Seaver College Highlights 2015-16

Seaver College HIGHLIGHTS 2015–2016

Click here to hear a brief video welcome from Dean Michael Feltner.

TABLE OF CONTENTS 2016–2017 Events........................................... 3

Religion and Philosophy................................. 18

Admission........................................................ 4

Social Science............................................... 20

Faculty............................................................. 5

International Programs................................... 22

Business Administration.................................. 6

Campus.......................................................... 24

Communication................................................ 8

Career Center................................................. 26

Fine Arts........................................................ 10

Athletics......................................................... 28

Humanities and Teacher Education................ 12

Alumni Relations............................................ 30

International Studies and Languages............. 14

Success After Seaver..................................... 32

Natural Science.............................................. 16

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

2016–2017 EVENTS HISTORY OF PEPPERDINE BY W. DAVID BAIRD RELEASED

FIRST DAY OF FALL CLASSES August 29, 2016

Announcing the release of Quest for Distinction:

STEP FORWARD DAY

Pepperdine University in the 20th Century by

September 10, 2016

Seaver College Dean Emeritus W. David Baird. This meticulously researched narrative history chronicles

FOUNDER’S DAY

Pepperdine’s fascinating story from its founding as a

September 21, 2016

small, faith-based college in 1937 to its emergence

WAVES WEEKEND

as a top-tier university at the turn of the century.

Baird brings to life the remarkable men and women

October 14 to 16, 2016

who guided the school’s growth. He reveals the

WINTER BREAK

attributes that made Pepperdine a distinctive

December 16, 2016 to January 8, 2017

institution, and he recounts the University’s search

FIRST DAY OF SPRING CLASSES

dual goals of academic excellence and commitment

January 9, 2017

to Christian mission.

for identity as it endeavored to achieve its founder’s

VERITAS FORUM (continued from front flap)

liam S. Banowsky, the charismatic young preacher who championed

Quest for Distinction: Pepperdine University in the 20th Century chronicles Pepperdine’s fascinating history, from its founding as a small, faith-based college in 1937 to its emergence as a top-tier university at the turn of the century. renowned historian and Seaver College Dean Emeritus W. David Baird brings to life the remarkable men and women who guided the school’s growth. He reveals the attributes that made Pepperdine a distinctive institution, and he recounts the university’s search for identity as it endeavored to achieve its founder’s dual goals of academic excellence and commitment to a Christian mission.

SPRING BREAK

the creation of the Malibu campus; and Howard A. White, who reaf-

firmed the school’s commitment to

February 27 to March 3, 2017

a Christian mission by defending

and strengthening its historic connection to the Churches of Christ.

Through their stories and others,

SONGFEST

Baird paints a vivid portrait of the university’s quest to distinguish

itself academically without sacri-

March 14 to 18, 2017

ficing the Christian principles it was founded on.

David Baird is not only a respected historian, he is a master storyteller. Quest for Distinction is a candid and important account that leads inexorably to the conclusion that Pepperdine has been blessed time and again through the providence of God. The path is richly textured, and the journey has sometimes been described as one of the most inspiring in American higher education. My hope is that the reader will conclude that the quest, described by my friend and colleague, is only beginning.

SENIOR THESIS ART EXHIBIT

W. David Baird

—ANDrEW K. BENTON, President, Pepperdine University

Quest for Distinction

A Saga of Determination and Faith March 28 & 29, 2017

campuses around the world; Wil-

April 13 to 29, 2017

—LYNN A. McMILLON, Dist inguished Professor and Dean Emeritus, Oklahoma Christ ian University, President, The Christian Chronicle

COMMENCEMENT

Seaver College Dean Emeritus W. David Baird came to Pepperdine as the Howard A. White Professor of History in 1988 and served as Seaver Dean from 1998 to 2008.

Baird holds degrees in history and geography and has written or edited 11 books and numerous articles, most on the history of the American West and Native Americans.

A native of Oklahoma, Baird and his wife, Jane, have lived in Malibu since 1988.

April 29, 2017

The consummate historian, Baird recounts Pepperdine University’s growth to an internationally recognized Christian institution of higher learning from a small, inner-city college. Baird makes it clear that Pepperdine’s achievements, although hard-won, have arisen from visionary leaders committed to academic excellence, American civic values, and Christian faith.

—CYNDIA CLEGG, Dist inguished Professor of English, Pepperdine University

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EDUCATION / History

University Press

For a full schedule of events click here.

pepperdine.edu

BAIRD

The credibility of this book rises from the depth of research and frankness of the story. One will learn a lot about church relations and the challenges experienced in developing a West Coast Christian-oriented college. Quest for Distinction is interesting, revealing, and compelling.

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seaver.pepperdine.edu

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ADMISSION

FOLLOW FIVE STUDENTS THROUGH THEIR FIRST YEAR AT SEAVER COLLEGE In Fall 2015 the Office of Admission, in partnership with Integrated Marketing Communications, produced the monthly docuseries Rising Tide. The series follows five students as they navigate their first year at Seaver College, providing an authentic preview for prospective students and their families into the academic, personal, and spiritual transformations that this new chapter brings.

Audiences watched as Aiden, Alexander, Esther, Katelynn, and Olivia move into their residence halls, participate in service activities on and off campus, attend a variety of on-campus events, build relationships with faculty, study for exams, and wave farewell to their friends for the summer. Viewers also had the opportunity to engage with the cast members via Instagram and Twitter, and pursue additional blog and video content on the Rising Tide website.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

FACULTY NEW FACULTY STEVEN BAUER

Business Administration Visiting Professor of Marketing

KEITH COLCLOUGH

Fine Arts Visiting Assistant Professor of Music

RON CONLIN

Business Administration Assistant Professor of Marketing

BRYANT CRUBAUGH

Social Science Assistant Professor of Sociology

JACQUELINE DILLION

Humanities and Teacher Education Visiting Assistant Professor of Literature

STEPHANIE HOSAKA

MICHAEL NOVAK

Business Administration Executive in Residence in Business Administration

CAMBRY PARDEE

Religion and Philosophy Visiting Assistant Professor of Religion International Studies and Languages Assistant Professor of International Studies

TY ROBBINS

Business Administration Assistant Professor of Accounting

KELLY MAXWELL

Social Science Visiting Assistant Professor of Psychology

JANE MI

Communication Professor of Journalism International Studies and Languages Visiting Assistant Professor of French

