You’ve come this far, but it’s intimidating to think a place we called home will soon be in the past. The real world is creeping at your door, but your time at Azusa Pacific University shouldn’t stop once you cross the stage. The Alumni House is always here for when you are homesick.
The Alumni House is a space for past and current students to learn about some resources available to them. Most visitors come to show their families their old stomping grounds, reunions, games, and to grab some new swag. There are many events hosted by the house throughout the year, both on and off campus.
The house offers a variety of discounts, such as discounted tickets for sporting events, insurance, AAA, and local hotel rates. By visiting the Alumni House, you can also connect with the career center and learn about other opportunities at APU that are available for both alumni and current students.
The house was originally an on-campus showhouse. It was then turned into an on-campus house for the Dean of Students and their family. Kendrick Williams ’94 visited one Halloween to visit both his alma mater and his childhood home when it was used as a dormitory. He toured the new place and gave the Alumni House employees a tour of how his old home was laid out.
Eventually, the live-in on-campus house became an office for the president, but in 2019, it was converted to the Alumni House for Cougars to come back, reconnect, and reminisce. The physical space brings comfort and nostalgia; it is a safe space to hang out and a physical space to call home. It is a warm welcome back to campus and a way to bring alumni together, both to look back on their time here at APU and to create new memories. It doesn’t just have to end after four years.
Alumni are a crucial part of universities, especially APU. They show a history of what APU was, where the university is now, and the direction we are moving towards. You aren’t just a Cougar for four years; it’s for life!
For those in the APU family who aren’t just a short drive away, there are still perks. Aside from the discounts, there are several events hosted across various states for alums and virtual workshops to help ease the transition from graduation to entering the work force.
In the last few years, alumni engagement has only gotten stronger. With the evolution of technology and resources, college friends blossom into life-long relationships, even with distance. APUConnect is a directory resource available to APU alumni and current students. It is APU’s version of LinkedIn, for students and alumni to get connected for mentorship, job opportunities, and general questions about fields they may be interested in.
Post-grad can be a struggle, and APU doesn’t want to be a burden after you graduate. Aside from financial donations, you can contribute your time by volunteering at events hosted by the Alumni House and participating in workshops.
Congratulations on your accomplishments, whether you’re graduating or stepping into a new chapter at APU! Remember, you can always come home.