Waves Weekend

Honoring Professor Emeritus, Jeffrey Banks

The community is invited to honor the life and work of Seaver College Professor Emeritus, Jeffrey Banks. A light reception will follow, allowing attendees to connect with Dr. Banks’ family and colleagues. 

Check-In

After parking in the Drescher Academic Parking lot, shuttle down to main campus to pick up your Waves Weekend name tag, official schedule, and swag for those registered for the Waves Family and Guest registration. 

First-Year Housing Meet and Greet

Join the Parent and Family Program at an open house gathering providing you with an opportunity to meet your student's resident director and other members of the Housing and Residence Life staff. Get to know the parents and family members of your student's housemates while catching up on the Adopt-a-Dorm Program.

Adamson House Tour

A guided tour explores the estate and gardens of the Adamson House, a classic Southern California home that sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. The house was, for a time, home to Pepperdine president Norvel Young and his family. Shuttles are available in the main lot in front of Smothers Theatre. The tour is limited to 24 guests. Those with the Waves Weekend Family and Guest Registration can sign up at the check-in tent. First come, first served.

Seaver Main Lot

Getty Villa Excursion

The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria with an ocean view. Shuttles are available in the main lot in front of Smothers Theatre. 

Business Administration Division Back-to-School Day

The Business Administration Division is hosting a fun Back-to-School Day for business administration alumni. Business alumni will be speaking in different classes and creating a community with current Business Administration Division students. Following the lectures, please join from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at CCB 140, for a light lunch and a time to reconnect with professors. 

Alumni Hospitality Lounge

All alumni are welcome to stop by the Alumni Hospitality Lounge, where cherished memories blend with the excitement of the present during this special weekend celebration. Nestled within the heart of our beloved alma mater, the lounge serves as a warm and inviting haven for our esteemed graduates, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and camaraderie. 

Alumni Art Showcase

Seaver Alumni Relations and Payson Library invite you to enjoy artwork submitted by Pepperdine alumni for the 2023 Alumni Art Showcase. Join us Saturday for a reception, award presentations, and the opportunity to mingle with alumni artists.

Payson Library, Exhibit Gallery

Open Classrooms

Parents are invited to visit these open classrooms! See the list below:

Various Locations

Open Office Hours

Want to meet your student’s professor? Parents are invited to visit the following professors during their open office hours:

Various Locations

Weisman Museum of Art: Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson: Infinite Space, Sublime Horizons

Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson creates exquisite large-scale paintings on a loom, in a practice that blurs the boundaries between painting and weaving, fine art, and craft. Born and raised in Iceland, Jónsson has spent the last 30 years in Cleveland, Ohio, where she has made increasingly ambitious work that blurs the line between abstraction and representation, with deep connections to Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. Bringing together Jónsson’s largest and most labor-intensive paintings yet, alongside smaller paintings, drawings, and watercolors, this will be the artist’s first West Coast exhibition and her first solo museum exhibition in nearly a decade.

Weisman Museum

Adamson House Tour

A guided tour explores the estate and gardens of the Adamson House, a classic Southern California home that sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. The house was, for a time, home to Pepperdine president Norvel Young and his family. Shuttles are available in the main lot in front of Smothers Theatre. The tour is limited to 24 guests. Those with the Waves Weekend Family and Guest Registration can sign up at the check-in tent. First come, first served.

Seaver Main Lot

Getty Villa Excursion

The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria with an ocean view. Shuttles are available in the main lot in front of Smothers Theatre. 

Seaver Main Lot 

Lunch

Enjoy an outdoor buffet-style lunch with family, friends, and students. This meal is included with the Waves Weekend Family and Guest Registration. Be sure to show your name tag for entrance into this meal. Note: Students can join families for this lunch by using meal points to purchase their meal.