MICHAEL SOUCY

Natural Science Visiting Instructor of Sports Medicine

HOLLACE STARR

Fine Arts Assistant Professor of Theatre

YASSAR TAIMA

Natural Science Visiting Instructor of Mathematics

NICOLAS TESTERMAN

Fine Arts Visiting Assistant Professor of Art

International Studies and Languages Visiting Instructor of Chinese Language and Literature

CARI MYERS

DAVID WILKINSON

Religion and Philosophy Seaver Faculty Fellow

NEW EMERITUS FACULTY

International Studies and Languages Visiting Instructor of Hispanic Studies

MINA SOROOSH

DONGKUK LIM

Religion Assistant Professor of Religion

ROXANA CURIEL

TYLER KEMMERER

Business Administration Assistant Professor of Marketing

NICHOLAS ZOLA

Social Science Visiting Assistant Professor of Economics

ELIZABETH SMITH

ALICE LABBAN

Communication Visiting Instructor of Communication

AMANDA RIZKALLAH

Natural Science Visiting Assistant Professor of Sports Medicine International Programs Visiting Lecturer, Shanghai International Program

SHARITA WILSON

IRA JOLIVET Associate Professor Emeritus of Religion Dr. Jolivet retired in July after 23 years of service to Pepperdine, arriving here in the fall of 1993.

He regularly taught classes on the New Testament and on medical ethics from a Christian perspective.

Dr. Jolivet was instrumental in calling for harmony and unity while promoting ever-increasing diversity within the Pepperdine community.

Fine Arts Accompanist

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

BLOOMBERG TERMINALS AT SEAVER Through a generous donation, the Seaver Business Administration Division now has nine Bloomberg terminals for use or use by both faculty and students. Courses such as Portfolio Management and Applied Portfolio Management take advantage of this important resource. Students also use them to advise an external investment club, with many students taking the Bloomberg certification exam to become Bloomberg certified.

The availability of these terminals has had tangible results for students. Upon graduation, two students accepted full-time positions at Bloomberg, LLC, four accepted positions at Goldman Sachs, and one at Guggenheim Partners.

Alumnus David Lasorda (’14), an analyst at Guggenheim Partners Investment Management in Santa Monica, said, “I can’t stress enough how important Bloomberg is for finance students. . . . This skill immediately set me apart from other first-year analysts, and these kids were coming from Wharton and NYU.”

SEAVER BUSINESS RANKED SEVENTH IN THE NATION In October 2015 USA Today listed the Seaver College undergraduate degree in business administration as seventh in a list of the top 10 four-year programs.

The Seaver College business program was noted for its high retention rate, low student loan default rate, diverse student body, and the success of our graduates at commencement and beyond.

The analysis was completed by College Factual, an organization that provides college information to prospective students and their parents. Other top 10 schools included Georgetown University; University of California, Berkeley; University of Southern California; and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. college.usatoday.com/2015/10/16/top-10-business-schools

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

Pepperdine Mourns the Passing of Professor Michael Summers Michael R. Summers, professor of management science in the Business Administration Division passed away in August after more than 36 years of service to the college. He came to Pepperdine in 1980 and was the longest tenured faculty member in the Business Administration Division.

Dean Baim, longtime colleague and divisional dean, states “It is impossible to overestimate Mike’s contribution to the division and to the college. During his 36 years at Pepperdine he was often our quiet conscience. His steady wisdom was consulted by every divisional dean this division ever had. Seaver College will be a sadder place without Mike.”

Summers is survived by his wife Ann, son Adam, daughter-in-law Wendy, and grandson Collin.

SUCCESSFUL ACCOUNTING GRADUATES Seaver College accounting graduates continue to score highly on the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam and land jobs at top public accounting firms.

Laura Savoie (’14) is one such Seaver alumna, who completed her accounting degree with a perfect 4.0 grade point average. Upon graduation Savoie immediately took the CPA exam, comprising four sections. She scored 99 percent in auditing, 95 percent in regulation, 93 percent in business environment and concepts, and 93 percent in financial accounting and reporting.

Savoie has since completed a master’s degree in accounting at Notre Dame University and serves on the professional staff of Ernst & Young.

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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COMMUNICATION

PROFESSORS LEAD DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION CONVERSATIONS Faculty members from the Communication Division explored conversations about race and inclusivity that occurred across Seaver College last year, leading two of three Table Talks sponsored by the Office of the Chaplain.

Assistant professor Roslyn Satchel facilitated a conversation focused on cultural competence that

constructively changed the tone of the diversity discussions on campus. Assistant professor Sarah Stone Watt led a discussion on gender and feminism, which inspired the “Women Make Waves” SGA initiative. SGA also launched “Peanut Butter & Gender,” a series of conversations led by Seaver first-year Isabella Ordaz.

DEBATE SUCCESSES Luke Collins (’16) and Melissa Hurtado (’16) placed in the top 10 of the NASA Astrobiology Debates Online Speech Competition, which included over 100 participants.

Collins and Hurtado were also invited to two prestigious postseason civic debate tournaments: the Madison Cup and the Lafayette Debates. The Madison Cup is a civic

debate tournament hosted by James Madison University in Virginia and the Arthur N. Rupe Foundation, where students debate on a given topic and are judged by community members with diverse experiences. This year’s debate topic was police militarization, in which Collins and Hurtado placed seventh.

The Lafayette Debates are hosted by George Washington University and the French Embassy and are judged by government officials, legal experts, scholars, and others from both the United States and France. This year the debates focused on the role of domestic surveillance in decreasing the threat of terror. Collins and Hurtado placed ninth in this competition.

In addition to their competitive success, the debate team hosted two of the top debaters from Great Britain as part of the National Communication Association Center for International Debate and Discussion Tour. They also hosted impressive high school debaters from Rwanda for the second year in a row as part of iDebate, Rwanda’s “Voices from a Post-Genocide Generation” tour.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

PEPPERDINE JOURNAL OF COMMUNICATION RESEARCH The 2016 Pepperdine Journal of Communication Research was the largest issue ever, with 23 submissions from communication students, of which seven were accepted.

The published works included five research articles, one media campaign, and one reflection entry, all of which addressed the theme of creating connections through communication.

Under the advisement of assistant professor Bert Ballard, Seaver College senior and interpersonal studies major Cate Dapello led a team of talented student editors who worked even during finals week to complete this project.

The journal is housed on the Digital Commons area of the Pepperdine Libraries website and thousands of copies of past research articles have been downloaded by scholars around the nation.

