V.O.I.C.E. Retreat

About the Retreat

Students from Azusa Pacific University (APU) and Concordia University in Irvine (CUI) participate together in this weekend retreat that focuses on racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity. This retreat is offered every fall semester free of charge.

“It’s an eye-opening experience to things we are so often blind to. God said that we are all created in His image, yet we are all so different and unique in our own ways. Perhaps there are things that God wants to reveal to us about Himself, but only through someone who is ‘different.’”
– Cindy Gamble, executive program coordinator, Office of Multi-Ethnic Programs (MEP)

For more information about the V.O.I.C.E. Retreat, please contact the Office of Multi-Ethnic Programs.

Mission Statement

The V.O.I.C.E. Retreat serves to enhance understanding, dialogue, and interaction among diverse groups within the APU community. As a partnership with Concordia University in Irvine, it provides a safe environment for participants to engage in meaningful and mind-opening dialogue, and encourages a climate for learning, growth, and personal development. Participants are challenged to apply what they learn when they return to their prospective campuses, advocate for diversity, and promote positive social change in their communities.


Students at the fall 2006 retreat participated in a human sculpture that reflected various developmental stages in an individual's racial identity development. Janet Helm's racial identity development model was used as a foundation for the activity.

Students from APU and CUI.		Students from APU and CUI enjoy some free time at the cabin.