When you ask a neighbor what happens after Thanksgiving, they may say “Black Friday” or “Cyber Monday,” or perhaps “Small Business Saturday.” For the LPU community, the answer is “Giving Tuesday.”
Life Pacific University (LPU) has announced that its 8th consecutive Giving Tuesday campaign successfully reached its $100,000 fundraising goal. Now a global day of philanthropy, Giving Tuesday has become one of the single most important days of the year for nonprofit organizations, creating space for LPU to raise awareness and support for the mission of developing students into leaders prepared to serve God in the church, the workplace, and the world.
The campaign brought with it two incredible student stories to the forefront: Felipe at LPU in California, and Amani at LPU East in Virginia.
Student Stories Highlight Transformational Impact
The campaign featured inspiring testimonials from students whose lives have been transformed through their LPU experience:
Felipe Saenz grew up in church as a pastor’s kid, but dropped out of high school and got a GED, and then went into a Victory Outreach recovery program. He didn’t think college was part of the plan for his life, but God had a different plan. Felipe shared, “Music is my passion. I’m not the best musician or singer, but when I see people worship the Lord and find Jesus through an atmosphere of worship, it lights a fire in my heart. I would love to serve not just as a worship pastor but as a pastor of worshippers, creatives, and dreamers.”
Now in student leadership and serving on campus as a Resident Assistant, Felipe finds someone and picked in to the Lord and their schoolwork.
Read Felipe’s full story here.
Amani Seaburn grew up in a family who doesn’t know Jesus, and as a teenager, struggled with anxiety and depression. Early in 2025, the Lord miraculously healed her and she’s attending LPU East, and excited for sharing Jesus with others! Amani says, “I want people to know that the healing and freedom in the Bible is real, and that Jesus really does heal.”
A humble, hearted, joyful woman with a brilliant smile, Amani also mentors a local college student who wanted to know more about Jesus. The ministry of Sister Aimee Semple McPherson inspires Amani to serve those around her in tangible ways. “I have a heart for ministries of all denominations to work together to reach their individual cities. I also know that I am called to the ministry of marriage, family, and motherhood. I really have a heart to take care of other people and help them feel supported, seen, loved, and heard.”
Alumni Recognition
In addition to two incredible student features, LPU was honored to feature alumnus Levi Brill, the university’s nominee for CCCU’s 2026 Young Alumni Award. An online program grad living and working on the mission field in Cambodia alongside fellow alum Naomi Lyford, Levi shared, “My time at LPU opened my mind to the reality that learning never has to stop, even while serving overseas. When I first entered missions, I thought my education was complete, but LPU showed me that I could pursue my degree while living out my calling in Cambodia. The program not only equipped me to be a more effective leader but also instilled a lifelong commitment to continued learning and growth in both ministry and life.”
Community Support Drives Success
With an incredible lineup of stories and an eager troupe of alumni, friends, and pastors in the community, LPU marched forward into November, praying and trusting God for big things. With each envelope, online gift notification, and heartfelt pledge over the phone, the leaderboard inched forward toward the $100,000 goal.
“It’s about connecting people to what matters most to them,” said Melissa Rufener, Director of Advancement and Alumni Relations. “Each donor has their own story, and their own desire of doing good and building God’s Kingdom. When we’re able to connect a person’s heart to their passion through philanthropy, it’s a match made in heaven. It’s a real joy to see one person’s generosity help someone succeed in life – especially when it comes to developing Christian leaders!”
Donors like Northwest Church in Federal Way, WA have committed to developing leaders through giving as well as micro-campus partnerships. “Northwest Church is a committed partner with Life Pacific University as they raise up the next generation to reach higher, go farther and do more than we have ever done,” said Senior Pastor Ben Dixon. The church’s lead gift, partnered together with others, helped LPU move toward the fundraising goal.
Goal Reached
Early on the morning of Wednesday, December 3, the $100,000 goal was reached. “It’s nothing short of miraculous,” said Melissa. “And we give God all the glory for what He’s done through so many generous friends!!”
LPU President Dr. Angie Richey shared, “Once again, we are honored and so humbled by our faithful donors and the goodness of God. We know that our students will get the support they need and the university can continue to thrive. Thanks to everyone and every church that supports the mission of university. This is all about transformed lives. Our yes matters because our yes multiplies”
If you still would like to make a year-end gift, it’s not too late! Visit our Giving Tuesday page here now through December 31.
Looking Ahead
To all who gave, to all who prayed, and to all who shared, thank you for your support. LPU students are blessed beyond measure, because of your “yes” to partner – and you have shown them that not only does God provide – but they are a part of a much bigger story, and a much bigger family, than they ever realized.
About Life Pacific University
Life Pacific University is a Christian institution dedicated to developing students into leaders prepared to serve God in the church, the workplace, and the world. With campuses in California and Virginia, LPU provides transformational education that integrates faith, learning, and service.
For more information on how to support Christ-centered, Spirit-filled higher education, or to sign up for emails and texts about future fundraising campaigns, email the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations at advancement@lifepacific.edu.
