Pepperdine Alumni

10/02/2026

T-minus one week until Waves Weekend! Alumni, we cannot wait to see you in Malibu next weekend to reconnect with the people, places, and memories that make Pepperdine so special 💙🧡

Don't miss the fun! If you haven't already, register here: https://bit.ly/4h6IgB0

10/01/2026

This fall marks 54 years since Pepperdine’s main campus moved to Malibu! 🌊🧡

After considering more than 40 potential properties for a new campus, Pepperdine received a remarkable gift from the Adamson-Rindge family—138 acres in the heart of Malibu! Even though this land came without roads, gas, water, electricity, or a sewer system, Pepperdine's leaders saw the beautiful potential.

They envisioned a “beacon on the hill”—a place where Pepperdine could articulate its Christian faith, educate young people, and “ultimately shine worldwide.”

That vision became a reality in 1972 when Pepperdine opened its Malibu campus, beginning a new chapter in the university's history.

09/29/2026

Pepperdine alumnus Sean Wu (’25), the University’s first Rhodes Scholar and a 2025 valedictorian, and Professor Fabien Scalzo, together with UCLA nephrologist Ira Kurtz, recently published research in Nature Reviews Nephrology examining how AI models such as AlphaFold could help scientists better understand and treat kidney disease.

By predicting protein structures—including mutations linked to kidney disease—AI could help researchers identify risks and explore targeted treatments more efficiently.

“AI can be used tangibly in a good way in many use cases,” Wu says. “As we get closer to AGI [artificial general intelligence], I'd rather see us focus on use cases like disease, where we'll eventually see a straight line from the AI model to a human getting better.”

A powerful example of human-centered AI helping advance medical research and human health.

To read more about Sean's research, visit https://bit.ly/4wkG6BW

09/25/2026

There is truly nothing like studying with an ocean view! 🌊 Alumni, where was your favorite study spot?

09/24/2026

Thank you to all of our alumni who joined us for the Graziadio Welcome Reception! What an amazing night of networking and welcoming our newest Graziadio Waves. 🌊🌊🌊

09/22/2026

09/15/2026

Today's alumni spotlight features Alison Rash ('01, MA '05), a professional painter who will receive Pepperdine's 2026 Wave of Resilience Award during Waves Weekend.

Ali has a special affinity for abstract painting, which she says cannot follow a plan; instead, each brushstroke is dependent on the one before it. For Ali, this is a beautiful reflection of “how life never unfolds as planned.”

That philosophy has taken on profound meaning throughout her life. After being diagnosed with breast cancer at 34 and later receiving a stage IV diagnosis, she continued to create through years of treatment, finding art as a way to pursue beauty and joy alongside very real suffering. “If you wait for circumstances to be perfect before creating, you'll never create,” she shares.

At Pepperdine, Ali refined her talents as a painter and found a community that has supported her through life's most difficult moments. She met her husband, Bryan Rash ('02, MBA '05, JD '06), while studying abroad in Heidelberg, and throughout 12 years of treatment, longtime Pepperdine friends have stayed by her side.

As Ali reflects on receiving this award, she says, “I think sometimes we need to borrow courage from other people. I am glad to have my Pepperdine community.”

Read more of Ali's incredible story here: https://bit.ly/3T9D4TE

09/11/2026

Thomas E. Burnett Jr. (MBA ’95) was aboard United Airlines Flight 93 on September 11, 2001. After learning of the attacks, Burnett and his fellow passengers courageously acted to regain control of the aircraft, preventing it from reaching its intended target and saving countless lives.

Located high above Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, Heroes Garden honors Burnett, the passengers, the crew of Flight 93, and all those whose lives were lost on September 11. Designed as an outdoor chapel, it offers a peaceful place to remember, reflect, and honor the courage shown that day.

Today and always, we remember Thomas E. Burnett Jr., whose courage continues to inspire generations of Waves. 💙🇺🇸

09/09/2026

There’s no place like Malibu, and no better time to come home. 🌊🧡💙

Alumni, join us for Waves Weekend 2026, October 9–11! Reconnect with old friends, revisit your favorite campus traditions, and celebrate what it means to be a Wave. We can't wait to welcome you back home!

Register and learn more: https://bit.ly/4q8AeKN