Pepperdine Graphic Print Edition 8.19.24

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THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC Volume LIII

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Issue 1

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August 19, 2024

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pepperdine-graphic.com

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follow us @peppgraphic

The

Mountain Update See NEWS | A5 Students returning to campus may have questions about The Mountain construction.

See A5 for a timeline of the construction project, including a projected completion date for the parking structure.

Photo by Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor Design by Betsy Burrow | Lead Designer

The Graphic is thrilled to reintroduce themselves to you.

Students visited the hometowns of Pepp friends this summer and found a deeper connection.

Waves representation claimed massive wins at the Paris Olympics.

See PERSPECTIVES | A6

See LIFE & ARTS | B1

See SPORTS | B4

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August 19, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Good News: Take in the moment, Class of 2025 Gabrielle Salgado Managing Editor

Aug. 28

Upcoming events...

Rock the Brock Seniors are invited to party at the annual Rock the Brock event hosted at the Brock House. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 1 Women’s Soccer vs. UCLA Cheer on the Women’s soccer team as they take on UCLA at the Tari Frahm Rokus Field at noon.

Sept. 2 Labor Day Pepperdine will excuse students from class Monday, Sept. 2 to recognize Labor Day.

Sept. 7 Waves of Flags 2024: Flag Raising Pepperdine will install 2,977 flags on Alumni Park for its annual display honoring those who died in the 9/11 attacks. The first flag ceremony begins at 10:15 a.m.

I spent what might have been my last summer at home — a small farm town in the middle of nowhere. Being home for one final summer was a thought that never crossed my mind until the moment arrived. As I begin my senior year at Pepperdine, there are so many more moments that I eagerly anticipate.

I began my journalism journey as a high school sophomore. I volunteered for my hometown’s newspaper, and after seeing my first byline I immediately fell in love.

College journalism only expanded that love. From the moment I walked into the newsroom for the Graphic’s annual training week as a firstyear, I felt a sense of belonging. When I sat in on my first all-staff meeting, I saw myself leading them one day.

My love for journalism didn’t stop growing once I joined the Graphic. NewsWaves sprouted my unfound love of broadcast journalism.

It built my confidence as a leader and a journalist.

Through these organizations, I’ve met people who encapsulate everything I aspire to be. They showed me what it means to be a friend and a mentor. Because of them, I feel prepared as I step into my

Photo courtesy of Gabrielle Salgado Managing Editor Gabrielle Salgado sits at the anchor desk of ABC30 in Fresno, Calif., on July 20. She hopes to work in broadcast news after graduating from Pepperdine this spring.

role as managing editor.

Right now, I’m in one of the moments I never thought would arrive. I’m leading the all-staff meetings that, three years ago, seemed so far out of reach. I moved into my dorm one final time and the number of courses I have left are in the single digits.

The start of this school year evokes an array of emotions.

It brings a rushing excitement along with paralyzing anxiety that makes me want to slow down time. I’ve anticipated this year and this moment — and it has finally arrived.

I’m excited to live with my roommate Daniela for the fourth year in a row and experience all of our Pepperdine lasts together after navigating

all of our Pepperdine firsts together. I’m looking forward to seeing the stories the Graphic produces this year and the hard work the staff puts in to keep our community informed. Most of all, I’m ready to soak up everything Malibu has to offer and not take any moment for granted.

I still have quite a few moments before my time as a Pepperdine student comes to a close. But, I’m ecstatic for all the little moments in between — both the ones I never thought would arrive and the ones that never crossed my mind. Here’s to one last year, Class of 2025.

gabrielle.salgado@pepperdine.edu

“Pepperdine Graphic Media (PGM) is an editorially independent student news organization that focuses on Pepperdine University and the surrounding communities. PGM consists of the digital and print Graphic, a variety of special publications, GNews, Currents Magazine, social media platforms and an Advertising Department. These platforms serve the community with news, opinion, contemporary information and a public forum for discussion. PGM strengthens students for purpose, service and leadership by developing their skills in writing, editing and publication production, by providing a vehicle to integrate and implement their liberal arts education,and by developing students’ critical thinking through independent editorial judgment. PGM participates in Pepperdine’s Christian mission and affirmations, especially the pursuit of truth, excellence and freedom in a context of public service. Although PGM reports about Pepperdine University and coordinates with curricula in journalism and other disciplines, it is a student (not a University) news organization. Views expressed are diverse and, of course, do not correspond to all views of any University board, administration, faculty, staff, student or other constituency.”

Email: peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com

CONTACT US

MISSION STATEMENT

Caught you fizzin’!

peppgraphicadvertising@gmail.com Phone: (310) 506-4311 Address: Student Publications Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90263

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August 19, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

GE curriculum cuts HUM requirement Ava Heinert Perspectives Editor Pepperdine’s new General Education (GE) program is officially set to roll out this semester, and this includes big changes for the Humanities Division.

The General Education Review Committee began the conversation about a reformed GE curriculum in 2015, and the structure was officially approved in April 2022, said Bryan Givens, associate professor of history and current Humanities sequence coordinator.

Pepperdine’s former GE program required students to complete 19 GE courses, but the new program will only include 13 courses, Givens said.

The Humanities sequence counted for three of the required courses and has been eliminated from the requirements beginning this fall.

Givens said the reform is an attempt to give students more variability in their classes –– allowing them to explore other passions or add a double major or minor.

A New Opportunity There will be two new class options with the HUM designation. Sharyl Corrado, asso-

ciate professor of history, said they will not be Elkins classes, nor will they be offered as frequently.

Givens said the courses will be 200-level topical classes with seminar sizes closer to 30 students.

Givens and Corrado both said they are adapting their first-year seminar and 300-level classes into 200-level history courses.

Moving Away from the Elkins Model For the past 20 years, the Humanities division has provided 40% of all Elkins classes, Givens said. Professors will now have to adjust their curriculum to smaller class sizes, he said.

“My course evals always suffer in comparison to my small classes,” Givens said. “A third of my yearly teaching load was in Elkins, so that will have to be adapted to something else.”

The Drawbacks Corrado said with students taking different GEs from one another, they won’t share the experience of learning the same content. She said this is a drawback of the program because students will be able

Photo by Ava Heinert | Perspectives Editor Professor Paul Contino converses with Great Books students during their class time on the third floor of the CAC on Feb. 9. The class discussed their assigned readings for that class period.

to graduate without the core knowledge of U.S. history or Western culture if they choose to opt out of those classes.

Paul Contino, a Great Books professor and Humanities and Teacher Education Division representative to the GE committee for the past two years, said the Humanities works in tandem with other disciplines, and he hopes the new program still allows students to look at these subjects

through a broader lens.

“It’s a weird kind of bifurcation to me that you’ve got students coming into Pepperdine who will say, ‘Do I take “Humanities” or do I take “Foundations of Reasoning?” After all, the roots of human reasoning are to be found in ‘the Humanities,’” Contino said.

Foundations of Reasoning is part of the new GE program that focuses on reason and critical thinking skills. This class

will be taught by faculty from across Seaver College.

The changes to the curriculum will begin with the Class of 2028, but all current students are under the existing GE requirements. The Humanities sequence will be available until the Class of 2027 graduates.

See full story online at pepperdinegraphic.com ava.heinert@pepperdine.edu

Betsy Burrow | Lead Designer

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August 19, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Survival rates spike with CPR training Victoria LaFerla Spring 2024 Managing Editor Ana Paula Ruiz, Claire Everbach & Denae Pitts Contributing Writers Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an essential skill.

Over 40 states in the U.S. mandate or encourage CPR training for high school students prior to graduation. Yet, many private schools in the U.S. do not mandate CPR training, leaving their students unprepared for potential life-threatening situations, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

“Outside of a hospital, cardiac arrest only has a survival rate of less than 10%,” said Stephanie Austin, a survivor of a cardiac arrest.

In cities like Seattle, survival rates are significantly higher due to effective public CPR training programs, according to Global Resuscitation Alliance. In Seattle, the survival rate is 62%.

“These programs work because there’s so much more awareness and teaching the public about CPR.” Austin said.

The Statistics and Standards When CPR is administered immediately, it can dramatically improve the survival rate of cardiac arrest victims — potentially doubling or even tripling their chances of survival according to the American Heart Association. Despite this, bystander CPR is performed in only about 39% of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest cases in the United States, according to the American Heart Association.

Survival rates diminish by 10% with each minute defibrillation and effective CPR are delayed.

A survey by the Cleveland Clinic revealed that only 54% of Americans feel confident in their ability to perform CPR. Moreover, about 70% of cardiac arrests happen at home.

