Difference Maker Stories

Thelma Heinrich is quick to tell you that family is the focal point of her life. She’s very proud of her three sons, seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

Striving for Excellence

If you ask Doris Howard from Portland, Oregon, to give one phrase that describes Azusa Pacific, she quickly responds with, “Striving for Excellence.”

Each Day is a Gift

Carole Churma, an APU graduate and the first in her family to attend college, believes “We have today”

APU is a Gift to Me

Azusa Pacific University sought out Edna Glasbrenner at a time in her life when she needed to answer God’s calling of becoming the person he created her to be.

The Tale of Two Generations of Greenwald Generosity

After graduating from high school in 1917, Harold Greenwald was drafted into the army and stationed in Washington, DC.

Azusa Pacific is Still a Christian University

If you ask Jim and Ethelyn Polley to describe Azusa Pacific University or to name the greatest strength of the university, their answer is the same: “APU is still a Christian University.”

Excellence in the Classroom Honors God

Alice V. Watkins, Ph.D., the former dean of the School of Education and Behavioral Sciences at Azusa Pacific University, believes that excellence in the classroom honors God.

It Is More Blessed To Give Than To Receive

These are the words of Hank and Sherri Bode as they describe their investments in Azusa Pacific University. Together they have served 75 years at APU in teaching, administration and as donors.

The Best Return On Your Investment

Jerry and Gloria Newell say they give to APU because they see a great return on their investment. “We put our money where we see God working.”

APU is the Best Investment I Ever Made

Azusa Pacific University is rated very high on my list. I can't think of a better investment for God's money. It is a university with a commitment to the Lord."

Making Education Possible for APU Students

After becoming a widow in 2000, Sandra Wilson was looking for new opportunities to serve the Lord, make friendships, and serve her community. She found it all at Azusa Pacific University.

Return on Investment

In June 2002, Corona residents, contractors, and real estate business owners Charles Piester and Eugene and Maxine Piester gifted more than $2 million in commercial property to Azusa Pacific University.

LP Leung

Corporate giants like ENRON, AIG, Global Crossing, and Qwest. But these organizations are only as good (or bad) as their leaders - a point that drove LP Leung to make a bold move for change.

Ted and Dee Chapman

Though Ted and Dee Chapman didn't exactly honeymoon at Dinner Rally, the annual event did mark their first financial commitment made as a newly married couple in 1983.

A Legacy of Love

As a very young girl growing up on a family farm in Iowa, Shila Wiebe always knew exactly what she wanted to do with her life. Her goal was to become a nurse and serve the Lord in some type of mission work.

Giving: An Act of Love

We give to the University for many reasons. We are longtime friends of Azusa Pacific University and we trust the administration and people.

Living Trusts: Hope for the Future

Legacy, once narrowly defined as property passed down to others, now embraces a greater meaning. The Reverend Billy Graham once said, "Our days are numbered.

Interview with Don Grant

Our first involvement at APU was as students at Pacific Bible College. Just before my junior year, J. Arthur Rains said to me, "After you graduate I would like you to get your Master's degree and come back and teach music or us."

Gift Examples

Providing for Our Children's Future

Joe and Kathy worked for years building their nest egg for retirement. They also want to provide for their children.

Bequests

Joe and Anna have been faithful supporters of our organization over the years. Both of them strongly believe that it is important to support and encourage our mission.

Tax-Free Sale

Howard and Lynn were age 55 when they purchased some land outside of town, and they thought it would be a good investment that they could later sell.

The Retirement Unitrust

Mary grew up on a farm. When her parents passed away, she inherited the farm. Now, several developers would like to build homes on the farmland.

Leading for the Future

Luke and Candice spent many years volunteering and supporting their favorite charity. They wanted to give back in a way that would help fulfill its mission.

Part Gift and Part Sale

Susan and Kevin bought their first home many years ago. They had planned to build a second home so that their children could spend their summers along the lake.

Current Gifts

As is the case with many families, there are times each year when Jim and Sharon focus their attention on gift giving.

Gift Annuity for Real Estate

Jonathan purchased a home many years ago for $80,000. The home has appreciated substantially over the years and is now worth $420,000.

A Bequest to Save Taxes

Thomas was a widower who had a great love for our organization. As an individual who had directly benefited from our work.

Deferred Gift Annuity

Several years ago Larry and Allison invested $30,000 in what they believed to be an attractive stock. It turned out to be a very wise decision.

Flexible Deferred Gift Annuity

Lewis is a 54-year-old executive at a large healthcare company. He purchased company stock during years when the stock price was low, and now the stock has grown substantially.

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Difference Maker Stories

Gift Examples