Beyond the View: Diversity, Service, and Faith

My first memory of Pepperdine is of the view on campus. As I accompanied my older sister during her tour of Seaver College, I simply could not look away from the gorgeous sight of the Pacific Ocean.

Now, years later and as an alumnae, I am still in awe of the view each time I visit the Malibu campus. However, it is just one of the many things that cross my mind when I hear someone mention Pepperdine. Beyond the view and the University's extraordinary academic programs, Pepperdine fosters personal and spiritual growth through its dedication to diversity, service, and faith.

Strengthened by Diversity

At a higher education institution, education occurs just as much in the classroom as outside of it. Beyond the four walls of a traditional classroom and in a diverse learning community like Seaver College, peers with various racial and religious backgrounds become teachers and open students' minds to other viewpoints and beliefs.

In the fall of 2017, more than 11 percent of the undergraduate student population was comprised of international students. Furthermore, over one-third of the undergraduates identified as being a race other than Caucasian or belonging to two or more races.

While Seaver College was founded on traditions based off Churches of Christ, it welcomes and encourages students of all faiths. As of fall 2017, the undergraduate population was comprised of a variety of Christian denominations including, Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists, Episcopalians, Methodists, and Lutherans, as well as Muslims, Buddhists, and Jews. Hundreds of other undergrads identified as not belonging to an organized religion.

Dedicated to Service

Committed to instilling a sense of purpose, service, and leadership in students, Pepperdine promotes the motto of "freely ye received, freely give." Encouraging students to make service a priority in their lives, the University offers a variety of ways for students to volunteer and get involved.

The office of Community Engagement and Service focuses on providing students with opportunities to serve in the local community surrounding Pepperdine and beyond. A range of service opportunities, in areas such as education, accessibility, sustainability, human rights, and more, are offered to best align with students' goals and passions.

In addition to participating in University-led service work, students and alumni create their own initiatives and programs in response to a need or gap they have observed. In 2016, student advocates helped to make the Food Recovery Network Club, a club that combats against food waste on campus, an official University club. Similarly, Pepperdine alumni launched the GivnGo app that allows users to easily donate their spare change to the charity of their choice.

Rooted in Faith

As a Christian university, Pepperdine believes that education of the heart is just as important as education of the mind. Through the integration of the principles of Christianity, students learn how to make moral and ethical choices that benefit their communities and society.

To ensure students have a strong foundation by which to guide their decisions, first-year and sophomore students are automatically enrolled in Seaver 200.

Students have multiple avenues to learn and grow while attending Pepperdine. If you are interested in being strengthened by diversity, dedicated to service, and rooted in faith be sure to contact your admission counselor who is here to guide you through every step of the admission process.