The legislative push from Eric Paredes Save A Life Foundation and others promotes mandating the CPR training within public schools across the United States. Yet, the absence of such mandates in many private schools presents a significant oversight — one that can mean the difference between life and death.

Student Voices At Pepperdine University, a private Christian university, the community has embraced CPR training with the Student Health Center partnering with the California Department of Public Health to of-

Infographics by Claire Everbach fer Hands-Only CPR training to its students​​ . However, this opportunity may not be a priority to students who are first and foremost focused on their education.

Some students have found the opportunity to become fully certified through jobs like babysitting, lifeguarding and through various medical internships.

“Just knowing even the basics of what to do [during a cardiac arrest] can be really, really useful,” sophomore and lifeguard Jacob Ek said.

Alexander Paloglou, resident advisor (RA), said RAs have to respond to emergencies with urgency, stressing the importance of their mandatory training prior to the start of the academic year.

“Most times if it’s a resident interaction or something’s going on in the residence hall, the RA is most likely the first person that’ll notice that (an emergency) and then be there to help,” Paloglou said.

The Power of CPR Austin’s own harrowing experience with cardiac arrest is her reason for why she is so passionate about bringing about awareness.

“It was about 6 o’clock in the morning when my husband got a phone call from a resident [that woke him up] and he heard me take what would have been my final breath,” Austin said.

Her husband’s quick response was pivotal. As an orthopedic surgeon, he was trained in CPR, although it wasn’t part of his daily professional practice, Austin said.

“He called my name and I didn’t answer, and he called again and still no response,” she said.

Realizing the gravity of the

situation, he rolled her over, found her unresponsive, and began CPR. “He kept doing CPR until they [paramedics] came,” Austin said.

When the paramedics arrived, her husband had to stop CPR and run down three flights of stairs to let the paramedics in and then run back upstairs. In these precious moments, CPR stopped and oxygen was no longer circulating her brain and body.

“I have memory issues and some limitations,” she said.

A Quick Response The quick response with CPR was crucial for her survival and maintaining some level of brain function, but the few minutes without oxygen before CPR was initiated were enough to cause lasting damage.

“But I can drive, I can have this conversation with you,” Austin said. “You know, I’m very fortunate.”

CPR awareness and certification are separate initiatives with the same goal of saving lives.

CPR awareness is literally just learning the 2 steps to save a life: 1. Call 911.

2. Push hard and fast in the center of the chest at a certain beat.

CPR certification is a lengthier process designed for anyone with limited or no medical training who needs a course completion card in first aid to meet job, regulatory or other requirements.

There are so many songs that fit the beat of compressions during CPR, according to the American Heart Association.

CPR intervention increases survival two to three times, Austin said.

Reluctance to Learn CPR The reluctance or delay in learning CPR, despite its life-saving potential, can be attributed to several factors that deter individuals from becoming certified or even familiar with the basic steps.

Lack of Awareness Many people are simply unaware of how common and critical cardiac emergencies can be, Austin said. There’s a general misconception that such emergencies are rare or always happen in settings where medical professionals are present.

Fear of Doing Harm One significant barrier is the fear of causing harm. People are often afraid of breaking a rib or being sued for providing improper care, Austin said.

This fear is compounded by a lack of understanding of Good Samaritan laws, which protects bystanders who assist in emergencies.

Perceived Training

Complexity

of

CPR training is sometimes seen as overly technical or time-consuming. The misconception that it requires extensive medical knowledge or physical strength to perform effectively deters some from learning. This belief can be addressed by promoting “Hands-Only CPR,” which simplifies the process to just chest compressions and is proven to be effective in emergencies, according to the American Heart Association.

CPR Awareness during New Student Orientation (NSO)

A pivotal strategy is the introduction of a CPR awareness allotted time during Pepperdine University’s New Student Orientation (NSO) for all incoming first-year students, Paloglou said. This session would serve as an initial exposure to CPR, emphasizing its importance and basic techniques.

By making CPR awareness a staple of the NSO, it can embed the importance of lifesaving skills right from the beginning of a student’s university journey, potentially encouraging more students to become certified CPR responders, Paloglou said.

CPR Training Kits To significantly boost CPR proficiency, the integration of the American Heart Association’s CPR Training Kits can simulate CPR in real life.

These kits are specifically designed for educational environments and provide a hands-on learning experience, according to the American Heart Association.

The integration of CPR training in private schools is not just an educational policy — it is a moral imperative. Every student equipped with CPR skills is a potential lifesaver, making schools and communities safer for everyone. With the right awareness and training initiatives​​, people really can save lives.

victoria.laferla@pepperdine.edu

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August 19, 2024 | NEWS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Howdy’s creates Pepperdine meal plan Shalom Montgomery A byproduct of this new management and menus is a Pixel Editor & Assistant News Editor new exclusive menu for all PepHowdy’s, a beloved Malibu staple located in The Park at Cross Creek, is entering new horizons. The management, spearheaded by Malibu native Ian Roven, is introducing a plethora of new advancements to the restaurant.

Founded in West Los Angeles by Howdy Kabrins in 1979, the restaurant was originally a Mexican restaurant called La Salsa, according to its website.

In 1995, Howdy opened up Howdy’s Taqueria, which instantly became a fan favorite among Malibu natives and Pepperdine students.

The restaurant unfortunately closed in 2014, but reopened in 2020.

“I grew up going to Howdy’s restaurants,” Roven said.

“The food was great, but it was really the employees who made you feel like you were in a place that was better than home.”

In addition to new management, Howdy’s will intentionally develop the restaurant’s environment into a more inviting experience for everyone.

perdine students, faculty and staff. This new plan, influenced by fellow Waves’ opinions, will consist of new food items and combinations. Howdy’s staff will then deliver to Pepperdine during specific window times for convenience with class times, parking spots, etc.

The pricing of the new meal plan will compete with the current rates on Pepperdine’s campus, Roven states.

Roven’s nostalgic connection to Howdy’s is what mainly led him to oversee and manage the restaurant.

“We want the customers to feel like we are their home away from home,” Roven said.

“I remember those vivid memories of going to Howdy’s with friends and feeling a sense of community, a unique sense of joy.”

This new resturant envirornment will include broadcasting local sports team coverage, such as the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Dodgers.

“As Howdy’s partner, one of my major goals is to recreate that feeling I had growing up in Malibu,” Roven said. “Howdy’s

Photos by Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor A Howdy’s signature sushi burrito is wrapped in golden foil and on display at the Malibu resturant, April 11. The Howdy’s menu consists of both Mexican cuisine classics and sushi dishes.

served as that spot for me and I want it to be that spot… that second home… for you too.”

To express interest in this new meal plan from Howdy’s, complete this short survey.

A Howdy’s Miso Salmon Bowl is served in the Malibu location on April 11 shalom.montgomery@pepperdine.edu

Betsy Burrow | Lead Designer

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August 19, 2024

The Graphic

pepperdin e - graphic .com

PERSPECTIVES THE PGM STAFF

Managing Editor Gabrielle Salgado

Special Edition Editor Tony Gleason

Pixel Editor Shalom Montgomery

DEI Team

DEI Editor: Madison Luc

Advertising Team Assistant Director: Kilian Pankowski Sales Representative: Owen Mirka

News Team

News Editor: Rachel Flynn Assistant News Editor: Shalom Montgomery News Assistant: Alicia Dofelmier News Staff Writer: Ellya Asatryan News Staff Writer: Emma Martinez News Staff Writer: HL McCullough

Life & Arts Team

Cara Tang | Staff Artist

Staff Editorial: The Graphic is here for you

Perspectives Team

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Everyone has a voice and it is our job to guarantee that your voice and story are heard.

We are here to tell the community any breaking news, positive stories or team victories.

We are here for all of Malibu.

We are Pepperdine students who are working to tell the stories of our community as truthfully and authentically as possible.

Graphic Staff

When most people think of the news, usually tragedy and misinformation can come to mind. Here at PGM, we strive to be better. Our mission is to spread accurate news that we believe the community should be aware of.

Transparency is one of PGM’s key values. We are here to help you, but we can only do that if you all help us. While PGM has its own team, we

are part of the broader Waves family. We want you all to trust us to tell your stories.

As students, we value the opinions of our readers. If at any point you have a story pitch, suggestions for improvement or any idea at all, we encourage you to scan the QR code and send them in.

Our team is always changing, as we interview for new positions each semester. We are also always looking for anyone interested in working with us in any capacity. With each story, we learn something new. Every day, we strive to be better than we were yesterday.

We can only become stronger with the help of our community.

