President Jim Gash hosted a Sept. 7, President’s Briefing in Elkins Auditorium for Pepperdine community members wishing to join, as well as via Zoom.
This is the first president’s briefing over two years conducted in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Overview of the Briefing
Michael Thomas, vice president of Integrated Market Communications, opened the briefing with a devotional, teaching about being a father. Thomas shared his family’s testimony, as their daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 5.
“Maybe God’s there to help you,” Thomas said. “Maybe there’s nothing He’d rather do than be there for you and love you through whatever’s going on in your life.”
Worship Director Ko Ku then led the community in worship.
Gash interviewed junior Tori Waldeck from the Pepperdine Women’s soccer team, and she shared about her journey coming to Pepperdine and her time spent with her team.
“I knew they’re gonna change my life,” Waldeck said. “Yes, in soccer, but also just in general too. They’re creating waves and women of character.”
Jay Brewster, provost and chief academic officer, later introduced Professor Richard Cupp from the Caruso School of Law, who is an animal advocate and writes and speaks on the legal and moral status of animals. He shared some of his work serving on the Executive Committee on the AALS Section on Animal Law.
Faculty then introduced new staff members who joined Pepperdine since the last in-person president’s briefing over two years ago.
COVID-19 Community Update
Phil Phillips, senior vice president for Administration and chief operating officer, provided the community a COVID-19 update and said he hoped it will be the last. Phillips said the Student Health Center has applied to obtain vaccine boosters and is working with local pharmacies to hold a clinic.
Phillips restated Pepperdine’s current COVID-19 protocols which, he said include optional masking and testing, along with an isolation and quarantine protocol.
The University continues to hold weekly calls with their external expert as well as providing close contact tracing.
Monkeypox
Phillips said the University is watching monkeypox very closely and talking to external experts.
The University said they are not aware of any cases on Pepperdine campuses, but all those a part of Student Affairs, the Student Health Center, Housing and HRL, and the infectious disease group are ready to deal with any future cases.
University Updates
Gash said the theme for the 2022-23 academic year is “Joy” and shared a piece of scripture from Romans 15:13.
Gash then thanked Nicolle Taylor, vice president and chief business officer, for her work in the introduction of Bon Appétit — Pepperdine’s new partner for dining and catering.
Noting the closing of the fiscal year 2022, Gash said Pepperdine has balanced the University’s budget once again.
Upcoming Events and Q&A
Gash said the University will be hosting a multitude of sporting events, including Women’s soccer playing against UCLA Sept. 18, in a Top Ten match up at 1 p.m, and Women’s Volleyball playing versus Gonzaga at home on Sept. 27.
As yesterday marked the 50th anniversary of Pepperdine opening classes on the Malibu Campus, Gash said the University is holding a jubilee Sept. 10, which is also Step Forward Day. Gash noted there will be more opportunities to get involved on campus.
The Worship Summit on Sept. 10, will include free food trucks, worship and fellowship featuring Dante Bowe, Christine Caine, Aaron Moses and United Voice Worship.
The event will start at 5 p.m., in Firestone Fieldhouse and tickets are free, but registration is required, which can be found on the events page.
The University has moved the Waves of Flags setup to Sept. 9, due to weather, and will be starting at 4 p.m., for those who wish to help set up flags. the annual 9/11 memorial, will be Sept. 12, at 11a.m.
Gash shared a QR code for their Q&A section, where specific questions will be answered individually and common questions asked by the majority will be answered and shared via email.
Jennifer Champion, executive assistant in the president’s office, ended the briefing with prayer.
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