Waves Weekend 2021

Start the weekend at the Seaver College Bookstore for coffee and early shopping access. In addition to a special discount on all purchases, a raffle will be held for all parents and guests.  

Check-In

Pick up your name tag, official Waves Weekend schedule, and swag.

Hike to the Cross

Meet on the front steps of the Smothers Theatre and take a morning hike to the cross in the Santa Monica Mountains above Pepperdine. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hat, and sturdy shoes. 

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. Limited space available. Please sign up online. If unavailable, sign up at the check-in table.

Frederick R. Weisman Museum: Environmental Reflections

Nature and space are incredibly vast, and our relationship to them is unique and complex. Environmental Reflections: Contemporary Art from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation exemplifies how we continually explore the natural world, from the depths of the oceans to the farthest reaches of space, calling to mind how early humans would trek through the landscape yearning for knowledge of the unknown. Nature has the ability to reflect our humanity—there is beauty, destruction, depth, and vast expanses yet to be discovered. To visit this exhibit, please register online. Registration is free.

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. Limited space available. Please sign up online. If unavilable, sign up at the check-in table.

Lunch

Enjoy an outdoor buffet-style lunch with family, friends, and students. This meal is included with the Family Registration. Be sure to bring the voucher you will receive at the check-in table. Students can join families for this lunch by using their meal points to purchase their meal.

Adamson House Grounds 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. Limited space available. Please sign up online. If unavailable, sign up at the check-in table.

The Light House Open House

Stop by the recently renovated Light House to meet with the staff of the Hub for Spiritual Life. Learn about the various ways they engage your daughter's or son's spiritual life throughout their time at Pepperdine.

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 

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, performances, rides, and more. Don’t miss out on this favorite Pepperdine tradition.

Blue and Orange Madness 

Join Pepperdine Athletics as we kick 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 and 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. 

COVID-19 Policy:  In compliance with LA County Department of Public Health requirements for large indoor events, all attendees at this event must provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to the event. Proof of vaccination by either official CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card (physical card or image) or official vaccination record QR code (medical records of CA.gov) will be accepted. Head to Lower Mullin Town Square during the day to verify your vaccination status or show your negative test. You will receive a wristband to enter the event.

Check-In

Pick up your name tag and official Waves Weekend program.

Surfing Lessons

It’s never too late to learn how to surf. Experience one of the best reasons for going to school in sunny California with surf lessons. The friendly and experienced staff from Malibu Makos will make sure you’re safe and have a great time. Surfing is available to kids as young as 4 and as old as 80! Shuttles are available at the Seaver Main Lot in front of Smothers Theatre. Advance purchase required. 

Coffee with Connie

Come enjoy a continental breakfast while you meet with vice president for Student Affairs.

Frederick R. Weisman Museum: Environmental Reflections

Nature and space are incredibly vast, and our relationship to them is unique and complex. Environmental Reflections: Contemporary Art from the Frederick R. Weisman Art Foundation exemplifies how we continually explore the natural world, from the depths of the oceans to the farthest reaches of space, calling to mind how early humans would trek through the landscape yearning for knowledge of the unknown. Nature has the ability to reflect our humanity—there is beauty, destruction, depth, and vast expanses yet to be discovered. To visit this exhibit, please register online. Registration is free.

Family Picnic  

Grab a blanket and enjoy a family picnic for all attendees on Alumni Park. Play lawn games like cornhole, spikeball, and more, while listening to live music from student performers. Registered guests will receive a voucher to use at one of four food trucks. Students will be able to purchase their lunch with their meal points.

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)! 

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, Malibu Seafood, Marmalade Cafe, Real Coconut, and Taverna Tony. For dessert, stop by Duke’s Malibu for a free hula pie. Be sure to wear your name tag to redeem the discounts.

Alumni and Friends of Hung & Corinne Le Gathering

Hung (’87, MA ’03) and Corinne (’87) Le have been pillars in the Pepperdine community, making lifelong friendships and lasting impressions. Join the Le family and your Seaver College and GPC Alumni Relations team for an evening of food, fellowship, and new memories.

The Table (Hosted by the University Church)

The Table is a gathering for vibrant praise and worship overlooking the Pacific Ocean at sunset. Join for fellowship over a shared (free) meal, listen to a devotional message, and pray together. All are welcome! Pro tip: You can ask the driver of any on-campus shuttle to take you up to the president's home (Brock House).

University Church Worship Service

Join the members of the University Church for worship and a message from the Word to conclude your weekend with praise and celebration. If you ever attended the University Church, we would especially love for you to celebrate your Sunday here with us!

Amphitheatre