THE RANDUMB SHOW CELEBRATES 20TH BIRTHDAY Fifty Randumb Show alumni and families celebrated the show’s 20th birthday at the “Randumb Reunion,” held in the TV studio during Waves Weekend. The studio was decorated with Randumb posters, t-shirts, photos and memorabilia representing 20 years of Randumb. The 10th and 15th anniversary shows, along with the past five years and current episodes, were playing on the studio monitors.

Generations of Randumb veterans were present and had a great time sharing and reminiscing about their experiences on the show. President Andy Benton made a guest appearance and joined in singing “Happy Birthday” while a birthday cake was cut.

Mike Richards, creator of Randumb and executive producer of The Price Is Right and Let’s Make a Deal, attended with his wife and sons, as well as his mother, Carol Richards, a member of the Pepperdine Board of Regents. A highlight of the day was watching Mike Richards, surrounded by past and present producers, share his story and offer advice.

The event could not have happened without the help of Bill Dawson, who was a part of the first episode, and Matt Robinson, a former producer of Randumb.

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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FINE ARTS

THEATRE STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN SHINING LIGHT MINISTRIES Pepperdine theatre students Brittany King (’16), Kylie Owens, and Mathew San Jose joined 30 other young artists from 16 colleges across the U.S. in the Shining Light Ministries Impact Tour for “25 days of bringing hope to the incarcerated.” They presented programs of drama, music, dance, and spoken-word poetry to nearly 1,000 people incarcerated in 13 U.S. correctional facilities.

The students held a Q&A session after each program. In some cases they shared meals, visited housing units, or had informal discussion groups with the inmates. In addition to firsthand experience “behind the walls,” students learned about the criminal justice system and using the power of the arts to serve people in need. Facilities have also reported that the months following the tour included increases in chapel attendance, behavior improvement, and inmates seeking counseling for issues they face. An inmate in Maine shared,

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“When you perform, our hearts and minds are far beyond the walls, fences, and razor wire. You make our world inside a better place and make us strive to become better men.”

What surprised me was the immediacy of God’s power and how he isn’t bound by social conventions or taboos or anything we might think he’d heed when doing his work.”

As Owens explains, “What surprised me was the very transformative nature of what we did. I’ve always believed in the healing power of God and how he suffers with us in our pain and brokenness, but I had never really witnessed it firsthand—at least, not as fully and deeply as I have on this tour.

Since 1999 the organization has ministered to nearly 30,000 people in facilities in 22 states and offered over 500 people their first inside look at the needs and opportunities in U.S. correctional facilities.

Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

ART MAJORS TEACH PAINTING TO SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS Service learning has become an integral component of the Explorations in Painting course, and 2016 marked the fourth year that intermediate painting students have engaged with youth and adults with special needs.

This spring Pepperdine students spent six weeks guiding young adults from Hand in Hand and Creative Steps through a series of painting lessons to discover their own unique voice and expression. The result: new friendships and a colorful and dynamic body of work and public exhibition entitled, THANK YOU VERY MUCH THANK YOU: A Service Learning Exhibition.

“As [my partner] and the other students have developed their painting skills over the past two months, I am humbled to have been a part of this discovery with them.

I have found meaning in loving and serving them where they needed help and watching as they took autonomy with the paint to create their own masterpieces. There is a divine beauty in the ability of humans to be creators, unique in our individuality. I believe this is a reflection of

our almighty creator himself who formed each and every one of us uniquely and beautifully.”

“I cannot speak with complete accuracy for [my partner], but I truly believe she learned about art, while I learned servitude. I am grateful for the lessons she unintentionally taught me, and if she never remembers my name, I hope that she continues to paint.”

The exhibition was a meaningful event in which Pepperdine and Malibu joined to celebrate creativity and community— in all its diversity—in action.

The program has been featured in a recent article in Pepperdine Magazine and cited by by Princeton Review as a part of Pepperdine University’s top 10 ranking for community service.

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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HUMANITIES AND TEACHER EDUCATION

A WEEKEND OF SHAKESPEARE Alumna Sanner “Daisy” Garofalo Murray (’07) hosted a Shakespeare weekend for English majors enrolled in the London program. Students participated in a course on Shakespeare’s sonnets, visited the treasures and archives exhibition, attended a pre-performance lecture by distinguished Shakespeare scholar Nick Walton, and enjoyed a performance of Henry V by the Royal Shakespeare Company.

While an undergraduate at Seaver College, Murray wrote and submitted a paper that was accepted for the Wooden O Symposium, an annual Shakespeare conference. The paper was subsequently published, and she went on to earn a doctorate in Shakespeare studies at the University of Birmingham in 2013.

Murray’s first book, Twins in Early Modern English Drama and Shakespeare (Routledge Press), is forthcoming this fall.

Murray has taught courses at British universities as well as Pepperdine University. She currently works as the trade and education development officer at the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust, where she organizes educational courses, conferences, and events for visitors at Stratford-upon-Avon.

TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM IMPACTS THE COMMUNITY Students in professor Carrie Wall’s (’87) Human Development course participate in a service-learning project with fourth graders at a Title I elementary school. These teacher candidates create and implement interactive lessons that equip the fourth graders with the skills needed to establish goals, improve motivation, and interact positively with others. This collaborative project is mutually beneficial as the teacher candidates learn to be more culturally responsive educators and the students develop usable social skills that strengthen their confidence. Wall has a forthcoming article entitled “Bridging Understanding Between Preservice Teachers and Diverse Students Through Service-Learning” in the Journal of Teaching Education that features data from this project.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

SOCIAL ACTION AND JUSTICE (SAAJ) David Hylton (’16)

quickly became an advocate for fellow marginalized students. As executive vice president of the Student Government Association for three years, Hylton learned the importance of working within the system to promote positive changes regarding race, gender, sexual identity, and interfaith relations. He is responsible for the historic recognition of Crossroads, Pepperdine University’s first officially recognized LGBTQ+ student organization, leaving an impressive legacy of respect and care for others.

Katy Broesche (’15)

works in La Paz, Bolivia, for International Justice Mission, an organization that fights against sexual violence. Broesche works with a team of attorneys, social workers, and investigators who battle for justice and restoration on behalf of sexual violence victims. She is responsible for the management of the perpetrator profile database, law enforcement relations, and investigative reporting.

Brian Bushway (’05)

has been a part of SAAJ since its beginning and has served as a keynote speaker at several of the program’s events. Bushway earned a master’s degree in disability education (the second blind person ever to do so) and currently travels around the world teaching blind people how to maneuver in a seeing world. He shares his wisdom about how to live productively, to think “outside the box,” and for all of us to have high expectations of ourselves— whether disabled or not.

