A History of Azusa Pacific University's West Campus: From Humble Beginnings to Modern Expansion

Azusa Pacific University (APU), a private evangelical research university located in Azusa, California, has a rich history dating back to its founding in 1899. While the university's origins lie in Whittier, California, its relocation to Azusa and subsequent expansion, particularly the development of the West Campus, mark significant milestones in its growth and evolution. This article explores the history of APU's West Campus, tracing its development and highlighting its importance to the university's overall mission and identity.

Early Years and Relocation to Azusa

Established on March 3, 1899, in Whittier, California, Azusa Pacific University was initially known as the Training School for Christian Workers. It holds the distinction of being the first Bible college on the West Coast. Led by its first president, Mary A. Hill, the school aimed to prepare men and women for ministry and service. The early years were marked by several relocations and changes in leadership.

In 1939, Cornelius P. Haggard became the school's 13th president. Faced with low enrollment and financial challenges, Haggard launched various fundraising initiatives, including the annual Dinner Rally, which continues to this day. Following mergers with three Southern California colleges, the institution relocated to Azusa in 1946, securing a permanent home. At that time, the Training School became Pacific Bible College, offering four-year degrees. In 1956, the name was changed to Azusa College.

The Development of West Campus

The original 12-acre plot in Azusa is what students now know as East Campus. The expansion of West Campus came 54 years later under the leadership of President Richard E. Felix. Felix, who became president in 1990, played a pivotal role in the university's expansion and development, including initiating the university's first doctoral programs. The construction of West Campus significantly contributed to a doubling of student enrollment and the addition of several graduate and doctoral programs.

Because of continued expansion amidst an established late Victorian community, Azusa Pacific University is technically two separate campuses. The West and East campuses are separated by several blocks of residential neighborhoods. That makes it easy for the campus community to get daily exercise in!

Key Features of West Campus

West Campus houses several important facilities and resources, contributing to the academic and athletic life of the university.

Felix Event Center

The 3,500-seat West Campus Felix Event Center is one of the state-of-the-art facilities. Site of regular chapel services, the arena is used for basketball and volleyball games, concerts, conventions, and various community functions. The honorific naming of the FEC was well-deserved. Felix was responsible for the construction of West Campus, a doubling of student enrollment, reframing the university’s values in its Four Cornerstones and the addition of several graduate and doctoral programs.

Mary Hill Center and Garden

Named in honor of Mary A. Hill, the university's first president, the Mary Hill Center and Mary Hill Garden are located on West Campus. This area houses classrooms and offices for students and professors.

Art Galleries

On the West Campus, no less than five art galleries display the creations of Cougars and guests.

Athletic Facilities

Baseball and softball, basketball, soccer, track and field, tennis, swimming, volleyball, and water polo are among Azusa Pacific’s varsity sports, played at state-of-the-art facilities. Watching outdoor athletics at Azusa Pacific means taking in some inspiring mountain views!

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Academic Resources and Special Collections

Special collections of Azusa Pacific University are housed in the Thomas F. Andrews Room of the Hugh and Hazel Darling Library, located on APU's West Campus. APU's Office of Institutional Research and Assessment provides resources, training, and consultations designed to help academic and student life departments successfully assess their educational effectiveness.

The Impact of West Campus

The development of West Campus has had a significant impact on Azusa Pacific University. It has allowed the university to:

Expand its academic offerings: The additional space provided by West Campus has enabled the university to introduce new programs and expand existing ones, particularly at the graduate and doctoral levels.
Increase student enrollment: The larger campus has allowed APU to accommodate a growing student body, providing more opportunities for students to access quality Christian education.
Enhance athletic facilities: The state-of-the-art athletic facilities on West Campus have supported the university's successful intercollegiate athletics program, which has produced numerous accomplished athletes.
Strengthen its research capabilities: The expansion has facilitated the growth of research activities, contributing to APU's designation as a research university.

Notable Figures in APU History

Several individuals have played key roles in shaping the history of Azusa Pacific University, including those who have contributed to the development of West Campus:

Mary A. Hill: The first president of APU, she laid the foundation for the university's mission and values.
Cornelius P. Haggard: His leadership during a challenging period helped to stabilize the university and pave the way for future growth.
Richard E. Felix: As president, he oversaw the construction of West Campus and initiated the university's first doctoral programs.
Jon R. Wallace: As executive vice president and later president, he continued to advance the university's mission and expand its reach.

A Thriving Campus Community

Azusa Pacific University's West Campus is not just a collection of buildings and facilities; it is a vibrant community where students, faculty, and staff come together to learn, grow, and serve. The campus offers a variety of activities and organizations, including:

Student Government Association (SGA): The SGA represents the interests of the student body and works to improve the campus experience.
Veterans Club: This organization provides a network of support for veterans transitioning into academic life.
Ethnic Organizations: APU is home to several ethnic organizations that promote cultural awareness and provide a sense of community for students from diverse backgrounds.
Music Ensembles: The Warren Music Center on East Campus hosts a variety of choral and instrumental performances, showcasing the talents of APU's music students.

From College to University

Throughout its history, Azusa Pacific University has undergone several transformations, reflecting its growth and evolution.

1899: Founded as the Training School for Christian Workers in Whittier, California.
1939: Renamed Pacific Bible College and began offering four-year degrees.
1946: Relocated to Azusa, California.
1956: Renamed Azusa College.
1965: Became Azusa Pacific College.
1981: Achieved university status and adopted the name Azusa Pacific University.

Azusa: The Canyon City

The surrounding city of Azusa is a mix of old and new, suburban and natural, bedroom community and quaint small town. Situated 25 miles northeast of Downtown Los Angeles, the city of 50,000 is known as “The Canyon City,” a reference to the San Gabriel Canyon that begins just north of town. The main thoroughfares here are the northbound one-way Azusa Avenue and the southbound one-way San Gabriel Avenue, which headline a commercial district that is a mixture of late Victorian downtown, 21st century ultramodern, and every architecture in between. It’s pedestrian-friendly, and a great spot to spend an afternoon shopping or dining. With a climate a few degrees cooler than San Fernando Valley and Inland Empire towns during summer and virtually identical in winter, there’s no bad time to visit Azusa. But when Santa Ana winds are blowing, the community might be a welcome respite, since the granite monolith of the San Gabriel Mountains effectively blocks offshore winds during all but the most extreme wind events.

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