We are happy to be back for another semester here in Malibu, and we are even happier to meet all of you throughout the year. You will only be able to live in Malibu as a college student once throughout your life so remember to stay calm, soak it all in and enjoy it.

Welcome home, Waves!

peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com

Perspectives Editor: Ava Heinert Perspectives Assistant Editor: Caitlin Murray Perspectives Assistant: Eliot Cox Perspectives Assistant: Alyssa Johnson Perspectives Staff Writer: Tim Gay Perspectives Staff Writer: Christy Thien

Copy Team

Copy Chief: Libby Hill Perspectives Copy Editor: Kayleigh Borowski Sports Copy Editor: Isabella Pisciotta Life & Arts Copy Editor: Faith Siegel

Photo Team

Photo Editor: Mary Elisabeth Assistant Photo Editor: Perse Klopp Staff Photographer: Riley Haywood Staff Photographer: Colton Rubsamen Staff Photographer: Olivia Schneider

Design Team

Lead Designer: Betsy Burrow Design Assistant: Laury Li

Art Team

Art Editor: Sarah Rietz Staff Artist: Sophia Luo Staff Artist: Cara Tang Comic Writer & Artist: Faith Oh

Podcast Team

Head Podcast Producer: Nina Fife Podcaster: HL McCullough

Abroad Team Abroad Correspondent: Madeline Del Rio Abroad Correspondent: Sadie Lovett Abroad Correspondent: Lila Rendel

Sports Team

Sports Editor: Justin Rodriguez Assistant Sports Editor: Nina Fife Sports Staff Writer: Megan Harkey

Editor’s Note: PGM staff members decide on the topic of a staff ed together. The staff as a whole provides opinions and content included in this staff ed to provide thoughts about and shed light on solutions for happenings at Pepperdine.

Submit Ideas Here!

Graphic Staff hether you’re familiar with Pepperdine Graphic Media or not, we are here to introduce ourselves as the new year begins. Pepperdine Graphic Media, often referred to as PGM, is a student-run news organization on campus.

PGM publishes consistently throughout the semester.

Aside from our newspaper, the Graphic, which prints once a month, we also have Currents Magazine and a special edition magazine that prints once a semester.

You can find these physical copies all around campus, but the easiest way to stay up to date with all things Malibu and Pepperdine is through our website. We publish stories on our website daily to ensure everyone in our community stays informed.

We are student-run, and we are the same as all of you — we are Pepperdine students who are working to tell the stories of our community as truthfully and authentically as possible.

We are here to serve you. To any new Waves, we understand that moving into a new chapter of your life can be intimidating. So, we want to help you get acclimated to campus life by reporting on what is impacting our university and the Malibu community.

Life & Arts Editor: Amanda Monahan Assistant Life & Arts Editor: Henry Adams Life & Arts Staff Writer: Karla Suzuki Life & Arts Staff Writer: Bohuen Tong Life & Arts Staff Writer: Samantha Wareing

Digital Team

Digital Editor and Social Media Producer: Milena D’Andrea Video Producer: Hunter Dunn Social Media Team: Makayla Chang

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August 19, 2024 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media

The Humanities sequence requirement will be missed enjoyed my experience in the HumanCaitlin Murray ities courses. I have learned a lot of Assistant Perspectives Editor things that I had never been exposed Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

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epperdine University has cut the Humanities sequence requirement for the incoming class of 2028, according to a Graphic article. “‘There was a pretty widespread consensus among the faculty that if we could find some ways to streamline the process and, perhaps, reduce it, that would be a good thing,’” History Professor Brian Givens said to the Graphic in previous reporting.

Reducing the general education requirement is beneficial because it gives students more room in their schedules to take other courses.

It is uncommon to find a course from another school that can fulfill the Humanities requirement at Pepperdine. Many “Western Civilization/ European History” in Advanced Placement high school courses or at community colleges do not fulfill the Humanities requirement, according to the Pepperdine Humanities and Teacher Education website.

That being said, I have thoroughly

to in my educational career, such as Ancient Rome and Greece in Humanities 111.

Although many may argue that I will not use the history learned in the Humanities sequence in my adult life, I disagree.

While I may not be citing historical dates and events regularly, there is immense value in being well-read and understanding the broad history that the Humanities sequence teaches.

In fact, skills from studying history and literature are valuable in many different settings.

While history and literature may not produce hard skills as commonly as other fields, they produce an excess of soft skills, according to the American Historical Association.

“Technical skills can add one more important pointer to your resume but soft skills can get you credibility in the market. Soft skills drive success at an interpersonal level at your workplace.

It helps you grow individually and with a team,” according to Forbes Advisor.

Comfort with ambiguity, analytical prowess and curiosity are all deemed as essential qualities of leaders, according to the Harvard Business Review. It is hard to find a subject that develops these characteristics better than history

Jackie Lopez | Spring 2024 Art Editor and literature, both taught in the Humanities sequence.

Additionally, being well-read may be an informal expectation for many careers, especially prestigious careers that Pepperdine-educated students may pursue. “One’s literacy proficiency can influence one’s employment and overall economic stability,” according to the Michigan Journal of Economics.

The best solution to keep the benefits of the Humanities sequence requirement while ensuring Pepperdine students are not overwhelmed with general education courses is to make

Humanities courses fulfill other general education requirements.

For example, students could choose between taking History 204, History of the American Peoples or one of the three Humanities sequence courses.

Alternatively, perhaps students could choose to fulfill a World Civilizations requirement with a Humanities course.

While removing the Humanities sequence requirement benefits students, there’s a place for them at Pepperdine.

caitlin.murray@pepperdine.edu

‘90s sitcoms are more entertaining than modern ones Chloe Anna Austria Spring 2024 Staff Writer Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

I

have watched a lot of television in my life.

From my “Dora the Explorer” years to my “Grey’s Anatomy” era, I have enjoyed many different genres.

My favorite genre, and the one I always go back to is sitcoms. I love the short episodes and the quality comedy.

There are many good, modern sitcoms. Shows like “New Girl,” “Modern Family” and “Schitt’s Creek” have all been very popular. During my high school years “New Girl” was one of my favorites.

However, since I started college, I ventured into older sitcoms. Now I believe the best ones were made in the 1990s.

Some of my favorite ‘90s sitcoms have been “Seinfeld,” “Friends” and “Sister Sister.” There are so many other very popular titles, including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air,” “The King of Queens” and “Boy Meets World.”

But “Seinfeld,” “Friends” and “Sister Sister” will always be my top choices. Each one of these shows is hilarious in a very unique way.

I love that “Seinfeld” mostly has no plot line. Each episode is completely random and different from the other ones.

I can choose any episode, and it doesn’t matter Sarah Rietz | Art Editor

Adri Sahakian | Spring 2024 Staff Artist what happened in the one before it. This makes it an easy-to-watch, feel-good show.

“Friends” is silly and relatable to young adults.

The issues each character goes through in their dating lives, careers and with their friends are timeless.

“Sister Sister” is so unique. The plot line that a set of twins randomly find each other on a shopping trip with their parents and then convince their families to move in together is so unlikely it’s hilarious.

Modern television is realistic and often times emotional. Even in comedies like “New Girl,” there are several tear-jerking episodes. While this makes it relatable for the viewer, it also lacks the silly escape that ‘90s sitcoms offer the audience.

What I love about ‘90s sitcoms is the fact that so many episodes have such unserious plotlines that

Waves Comic

would never happen in real life.

For example, in “Seinfeld” there is one episode where one of the characters decides to only sleep for three hours a day every night which leads to several funny issues in the episode, such as him bothering his friends in the middle of the night and him falling in random places.

I find the unrealistic plotlines to be a nice escape from the mundane or stressful parts of my day-today life. I can laugh with the characters and completely immerse myself in the storyline.

The humor in ‘90s sitcoms is also very different from modern television. Shows like “New Girl” use the plot to be funny while shows like “Seinfeld” include a lot of jokes as well as having a silly plot line.

Another thing I love about ‘90s TV is that the fashion is so iconic. To this day, people try and copy the outfits Monica and Rachel wore in “Friends.”

Modern television shows have a lot of great things about them. I love to see how diverse TV shows have become with the inclusion of people of color and LGBTQ+ characters.

That is definitely something ‘90s shows are lacking and could have done better. I would have loved to see more representation of people of color and the LGBTQ+ community in that era.

In spite of that, I love the fun, feel-good and unserious themes of ‘90s sitcoms.