Alex Magiera (’09)

worked with Teach for America following her graduation from Seaver College and is now a senior manager at TNTP (formerly The New Teacher Project), a nonprofit organization seeking positive change in public education. Magiera is also a tireless advocate for the Alzheimer’s Association and serves as a board member of the organization’s Greater Illinois Chapter where she passionately pursues the firm belief that research, education, and advocacy will lead to a cure.

NOTABLE ALUMNI TEACHER EDUCATION

MFA IN SCREEN AND TELEVISION WRITING

Pearl Arredondo (’10) founded San Fernando Institute

Blaine Chiappetta (’08, MFA ’11) works as a

for Applied Media (SFiAM), the first pilot middle school established in the Los Angeles Unified School District. As a Teach Plus Policy Fellow, Arredondo met with President Obama’s senior advisors to discuss teacher tenure and elevating the teaching profession. She has been featured on TED Talks Education, was named the 2014 California Woman of the Year from California Assembly District 39, and is a role model for young Latinas seeking to make a difference in the educational community.

producer and screenwriter at MarVista Entertainment, which has developed three of his screenplays into films. At a recent panel for the MFA program featuring working Hollywood alumni, Chiappetta lauded the value of building personal relationships within the industry. One of his MarVista colleagues and fellow Pepperdine alumnus John Burd (MFA ’15) co-produced two of his scripts, The Stepsister and You May Now Kill the Bride, which debuted on Lifetime in June 2016.

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND LANGUAGES

FIRST-PLACE HONOR AT NATIONAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS Twenty-two Seaver College students competitively represented the Republic of Belarus in a diverse array of National Model United Nations (NMUN) committees. Extensive preparation, along with exemplary performance during the conference, led to seven individual awards and an overall Outstanding Delegation team award—an unprecedented, first-place honor for Pepperdine University.

Founded in 1927, NMUN prepares students to be global citizens through educational experiences that emphasize collaboration and cooperative resolution of conflict. The conference is held annually at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, with over 5,000 student participants from around the world.

Teams engage in discussion and debate on pressing global issues, ranging from peacekeeping to humanitarian aid to sustainable development. The goal is to create innovative and informed solutions to relevant international issues, all through a forum of diplomacy and cross-cultural, multilateral collaboration.

Model United Nations Officers • Hayden Paulsen • Rachel Siegman • David Nguyen • Sheena Choy

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

GUEST PRESENTERS SHARE A WIDE DIVERSITY OF EXPRESSION What do a rapper, a novelist, and a master calligrapher have in common?

For one, all three have presented ...

For one, all three have presented lectures in the Payson Library Surfboard Room.

Mellow Man Ace (Ulpiano Sergio Reyes), a groundbreaking rap artist of Cuban-American descent, often fuses Spanish and English in his lyrics.

A member of Cypress Hill, the first Latino-American hip-hop group to achieve multi-platinum records, his hit song “Mentirosa” spent 24 weeks on Billboard’s Hot 100. He spoke to students about using his creative voice to express his cultural and linguistic identity, and performed songs that use Spanish-English code switching.

Susana Chávez-Silverman is an American-based Latina writer and professor at Pomona College. In her presentation she read selections from her novelistic work to students, which seamlessly blends Spanish and English.

Students engaged in discussion about the links between language and identity.

Both of these speakers came to the Malibu campus as part of a National

Endowment for the Humanities grant awarded to professor Roshawnda Derrick and director of library advancement and publications Jeanette Woodburn. The grant is part of a larger project called “Latino Americans: 500 Years of History,” specifically designed to explore the Latino heritage of the United States.

and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Provided by the International Studies and Languages Division, these presentations offered additional learning opportunities for students to appreciate cultural value and linguistic diversity.

Nassar Mansour is a world-renowned master Islamic calligrapher who has resurrected a monumental pre-modern Arabic script. In his presentation he described the importance of calligraphy within the context of Arabic, followed by a demonstration. Mansour earned his authorization to practice and teach from Hasan Celebi (b. 1937), the greatest living Islamic calligrapher in the world.

He can trace his pedagogical genealogy back over eight centuries directly through giants in the art such as the Ottoman master Sheikh Hamdullah (d. 1520) and the legendary Abbasid master Yaqut al-Musta`simi (d. 1298).

Mansour’s works have been exhibited in some of the greatest museums and private collections in the world, including the British Museum in London

INTERNATIONAL STUDIES AND LANGUAGES STUDENTS IN A GLOBAL NONPROFIT CONTEXT Lindsay Bass, an international relations major specializing in political science, is the human rights and democracy intern for the McCain Institute for International Leadership. She has traveled to 15 countries and uses her world awareness to better promote civil liberties, freedom, and justice throughout the United States and abroad. Bass is passionate about foreign relations and global leadership as well as national security.

Alumna Kacie Scherler (’13, MA ’16) has recently completed an internship as a community support intern at Kiva, an international nonprofit organization connecting people through lending to alleviate poverty. By lending as little as $25 on Kiva, anyone can help a borrower start or grow a business, attend school, access clean energy, or realize their potential. For some, it is a matter of survival, while for others it is the fuel for a lifelong ambition. seaver.pepperdine.edu

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NATURAL SCIENCE

STUDENT SUCCESS IN RESEARCH Over 50 students participated in 44 research presentations at 13 different regional and national conferences, which spanned numerous disciplines including biology, chemistry, mathematics, nutrition, physics, and sports medicine.

These conferences included the national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union, the annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology, the 100th annual meeting of the Ecological Society of America, the annual meeting of Experimental Biology, and Joint Mathematics Meetings.

Marjorie Jones (mathematics) received the Best Presenter award for the Ecology and Evolution Seminar at the 41st West Coast Biological Sciences Undergraduate Research Conference and was a recipient of the Outstanding Poster Award at the Joint Mathematics Meetings in Seattle, Washington.

Jonathan Chun, Jett Raines, and Nick Shubin (’16) designed a mobile application for monitoring gestational weight gain for their senior capstone project in computer science. This application was developed in collaboration with nutrition professor Loan Pham Kim, who conducts research related to the nutritional health of pregnant women.

Morgan Blayney was selected as a recipient of the 2016 Undergraduate Award in Analytical Chemistry, sponsored by the American Chemical Society Division of Analytical Chemistry.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

OFF TO MEDICAL SCHOOL Of the 23 Seaver College students who applied to medical school, 21 were accepted. One student was accepted to dental school, one to an occupational therapy program, and one to a public health program.

