As responsible students, I am sure you are all no strangers to financial planning, student loans, and the sad reality of credit card payments. No doubt you track stock progress hourly, eagerly studying the debt crisis and drafting solutions you faithfully mail to the Capitol. What’s that? Your debit card just got denied? You’re overwhelmed with bank statements you can’t … [Read more...] about A Tale of two debts: The debt ceiling debate gets relevant for college students
Perspectives
Good 'citizenship' habits now yield better recommendation letters later
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
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…