Some people put a lot of stock in their G.P.A. They work hard to make sure they receive top grades to create a reflection of excellence. It is not the end of the world if they receive a “B”: it doesn’t change the fact that they are “A” grade people. However it is always nice to get the grade they deserve.
Pepperdine as a university is not much different when it comes to its ranking. Though it may not rank as high as it deserves the quality is still apparent.
What students do not realize is that Pepperdine’s ranking would improve significantly if they exercised the central tenet of what the university teaches – freely give as freely received. In other words donate.
The U.S. News and World Report bases its methodology of ranking on many aspects of the college experience. Among the categories assessed are: perceived academic excellence from peer institutions freshmen retention rate faculty resources and – a big one – alumni giving.
On Sept. 32001 the San Francisco Chronicle featured the article “College rankings are mostly about money” by Stuart Rojstaczer. Rojstaczer proved how much the endowment and overall wealth contribute to the bulk of the U.S. News and World Report’s ranking by analyzing the top 25 schools featured in the survey. He concluded that there are three deal makers or breakers when it comes to college rankings: “[the university’s] wealth how well it uses that wealth to establish its scholarly reputation and its ability to keep students pleased about their college experience.”
When students graduate and give back it strengthens the university’s rankings and endowment. This in turn enhances the university’s public face gives it the ability to continue hiring top-tier professors expands the availability of resources and ultimately broadens its appeal to potential students.
The upward mobility granted by a larger endowment creates a more enjoyable environment for everyone in the community especially the students. The people who have the power to provide this kind of happiness for the current students are the alumni.
One misconception students may have about giving back is that – in order to make a difference – the contribution has to be a grandiose sum accompanied with the likes of a fountain or a Christopher Columbus statue.
The truth is favorable rankings rest heavily on the amount of students who give back rather than the sum of the money donated.
This synergetic approach reinforces a message that speaks to the university- alumni connection.
Students who are satisfied with their college experience feel compelled to help out the university that helped them. Think California cows: It’s been said “Great cheese comes from happy cows.” On a similar note: happy students who are cheerful givers pave a way for a greater future for students.
Potential students will take heart in knowing that those who graduated from Pepperdine loved it enough to give back so they would probably feel the same way.
If every graduating senior donated $10 $5 or even a single dollar our rankings would show significant and positive change.
Pepperdine holds the 56th spot in the survey conducted by U.S. News and World Report. It is a respectable place out of a pool of nearly 1500 colleges. UCLA and USC – Pepperdine’s geographic and tier one ranked neighbors – come in at 25 and 27 respectively.
While there are quite a few criticisms concerning its ranking system it is still a go-to source for potential students university officials faculty and students.
Frankly Pepperdine deserves a higher spot because of important and unique factors that sets a standard of excellence that not many universities can meet. Pepperdine’s faculty to student ratios and its world-class international programs are a few examples.
This is the challenge: When the time comes each graduating class needs to get together remember the good times and leave its legacy by giving the gift that keeps on giving.
Taking this charge puts Pepperdine’s core principals into practice. It embodies the pay-it-forward model that will improve the quality of education and experience – whether it is in Malibu or the corners of the world. With this in place Pepperdine will be able to get the grade it deserves.