FACULTY SUCCESS IN RESEARCH Natural Science faculty members were active in scholarship projects this past year, with contributions that include 23 peerreviewed publications, a study guide/tutorial for the sciences, one book, one book chapter, and one book review.

Joshua Bowman, new assistant professor of mathematics, won the 2016 Trevor Evans Award for his expository writing on “The Way the Billiard Ball Bounces.” The Mathematical Association of America presents this award “for an exceptional article that is accessible to undergraduates.”

J. Stanley Warford, professor of computer science, completed the fifth edition of his textbook, Computer Systems, published

by Jones & Bartlett.

After rigorous review, the chemistry program received certification by the American Chemical Society. Congratulations to the chemistry faculty on this very important achievement.

MAJOR EXTRAMURAL GRANTS The Natural Science Division continues to emphasize research as an important component of the undergraduate experience and has received two grants from the National Science Foundation to support student research.

Under the direction of biology professor and associate provost Jay Brewster, the Summer Undergraduate Research in Biology (SURB) program received a four-year grant for

$354,589. This program supports students from Pepperdine and other institutions in biology and applied mathematics.

Distinguished Professor of Biology Stephen D. Davis received a $593,251 grant for a collaborative three-year project with Whittier College entitled “First-Year Students as Scholars.”

This pilot program is designed to introduce all incoming first-years in biology to scholarly research.

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY

RELIGION PROFESSORS PRESENT AT MUSEUM OF THE BIBLE APR 28, 2015

MAY

26, 2015

Visualizing the Bible: Using Sophisticated Technologies to Reclaim Biblical Texts

Marilyn Lundberg

University of Southern California Bill Varchin

Why Is there No Standard Shape to the Book of Psalms?

Az usa Pacific University

Professors Randall D. Chesnutt, Ronald R. Cox, and R. Christopher Heard participated in a series of lectures hosted by the Museum of the Bible during its recent Passages exhibit in Santa Clarita, California.

Thomas Parham

JUN

30, 2015

The Reel God: Why Cinema Struggles to Depict the Divine

JUL

28, 2015

In the Beginning Were the Words: The Origins of Writing and the Alphabet

Fuller Seminary

Tel Abel Beth Maacah: Uncovering

Robert Mullins

AUG 25, 2015

Azusa Pacific University Chris Hays

Chesnutt and Cox presented their research on one Azusa of the oldest existing Pac{fic the Secrets of a Biblical City University fragments of Paul’s epistle to the Romans and focused on portions of Bruce Zuckerman Dead Sea Scrolls 29, 2015 chapters 4S and 5. TheirReconstructing presentation, “New Witnesses toofthe New Testament University Letter-by-Letter Southern California Text,” explained how a new technology, Reflectance Transformation Imaging, Chris Heard How the Flood Became O 27, 2015 can produce high-resolution images of aa manuscript.

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Developed by University of Southern California religion professor BruceWhose Zuckerman and his team at the institution’s West Adam Winn Gospel? The Kingdom of D 8, 2015 Passages and Green Scholars Initiative are proud to host a series Azusa Pacific God vs. the Empire of Rome in Semitic Research Project, this technology is used to confirm or disprove disputed readings in the manuscript. of ten lectures by nationally acclaimed authors and speakers in the EC

fields of theology, arc haeology, and history. This incredibly popular series gives you unprecedented access to first - hand insights and cutting-edge discoveries and innovations.

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the New. Testament

Holmes Heard’s lecture, “How the Flood Became a Children’s Story,”26,is2016 part of hisFrom ongoing in theMichael reception history of biblical Scroll to research Scrolling: Bethel University & Technology, and the texts. He explores how changes in Judaism and Christianity through theScripture, centuries have influenced the questions that are Green Scholars Initiative Word of God raised about scripture Randall Chesnutt Don't miss and outinterpretations. on this New Witnesses to the New F 16, 2016 JAN

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Testament Text: Deciphering the

and Ron Cox

Pepperdine Oldest Manuscript of Romans 4-5 unique oppor tunity!

All three Pepperdine professors work as part of the Scholars Initiative program at the Museum of the University Bible, which “brings Free Admission • Limited • Reservations Required together established and young scholars to pioneer groundbreaking research onSeating items in the museum collection,” while also Events Begin Promptly at 7:00 p. m. mentoring students.

Please call 1-888-297-8011 to reserve your seat.

PHILOSOPHY PROFESSOR PUBLISHES ON MORAL REALISM Assistant professor of philosophy Tomas Bogardus published an article in Ethics, a leading journal in the field published by University of Chicago.

In the article “Only All Naturalists Should Worry About Only One Evolutionary Debunking Argument” (Volume 126 April 2016, pages 636-661), Bogardus argues against philosophical propositions that intend to undermine moral realism on the basis of natural evolution.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

STUDENT RESEARCH ON “THE SATAN” IN THE BOOK OF JOB Trevor Williams, currently pursuing a master of arts degree in religion, presented a paper at the Ways of Knowing: Graduate Conference on Religion, hosted each October by Harvard Divinity School.

4th annual graduate conference on religion at Harvard Divinity School

October 22–24 Harvard Divinity School Cambridge, MA

The conference gathers religion graduate students from around the world and provides them with an opportunity to share some of their research with peers and professors from other universities.

Williams, who shared the stage with graduate students from Yale University, Princeton University, and Tel Aviv University in Israel, participated in a session focusing on Psalms and Job. His paper, “The Tragedy of an Unjustly Maligned Skeptic: Recovering the Satan’s Hermeneutics of Suspicion for Christian Emulation,” is part of his master’s thesis research and investigates the portrayal of “the Satan” in the prologue of the biblical book of Job. Williams expects to complete his thesis in spring 2017 and plans to pursue a master of divinity in the fall at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

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SOCIAL SCIENCE

STUDENT RESEARCH Students in the Social Sciences Division continue to excel in learning about human behavior, as well as in making contributions through their original empirical research.

A group of students in the psychology honors program traveled to Chicago, Illinois, to attend the Association for Psychological Science convention:

• Matt Baucum (’16) attended the conference of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology in San Diego, California, where he demonstrated that a new method of administering surveys results in generating data that are as accurate as more traditional techniques.

• Sarah Zhang (’16) presented research on the connection between the quality of romantic relationships and self-compassion.

• Lilit Elechyan (’16) presented her findings at the Stanford Research Conference, focusing on the factors that influence whether members of the U.S. Congress are willing to acknowledge the systematic massacre of Armenians that occurred between 1915 and 1917 as “genocide.”

