Each year, students ask me to write letters of recommendation for them for jobs or graduate school or for leadership positions here at Pepperdine. Most of the time I can say without hesitation, “Sure, I’d be thrilled to.” But occasionally I have to have an unpleasant conversation where I say, “Well, you did really well on the tests, and I know you’re incredibly smart”—here’s … [Read more...] about Good 'citizenship' habits now yield better recommendation letters later
Perspectives
Seventy-five years: We reflect but look forward
This year, Pepperdine will celebrate its 75th anniversary, having opened its doors in 1937, seniors being lucky enough to consider themselves a part of the 75th graduating class of the university. The Graphic, too will be celebrating its 75th year, and, while styles have changed (see accompanying photo), we hope the quality has not. As media evolves rapidly today, old … [Read more...] about Seventy-five years: We reflect but look forward
Is Pepp service purposeful?
As you enter the hall leading to the Waves Café, it is nearly inevitable that standing in between you and your chicken tenders will be tables promoting microfinance in Argentina, Greek life philanthropy events, or anti-human trafficking initiatives in Thailand. As you sit in convocation, you will undoubtedly be presented the story of an African princess fighting against AIDS or … [Read more...] about Is Pepp service purposeful?
Dear class of 2015…
Love it or hate it, another year of school is beginning, and for you new freshman, Pepperdine, like most schools is probably going to be a school that you love for some reasons, hate for others, and hold mixed emotions for everything else in between. Here are some of my thoughts thrown in with a bit of advice for the newest members of our community (and some of the older ones). … [Read more...] about Dear class of 2015…
Staff Editorial: Not feeling NSOOOOOOO excited for freshman year?
A smaller school, Pepperdine organizes NSO to foster community. But NSO, a form of mandatory community, is not the only community on campus. Just in case you’re confused, we’re not talking about the "Nso" tribe of Cameroon. While they do wear orange and blue caps and dance to drums (really, they do), the Nso language probably doesn’t consist of lots of whooping "ayo, Waves" and … [Read more...] about Staff Editorial: Not feeling NSOOOOOOO excited for freshman year?