Adamson Plaza

Adamson House Tour

A guided tour explores the estate and gardens of the Adamson House, a classic Southern California home that sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. The house was, for a time, home to Pepperdine president Norvel Young and his family. Shuttles are available in the main lot in front of Smothers Theatre.The tour is limited to 24 guests. Those with the Waves Weekend Family and Guest Registration can sign up at the check-in tent. First come, first served.

Seaver Main Lot

Getty Villa Excursion

The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria with an ocean view. Shuttles are available in the main lot in front of Smothers Theatre. 

Seaver Main Lot

Discover the Work of Pepperdine Student Scholars

Join us for a Student Research Poster Session during Waves Weekend! Undergraduate student scholars will be available to discuss their scholarly work during an interactive research poster session. Be inspired by their recent findings and innovative ideas in their fields of study. The research students look forward to engaging in discussion and networking with you! Light refreshments will be served. 

Light House

Parent and Family Lounge

Join the Parent and Family Program at a come-and-go lounge throughout the afternoon for conversation and community with other families. Grab an ice-cold apple cider or water bottle and a snack while connecting with other families. Learn more about the bookstore’s Waves Weekend family promotions and how to enter our exciting raffle.

Upper Mullin Town Square

Adamson House Tour

A guided tour explores the estate and gardens of the Adamson House, a classic Southern California home that sits on one of the most beautiful beaches in the state. The house was, for a time, home to Pepperdine president Norvel Young and his family. Shuttles are available in the main lot in front of Smothers Theatre. The tour is limited to 24 guests. Those with the Waves Weekend Family and Guest Registration can sign up at the check-in tent. First come, first served.

Seaver Main Lot

Getty Villa Tour

The Getty Villa is an educational center and museum dedicated to the study of the arts and cultures of ancient Greece, Rome, and Etruria with an ocean view. Shuttles are available in the main lot in front of Smothers Theatre. 

Seaver Main Lot 

President’s Open House

Jim and Joline Gash, president and first lady of Pepperdine, welcome Waves Weekend guests to a casual, come-and-go dessert reception in their home. Shuttles will be available in the Seaver Main Lot in front of Smothers Theatre.

Brock House 

1980s Reunion Opening Reception

Alumni from 1980 to 1989 are invited to a special reception to welcome them back to campus for their alumni reunion! Hosted by the 1980s Reunion Committee, enjoy some great food while reminiscing and reconnecting with friends. Join us for this informal reception just steps away from Madness Village and Blue and Orange Madness.

Heritage Hall

Madness Village

Join us for one of Pepperdine’s biggest events of the year, hosted by the Student Programming Board! Enjoy food, family-friendly carnival games, music, rides, and more. Don’t miss out on this favorite Pepperdine tradition. 

Firestone Fieldhouse Parking Lot

Class of 1993 Reunion Banquet

The Class of 1993 and their friends from surrounding class years are invited to dinner at Duke’s Malibu. Let’s make this reunion an unforgettable night, reminiscing about the past, celebrating the present, and looking forward to a bright future as proud alumni of Pepperdine University. Prior registration required. 

Duke’s Malibu

Blue and Orange Madness

Join Pepperdine Athletics as it kicks off the Waves men’s and women’s basketball seasons! Celebrated as one of Pepperdine’s greatest traditions, this ultimate pump-up event will include team introductions and student and fan contests for prizes, as well as the chance for one lucky student and one lucky parent to win a year of free tuition by making a half-court shot. Must be present to win the prizes, raffles, and chance to make a half-court shot for a year of free tuition.

Firestone Fieldhouse

Check-In

After parking in the Drescher Academic Parking lot, shuttle down to main campus to pick up your Waves Weekend name tag, official schedule, and swag for those registered for the Waves Family and Guest registration. Note: Check-in will move to Alumni Park at 10 AM. 

Breakfast

Join fellow family members and friends for a continental breakfast. Note: This meal is included only in the Waves Weekend Family and Guest and Student ticket.

