By Jordan Morris
Assistant News Editor
It is no secret that the university holds the constant execution of its student code of conduct in high regard.
According to the code, “Given Pepperdine University’s foundation of the Christian faith … it is expected that all students will adhere to Biblical teaching regarding moral and ethical practices.”
While all students are expected to respect this policy, finding students who exemplify the expectations of the university may not be an easy task.
Each year the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council takes on this mission. Originally called the Pep 20, the PAC is a committee of 20 undergraduate juniors and seniors that seek to serve and represent the university.
Junior ambassador Bethel Lee expressed excitement about the organization.
“It’s so rewarding to be able to meet members of the community … and those who helped found the university and make donations,” she said. “They’re the reason I’m here.”
According to the PAC Web site, the organization exists to build bridges between the administration and the students, in addition to the community and the university. Aside from attending weekly meetings and a retreat each semester, PAC members must participate in at least four designated activities per semester.
This year’s application deadline is Feb. 12 at 5 p.m. Following the review of applications by senior PAC members, a select group of applicants will be asked back for personal interviews with PAC members, faculty and members of the community at the end of March. From the interviews they will choose and publicly announce the 2003-2004 council March 31.
Last year, the council received 82 applications from Seaver students, from both the Malibu campus and overseas. Eleven of this year’s ambassadors are graduating in April.
PAC seeks replacements for these graduating members, including senior Aaron Konetski.
“You can get as much out of it as you want to,” he said. “We’re looking for people who are willing to serve in whatever capacity.”
Junior Rob Garey said his most memorable experience with PAC was on a broad scale.
“The single most rewarding opportunity was to build relationships with a diverse group of students, the Board of Regents, administration and potential donors,” he said. “I enjoyed hearing their stories and receiving their wisdom.”
The PAC Web site outlines several technical criteria for committee members, including a 2.5 cumulative grade point average and the completion of 60 units at the beginning of the term in which the council commences.
“Candidates should be reliable and able to serve many functions,” Lee added. “They need to be self-motivated, group-oriented and gregarious.”
Konetski said that despite the council’s requirement of four activities per semester, he was involved as much as possible. The highlight of his PAC experience was escorting a group of potential donors to a concert at the Hollywood Bowl, he said.
Garey expressed his view of the most important characteristic of the ideal ambassador.
“The candidate must have a passion and a love for Pepperdine,” he said. “That is the one uniting characteristic of an ideal ambassador.”
Garey added that this year’s PAC members come from a collection of different interests. Current ambassadors hold leadership positions in many areas of student life, including the Student Government Association, the Collegiate Rotary, Campus Ministry and several Greek organizations.
To apply or read more about PAC, visit the Web site at studentorgs.pepperdine.edu/pac/.
January 30, 2003