For many online graduate students, Residency Week is the moment when names on a screen become friends, professors become mentors and coursework becomes a shared experience.

Life Pacific University welcomed graduate students to its San Dimas campus July 20–24 for Summer 2026 Graduate Residency Week. The on-campus experience brought students together for in-person classes, spiritual formation and meaningful time with the cohorts they will learn alongside throughout their programs.

Building Relationships That Last

Throughout the week, students attended classes, shared meals, worshiped together and strengthened relationships with their classmates and professors.

For second-year Master of Divinity student Alyson Kerley, those relationships have become an important source of support.

“The most valuable part of my experience at Life Pacific University during my first year definitely has to be the relationships formed within my cohort,” Kerley said. “They have been the rock in my entire educational experience. The professors are amazing. They care deeply about what you’re learning and how you understand the Scriptures.”

Kate Swanson, a second-year Master of Arts in Strategic Leadership student, said the program has also helped her grow personally and professionally.

“The most valuable part of my experience has truly been the time with my cohort and the time with my professors,” Swanson said. “They have really poured into me personally, brought out new ideas and introduced new theories, especially in coaching and the ways I’m able to apply that within my organization. It has been truly transformational.”

As a pastor and working mother, Swanson was drawn to the program’s cohort model and the ability to complete one class at a time.

“If you are still considering applying, you will not regret it,” she said. “LPU has been an incredible gift in my life. I’m a full-time working mom, but if I can do it, you can do it too.”

Learning That Extends Beyond the Classroom

Students shared how their coursework has given them practical tools they can apply in churches, counseling settings, workplaces and leadership roles.

Craig Shippey, a second-year Master of Arts in Counseling student, said LPU is preparing him to pursue his calling to help others.

“I chose LPU’s master’s program because I felt like it was calling to me,” Shippey said. “I was supposed to be here. I have a passion for helping people and this seemed like the right place to get the right set of skills to do the job.”

Spiritual formation also remained central throughout the week. Students participated in prayer, worship and reflection while connecting their academic development with their relationship with God.

Several returning students reflected on the impact of visiting Mater Dolorosa Retreat Center in Sierra Madre during their first Residency Week. The experience gave them space to spend time with God, connect with their cohorts and consider where He was leading them.

Second-year Master of Arts in Counseling student Eelliot Adomey recalled a phrase shared during the beginning of the program that became a guiding principle for the year: “This is not about perfection, it’s about formation.”

That message captures the heart of Residency Week. Students come to LPU to expand their knowledge, but they also come to grow as people, leaders and followers of Christ.

As the week concluded, students returned to their families, churches and organizations with stronger relationships, practical tools and a renewed sense of purpose.

Learn more about Life Pacific University’s graduate and seminary programs and take the next step in your calling.