Waves of change 11, curtain call winter 2014

W

IN

TE

Waves of Change R2

01

THE CAMPAIGN FOR PEPPERDINE…CHANGING LIVES

Curtain Call

“LISA HAS A DEEP APPRECIATION FOR THE BEAUTY OF THE ARTS. HER GENEROUS

PEPPERDINE DEDICATES LISA SMITH WENGLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS By Nate Ethell (’08, MBA ’13)

GIFT WILL ENABLE THE CENTER TO BE A

Call it the performance of a lifetime. Following a generous estate commitment last summer from University Board member and longtime friend Lisa Smith Wengler, Pepperdine University dedicated the Lisa Smith Wengler Center for the Arts on November 7, 2013. The center, located in the heart of Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, includes Smothers Theatre, Raitt Recital Hall, and Lindhurst Theatre, as well as the Weisman Museum of Art, and serves more than 50,000 patrons hailing from more than 600 ZIP codes each year.

Curtain Call continued page 4

The Campaign for Pepperdine

BEACON OF CREATIVITY AND CULTURE IN THIS COMMUNITY AND THE WORLD.”

SARA YOUNG JACKSON (‘74) VICE CHANCELLOR

PEPPERDINE.EDU/CAMPAIGN

4

Greetings

FROM THE CAMPAIGN FOR PEPPERDINE When Gloria and I were first acquainted with Pepperdine more than four decades ago, it wasn’t the same Pepperdine that we know today. Pepperdine College was in its twilight years at the original Los Angeles campus, and thanks to the generosity of the Adamson family and Blanche Seaver, a newly purposed Pepperdine University was breaking ground on 138 acres of undeveloped ranch land in Malibu. Prior to the arrival of the first 867 students, construction, completion, and dedications of many of the Malibu campus buildings proceeded in rapid succession, just in time for the inaugural semester in the fall of 1972.

When I remember the Malibu campus in its sapling state all those years ago, I am reminded how far we have come—and of the friends who provided the resources needed to get us here. Thanks to the success of Pepperdine’s first two capital campaigns, the Malibu campus has seen the completion of student facilities, residence halls, school expansions, and a new graduate campus. What a privilege to watch the campus blossom through the decades.

The Campaign for Pepperdine has continued this transformation, developing existing spaces and new programs in pioneering ways. We completed phase one of the picturesque Mullin Town Square in 2009, thanks to the generosity of Terry and Sharon Mullin, and several major gifts in recent months, including those of my fellow regent John Plueger and University Board member Lisa Smith Wengler, have accelerated plans for a critical renovation of Payson Library. This new construction will turn the heart of the academy into a true third space for students on campus.

Beyond our physical spaces, a pinnacle success of this campaign is found in Lisa’s other passion: the Center for the Arts. As you will read in this issue, Lisa made a monumental estate commitment to endow the center, which we recently dedicated in her honor.

For decades, alumni and friends have witnessed the impact of their giving on students pursuing the noble quest of higher education at Pepperdine. As we approach our $450 million campaign goal this year, please join us and witness the impact of your giving as well.

Glen A. Holden, Campaign Co-chair U.S. Ambassador (R) Member, Board of Regents

The Campaign for Pepperdine

2

CELESTE AND JOHN PLUEGER COMMIT $1 MILLION,

Dr. Aaron L. Plueger Reading Room Dedicated University regent John Plueger and wife, Celeste, and family have made a $1 million commitment to the University Libraries campaign in honor of John’s father, the late Dr. Aaron L. Plueger, member of the George Pepperdine College Class of 1950. Funds from the gift will support the future Payson Library renovation.

Establishing a reading room in his father’s memory was an obvious choice, according to John. After graduating from George Pepperdine College with his English degree, Aaron Plueger earned his master’s degree in divinity and was ordained into the ministry at Mt. Calvary Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Angeles in 1953. He spent his career as a Lutheran minister and theological scholar, authoring the book Things to Come for Planet Earth.

“To my dad, reading was the foundation of all knowledge,” John remarked. “He read all the time—writing notes and scribbling on everything he read. My family and I had been looking for a way to honor his legacy and keep his name alive, and with my father’s graduation from Pepperdine, our son Ryan’s attendance at Pepperdine, and now the honor I have serving on the Board of Regents, the idea of naming the reading room seemed like the perfect tribute.”

