Pepperdine’s Affirmation Statement and the walls of the Graphic’s newsroom assert “truth, having nothing to fear from investigation, should be pursued relentlessly in every discipline.” For the fall 2020 special edition, the Graphic staff explores Pepperdine, Malibu and the world by the numbers.
Fall 2020
Letter From the Editor | Currents Fall 2020
I have always been fascinated by humans. I love asking someone about their life story, and about their hopes and dreams, because it reminds me that we all have our own individual passions to pursue. It is only through our structured and saturated world that we develop the categorization of people as ‘good’ and ‘bad.’ […]
The Importance of Human Interaction
It’s vital to a healthy existence and something every human being craves.
Playwright Julie Oni Uses Power of the Pen
Photo courtesy of Julie Oni English Professor Julie Oni juggles her roles as a playwright, professor and parent while also trying to understand her dual cultural identities as a Black American and a Nigerian woman. “We come from different backgrounds and different traditions, and so it was something that I was interested in investigating was […]
Will Noland Takes a Journey to Recovery
Photo courtesy of Will Noland Senior business administration major Will Noland never pictured himself as the kind of person attending an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. But two years into recovery, these meetings have allowed him to find community and comfort on his road to sobriety. “On paper, AA isn’t supposed to work,” Noland said. “Scientifically they […]
How Diversity Shapes Human Interaction
2020 has been a time of racial reckoning, prompting many to explore the impact of diversity — or lack thereof — on human interaction, especially on a college campus like Pepperdine.
More Than a Relationship: How Love and Trust in Relationships Shape the Self
Eleven individuals share their experiences and thoughts on being in committed relationships. Among each of them, the importance of love, trust and sense of self holds true.
Priscilla Merlo Rediscovers Her Faith and Herself
Photo courtesy of Priscilla Merlo Senior international studies major Priscilla Merlo exudes warmth. Merlo has been on a journey to find herself through reimagining her faith and her passions. During her time at Pepperdine, Merlo has explored theologies that have spurred her to reevaluate her love of people, Latinx culture and her career goals. “I […]
Dania Ashraf Connects with Students Around the World
Photo courtesy of Dania Ashraf When senior economics major Dania Ashraf received an email two years ago about applying to work as an international student ambassador she knew she wanted to sign up. “There [were] a number of things that were happening that I really wanted to speak up about or fix at Pepperdine,” Ashraf […]
Jeffrey Schultz Finds the Beauty in Truth
Photo courtesy of Jeffrey Schultz Many students know the prize-winning poet and essayist Jeffrey Schultz as a beloved professor of English, humanities, literature, Great Books and formerly creative writing. Schultz combines his love of literature and writing with a passion for teaching — and in both endeavors he said his aim is to find the […]