If someone ever needs to laugh for hours, I highly recommend binge-watching one of these shows!

chloeanna.austria@pepperdine.edu

Faith Oh | Comic Writer

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August 19, 2024 | PERSPECTIVES | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Ava Heinert Perspectives Editor

SLOW. DOWN. PLEASE. Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of an advice column based on new topics and rotating writers each time. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

Welcome Back Waves,

Caroline Maloof | Spring 2024 Staff Artist

Psychology myths still exist despite growing awareness Alyssa Johnson Perspectives Assistant Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

T

he field of psychology has garnered a significant amount of public interest since the mid20th century, with new theories taking over each decade, and I find it helpful as a psychology student to pay attention to current trends. Not only have psychological researchers propelled concepts like the Big Five, a measure of personality traits, into popular consciousness, but they have created a larger movement to better understand the individual self and humans in general.

However, many popular tests and psychological concepts are based on misunderstandings. Fun facts like “Humans only use 10% of their brains” and “opposites attract” are pervasive, but research shows they are not true; in fact, all areas of the brain are usually active and people with similar personalities tend to attract.

Kübler-Ross's five stages of grief, which are denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance, are also not necessarily supported by psychological research. Ideas like these can provide a sense of order in chaotic moments, but they are not strict laws of the universe that apply to everyone.

These are fairly low-stakes ideas that do not cause much harm, and I don't really care to “correct” people when I hear them. However, there are other psychological myths that do have consequences, mainly those regarding several mental conditions.

Schizophrenia is commonly thought of as one of the “dangerous” mental disorders that causes people to become violent. In reality, 90% of people with schizophrenia do not exhibit violent behavior and are often treated unjustly as a result of this stereotype.

In her TED Talk “I Am Not a Monster,” Cecilia McGough picks apart several misconceptions regarding schizophrenia that isolated her as a young adult. Elyn Saks, a professor of psychiatry at the USC Gould School of Law, also details her experience in her book, “The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness.”

Bipolar disorder is often characterized in popular culture as a series of mood swings that are impossible to miss, leading to indecisiveness and a kind of “split personality.” In reality, bipolar disorder looks different for everybody who has it and is not always blatantly obvious.

Taylor Tomlinson, a stand-up comedian, speaks candidly in her special “Look at You” about being diagnosed with bipolar disorder in her late twenties. Despite her positivity around mental health awareness, she states that she had an initial reaction of shame and questioned whether she would tell others or not.

Openness removes stigmas, but it is also difficult to be open when the stigmas exist. The sentiment of mental health awareness is everywhere, but much of it is incomplete, and I think public perception has room for improvement in certain areas.

For example, several neurodivergent conditions have become colloquial terms in addition to formal diagnoses.

Statements such as “She’s so bipolar” and “He’s so OCD” and “I’m super ADHD” are frequent, but they don’t often reference accurate conceptions of

those types of disorders.

Autism, in my observation, is misrepresented on a large scale, leading to egregious impacts on the public’s general understanding of it. People with autism already face high amounts of discrimination in the education system and society at large, and treating autism as dangerous or one-dimensional only adds to ableist stigma.

ADHD is also emphasized in pop culture as a condition that mainly causes hyperactivity. While hyperactivity is an element of ADHD, many factors such as inattentiveness and forgetfulness, which, according to WebMD, may be more common in women who have ADHD, are often neglected by professionals and in media representation.

The sentiment of mental health awareness is everywhere, but much of it is incomplete.

Alyssa Johnson Perspectives Assistant

It is not only the TV shows and colloquialisms that solidify misinformation in public consciousness, but implicit biases that exist in the medical field, which research shows contribute to health disparities in marginalized groups. Bias and misconceptions can lead to improper care, so before we throw words like “ADHD” and “bipolar” around, it is important to consider the perspectives of the people actually experiencing the conditions.

Improving public perception of mental health is crucial to creating access and resources for those who need them. Personality and mental health are more than colloquialisms and online quizzes, and deserve an accurate representation of all their complexities.

alyssa.johnson@pepperdine.edu

And here it is… the school year has begun. Yay! Maybe it’s a first one, a next one or a last one. Regardless, it is a precious one.

“It will fly by,” “Don’t take a second for granted,” “Be present,” are all pieces of advice we have received for years — sometimes welcomed, sometimes white noise that goes in one ear and out the other. The idea that life is fast so we must take advantage of it is not some brand new, profound discovery but it is the truth.

It is way, WAY too true.

This is my last year at Pepperdine and I have never been more terrified of anything. There is so much I will have to say goodbye to –– life I will have to relearn and rediscover. There is also an abundance of things to look towards. It is undoubtedly the most exciting time of my life. But in my 3 college years and 21 person-years, I have learned that presence really is everything.

To be present is to be alive. To be present is to think, and love, and breathe and most of all “slow down.”

What am I rushing to? Where do I have to be? We, as a generation, have forgotten how to rest and how to focus on the people who are sitting in front of us. We are wishing our lives away.

Our souls are begging us to stop and take emotional inventory. I too am guilty of flooding my mind with technology and I live in constant pursuit of the next moment. I have to have something to look forward to or work toward because on many levels I’m afflicted by the unknown. But, with increasing stress and a decreasing attention span my soul is aching for a modicum of peace.

This is the year to literally stop and smell the roses. Take every moment captive. Do one thing at a time. Do something for the first time. Do something for the last time. Make a memory. You will never be in this spot again, so snap some mental pictures and take your sweet time.

With care,

Send your questions to PGM via email: peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com

August 19, 2024

The Graphic

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pepperdin e - graphic .com

LIFE & ARTS

Photos courtesy of Adrianne Mercado Sophomores Bardalis Sanchez Jimenez (left) and Adrianne Mercado (right) spend time together in New York City sightseeing July 10 through July 13. Mercado said despite having a packed schedule throughout her entire trip, she was thrilled to be able to see so many new places.

Students reconnect in their hometowns Amanda Monahan Life & Arts Editor Summer vacation: a time of relaxation, no studying and being back home with loved ones.

However, peers leave their friends behind for four months as students travel home for summer. To ease the pain of being apart from these friends, students visited their peers’ hometowns and got a glimpse of their lives outside of Malibu.

Sophomore Adrianne Mercado experienced two new adventures this summer: exploring New York City for the first time and visiting one of her closest Pepperdine friends, sophomore Bardalis Sanchez Jimenez, in her hometown.

Mercado and Sanchez Jimenez spent four days together wandering around the city. Each day was full of intent, as Sanchez Jimenez prepared a full itinerary for the visit and made sure they covered everything, Mercado said.

“Being my first visit to the city, Bard was really focused on making sure I saw things I wanted to,” Mercado said.

“She took me to the Brooklyn Bridge, the Met, everything

related to Spider-Man and other TV show and movie scenes that I appreciated a lot.”

Yet Mercado and Sanchez Jimenez were not the only ones to reconnect outside of Malibu in the summer.

Sophomore Gabby Cabai said she spent a lot of her time her first year at Pepperdine with her suitemate and close friend, sophomore Lacey Reedy. Upon arriving home to Florida this summer, Cabai experienced a dramatic shift in her day-to-day lifestyle.

“Pepperdine definitely has a slower lifestyle for me,” Cabai said. “Even though I am very busy at Pepperdine, it was an eye-opening moment for me to be home again, especially away from the people I was closest to.”

Out of all her Pepperdine friends, Cabai said Reedy is one of the only people she knows who lives on the East Coast. This made arranging a visit much easier, as the drive from her hometown of Fort Myers, Florida to Reedy’s home in Saint Simons Island, Georgia was roughly 6 hours, Cabai said.

“I told Lacey, ‘I need to see

you,’ and she said, ‘I think you need to come here,’” Cabai said. “So I got in the car, drove six hours and got to see her for a weekend.”

While Mercado spent time in Sanchez Jimenez’s hometown, the pair found themselves exploring new things together. Despite growing up in N.Y.C., Sanchez Jimenez also faced new experiences while Mercado paid her a visit.

“We also tried new things together, from a thrift shop and bakery in Brooklyn to the Top of the Rock at Rockefeller Center,” Mercado said.

Although there are countless historical landmarks and famous sights to see in N.Y.C., Mercado said her favorite part of the trip was seeing Sanchez Jimenez in her world outside of Pepperdine.

“It was exciting to see how Bard was in the Bronx, in her element, speaking Spanish, enjoying Dominican food, explaining the subway,” Mercado said. “My ultimate favorite part from the trip was the home-cooked food and the love I felt being welcomed into her home.”

Similar to Mercado, Cabai

said it was heartwarming to get a glimpse into Reedy’s life and to meet the people who love her, such as her friends and family.

“It makes so much sense why Lacey is as wonderful and awesome as she is,” Cabai said.

“To be raised in such a wonderful environment like that, how could you not turn out as awesome and wonderful as Lacey Reedy?”

