Contrary to popular belief the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council is not a group of ushers in blue blazers and khaki pants. Well if we’re being honest even that description implies that a large group of students are actually aware of PAC. As much as I would like to believe otherwise PAC is not a well-known group on campus. Though some may contend that PAC is almost like a secret underground group with unknown responsibilities and stylish blue blazers that is not the type of club the founders intended to create 21 years ago. The time has arrived for the council to come out of our meeting place in the George Page board room in the Thorton Administrative Center and introduce ourselves to our fellow students.
Not to give anyone flashbacks to History 304 but in order to understand PAC a brief look into its founding is helpful. PAC is a core cluster of 20 students who enthusiastically promote the positive image of Pepperdine. At the heart of PAC lies a group of students who truly believe in the mission of Pepperdine; they want to give back to the institution that has given them so much. This may sound familiar as other clubs on campus were created with the same intention. However lend me your attention for a moment longer as I explain how PAC serves in a unique way.
In the same way that honorable clubs such as the Student Alumni Association serve by connecting students to alumni PAC serves through providing a link from the students to the various communities of Pepperdine. This community includes not only faculty and staff but also donors the surrounding Malibu community and friends who have an outside interest in our school. While these people are not often part of student life they are essential to Pepperdine. It is these esteemed people who work to preserve our identity as a Christ-centered organization committed to academic excellence and who help us approach the future with fresh and progressive vision.
PAC has the opportunity to interact with these people. Moreover ambassadors get to witness and contribute to the behind-the-scenes work that shapes the overall direction of the school. Members also have the opportunity to develop close relationships with individuals in our network and to interact with the broader community. These interactions range from small lunch meetings with assigned mentors to board meetings to black-tie dinners. In these settings among many others ambassadors represent Pepperdine. Here ambassadors excitedly share about their various activities and involvements on campus and graciously thank donors for their contributions.
Not to use this article as an advertisement but since you and I are both here PAC is currently accepting applications for the 2011-2012 academic year. As with all clubs the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council reaches out to a specific type of student. The 20 members are students who demonstrate a deep understanding and respect for Pepperdine’s mission based upon their history and involvement with the school. This council is created for people who are already energetic leaders on campus and feel called to serve the University as volunteer representatives. Council members also feel passionate about helping Pepperdine fulfill its mission and attain ambitious goals.
In short PAC is much more than a blue blazer and a gold name tag. Are we ushers? Yes sometimes. More than that we are a group of students passionate about Pepperdine and PAC is our way to give as freely as we have received. Check out our website www.pepperdine.edu/PAC for more info and apply by Feb. 11. It’ll change your life.