• Jeongbin Song attended the American Professional Society on the Abuse of Children, speaking on the changing attitudes regarding spanking as a form of discipline.

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• Ima Idahosa-Erese (’16) presented her findings on racial differences in the perception of European beauty as a standard.

• Danielle Shilling (’16) shared her findings on the use of mobile applications for health-promoting behaviors.

• Kailee Kodama (’16) presented her research on the effects of moral beliefs on cyber-bullying.

Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

THE BODY PROJECT ARRIVES AT PEPPERDINE Since 2012 the Body Project has been helping college-aged women learn to resist pressures to accept the thin-body ideal, leading to increased positive body image and reduced risk for eating disorders.

This year, Seaver professor Jennifer Harriger—an authority on the subjects of body image and eating disorders— brought the Body Project to Pepperdine. A team of 13 undergraduate peer leaders received intensive training in the project’s curriculum and group leadership.

During this first year, about 60 young women learned and participated in techniques that help them recognize and reject subtle cultural messages that equate thinness with perfection and beauty.

Harriger is collecting data on the long-term effects on session participants. Her hope is that this project will transform attitudes at Seaver College and lead to a culture of greater acceptance of oneself and others.

THE SOCIOLOGY OF GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY MOVEMENTS The Social Science Division welcomes its newest faculty member, Bryant Crubaugh. Crubaugh recently earned his doctoral degree from Notre Dame University where he studied the effects of neighborhood-based grassroots movements on the poverty levels within those communities.

In urban settings, where each neighborhood has its own unique dynamics, demographics, and challenges, he has found that organizations are more successful in reducing poverty if they start their efforts at the neighborhood level.

Yet because of their focused influence, these neighborhoodbased movements are not as successful at reducing citywide inequities as some broader movements.

Crubaugh is excited about his transition to Pepperdine and eager to begin studying the effects of these neighborhood movements in the Los Angeles area. He will be teaching courses in the topics of social movements and income inequality.

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS

INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS The Institute of International Education ranked Pepperdine University number one in the nation for undergraduate study abroad participation.

Pepperdine University International Programs (IP) offered a record 30 programs in the 2015-2016 academic year, including five internship programs and six faculty-led programs.

GLOBAL LEARNING WEEK This week of activities on the Malibu campus gives students the opportunity to develop global citizenry skills. Featured activities included faculty-led seminars on global topics, cultural exposure programs, and a convocation centered on Christian and Muslim views of the group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The highlight of the week was Global Fest, a celebration of cultural diversity on campus that attracted over 300 students.

The week was sponsored by IP in collaboration with the Office of International Student Services, Intercultural Affairs, and other departments.

“LANDED”: A NEW PROGRAM FOR RETURNING STUDENTS This past year, more than 200 students participated in Landed, a series of eight convocation events that focused on themes of identity, purpose, and integrity.

Students have the opportunity to unpack their IP experience with their abroad “family,” with the goal of continuing to grow as Christians and as leaders through character development.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

HIGHLIGHTS FROM OUR SEVEN CAMPUSES • Shanghai, China Seaver students had the opportunity to partner with Chinese students from Fudan University for language and cultural exchange activities. Language partners increased their Mandarin or English skills, deepened crosscultural understanding, and developed friendships.

• Lausanne, Switzerland Students had the opportunity to study the history, culture, and religion of North Africa in the first educational field trip to Morocco. This year’s weekend spiritual retreat, entitled “Emerge,” was held in Champéry, Switzerland, and for the first time in recent history every student attended the retreat.

• Washington, D.C. The program welcomed Brian Swarts (’01) as the new director and continues to emphasize global leadership through exciting internship opportunities. This year students interned at the World Bank, the Brookings Institution, the Heritage Foundation, and the White House, as well as other places.

Students also engaged in weekly briefings with high-level leaders from government, the private sector, leading nongovernment organizations, and think tanks.

• Florence, Italy In an effort to increase cultural engagement, program director Elizabeth Whatley created social and learning connections between Pepperdine students and Italian college students. She also created learning activities that turned the city of Florence into the classroom.

• Buenos Aires, Argentina Fifteen Pepperdine students traveled to El Negrito, an isolated community in the poorest province in Argentina with a groundwater supply contaminated by arsenic. Students taught English and basic health information to the community.

• London, England Students participated in the Northern Cross—the Easter walking pilgrimage to Holy Island. They walked from Bellingham to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne in Northumberland following the path of the medieval pilgrims.

• Heidelberg, Germany Pepperdine celebrated both the 110th birthday of the Moore Haus and the 60th anniversary of Moore Haus serving as a “home away from home” for Pepperdine students. The building was recently renovated, ensuring that it will continue to be a home to Pepperdine students for years to come. President Benton officially cut the ribbon at the Moore Haus dedication ceremony on June 3 in the presence of students, alumni, faculty, and staff members, as well as many of the donors who generously supported this project.

STAY CONNECTED

68%

of Seaver students participate in an international program

Check out our Vimeo page and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. seaver.pepperdine.edu

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CAMPUS

LGBTQ+ CLUB AT SEAVER COLLEGE In March 2016 Seaver College announced the addition of Crossroads, the first officially recognized LGBTQ+ club at Pepperdine. The club will provide a space for students to explore sexual and gender identity, as well as their connection to faith. The formal mission statement asserts, in part, that this “is not a political club, but instead a space for support and understanding.”

Alumnus David Hylton (’16) was active in this creation of the club and the approval process. He was named co-president along with junior Jason Sim. Hylton said one goal of Crossroads, which is also open to straight students, is to create a space “where people can talk and just understand each other and ask questions.”

President Benton said, “I think all of our students deserve our deep caring and support. No one should live in isolation, whether in good times or more stressful times. I hope Crossroads fills a gap in our caring.”

STEPUP! PEPPERDINE LAUNCHED StepUP! Pepperdine, a University-wide bystander intervention program that educates and equips members of the community with the necessary knowledge and tools to intervene during problematic situations including, but not limited to, alcohol and substance abuse, hazing, depression and suicidality, relationship abuse, and sexual assault.