Reedy feels the same toward Cabai, as she said she planned Cabai’s visit around her bright and bubbly personality.

“To love Gabby is to know she is always down for an adventure, will never turn down a coffee and is ready to soak up the Southern sun,” Reedy said. “It was with these things in mind that I made it my goal to show Gabby the sweet little spots that I hoped would make her feel the same warmth that radiates from her presence.”

Cabai and Reedy spent their days in the scorching sun at the beach, eating delicious Italian food, drinking lattes and beating the heat with frozen yogurt.

Yet, it was a different moment that Cabai will remember most from her trip.

It definitely gave me more of a perspective and more intimacy in our friendship that you can’t get at school.

Gabby Cabai Sophomore “Lacey wanted me to meet her grandparents, who she’s really close with and looks up to,” Cabai said. “It definitely gave me more of a perspective and more intimacy in our friendship that you can’t get at school.”

All four students’ visits with their friends allowed for their friendships to encounter deeper levels outside of their familiar Malibu scene.

amanda.monahan@pepperdine.edu

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August 19, 2024 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Upcoming entertainment to see and hear this semester Henry Adams Assistant Life & Arts Editor This past year has already been chock-full of great releases across all mediums, perhaps most poignantly characterized by the electropop craze fueled

by Charli XCX’s “Brat” album and the similarly electric Luca Guadagnino movie “Challengers.” Yet, there are tons of major releases in entertainment to keep an eye out for throughout the fall semester.

August The month is almost over, but after six years of absence, rapper A$AP Rocky is expected to release his new album, “Don’t Be Dumb,” on Aug. 30.

It is likely to feature production from some of hip-hop’s biggest names, such as Tyler, the Creator, Pharrell Williams, Madlib, Metro Boomin and The Alchemist.

September On Sept. 6, “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” a sequel to the cult-classic 1988 Tim Burton comedy, will be released in theaters. This same week will also see a major hip-hop comeback from OG rapper LL Cool J. His album, titled “The FORCE,” will be his first album in 11 years. The indie soft-boy Rex Orange County will also be releasing a new album, eponymously titled “The Alexander Technique.”

September will also see legendary director Francis Ford Coppola — most known for his culturally canonical 1970s movies “The Godfather” and “Apocalypse Now” — returning to the big screen with his personally-funded star-studded passion project “Megalopolis” on Sept. 27.

At some point during the month, Lana Del Rey is also expected to release her latest album “Lasso,” her first foray into the country genre that comes off the heels of last year’s critically acclaimed “Did you know that there’s a tunnel under Ocean Blvd.”

Junior Scarlett Fletcher shared her anticipation for “Lasso.”

“I grew up listening to old country music artists such as George Strait, Alan Jackson, and Hank Williams Jr.,” Fletcher said. “I am interested to see if she is going to take a more old school country approach or lean more towards newer artists’ styles such as Morgan Wallen.”

October “Joker: Folie à Deux,” the sequel to the gritty 2019 anti-hero movie “Joker” starring Joaquin Phoenix, hits theaters Oct. 4. In addition to Phoenix, the film will star singer-songwriter Lady Gaga in her first musical film role

since “A Star Is Born.”

“I’m excited for Lady Gaga’s portrayal of Harley Quinn,” junior Darren Lee said about the character previously portrayed

by Margot Robbie in other recent DC Comic films.

With October being Halloween season, several significant horror movies will be released in theaters. “Terrifier 3,” the latest entry in a slasher franchise noteworthy for its brutal and bloody special effects releases Oct. 11. “Smile 2,” hitting theaters Oct. 18, is the sequel to 2022’s jumpscare-filled “Smile” and will star Naomi Scott, known for her 2019 roles in “Charlie’s Angels” and “Aladdin.”

November Fans of this year’s sci-fi box-office hit, “Dune: Part Two,” need not wait for the next big addition to the franchise. “Dune: Prophecy,” a prequel television series to the recent movies that starred Timothée Chalamet, will be released on Max in November.

November will see several blockbusters in theaters.

“Gladiator II,” a sequel to the 2000 Ridley Scott movie starring Russell Crowe, will be released Nov. 22 and star Paul Mescal, known for his role in the television series “Normal People” and 2022 coming-ofage movie “Aftersun.” That same week, audiences will get to enjoy the long-awaited film adaptation of Broadway’s “Wicked.”

“I’ve been watching and acting in theatre for a good portion of my life,” senior Nicole Fashaw said. “So watching this stage play come to life on the big screen in a modernized way is most likely going to bring about a newfound love for the story.”

Sarah Rietz | Art Editor Disney will also be releasing its next animated feature, “Moana 2,” Nov. 27.

December At the very end of the fall semester, “The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim” will be released in theaters. Unlike the Peter Jackson trilogy, this is an anime film that takes the J.R.R. Tolkien franchise in a completely new direction. It takes place before “Fellowship of the Ring.”

Winter break will see a new take on the classic 1922 silent horror film, “Nosferatu,” this time being directed

by Robert Eggers, a director who has made himself a

crowd favorite with movies “The Witch,” “The Lighthouse” and “The Northman.”

Originally an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s novel “Dracula,” the gothic tale will almost certainly be brought back to life with a unique and fresh take Dec. 25.

“Squid Game,” the hit Netflix series from 2021, is receiving its long-awaited second season Dec. 26. Not much is known yet, but it will see a return of Lee Jung Jae’s role as player 456.

Next year, there are also heaps of exciting releases to keep an eye out for. Bong Joon-Ho, the Best Picture winning director of “Parasite,” is scheduled to make his

long-awaited return to theaters in January with the science-fiction film “Mickey 17,” which will star Robert Pattinson.

Furthermore, Apple TV+’s “Severance” will return for its second season after a nearly three-year-long wait.

While a few musical acts have scheduled new albums for 2025, pattern-seeking fans are speculating that Lorde and Tyler, the Creator could also be releasing new music. Already, 2025 is shaping up to have no shortage of new media to look forward to.

henry.adams@pepperdine.edu

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August 19, 2024 | LIFE & ARTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Time to thrive: reboot your routine Bohuen Tong Staff Writer Pepperdine is full of hard-working students, and it can be overwhelming to decide which ambitions to prioritize. Many students struggle to balance everything they want to try, so it is important to take time to reflect on desired achievements and set clear goals for the school year.

Senior Dora Csonge said she faced difficulty weighing different aspects of her college life during her first year at Pepperdine.

“I wanted to get involved in a lot of different things: I got a job, I was doing research and I joined a sorority,” Csonge said.

“I still wanted to do well in school, and as a Biology major it was hard to balance everything.”

Set Clear Goals Creating clear goals provides direction and motivation, whether it’s striving for higher grades, joining a new club or landing an internship. Pepperdine’s Resilience-Informed Skills Education (RISE) Program is a helpful resource for students navigating life’s difficulties, big or small.

Csonge said she reached

out to RISE coaching and explained her worries. They helped her create small, achievable weekly goals.

“I basically learned the importance of setting realistic goals as a stepping stone for bigger accomplishments,” Csonge said. “That way, I didn’t feel so overwhelmed, and I actually got things done.

Now I try to set smaller goals for every week, and it keeps me from being too anxious.”

Breaking big goals down into smaller, actionable steps can help integrate them into daily routines. Writing goals down or creating a vision board can also help keep objectives clear and at the forefront of the mind.

Construct a Daily Routine Mapping out a day-to-day schedule, including class times and other commitments, fosters a sense of preparedness and control. Prioritizing organization when creating an ideal routine is a great way to start the new school year. During the first few weeks of classes, filling out a planner or digital calendar can benefit a day-today routine.

Junior Richard Egoyan emphasized the value of organizing thoughtful schedules while allowing for breaks from school duties.

“It is important to balance your schedule and not overcrowd it with too much work,” Egoyan said. “It is also important to reward yourself for your accomplishments — make a schedule and hold yourself accountable to it.”

Once a routine is established, maintaining it is crucial.

Consistency plays a large role in helping the mind and body adapt to new routines.

Value Self-Care When adjusting to a new environment, overwhelming feelings are common.

However, stress can negatively impact performance and health. Amid the mayhem of a new semester, it’s essential to care for both physical and mental well-being. Moments that prioritize self-care are crucial to nourishing the body and mind.

Junior Kayla Bruckhart said she encourages others to dedicate time to activities that bring happiness and relaxation, as they help recharge energy and prevent burnout.

“Being outside, going on long walks or working out at the gym is a time for me to truly feel at peace, not worrying about all the stressful work and pressures that I encounter every day,” Bruckhart said. “Having the discipline to set aside

Laury Li | Assistant Designer physical activity in my schedule has also really benefited me in staying focused because I am able to build healthier habits into my daily life.”