“We are so blessed to have friends like the Pluegers, who contribute their time, experience, and resources to furthering the mission of Pepperdine University,” said dean of libraries Mark Roosa. “The Plueger Reading Room will offer inspiration, insights into spiritual formation, and writings that resonate with students and help inform their future. We are grateful to Celeste and John, who

Plueger Reading Room continued page 9

3

34196b0_UA1312017 Campaign Newsletter Winter 2014_PLUEGER.indd 1

PEPPERDINE.EDU/CAMPAIGN

3/7/14 8:56 PM

Curtain Call continued

Lisa began her friendship with Pepperdine when she first made her home in Malibu in the 1970s, soon becoming acquainted with former Pepperdine president Norvel Young and Pepperdine matriarch Helen Young (’39). Born and raised in Germany, Lisa found success in California as a developer and builder in Malibu and began building homes in the formerly titled Alcoa development, located west of John Tyler Drive near Pepperdine’s Malibu campus.

Navigating what she characterized as a “man’s world of lenders, investors, architects, and contractors,” Lisa proved to be a skilled negotiator and successful developer.

“The story of Lisa Smith Wengler is the story of a woman who was introduced to us, saw the value in our work, and chose to make a commitment that will forever transform this campus, this community, and this region,” shared Rebecca Carson, managing director of the Center for the Arts. “Lisa has made a philanthropic investment in the cultural life of Malibu and the creative

From left, Gloria Holden, Glen Holden, and Lisa Smith Wengler

The Campaign for Pepperdine

Helen Young (’39) and Lisa Smith Wengler

The cast of the Luciana and Daniel Forge Fall Musical, Les Misérables, performs at the dedication ceremony.

4

spirit of Pepperdine. Her gift ensures that future generations will be inspired by high-quality performances and exhibitions.”

recognized hub for the arts and the gold standard for arts presentation,” Rebecca said.

“In addition to her other interests at Pepperdine, Lisa’s true passion has been in our theatres and the Weisman Museum,” said Sara Young Jackson (’74), vice chancellor. “Lisa has a deep appreciation for the beauty of the arts. Her generous gift will enable the center to be a beacon of creativity and culture in this community and the world.” n

In time, Lisa’s endowment will allow the Center for the Arts to present more extensive residencies that strengthen student opportunities to work with guest artists and add resources to improve technical capabilities. “The Center for the Arts will also increase its marketing efforts to take it from what our patrons call a ‘best-kept secret’ to a nationally

Artist in residence Eric Downs (’04) thanks Lisa for her generosity.

Vice Chancellor Sara Young Jackson (’74)

5

Senior Vice President Keith Hinkle (JD ’97) and Lisa Smith Wengler

From left, President Andy Benton, Lisa Smith Wengler, Billie Milam Weisman, and Michael Zakian

PEPPERDINE.EDU/CAMPAIGN

HONORING PAT AND SHIRLEY BOONE Celebrating a decade of SavvyChic, the annual benefit and fashion show for Pepperdine’s Boone Center for the Family, the 10th-anniversary event held special significance as the University honored the 60-year marriage of beloved benefactors Pat and Shirley Boone. With a nod to the styles, music, and icons that “dressed” the generations of Pat and Shirley, this year’s runway fashions showcased “Six Decades of Fashion…

60 Years of Boone Bliss.” SavvyChic is hosted each year by the Friends of the Family League, an auxiliary of the Boone Center whose mission is to enrich the work of the center by raising annual and endowment funds.

Shirley and Pat with daughters Cherry, Lindy, Debby, and Laury sing “I May Never Pass This Way Again.”

The Campaign for Pepperdine

From left, Larry King with Shirley and Pat

6

From left, Pat and Shirley with Kimberly and Michael Okabayashi

President Andy Benton congratulates Shirley and Pat on 60 years of marriage.

Pepperdine staff and friends showcase Shirley’s styles through the decades.

From left, Charlie and Amy Jo (’00) Runnels with Shirley and Pat

Pepperdine first lady and SavvyChic chair Debby Benton

7

From left, Pat with Sandy Ferra and Wink Martindale

Pat with Mistress of Ceremonies Brenda Cooper PEPPERDINE.EDU/CAMPAIGN

CAMPAIGN

Gifts Pledges We are grateful to the following major benefactors whose generous support in recent months has brought our total to more than $418 million.