The program addresses the questions “Who is my neighbor?” and “What do I do if my neighbor is in trouble?” Strong values are important, but sometimes action is inhibited by the diffusion of responsibility, “Who should step up and help this person?” The program promotes a straightforward approach: notice the event, interpret the event, assume responsibility, know how to help and step up. The program has a series of convocation events, in addition to workshops by request, and uses the Live Safe app to give students, staff, and faculty the tools they need to step up.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

DIVERSITY AND EQUITY CONVERSATIONS AND INITIATIVES In November 2015 Seaver students held a series of peaceful protests in solidarity with University of Missouri students to call for a more inclusive campus environment. These actions were prompted in part by racist comments published on the previously anonymous social media platform Yik Yak. Junior Anthony Sanford, one of the organizers, stated the intent of the protests: “Our goal is basically to inform the campus of what’s going on and try to make positive change from there. . . . Everything we do will be peaceful, and it will have a positive message behind it.”

Both Pepperdine University president Andrew K. Benton and Seaver College dean Michael E. Feltner issued statements supporting the students and validating the need for a more inclusive community.

Since the occurrence of these events, University administration, faculty, and students have engaged in multiple initiatives to create a more inclusive community, including offering diversity-specific courses at Seaver College.

The Diversity and Inclusive Excellence grant was launched in order to foster the creation of new diversity-related classes. The program received six proposals and made four awards of $5,000 each. The academic divisions evaluated course content and increased content related to diversity for Fall 2016 classes.

To address students’ request to add a GE course that focuses on diversity and inclusion, a task force that included students and faculty members, chaired by senior associate dean April Marshall, was created to examine the issue. The task force will continue its efforts throughout the 2016-2017 academic year.

Additionally, several other initiatives were launched to advance cultural competency across Seaver College, particularly among faculty.

The University hosted a faculty summit emphasizing topics of cultural competency and inclusive pedagogy. The event was attended by 38 Seaver faculty members.

The Fall 2016 faculty retreat focused on inclusive pedagogy, including a keynote address presented by Marcia Chatelain, creator of #Fergusonsyllabus.

Native American artist and social documentarian Matika Wilbur will speak as a part of the W. David Baird Distinguished Lecture Series, and her artwork will be on display at the Waves Cafe for several weeks during the spring semester.

The new faculty-mentoring program also placed an increased emphasis on diversity. The Seaver Faculty Association conducted a survey to determine how many courses address issues such as ethnic or religious diversity, race relations, cross-cultural understanding, and LGBTQ issues.

The workshop for first-year seminar faculty focused on creating an inclusive classroom environment. A working retreat for inclusive curriculum was also available for all faculty, with the goal of improving pedagogy and curriculum in specific courses.

Seaver College is also participating in the National SEED project, a peer-led faculty development program focused on greater equity and diversity.

University administration, faculty, and students will continue to engage these important topics during the 2016-2017 academic year, in a variety of meaningful ways.

Photo credit Madison Harwell seaver.pepperdine.edu

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CAREER CENTER

The Seaver College Career Center remains at the cross section of academic and cocurricular campus life as students explore their purpose, become equipped for professional experiences, build expertise, and compete for advanced education or employment opportunities.

STRENGTHENING CAREER RESOURCES FOR STUDENTS AND ALUMNI In Fall 2015 the Career Center was realigned to report to the dean of Seaver College. Through this structural change, the college seeks to create greater integration between the classroom and the world of work. The college is striving to elevate the employability of our students and to equip them with the ability to articulate the value of their education as they move to the next step in their life toward career, graduate school, or service.

The resources of the Career Center are arranged around industry clusters as a pathway to provide highly customized connections for students and alumni. Industry specialists provide tailored expertise, develop and maintain employer relationships, track industry trends, and host industry-specific fairs, events, and workshops. Pepperdine was an earlyadopter of Handshake, a career platform now used by over 160 universities that extends our reach beyond traditional databases and recruiting strategies. The center is emphasizing stronger employer relations and using innovative technologies to become a presence on campus that connects students with job and internship opportunities, as well as mentoring and networking possibilities.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

NEW MENTORING PROGRAM BEGINS The Pepperdine Career Network is an online mentoring platform that connects students and alumni. Students can request career conversations, resume reviews, and mock interviews from over 500 alumni and parents who want to help.

The Career Center introduced this resource to 18 student groups in residential halls at the Networking + Nom Noms event. More than 800 advice-seeking Seaver students have accessed the site and completed more than 180 consultations during the 2015-2016 academic year.

INAUGURAL YEAR OF THE GLOBAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM The Global Leadership Program, funded through a Target Campus Grant, is a four-week course open to all majors and class years that develops core leadership skills that employers seek when hiring.

The program featured alumni speakers and hands-on activities about leadership fundamentals, diversity, crosscultural competency, the impact of technology on work and society, and a crash course in building a professional brand. Students also received various books and access to Lynda.com training courses to further expand their technical, design, and analytical skills.

Here’s what some participants learned through the program: “One thing I will work on to develop my own leadership skills is to ask my supervisors what I can do to support their goals. I think this is a great idea and definitely will succeed in the workplace.”

“Multicultural competence is both a process and a goal (you never totally “arrive”) … it is important to suspend what you think you know about someone before you’ve met them, to make room for learning what is truth.”

“It’s not that stereotypes are true or not true, instead, it is that they are inaccurate and incomplete.”

“The distance between your dream job and you is not as far as you think.”

“I loved hearing how technology is constantly changing and what those changes may look like. I also liked the emphasis on purpose and leveraging data for that purpose.”

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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ATHLETICS

WOMEN’S TENNIS The women’s tennis team enjoyed one of its finest seasons in school history, led by firstyear Luisa Stefani. The Waves (24-3) reached the quarterfinals of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Championships for the fifth time in program history (the first since 1994) and finished with a number nine national ranking.

Pepperdine earned its 30th and 31st West Coast Conference (WCC) titles with regular-season and tournament crowns, and defeated such heavyweights as University of Southern California; University of California, Los Angeles; Stanford University; and the University of Texas during the course of the year.

Stefani reached the semifinals of the NCAA Singles Tournament (matching the farthest a women’s tennis player has gone in Pepperdine history) and was named WCC Player of the Year and Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) National Rookie of the Year.

MEN’S BASKETBALL Stacy Davis (’16) and Jett Raines (’16) wrapped up their four-year careers and cemented a spot in the men’s basketball record book. The duo helped the Waves to their second straight winning season (the first time since 2002 and 2003) and back-to-back College Basketball Invitational (CBI) appearances (the first time with consecutive postseason bids since 2001 and 2002).

Davis, who became a three-time All-WCC first team selection, became the program’s all-time leading scorer and finished with 1,786 points. Raines became the Waves’ 39th player to score at least 1,000 career points.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

BASEBALL Junior right-hander A. J. Puckett posted one of the best seasons ever by any Pepperdine pitcher. He recorded a stretch of 45.2 innings without giving up a run (the third-longest streak in NCAA history), which earned him prominent coverage in Sports Illustrated, the Los Angeles Times, the Los Angeles Daily News, Baseball America, and Collegiate Baseball.