Remember to keep in mind that taking care of yourself is just as important as striving for academic success.

Finding balance is key when starting a new chapter. Setting clear goals, staying organized and prioritizing self-care are essential steps for a smooth

transition into a successful school routine.

With thoughtful planning and a focus on healthy habits, the year ahead can be an amazing one.

bohuen.tong@pepperdine.edu

‘Prettiest and slowest’: students describe Malibu summer positives of the summer school experience, they also said the stricter hours and limited open hours of facilities on campus created some discomfort.

“Hours were a lot stricter and shorter,” Salinger said. “Waves Cafe, Starbucks and Payson Library were only open for a short period of time, so we spent a lot of time in our rooms.”

Karla Suzuki Staff Writer The lack of a hectic schedule during the summer months offers the Pepperdine community the perfect opportunity to grow closer together and get to know one another.

Junior Emilia Schirrmeister stayed at Pepperdine for the May summer session to take Religion 200 and History 204 — two GEs. “After a week, I had figured out the majority of people who stayed for the summer,” Schirrmeister said.

Students find peace and community during their time in the Pepperdine summer sessions, but there are drawbacks too — a crammed workload and meeting deadlines are just some of the difficulties students said they faced.

Deepening Relationships Around Campus Among the positive factors that added to their overall summer school experience, Pepperdine students said that bonding with the community was at the top of the list.

“Campus had a lot fewer students,” Schirrmeister said. “It was nice to walk into Payson Library and only see the same familiar faces.”

Schirrmeister, who has taken part in Pepperdine’s May summer sessions two years in a row, said she finds Malibu’s slowed-down pace during the summer to be a refreshing change.

“You wouldn’t see so many students

Activities in Malibu Photo Courtesy of Emilia Schirrmeister Students admire the Malibu Pier during sunset hours in May. Junior Emilia Schirrmeister said she celebrated her birthday with friends at the Malibu Inn ocean view terrace.

Campus had a lot fewer students. It was nice to walk into Payson Library and only see the same familiar faces.

Emilia Schirrmeister around, which was kind of nice,” said Schirrmeister. “I have a feeling May is the perfect month to visit Malibu, so you would hear German or Spanish speakers in the Country Mart.”

Other Pepperdine students who stayed for the summer sessions agree that socializing was easier, given the small number of students around campus.

“My classes had around six other people,” junior Kylie Salinger said. “I would run into these new friends in the library.”

Shorter Hours and Heavier Workload For students who stayed during the summer sessions, the shorter school hours presented some drawbacks too, including increased workload and limited facilities.

“The classes were a lot more fastpaced,” Schirrmeister said. “It was 16 weeks fitted all into one month.”

Students also said their expectations of the Malibu summer experience fell short given the challenges that their condensed schedule posed.

“I was hoping to go to the beach a lot, but instead I spent all of my time studying and doing homework,” Schirrmeister said.

Although students focused on the

Pepperdine’s prime coastal location gives summer students easy accessibility to the Malibu beach life, a factor that students look forward to enjoying when they decide to stay.

“Malibu has its four prettiest and slowest months during the summer,” Schirrmeister said.

Others said they shared this sentiment.

“My friends and I went to the beach more often during the summer session,” Salinger said. “It was overall better weather than the school year.”

On the upside, the drastic schedule changes allowed students to find new activities, even beyond Malibu.

“We had more free time in the afternoon,” Salinger said. “We’d drive around and go hang out with friends in LA or line dancing across the Canyon, which is always fun.”

Salinger said she would encourage students who are considering to stay for the summer to invite their friends, as she believes the summer sessions are a very enjoyable experience.

karla.suzuki@pepperdine.edu

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August 19, 2024 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Waves make a splash at the Olympics Justin Rodriguez Sports Editor The United States took home 126 total medals from the 2024 Paris Olympics. 40 gold medals, 42 silver medals and 44 bronze medals, according to CBS News.

Pepperdine University representatives, both former and current Waves, are responsible for four of those medals— one gold medal, two silver and one bronze.

Over 19 days of intense play at the 2024 Paris Olympics, seven Waves, both former and current, represented their home countries in the Games.

Waves Representation Three Waves represented Team USA across three events; Alumna Lynn Williams (‘15) for Women’s Soccer, Marv Dunphy for Women’s Volleyball and Alumna Jack Kocur (‘97) for Men’s Water Polo.

Pepperdine Women’s Beach Volleyball Head Coach Marcio Sicoli coached the Canadian duo of Brandie Wilkerson and Melissa Humana-Parades, and Alumna Brian Goorjian (‘76) coached the Australian Men’s Basketball team.

Former Women’s Tennis players, Mayar Sherif (‘18) and Alumna Luisa Stefani (‘18), represented Egypt and Brazil for the Games, respectively.

Williams, Sherif and Stefani all made their second appearances at the Olympic Games. Williams’ second for Team USA, previously attending the 2020 Toyko Olympics, where she claimed bronze. Sherif ’s second for Egypt, becoming the first Egyptian to participate in multiple Olympics, and Stefani’s second for Brazil claiming bronze at the ‘20 Olympics.

Coach Sicoli made his fourth appearance at the Olympic Games, previously attending the ‘12 and ‘16 Olympic Games coaching the U.S. pairs of Kerri Walsh Jennings

and Misty May-Treanor and Walsh Jennings and April Ross, respectively.

He also served as an assistant coach to the Brazilian Beach Volleyball duo in the ‘04 Olympics.

Dunphy is a nine-time Olympic Games attendee, having represented Team USA in both Women’s and Men’s Volleyball. The Paris Olympics was his fourth consecutive time working with the Women’s team. He has previously helped the Men’s team win gold in the ‘88 Olympics, serving as the team’s head coach.

Kocur is both a former Men’s Water Polo player (‘93-’97) and head coach (‘06-’11) for the Waves.

Making his third Olympic Games appearance, Kocur served as the video assistant in ‘12 before helping the team as an assistant coach in ‘16.

Goorjian tallies four Olympic Games appearances under his belt, all as head coach for the Australian Men’s Basketball team. He helped Australia to a ninth-place finish in ‘04, a quarter-final finish in ‘08 and claimed a bronze finish in the ‘20 Summer Olympics — the first-ever medal for Australia in Men’s Basketball.

Photos courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics Lynn Williams and the U.S Women’s National Soccer Team gather for a photo Aug. 10 after securing a gold medal finish against Brazil at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Williams and Team USA won this match 1-0.

across the Games. Mallory Swanson scored the sole, game-winning, goal of the match. This makes Williams a two-time Olympic medalist and a first-time gold medalist.

Silver Medalists: Marcio Sicoli and Marv Dunphy The Canadian duo coached by Sicoli fell in the gold medal match against the Brazilian duo of Ana Patricia Ramos and Duda Lisboa. It was a full three match set, as the Brazlian duo closed out the first match in a close 26-24 affair.

The Sicoli-coached duo bounced back with a dominant 12-21 second set win before failing to close out the final game in a 15-10 loss. This is the Olympic Results fourth medal that Sicoli has won: silver in ‘04, gold Gold Medalists: Lynn in ‘12, bronze in ‘16 and Williams (‘18) silver in ‘24.

Williams secured gold Dunphy and Team in an intense 1-0 victo- USA Women’s Volleyball ry over Brazil. This was claimed silver as Italy beat Team USA’s fifth gold the American’s 3-0. The medal in Women’s Soccer, team was swept, howevand goalie Alyssa Nae- er the match was a long, her became the first-ever hard-fought battle, lastU.S. Women’s Goalkeep- ing a total of 81 minutes. er to record four shutouts Game 1 ended in a 25-18

Women’s Beach Volleyball Head Coach Marcio Sicoli captured with his Canadian duo of Wilkerson and Humana-Paredes following their silver medal finish Aug 9. at the Paris Olympics. This is Sicoli’s third appearance at the Olympic Games, winning gold in ’12 and silver in ’16.

score, game 2 ended in a 25-20 score and game 3 ended with a 25-17 finish as Italy took home gold.

This is Dunphy’s seventh medal finish at the Olympics, previously securing three gold medals, two silver medals and one bronze medal.

Bronze Medalists: Jack Kocur (‘97) Kocur secured his first-ever Olympic medal at the Paris Games in an intense 11-8 shootout victory over Hungary. Kocur

Dunphy and Team USA holding up their silver medals after suffering a loss to Italy. Dunphy made his ninth appearance at the Olympic Games, securing his seventh Olympic Medal finish.

served as the video scout during these Games, previously serving in the ‘16 Olympics as assistant coach and the ‘12 Olympics as a video scout. The match was in the hands of Hungary until the final minutes of the game, as Team USA was able to pull out two goals within the remaining 2:59 to play, according to Team USA Water Polo.

