Staff Editorial
Although most know a great deal about their family’s past and the history of the United States, which is so avidly forced into our educational curriculum at a young age, many students have turned their backs on the history of Pepperdine itself.
The manner in which students utilize their education, both at Pepperdine and in their future careers, impacts the current outlook and future history of the University. In addition, these students will soon become a part of their alma mater’s legacy.
The Pepperdine University Alumni Directory, written in 1987 in celebration of Pepperdine’s 50th anniversary, says that, “Regardless of when or where you attended Pepperdine, you are a part of George Pepperdine’s dream … The value of any organization lies in the network of individuals who make up the organization. And, you are Pepperdine.”
What has come before us defines who we are as an institution and how we, as Pepperdine students, will be able to influence the world.
After recently celebrating the 90th birthday of Helen Young, a former first lady of Pepperdine who still lives on campus, the Graphic decided to dig into Pepperdine’s past and find other people who have impacted the University, as well as remarkable events that have occurred on campus.
Following communication with President Andrew K. Benton, public relations and other top administrators, as well as searching through past yearbooks and articles in the library, we came up with these pieces of Pepperdine’s past:
• We have had 17 Olympic athletes (dating all the way back to 1964) who have won medals in 6 sports.
• We have given surfboards to two presidents of the United States: Ronald Reagan, when he spoke at convocation, and George W. Bush, when our volleyball team went to the White House in 2005.
• Betty Ford, Barbara Bush, Laura Bush and Nancy Reagan have been featured as speakers on campus.
• Benton owns a Bible that has been passed down through every president, beginning with George Pepperdine.
• In 1998, President Bill Clinton landed in his helicopter on Alumni Park.
• Blanche and Frank Seaver never owned a home. They had a non-materialistic philosophy toward life.
• Former President Gerald Ford once served on Pepperdine’s Board of Regents. He also participated in the dedication of Brock House.
• In addition to Willie the Wave and King Neptune, Pepperdine has a historical mascot named Dolores — a naked, female toddler holding a towel. Originally, Dolores served as a fountain statue on the 79th and South Vermont campus in Los Angeles.
• Our blue and orange school colors were chosen because of the blue ocean waters and the orange groves that were once so abundant in Southern California. The colors were chosen 35 years before moving to Malibu.
• The School of Law was founded separately as the Orange College of Law in Orange County in 1964. Pepperdine took it over in 1970.
• Pepperdine had a football team from 1946 to 1961. Economic pressures and numerous losses were factors in ending the athletic program.
• Past coach Terry Schroeder of the Pepperdine’s men water polo team, and recently for the United States National Team, was the model for the male torso outside Memorial Coliseum, where University of Southern California plays football.
• George Pepperdine died penniless in 1962. He gave away his entire fortune.
• The Graphic got its name from George Pepperdine College (GraPhiC).
There are many more components that have contributed to the formation of the University’s 71 years than what the Graphic has noted. Therefore, our staff invites members of the Pepperdine community to share their stories.
As students and faculty learn about the school’s past, they will gain appreciation and pride, which will continue to pave the way for more unity and spirit in the future.
09-04-2008