As the bagpipes of the 42nd Highlanders blare in the Firestone Fieldhouse on a Wednesday morning Founder’s Day becomes more than just pomp and circumstance but a celebration of life heritage and music.
After an invocation by alumnus Neil Clark Warren chair and founder of eHarmony.com Pepperdine’s orchestra and concert choir performed a rendition of “America the Beautiful.”
An array of strings winds brass and percussion instruments serenade the ears of bystanders and the voices of students and faculty ascend to the rafters of the Fieldhouse. The element of music was a key note in the ceremonial celebration of George Pepperdine. President Andrew K.Benton said as long as he is president it always will be.
“I think music and poetry and art level us in a world that is very uneven and very erratic and sometimes very sharp-edged and so music and art dramatic productions situations like we experienced today kind of calms the soul centers us reminds us of who we are he said.
Benton said this ceremony was especially appreciated because of the current times. You think about the world and all that’s going on you think about the economic difficulty that we’re facing … You think about uncertainty but here at this place I feel nothing but hopefulness and confidence … In our own way rather than cursing the darkness we’re lighting candles.”
Junior Brittany Tomlinson said the theme of legacy resonates with her because of her family’s connection with the university.
“My mom went to law school here my parents were married in the chapel and so it’s been like a dream to come here and so I just love hearing the words of George Pepperdine … From growing up coming here I really have a unique understanding of just how special [Founder’s Day] is.”
Senior Taylor Kruse a member of the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council received the opportunity to walk in the processional and guide visitors to designated areas. “I really enjoyed being a part of the ceremony. I think it’s neat that we have it every year she said.
Senior Thiersten Rose, vice president of special events, also participated. It’s such a wonderful representation of the beautiful traditions that we have at Pepperdine and a coupling of the alumni and the current students the past and the future Rose said.