The Student Programming Board* hosted the first ever “Back to the ’Bu” back-to-school beach bash Friday, Sept. 2.
Students who attended were shuttled to and from the event, which was held at Zuma Beach, only a short drive from campus. Around 200 students showed up for socializing, volleyball, Jamba Juice and La Salsa.
“It’s not about the numbers. It’s about the fun,” senior Veronica Merrick said. And fun it was.
Beach volleyball was the activity of choice throughout the evening. Attendees kept two or threes games going at all times, and spectators found some sport of their own in people-watching. Students not people-watching enjoyed the unexpectedly cool California weather.
And students were indeed feeling the chill of the night.
“I should have brought my ski jacket,” freshman Angel To said.
But a little breeze is never enough to ruin a Pepperdine student’s good time, especially when many community members are imported from landlocked states or states without Malibu-quality coastline.
Despite the relatively small turnout, every student appeared to be having a good time bonding with the Pepperdine community. Along with the bonding, students enjoyed catered food provided by campus favorites. Relaxing on the beach and watching volleyball was a nice change in pace for freshmen, all of whom were slowly gaining their bearings after the long week of NSO and their first official week of university.
After hearing the spirited screams of excited upperclassmen NSO leaders for an entire week, the gentle sound of waves crashing against the shore came as a pleasant reprieve.
“We don’t have to worry about bumping into people all of the time,” freshman Aleigh’Ja Love said about the beach not being overcrowded.
Although freshmen were in abundance at the beach event, they weren’t the only Pepperdine students to enjoy the day off campus.
Seniors attended the event in support of the Pepperdine community. Back in the ’Bu is a new tradition begun by the Student Programming Board to promote community throughout campus by uniting students through shared traditions.
Freshmen, although new to campus events, enjoyed the beach time and hope to see it become an ongoing tradition for future years.
*Correction: The Sept 8. print edition of the Graphic said that HRL organized the event, however it is actually an effort of the Student Programming Board.
