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March 13, 2025 | Written By Nathan Foster
Each year, thanks to the generous gifts of donors, Azusa Pacific University awards nine full-tuition Trustees’ Scholarships. This award recognizes scholars who have consistently demonstrated high academic achievement and will perpetuate APU’s mission during their academic studies and later in their chosen careers. After a thorough selection process, finalists are invited to campus to interview with APU faculty and administration, before the nine recipients are chosen. Meet the incoming class of Trustees’ Scholars!
Pitzil Avila-Castellanos
Pitzil is from Walnut, California and will graduate from Walnut High School. She plans to major in computer science because she has a lifelong love of computers and technology. “In the future, my goal is to work to bridge the digital divide which prevents families worldwide from achieving greater opportunities in society,” she said. “I chose APU because there is such a supportive community here, and I am confident that I can grow as a computer scientist, as a Christian, and above all, as a person.”
Yoonseo Choi
Yoonseo is from Seoul, South Korea, and will graduate from HolGa Christian Academy with a 3.97 unweighted GPA. In high school, she directed her school’s musical productions for four years, served as student government president, and won awards in speech contests and environmental activities. She also played piano on her school’s worship team and volunteered to serve the homeless at a local station. She is planning to double major in political science and honors humanities. “During Trustees’ Weekend, I felt APU was the ideal Christ-centered community I had been searching for,” she said. “I hope to grow as God’s worker among loving friends and professors.” After graduating, she aims to become a policymaker focused on housing and education policy.
Aidan Colvin
Aidan is from Oregon City, Oregon, and will graduate from Clackamas Middle College. He plans to major in acting for the stage and screen with goals to become an actor. “I chose APU because of how compassionate and spiritually rooted everyone on campus was,” he said. “APU showed me that people can be successful in a variety of fields as Christians!”
Rachelle Cutler
Rachelle is from Chino, California and will graduate from Chino High School. At APU, she plans to major in nursing. Her goal is to make a lasting impact on her community by providing compassionate and quality healthcare. After earning my bachelor’s degree, she aspires to obtain a master’s in political science to further my advocacy work for the disabled community and minorities. She also aims to build meaningful connections with her patients and contribute to improving healthcare accessibility. “I chose APU because of their strong commitment to faith, service, and community,” she said. “I am excited to grow academically, spiritually, and personally while being surrounded by an incredibly supportive family that APU uniquely offers.”
Corinne McCorkle
Corinne is from Fontana, California and will graduate from Los Osos High School with a GPA of 4.29. In high school, Corinne served as an officer in the Christian club for two years, was a section leader in the advanced choir for three years, and earned an associate’s degree from Chaffey College through the dual enrollment program. She plans to major in criminal justice with a minor in honors humanities. “I chose APU because I am passionate about making a positive impact in my community, and I love the way APU integrates faith into every part of their academics,” she said. “I can’t wait to grow in my walk with God, expand my knowledge, and prepare for a future in the criminal justice field.” After graduating from APU, she plans to go into law enforcement as a special agent in the FBI.
Connor Neally
Connor is from Upland, California, and will graduate from Upland High School with a 4.6 GPA. In high school, he participated in various extracurriculars such as the Upland Police Explorers, varsity football, and running his family’s business. Connor is planning to study nursing with a minor in honors humanities at APU. “I chose APU because of its high-quality education and strong foundation in Christian values,” he said. “What excites me most is the sense of community and the journey that college will bring.” After graduating from APU, he aims to go into a career in anesthesia, pursuing either the path of a CRNA or an anesthesiologist.
Ryan James Ontiveros
Ryan is from Arcadia, California and will graduate from Arcadia High School with a 4.06 GPA. In high school, he was a pole vaulter and sprinter on the Arcadia track team for four years; was a technician intern for more than two years at his high school, repairing electronic equipment; was a founder of the Running Theory Club on campus; and volunteered at his church as a Sunday school teacher. He will major in mechanical engineering with an emphasis in hardware. “I knew APU was the place for me the second I walked on campus and saw the love these students had for God and each other,” he said. “I’m excited to meet all the incredible students here and to grow my relationship with God!” After graduating from APU, he aims to pursue a career in engineering where he can help others and make a difference.
Santiago Regueiro
Santiago is from Azusa, California and will graduate from Kolbe Academy with a 4.0 GPA. In high school, he participated in soccer, track, theater, altar-serving, summer internships, community service, book club, and Christian ministries. He plans to study business management at APU and is passionate about soccer, working out, music, charity work, and cooking. “It was the mission statement that ultimately drew me to Azusa Pacific. The words God First were not only engraved in stone, but were imprinted in every student, teacher, and faculty,” he said. “What I am most excited about during these college years is the opportunity to unravel my goals, strengthen my passions, and focus on who God called me to be.” After graduating from APU, he aims to open his own Hispanic restaurant and give back to those in need.
Hope Strayer
Hope is from Salem, Oregon, and will graduate from Teach-NW Charter School as valedictorian with a 4.0 GPA. In high school, she loved running cross country and track, engaging with children with disabilities through volunteering, and joining her parents in missional outreach through their neighborhood house church. She is planning to double major in psychology and honors Humanities with a Spanish minor at APU. “I chose APU because from the moment I stepped on campus, I could see how on fire for Jesus the community is,” she said. “I believe my time at APU will strengthen me both intellectually and spiritually. Along with my studies, I’m excited to start a new adventure: serving, worshipping, and meeting amazing people! At APU, I know that I am home.” After graduating from APU, she plans to attend grad school, aspiring to serve the Lord as a therapist for children with autism and other communication disabilities and conduct research.
Learn more about the Trustees’ Scholarship here.
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Azusa Pacific University (APU) admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