In the shootout, USA dominated, going a flawless 3-for-3 while not allowing Hungary to score a single goal as they secured the bronze medal finish.

This is Team USA’s first medal finish since the ‘08 Olympics where they secured silver.

justin.rodriguez@pepperdine.edu

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August 19, 2024 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Gardner ushers in new era of Athletics Nina Fife Head Podcast Producer & Assistant Sports Editor Ed Schilling. Katie Faulkner. Tyler LaTorre.

These three are the newest additions to the Pepperdine Athletics Department – all thanks to the work of one man: Athletics Director Tanner Gardner. Within two weeks of officially starting at Pepperdine, Gardner had hired three new head coaches in an attempt to take Pepperdine’s programs to the next level.

“I think you win with people, and having great people is a really good thing,” Gardner said. “We get people in the right place, then coaches coach a team and then we build community around them.”

Gardner said his vision coming into this new position was to build a community that supports the work the Athletics Department is doing.

“I think the community starts from the inside and goes out,” Gardner said. “It starts with the people in our Athletic Department, and then it extends to the students, the faculty and staff on our campus.

It extends to the Malibu community. Ultimately, it extends nationally and internationally.”

Amanda Kurtz, associate director of Athletics and senior woman administrator, said Gardner started building his community before he officially started June 1. After Gardner was announced as the next AD on March 25, Kurtz said he reached out to members of senior staff to start working.

“We had some time leading up to June 1 just getting him up to speed as best we can,” Kurtz said. “So, when June 1 happened he already had a leg up.”

Aside from getting to know his current staff, Gardner also got to know how Athletics had been operating to find ways to perform at the elite level, said Sarah Otteman, associate director of athletics for marketing and communications.

“It’s been really great to see

him learn from where we were coming but then also grow toward where we can be and how we can get better every day,” Otteman said.

Gardner said his transition into this new role has been fantastic due to its strong foundation from former Athletics Director Steve Potts.

“Potts had a great run here and really left our program in a really great place, particularly our sports,” Gardner said. “We’re coming off a year in which we had some of the greatest success that we’ve had.”

In the last 18 months, 9 of the 12 programs that Pepperdine Athletics fully funds have been in the top 25, Gardner said. However, team success isn’t the only success Gardner is striving for, Otteman said.

“Tanner wants us to be as authentic as possible and have a clear vision for success in so many different ways,” Otteman said. “Really, that goes into many different areas – student-athlete success, coaching success, making sure that we’re collaborating with departments on campus, our Malibu community, any other local communities that we can.”

Gardner’s vision for success is all based on Pepperdine’s Christian mission. Not many other universities are leaning into the Christian faith alongside academic excellence, which puts Pepperdine in a special position, Gardner said.

“We want to have a world class athletic program that’s built on the foundation of Christian faith, academic excellence and community,” Gardner said. “My vision is to live into that unique mission and that’s going to be our primary strategy to win.”

Kurtz said Gardner’s vision for the athletics program aligns with President Jim Gash’s vision for the university as a whole. The Waves want to win in the distinctive Pepperdine way, staying competitive in the ever-changing Division I landscape.

Success starts with the community. Gardner said one of his main priorities as the new Ath-

Photos courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics Athletics Director Tanner Gardner speaks at an April 3 press conference announcing Ed Schilling as the new men’s basketball head coach. Gardner was officially announced as the next AD on March 25.

letic Director is engaging with the Pepperdine family.

“It is really important to me that we are deeply integrated into campus as the athletic program,” Gardner said. “It’s important to me that we collaborate with students, and that we provide an opportunity for you to have fun and build community, and that you guys come out and support our student-athletes.”

Kurtz said Gardner has already begun reaching out to everyone involved in the wider Waves network.

“He’s already done a great job of engaging with donors, engaging with our student athletes and our coaches and really just getting everybody up to speed on where he wants us to be,” Kurtz said.

Overall, Gardner is bringing a fresh face and new perspective to the Athletics Department.

“I think he brings a lot of energy and just a different thought process, a different take on athletics and how we integrate with Pepperdine,” Kurtz said. “Tanner is doing a great job at honoring the things we’re good at and helping us get better in the places that we need to get better at.”

Welcome to the new Tanner Gardner era, Waves. nina.fife@pepperdine.edu

We want coaches that really want to develop the whole person, and so I really feel like we found those in our three coaches.

Tanner Gardner Athletic Director Infographic by Nina Fife

B6

August 19, 2024 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Women’s Tennis alum receives conference honors Emma Martinez News Staff Writer Winning seems to run through the veins of members of the Pepperdine Women’s Tennis Team. For Nikki Redelijk, Pepperdine women’s tennis alumna (‘24), winning was common on the court and in the classroom.

In May, Redelijk was in Stillwater, Oklahoma playing in the 2024 NCAA Tennis Championship tournament when she found out she was the 2023-24 West Coast Conference’s Mike Gilleran Scholar-Athlete of the Year, an award selected by a vote of the WCC’s Executive Council to recognize a student-athlete who has completed their collegiate eligibility and thrived at the highest level in athletics, academics and community service, according to WCC Sports.

Performing at the highest level academically and athletically is the culture that existed when Redelijk joined the team and will continue long after she is gone, she said.

“I think it just goes back to you’re only as good as who you surround yourself with,” Redelijk said. “I think my team was really amazing.”

Previous Pepperdine teammates showed her that reaching for the stars on and off the court was possible, she said. Redelijk carried out the high-achieving culture, and she is now an inspiration for younger student-athletes, said Vivian Yang, sophomore women’s tennis player.

Past: Previous Teammates Inspire Redelijk Pepperdine student-athletes have a positive record for succeeding by the measures of the scoreboard and in the grade book. Redelijk is the 11th Wave in university history to win the West Coast Conference’s Mike Gilleran Scholar-Athlete of the Year, according to Pepperdine University Athletics.

One of those other 10 is Ashley Lahey, women’s tennis alumna (‘20), who was a senior when Redelijk was a freshman, she said.

I think it just goes back to you’re only as good as who you surround yourself with.

I think my team was really amazing.

Nikki Redelijk Women’s Tennis Alumna (‘24)

“I remember seeing her get the award, and I thought, ‘Wow! That’s very cool,’” Redelijk said. “It wasn’t something that was I necessarily aware of, but it showed me that my aspirations were possible.”

Photos courtesy of Nikki Redelijk Nikki Redelijk, Pepperdine women’s tennis alumna (‘24), stared down the competition during a match of the 2024 spring season. Redelijk’s record for her senior season was 18-8, and she finished the year on a team-best nine-match winning streak.

On top of performing academically, Lahey was the first Pepperdine women’s tennis player to go to the NCAA Singles Championship, finishing as runner-up as a sophomore, and was ranked #1 in Intercollegiate Tennis Association singles for the entirety of her senior season, according to Pepperdine University Athletics.

“I remember speaking with Ashley on my recruiting visit,” Redelijk said. “She was already on that track of pushing yourself athletically and academically, and I kind of really took to that and saw that it was possible.”

Redelijk soaked in this work-ethic from Lahey and her other teammates, which gave her the confidence to soar on her own, she said.

Present: Redelijk Continues the Winning Culture Redelijk had some big shoes to fill with Lahey as her teammate, and her stats prove that she did just that.

This past season she played at the fourth and fifth singles positions for Pepperdine’s team, and helped them go 217. On top of being awarded the conference academic-athletic award, Redelijk was recognized by her own peers and staff as Pepperdine’s 2024 Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, according to Pepperdine University Athletics.

Another component of the WCC Mike Gilleran Scholar-Athlete of the Year is community service. Redelijk said she was a part of the Waves Leadership Council which presented her with one of her favorite volunteer memories of her collegiate career, an outdoor sport experience for local children.

The Tiny Tots Olympic Games at the Malibu Bluffs Park provides local kids the opportunity to get outside, play games and spend time with colligate athletes.

“There’s a running section, a frisbee section and a ring toss game which I thought was so cute and special,” Redelijk said. “I love having a hand in making the kids have fun.”

With Redelijk’s collegiate career said and done, she is continuing to play tennis at a club level.

“As long as I am healthy and enjoying it, I will keep playing,” Redelijk said.

Redelijk said she plans to attend law school when she is done with her tennis career.