Pickleball Clinic

Join alumni and friends for a pickleball clinic with director of Tennis & Pickleball Programming, Tucker Fortson. Open to all levels, you’ll work on everything from the basics for the beginners to advanced techniques for the seasoned players on the beautiful Pepperdine PCH Courts at the base of campus off of PCH and John Tyler Drive. We will provide paddles and balls for those who need them, so all you need to bring is a water bottle, sun protection, and some energy! Come reunite with your classmates for a packed morning of dinks, drives, and fun! See you out there! Prior registration encouraged, walk-ups welcome. 

Morning Mountain Hike to the Cross

Partake in this long-standing campus tradition on a student-led intermediate/advanced morning hike through the Santa Monica Mountains. Stand in awe as you observe 360 views of Malibu overlooking campus. Meet at the Seaver Drive shuttle stop to head up to the trailhead. Please bring water and wear appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and hat. Hiking shoes recommended! Space is limited to 100 participants. 

Historic Malibu Morning Walk

Spend the morning enjoying the Santa Monica Mountains and Solstice Canyon. Located just 2.2 miles from the Malibu campus, the canyon provides the backdrop for an interesting historical walk through the property previously known as Roberts Ranch. Led by Pepperdine alumna, Alicia (Lisa) Roberts ('81), we'll explore the canyon, enjoying Roberts’ many stories of her fairytale childhood growing up in this local Shangri-La. A highlight of the walk will be visiting the remains of the Roberts’ primary residence, designed in 1952 by well-known architect, Paul Williams, and later featured in Architectural Digest. Meet in front of the Weisman Museum to shuttle to the site. Don’t forget your sunscreen and hat. Comfortable shoes recommended! Space is limited to 30 participants.

The Mountain Display

Come and explore the Mountain at Mullin Park - the future home of Pepperdine campus recreation, health and wellness, and Waves Athletics! Director of Development for Athletics, James Gehrels, will share Pepperdine’s vision for this next chapter in student and campus life, answer questions, and privacy updates in “The Mountain Room” on the third floor of the Thornton Administrative Center.

Alumni Hospitality Lounge

All alumni are welcome to stop by the Alumni Hospitality Lounge, where cherished memories blend with the excitement of the present during this special weekend celebration. Nestled within the heart of our beloved alma mater, this lounge serves as a warm and inviting haven for our esteemed graduates, offering a perfect blend of nostalgia and camaraderie. 

Heidelberg Grand Reunion

Alumni, faculty, and students who called Moore Haus their home away from home are invited to join the Heidelberg Grand Reunion on the occasion of the program’s 60th anniversary. Your Heidelberg cohort and your families are invited to join in a morning of sharing memories, enjoying German foods, and entertainment hosted by president Jim Gash and first lady, Joline. Prior registration required; no walk-ins. Wir freuen uns, euch zu treffen!

Women's Swim and Dive Alumni and Inter Squad Meet

Come cheer on our women's swimming and diving team. Entry is free to all!

Raleigh Runnels Memorial Pool

Family and Alumni Picnic

Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic on Alumni Park. Play lawn games like cornhole, spikeball, and more, while listening to live music from student and alumni performers.

Waves Weekend Family Ticket Guests

As you enter the park, check in at the tent to receive your food ticket to use at one of the five food trucks. Registered Waves Weekend Family ticket guests and students eat for free. 

Waves Weekend Alumni Ticket Guests

As you enter the park, check in at the tent. Registered Alumni will enjoy a catered lunch in the alumni tent. Alumni are also welcome to purchase food at one of the five food trucks.

Alumni Park

Weisman Museum of Art: Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson: Infinite Space, Sublime Horizons

Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson creates exquisite large-scale paintings on a loom, in a practice that blurs the boundaries between painting and weaving, fine art, and craft. Born and raised in Iceland, Jónsson has spent the last 30 years in Cleveland, Ohio, where she has made increasingly ambitious work that toes the line between abstraction and representation, with deep connections to Iceland’s otherworldly landscapes. Bringing together Jónsson’s largest and most labor-intensive paintings yet, alongside smaller paintings, drawings, and watercolors, this will be the artist’s first West Coast exhibition and her first solo museum exhibition in nearly a decade.

