Bill Krenn, director of media relations at Pepperdine University, passed away Jan. 19 after battling a prolonged illness at the age of 64.
According to a statement released Wednesday morning to the Pepperdine community, Krenn won several awards working at PR and marketing agencies across the country. Krenn came to Pepperdine in 2010 after spending over a decade at The Phelps Group in Santa Monica, a pioneer in integrated marketing communications. As director of media relations, he was instrumental in the publication of multiple high profile stories promoting the University in both local and national publications, including Guideposts magazine.
“When I first met Bill Krenn my first reaction was: what a solid, talented person and how fortunate we were to attract him to come and work with us. He was the consummate professional and he guided us skillfully through many interesting challenges. Although we knew of his cancer, his death was still a shock. He died much too young and we grieve with his family,” President Andrew K. Benton wrote in an email to the Graphic.
Krenn is remembered as a true professional. He possessed a master’s degree from the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University. Jerry Derloshon, director of Public Affairs, not only viewed Krenn as a colleague but as a great friend. “He was honest, hard-working and cultivated relationships based on mutual trust, respect and a keen sense of humor… He knew what journalists, editors and assignment producers were looking for.”
Alex Rangel, a senior at Pepperdine, reflected on her time with Krenn: “Bill was really great to work with. He always had a positive attitude and joked around with everyone. He just made the IMC office fun to work in.”
A time of reflection and prayer is scheduled for Jan. 23 at 4 p.m. in Stauffer Chapel on the Malibu campus. David Lemley, the university chaplain, will host the service.
Krenn’s memorial service will be held Jan. 24 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Monica’s Catholic Church, located at 725 California Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403.
His family has requested that all flower arrangements be sent to the parish office at 725 California Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90403. They must be clearly labeled for Krenn’s memorial, or donations in his name can be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
https://shop.stjude.org/GiftCatalog/donation.do?cID=14222&pID=23750