PADMA AND HARI HARILELA have given an additional $1 million to the Padma and Hari Harilela Educational Scholarship at Seaver College.

THE AMERICANISM EDUCATIONAL LEADERS have given $985,000 to establish the Americanism Educational Leaders Endowed Fund at Payson Library.

LEE AND PAUL SHOOP have given $850,000 to establish the Paul and Lee Shoop Endowed Fund.

THE LILLY ENDOWMENT, INC. has given $496,052 to the Early Career Pastoral Leadership Program.

THE GOOD VENTURES FOUNDATION has donated $200,000 to support

Project BetaGov at the School of Public Policy.

THE BRENDEN MANN FOUNDATION gave $129,000 to the Brenden Mann Israel Internship Program.

THE CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY FOUNDATION has pledged $110,000 to

support the Education Collaborative Initiative Grant.

EARL CUMMINGS (MBA ’09) gave $100,000 to the Graziadio School’s Sign On For Excellence campaign supporting the Presidents and Key Executives Excellence Fund.

ANTOINETTE AND KEVIN (’79) JOYCE pledged $100,000 to establish the Kevin and Antoinette Joyce Family Endowed Baseball Fund.

HOWARD PRIVETT donated $100,000 to establish the Nell Kercheville Privett

Memorial Endowed Scholarship, honoring his late wife and George Pepperdine College alumna Nell Privett (’54).

MARYLYN (’58) AND NEIL CLARK (’56) WARREN have given $100,000

to support the Campaign for Pepperdine.

ROBIN WASHINGTON (MBA ’95) pledged $100,000 to establish an endowed scholarship at the Grazadio School of Business and Management.

JUDY AND JAY WELKER have committed $100,000 to the Moore Haus renovation at the Heidelberg international campus.

The Campaign for Pepperdine

8

h Plueger Reading Room continued share our vision for a 21st-century library that will serve as a centerpiece of this institution.”

John is the president, chief operating officer, and member of the board of directors of Air Lease Corporation, with more than 27 years in the aircraft leasing and aviation industry.

He is a member of the board of directors of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum and also serves on the board of directors of the Wings Club and several other charitable organizations. Celeste and John’s son Ryan is a student at Seaver College and member of the Pepperdine men’s volleyball team.

Back row, Terie Ramos, Tim Plueger, Celeste Plueger, John Plueger, Priscilla Nelson, and Jeff Nelson Front row, Ryan Plueger, Joyce Plueger, and Alex Plueger

Dean of libraries Mark Roosa stands with the Plueger family in the newly named Dr. Aaron L. Plueger Reading Room.

From left, Nancy Gray, Leslie Engelage, Joyce Plueger, and Mervin Johnson

9

34196b0_UA1312017 Campaign Newsletter Winter 2014_PLUEGER.indd 2

PEPPERDINE.EDU/CAMPAIGN

3/7/14 8:56 PM

About the

CAMPAIGN

The Campaign for Pepperdine, led by co-

School of Law’s Greg McNeal Awarded Grant

FOR RESEARCH ON AMERICA’S TARGETED KILLING POLICY Greg McNeal, associate professor of law, has received $165,000 from the Carthage Foundation to research the U.S. practice of targeted killings. The research and resulting book will educate policymakers and the public about America’s use of lethal force against suspected terrorists. Professor McNeal’s research is grounded in the idea that when the United States government kills people on traditional and non-traditional battlefields, bureaucrats play a key role in the killings yet have little visibility into the analytical processes that precede their final decisions.

The book will be based on archival and field research and will explain, examine, and offer recommendations for enhancing the success, accountability, and effectiveness of U.S. policies conducted pursuant to America’s new way of warfare.

The research builds upon previous work conducted by Professor McNeal for his article “Targeted Killings and Accountability,” which was featured in the Georgetown Law Journal and won the 2013 Article of the Year award from the American National Section of the International Association of Penal Law. Professor McNeal also recently appeared on MSNBC to discuss the FAA’s selection of civilian drone testing sites in nine states.

Professor McNeal is an expert in international security with an active scholarly agenda focused on national security, warfare, surveillance, and new technologies. Since arriving at Pepperdine, he has twice been called upon to testify before Congress on matters related to national security and frequently consults with elected officials regarding proposed legislation. He recently consulted with and contributed to the development of two U.S. military field manuals aimed at preventing harm to civilians in conflict. He teaches criminal law, criminal procedure, and courses related to national security law and international affairs.

