all terrific.
Last year, a student told me I’m like a ‘grandfather’ figure to the students, so you’re all like grandkids to me,” Jeff noted while reflecting on his time here and his interactions with students.
In fact, these student interactions are one of his favorite aspects of his job, as he gets to converse with students while driving around campus. He even makes a point to remember students’ names and engage with them about their lives. One of the most distinctive things about the red trolley is that every finals week, Jeff will place signs around the interior encouraging students to finish well and congratulate the seniors who are graduating.
When asked to share some wisdom for our graduating seniors, Jeff shared, “Your career path may change over time, pray to the Lord for your life’s direction, and keep your faith. My career path took me from automotive machinist to an aviation company, then to an aerospace company (Northrop Grumman, 30 years there), and then to a trolley driver at APU.”
For the current students, Jeff encourages us to “stick with your studies, graduate, find a career you like, but think about the benefits that are offered as well.”
Jeff’s transition away from APU reflects many of our own students’ transitions into bigger and better things after they graduate. As you look towards your future and worry about what your future careers may be, remember that God is directing your path. Take heart that the Lord has a plan for you, and trust in His timing.