She graduated from Pepperdine Summa Cum Laude in 2024 with degrees in political science and economics.

so fun being alongside your teammate and going through nerve-racking moments on and off the court,” Yang said. “Having Nikki alongside me on the stage is so special.”

The moments where Redelijk created a winning mindset were not just at practice, Yang said.

“We would study together or go for a run together during our free time,” Yang said. “It may seem insignificant, but those daily things and habits add up and excellent performance doesn’t necessarily come from only athletic training, but rather the good habits we establish every day.”

Yang said Redelijk was an inspiration in all angles of her life.

“Nikki is one of those annoying people who not only is very smart in the first place, but also works super super hard, so it feels like dumb people like us don’t have a shot at competing with her in the classroom,” Yang said. “For tennis, she is super locked in, and the moment she steps in the locker room, she’s got her game face on.”

Redelijk believes Yang could be up for the award three years from now.

“She’s super special and it was so much fun, you know, not only getting to play with her but also just getting to know her and having her as a teammate,” Redelijk said. “I’m honestly very excited to see what she does these next few years.”

Future: Redelijk Inspires the Next Generation

Yang (second from the left) and Redelijk (third from the left) pose after winning the 2024 WCC Women’s Tennis Championship on April 27. Yang and Redelijk won in No. 2 doubles position to clinch doubles points for the team.

Redelijk said it was a full circle moment when she became a leader for freshman athletes.

Yang was doubles partners with Redelijk in the NCAA Women’s Tennis Championship and said it was amazing to play alongside her role model.

“I was so nervous, but it’s

emma.martinez@pepperdine.edu

B7

August 19, 2024 | SPORTS | Pepperdine Graphic Media

Athletics addresses mental health Tony Gleason Special Edition Editor

Mary Elisabeth Photo Editor

Emma Martinez News Staff Writer

Jenna Parsio Graphic Contributor

Overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, worried about academics and burdened by high expectations.

These emotions are just some of the difficulties many athletes and the NCAA have said are consistently challenging many student-athletes.

With this reality, schools have started providing more support for athletes in recent years.

This year, NCAA athletes’ mental health concerns are down in every category compared to 2020 and 2021 surveys, according to the NCAA. Pepperdine has taken initiative to advocate for their student-athletes’ mental health by providing three sports psychologists and an on-campus mental health advocacy group The Hidden Opponent, multiple members of Pepperdine athletics said.

“I think we’re going in the right direction,” Athletics Counselor Jorge Ballesteros said. “That gives me a lot of hope — a lot of promise that many people like myself will continue to have jobs and hopefully provide adequate and holistic services to student-athletes.”

need to take seriously and talk openly about.”

The Problem Suicide rates among NCAA athletes have doubled over the past 20 years — going from 7.6% in 2002 to 15.3% in 2022, according to CNN. This increase has led to suicide being the second highest leading cause of death among NCAA athletes, according to the same CNN article.

One recent event that brought light to the seriousness of athlete mental health was when former Stanford Women’s Soccer goalie Katie Meyer took her own life March 1, 2022, according to Fox KTVU. “The Stanford situation put a light on this conversation,” said alumna Olivia Miller (‘23), former Pepperdine Women’s Cross Country runner. “People realized mental health was something we all

Pepperdine Takes Action One solution multiple student-athletes said has helped their mental health is being provided with dedicated sports psychologists outside of the campus counselors that are accessible for all students.

Pepperdine provides their student-athletes with three sports psychologists they can use for one-on-one sessions to discuss any topic — whether it be related to sports or not.

A Graphic survey consisting of 51 Pepperdine athletes found 51% of respondents have used Pepperdine’s sports psychologists individually, and about 68% said they are able to easily fit it into their schedule.

“Student-athletes are also offered after-hours care,” Ballesteros said. “So if they call our counseling center phone number after 5 p.m., they will be connected with a provider over the phone, and they can meet with them, you know, for as long as they are needing to be seen with or heard of.”

The survey also found, when asked to rate their experience using Pepperdine’s sports psychologists out of 10, with 10 being the highest rating of satisfaction, the average answer was an 8 out of 10 — with 10 out of 10 being the most common answer.

Using Pepperdine’s sports psychologists has helped with managing emotions when it comes to tennis matches, Winter said.

Apart from one-on-one meetings, Pepperdine’s sports psychologists have also met with entire teams at once, said Kevin Roberts, Pepperdine Men’s Volleyball redshirt junior outside hitter.

These meetings serve as a time where the psychologists can help a team work through challenges they collectively face, Roberts said.

“We just have a topic we all deal with — last time it was

Infographics by Mary Elisabeth

Photo by Emma Martinez | News Staff Writer Kayla Renner, first-year Pepperdine Women’s Cross Country and Track and Field runner (left), and Kaleb McElfish, first-year Pepperdine Men’s Cross Country and Track and Field runner (right) wear their mental health matters shirts April 2024 at Firestone Fieldhouse. Both athletes said they support Pepperdine University and the West Coast Conference’s goal to increase awareness of student-athlete mental health.

pressure or focus — things we all deal with differently,” Roberts said. “We thought of ways that would help, and he [Ballesteros] provided ways that would also help.”

Another solution Pepperdine athletes have implemented is partnering with The Hidden Opponent. The non-profit’s goal is to end the stigma of mental health through advocacy, education and support.

The Hidden Opponent puts this mission into practice by raising awareness for mental health struggles as well as teaching a curriculum about mental health, hosting different events and connecting athletes across thousands of colleges and universities, Miller said.

“This is to create a holistic view of mental health and what it means to be a student-athlete while taking care of your mental health,” Miller said.

A strong aspect of The Hidden Opponent is the way it helps bring athletes together, said Eden Mittelsdorf, Pepperdine Women’s Cross Country senior, head of Athlete Mental Health for the Waves Leadership Council and WCC representative for the NCAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.

“A huge thing that The Hidden Opponent does is it has a social media platform that comes out with stories of various athletes to make sure you know you are not alone in your struggle,” Mittelsdorf said.

Scott Wong (’01), Pepperdine Women’s Indoor Volleyball head coach and alumnus, said the amount of resources for athletes has grown significantly since he was a student-athlete at Pepperdine from 1998-2001.

The Women’s Indoor Volleyball team has made it their goal to advocate for mental health as they wear hair ties that are green, a color symbolizing mental health awareness, and hold team meetings to check in on each other, Wong said.

“They [the Women’s Indoor Volleyball team] proactively do things on their own to meet

without the coaches to be able to check in on everybody,” Wong said. “And sometimes, like I said, it could go into this long, drawn out thing, but it’s always productive. It always has the goal of let’s share, let’s hear and then let’s grow.”

The NCAA Health and Wellness study shows student-athletes are reporting fewer mental health difficulties, according to the NCAA. The study consisted of 23,000 NCAA athletes, collected data from Sept. 2022-June 2023 and found mental health concerns from multiple categories were down from 2020-21.

“The research would indicate that stigma is decreasing,” Ballesteros said. “The newest NCAA mental health report, which was released earlier this year, late last year, in December — [the] stigma is decreasing amongst student-athletes using a provider.”

female athletes using the sports psychologists is not equal, Ballesteros said.

Of the respondents who have not used Pepperdine’s counseling center, 71% were male.

“Probably three-fourths of our people that are coming in are women,” Ballesteros said.

While the NCAA Health and Wellness study showed a lot of progress, it also found self-reported mental health concerns were more common in athletes of color or athletes identifying in the LGBTQIA+, according to the NCAA. “I try to still have hope that we’re growing and we continue to grow,” Ballesteros said.

“And that other institutions will hire someone like myself or somebody at a similar level to be able to provide services and support.”

Areas That Still Need to be Addressed A different Graphic survey of 38 athletes from 38 different schools in the NCAA found 39.5% of respondents do not have a sports psychologist at their school. Of the 60.5% that have a sports psychologist, over half have never used them, only 17.2% use them often and 0% always use them.

Among the suicides by NCAA athletes, 77% of them have been male athletes, according to CNN. At Pepperdine, the amount of male and

anthony.gleason@pepperdine.edu emma.martinez@pepperdine.edu mary.caulfield@pepperdine.edu jenna.parsio@pepperdine.edu

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August 19, 2024

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The Graphic

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A look from Waves at ‘24 Paris Olympics From July 16 through Aug. 7, 22 Pepperdine students stayed in Paris to experience the world of the Olympics in real time, Professor of Communication Sarah Stone Watt wrote in an email to the Graphic. Following a week of studies, students roamed the streets of Paris, cheered for our current and former Waves and witnessed some of our very own win gold. Take a look at what Pepperdine students captured during those event-filled three weeks.

Photos courtesy of 2024 Paris Olympics Program