The Campaign for Pepperdine

10

chairs Marylyn Warren (’58) and Glen Holden, and seven volunteer-led campaign committees, is transforming the lives of our students through four aspirations that advance learning, knowledge, and scholarship; honor God and our heritage of faith; build community; and respect diversity and promote global understanding.

With “Changing Lives” as the campaign theme, Pepperdine has set a goal of $450 million to support student-centered priorities to do just that—educate our students to change lives around the world.

Campaign

FUNDS RAISED $418,111,699* *As of February 28, 2014

EVENTS ON THE HORIZON

Kevin and Antoinette Joyce Family

ENDOW NEW BASEBALL FUND It’s a home run for the baseball team!

Pepperdine Athletics is pleased to announce a $100,000 commitment from Antoinette and Kevin (’79) Joyce to establish the Kevin and Antoinette Joyce Family Endowed Baseball Fund. The new endowment will be used for needs of the baseball team as determined by the coach.

“Donors like Kevin and Antoinette are extraordinary assets to our program, and their dedication will allow me to provide valuable enhancements to the team each year,” said Waves baseball head coach Steve Rodriguez. “To have a family of fans step to the plate like this is magnificent leadership and role-modeling. We are all deeply grateful.”

“Endowed funds are critical to the continued improvement of all of our athletic teams,” said Steve Potts, director of athletics. “We are so thankful for the generosity of the Kevin and Antoinette Joyce family. Their significant contribution will benefit the Pepperdine baseball program for many generations to come.”

Kevin Joyce is the president of Brentwood-based Joyce Company, a wholesaler and distributor of fish and other seafood products founded by Kevin’s father Robert in 1963. Following his graduation from Seaver College, Kevin joined the family business in sales and ascended to lead the company with his father continuing to serve as chair. Kevin served as the 2013 board president of the California Fisheries and Seafood Institute. Antoinette and Kevin reside in Pacific Palisades, California, with their two sons, who have enjoyed watching Waves baseball throughout their lives.

For more information or to register for an event, please call 310.506.4448.

MARCH 11-15 Songfest Smothers Theatre, Malibu Campus

APRIL 12 Graziadio School Graduation Firestone Fieldhouse, Malibu Campus

APRIL 25 School of Public Policy Graduation Alumni Park, Malibu Campus

APRIL 26 Seaver College Graduation Alumni Park, Malibu Campus

MAY 10 38th Annual Pepperdine Associates Dinner Featuring Maya Angelou JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE Los Angeles, California

MAY 16 School of Law Graduation Alumni Park, Malibu Campus

MAY 17 Graduate School of Education and Psychology Graduation Alumni Park, Malibu Campus 10 AM – Education Division Ceremony 2:30 PM – Psychology Division Ceremony

pepperdine.edu/pr/events

11

PEPPERDINE.EDU/CAMPAIGN

PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY 24255 Pacific Coast Highway Malibu, CA 90263-4546

PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY ASSOCIATES

38 Annual Dinner th

Contact Us The Campaign and University Advancement teams at Pepperdine stand ready to respond to your inquiries.

Contact us to discuss campaign opportunities and giving methods with you and your financial advisors.

All inquiries will remain confidential. For more information, please call or e-mail:

S. Keith Hinkle (JD ’97)

Senior Vice President for Advancement and Public Affairs

310.506.4898 keith.hinkle@pepperdine.edu

THE POWER OF

Claudia Arnold Preston

Campaign Director and Vice Chancellor

310.506.4546 claudia.arnold@pepperdine.edu

Featuring

Maya Angelou

Poet, Educator, Historian, Pulitzer Prize-Nominated Author

Saturday, May 10, 2014 JW Marriott Los Angeles L.A. LIVE For more information or to register, please visit pepperdine.edu/associates/dinner or call 310.506.4115.

The Campaign for Pepperdine

Campaign Office 310.506.4546

PEPPERDINE.EDU/CAMPAIGN Editor Nate Ethell (’08, MBA ’13) Art Director Liz Waldvogel (’05) Photographers Ron Hall (’79),

Allen Haren (’97, MA ’07)

Patti Yomantas

Director, Advancement Communications

Published quarterly by the Office of University Advancement

PEPPERDINE.EDU/CAMPAIGN