Women’s Soccer vs. St. Mary’s College

Wear your blue and orange to watch our women's soccer team! Wear your name tag for free entry into the game.

Celebration of Life Memorial
Honoring Professor Emeritus V. Seshan

The community is invited to honor the life and work of Seaver College Professor Emeritus V. Seshan. A light reception will follow, allowing attendees to connect with Dr. Seshan’s family and colleagues. 

Stauffer Chapel

Alumni Art Showcase Reception

A celebration of creativity and talent, featuring the remarkable works of our esteemed alumni artists. Join us for an afternoon reception filled with captivating art, an awards presentation, and a sense of nostalgia as we bring together the best of our artistic community. Guests will also enjoy light refreshments and live music. 

The Mountain Display

Come and explore the Mountain at Mullin Park - the future home of Pepperdine campus recreation, health and wellness, and Waves Athletics! Director of Development for Athletics, James Gehrels, will share Pepperdine’s vision for this next chapter in student and campus life, answer questions, and privacy updates in “The Mountain Room” on the third floor of the Thornton Administrative Center.

Pepperdine Improv Troupe (PIT) Comedy Performance

Are you ready to laugh and shout out suggestions? Now in its 20th year, a new PIT crew is ready to perform improvised comedy and provide a hilarious addition to Waves Weekend. Welcome the new fabulous host and PIT director, Isabel Klein (’19)! 

Elkins Auditorium

Class of 1993 Paradise Cove Beach Reception

Step onto the sandy shores of Paradise Cove and immerse yourself in the ultimate beachfront reception hosted by the 1993 Planning Committee. Feel the sea breeze, listen to the waves crashing, enjoy appetizers, a no-host bar, and bask in the warm golden rays as you reconnect with fellow alumni. Prior registration required. 

Paradise Cove, Malibu, CA

1980’s Reunion Devotional

Round out your reunion experience with an early evening devotional in Stauffer Chapel. Join senior vice chancellor for Alumni Affairs, Hung Le, in prayer as we finish this reunion weekend together giving thanks and praise.

Stauffer Chapel

Dinner in the ’Bu

Malibu is filled with Pepperdine-friendly restaurants offering delicious fare. We encourage you to take your family to one of the following restaurants that are offering a 10 percent discount to our Pepperdine families: Howdy’s Sonrisa Cafe & Sushi, John’s Garden, Malibu Seafood, Marmalade Cafe, and Taverna Tony. Be sure to have your student show their Pepperdine ID card to receive the discount. Note: Check store hours as not all of these vendors are open until 10 PM. 

Various Locations

Fall 1987/Spring-Summer 1988 Year In Europe Alumni Reception

The fall 1987/spring-summer 1988 cohort of the Year In Europe program is invited to a memorable evening of nostalgia and celebration as they gather to honor the cherished memories of their alma mater at a casual alumni reception hosted at a private residence. Prior registration required.

Westlake Village

1980s Reunion Banquet

Step back in time as we gather on Alumni Park to celebrate the ties that bind us together. Reconnect with old friends, professors, and mentors, and relive the cherished memories of your time on campus. This is your chance to catch up with familiar faces and make new connections with alumni from various graduating classes. You’ll enjoy dinner, campus highlights, and reminiscing!

Alumni Park

University Church of Christ Worship Service

Join members of the University Church of Christ for a worship time of celebration and praise. We are excited to welcome you (or welcome you back!) into our church family. Plan to arrive a little bit early to join us for a fellowship time of coffee and snacks. Then we invite you to stay around after church and join us for a potluck lunch; if you are a guest (whether a student, family member of a student, or alumnus), there’s no need to bring anything except a desire to join our church family in a shared meal.

Waves Church

Come worship with us at Waves Church — the new church on campus. We will have an instrumental worship and a message from our minister, Taylor Walling. Alumni, families, and friends are always welcome to join our students in worship.