As the school year comes to a close, it’s time to appreciate some of the people who go entirely unrecognized throughout the rest of the year: the Student Programming Board, known around campus simply as, The Board. Unbeknownst to the average Pepperdine student, the mere 12 members of The Board work tirelessly to put on such events at Blue and Orange Madness, ReelStories Film Fest and most recently, the unfortunately rained out Spring Concert. Aspiring artists and musicians also have The Board to thank for putting on all the coffeehouses and art exhibitions.
Presenting a minimum of two events every week, the Boarders work an average of 12 hours per week. While each member has a specific job to fulfill, the Board works together as a team to help each other put on every event. 
“I think truly being a team member is what it means to be a member of the Board,” said Andre Baesa, the Assistant Chair for Weekend and Class Events. “We all have our different chair positions… but we’re also helping out one another whenever needed.”
Some of the bigger events, such as the Spring Concert, this year featuring Mat Kearney and Gym Class Heroes (although the latter did not make an appearance due to the untimely rain), can take the entire year to put together.
“A lot of people don’t realize how long the process actually takes,” said Amelia Huckins, the Concerts Chair. “It starts with finding out who the students like, researching various acts, sending out offer letters and eventually reaches negotiating.”
Even though Huckins was in charge of organizing the concert, she owes the final result to her fellow Boarders.
“I feel really proud with it all finally coming together, but it really has been a collaborative effort and I couldn’t have done it without them,” said Huckins.
The work of the Boarders also often goes unrecognized and unappreciated, especially those who may not be in charge of organizing the big events or coordinating as much with other people.
Self-labeled as the “wit and comic relief” of the group, Delphina Delgadillo, the Graphic Design Chair, designs all of the monthly student life calendars and the major event posters. Plus every time you sport your Blue and Orange Madness t-shirt, you have Delphina to thank for its design.
“The best part about working on the Board is being a member of a group that serves the school in a way that tries to instill community and creates fun things for everyone to do every weekend,” said Delgadillo.
It’s not only the big events that the Board organizes however, some of the most popular events are the smaller events, like the monthly coffeehouses. Peter Walton, the Coffeehouse Chair, organizes and operates each of these events.
“Having had the chance to help others perform their music and foster a burgeoning Pepperdine music scene has been a pleasure this year,” said Walton.
Walton, too, credits much of his experience to working with his fellow Boarders: “It has been a treat to work together… they are each of the highest caliber and we have really come together through the process of bringing fun events to this campus.”
Since there are only 12 people, each with their own busy schedules and lives, to plan all these events each and every week, being on the Board is definitely a time commitment.
“We pull crazy hours and work a ton, but it’s totally worth it,” said Veronica Merrick, the Public Relations Chair. “When I see students coming to an event and having a great time, I can see how my work has completely paid off.”
Working together collaboratively as a team is also one of the most important qualities of being a Boarder.
“It’s important for us to support each other, which I think is a big factor in this year’s success,” said Ethan Hamilton, the Assistant Public Relations and Graphic Design Chair. “Another big aspect of being an effective Board member is flexibility with changing schedules, There are 12 of us, and if all of us are working on an event, we need to be flexible with each other.”
Applications and interviews for next year’s Board were conducted in the past few weeks, and the 2012-2013 Board will be announced by April 13. Each of the current members expressed the love that they share for their job being a Boarder.
“I enjoy the amazing team I get the privilege of working with every day,” said Nathan Baker, the Assistant Special Events Chair. “They have become family to me and I don’t think I could have asked for a better group of people to work with.”
Merrick also expressed deep affection for one of the best “families” she’s ever had: “I am constantly amazed and encouraged by the incredible work they do. It’s been an honor to serve our peers with them this year, and I will truly miss the Board of 2011-2012.”