Puckett also had a streak of 57.1 innings without giving up an earned run.

He was named WCC Pitcher of the Year and finished with a 9-3 record and a 1.27 earned-run average (the second-best in school history and the third-best in WCC history).

ADDITIONAL HIGHLIGHTS The women’s beach volleyball team tied for fifth place at the inaugural NCAA Championships and won the inaugural WCC Tournament. Taylor Racich (’16) and Heidi Dyer were named American Volleyball Coaches Association (AVCA) All-Americans.

The men’s volleyball team earned the seventh spot in the national ranking, while Matt Tarantino (’16) was an All-American second team selection and Tommy Carmody was an honorable mention.

The men’s golf team tied a school record with nine top-five finishes and played in an NCAA Regional for the 21st time in the last 25 years. Sahith Theegala and Frederick Wedel (’16) were named AllRegion and to the All-WCC first team, as they recorded two of the four best single-season scoring averages in program history.

The women’s golf team, led by three-time All-American Marissa Chow (’16), played in an NCAA Regional for the 18th consecutive year.

Jessica Mosbaugh (’16) of women’s swimming and diving won the Pacific Collegiate Swim and Dive Conference (PCSC) title in the 100-meter breaststroke.

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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ALUMNI RELATIONS

WAVES WEEKEND 2015 Nearly 2,000 alumni and students attended Waves Weekend from October 16 to 18, 2015. Hosted for the sixth year by Alumni Relations and Student Activities, this three-day event is a hub for alumni reunions, including those for academic divisions, international programs, Greek organizations, “Pepperdine Sweethearts” (married alumni couples), and class reunions celebrating 5, 10, 20, and 30 years since graduation.

Reunions for members of the news media community, the Pepperdine Graphic, and The Randumb Show were held in their old home away from home—the journalism and television/film production areas located in the Center for Communication and Business (CCB).

Pepperdine Sweethearts enjoyed a cooking class and brunch on campus while sharing stories of how they met in college, while class reunions were held at favorite Malibu restaurants, including Casa Escobar at the Malibu Inn and Ollo (formerly Coogie’s Beach Cafe).

Other celebrations included Delta Tau Omega’s 25th reunion, the Florence 1990 class reunion, and the women’s indoor volleyball reunion.

Attendees also enjoyed Blue & Orange Madness with an opening carnival that included rides, games, and free food. Many also took surfing and kayaking lessons, toured the historic grounds of the Adamson House, and hiked to the top of Point Dume with Distinguished Professor of Biology Stephen Davis. The finale of the weekend was a concert at Alumni Park featuring opening artists Goldford and alumna Sandra Lynn (’07), and headlining rock band American Authors.

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

CAREER AND CALLING Career and Calling is a biannual event cohosted by Alumni Relations, the Office of the Chaplain, and the Seaver Career Center. This popular evening allows alumni to give back to the Pepperdine community by sharing with current students their career paths and how they continually live the University’s mission after college graduation.

This year’s alumni panelists included ( seated right to left) from left to right) Dorothy Hammond (’03, MSOD ’10), Guy Cotton (’78), and Elizabeth Yomantas (’11, MA ’13). They led over 350 students on a thought-provoking journey from their days as Seaver students to their professional achievements, highlighting themes of purpose, service, and leadership from their life experiences.

While discussing their triumphs and hardships, the panelists also expressed gratitude to Pepperdine for teaching them to pursue significance rather than mere success, as well as the importance of faith in the midst of challenges.

“Friends of the Theatre” alumni reception Original South Los Angeles campus tour

Alumni interested in exploring ways to engage students in career and calling conversations may contact Seaver College at seaveralumni@pepperdine.edu or (310) 506-4348. seaver.pepperdine.edu/alumni

seaver.pepperdine.edu

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SUCCESS AFTER SEAVER Class of 2015 First-Destination Summary SIX MONTHS AFTER GRADUATION

Matt Ontiveros (’15), Film Studies (Digital Media Production), Marketing Minor Community Manager and Lead Moderator, McBeard Media, Fullscreen, Inc.

Matt Ontiveros works for McBeard Media where he is in charge of social listening and fan engagement for two different innovative programs for AT&T, a client of McBeard Media. He credits Pepperdine with helping him develop strong collaboration skills.

“I am gaining invaluable experience and learning new skills everyday. I’m hoping to take advantage of that and soak up as much information as I can about this business and industry so that I can further move toward my professional goals.”

WHAT 2015 GRADS ARE DOING

GRADUATE SCHOOL

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Pepperdine University | Seaver College Highlights 2015-2016

INTERNSHIPS AND STUDENT TEACHING

Claire McVey (’15), History AmeriCorps Member, City Year Los Angeles A member of the civil society program AmeriCorps, Claire McVey currently serves at City Year Los Angeles, an organization that connects near-peer mentors with the most underserved schools in Los Angeles to address specific issues that increase dropout rates. McVey works with at-risk ninth graders.

“I hope to become a high school teacher in an urban school,” she reveals. “This year has been an amazing introduction to the needs of students in these kinds of communities, the struggles teachers face everyday, and the incredible resilience of the South Los Angeles community.”

2015 INDUSTRY BREAKDOWN

TYPES OF WORK For Profit

Nonprofit • Government

Entrepreneurs

64%

21%

15%

Kathryn Kern (’14), Sports Medicine Anatomy and Neurobiology Doctoral Candidate, Boston University School of Medicine Kathryn Kern’s primary goal in the department of anatomy and neurobiology is to advance her understanding of anatomical systems and cellular neuroscience in both animal and human models. Her secondary goal is to develop her skills as a future educator and innovative researcher in the biomedical sciences through teaching and original research.

“The professors at Pepperdine shaped my life forever in that they created within me a dream— to become an educator. Through this degree program, I hope that I will become someone capable of inspiring both fellow and future scientists, all while never losing my curiosity nor my unquenchable thirst to learn,” she explains. seaver.pepperdine.edu

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ONE EXTRAORDINARY DAY. AN ENDURING GIFT.

Pepperdine’s FIRST-EVER GIVING DAY is your chance to join together with alumni and friends to help build upon the University’s time-honored tradition of GENEROSITY and SUPPORT FUTURE GENERATIONS of Waves.

Learn more: Give2Pepp.com