Pepperdine Alumni

08/21/2026

Alumni, what is one feeling that instantly takes you back to your Pepperdine days? 🌊

08/19/2026

Join Pepperdine University for Waves of Flags 2026

Each September, Pepperdine stages the Waves of Flags display honoring the lives lost in the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, with nearly 3,000 flags—one for each innocent victim, including a national flag for each foreign country that lost a citizen in the attack. You are invited to gather with alumni, students, parents, and community members to partake in this beloved Pepperdine tradition, as we come together to raise and lower the annual Waves of Flags display on Alumni Park. Please register below for each opportunity.

Waves of Flags 2026: Flag Raising
Saturday, September 5 | 10 AM - 2 PM
Register: bit.ly/4qmujBE

Waves of Flags 2026: Flag Lowering
Friday, September 18 | 10 AM - 2 PM
Register: bit.ly/4hHOlo1

08/15/2026

For Bob (‘73) and Jane Bland, Pepperdine became the place where their lives came together and their greater purpose began to take shape.

Bob arrived from Colorado on a music scholarship, while Jane came to California from Tennessee to pursue her master’s degree in education. At Pepperdine, they found each other, built lifelong friendships, discovered new opportunities, and developed a deeper understanding of the gifts they could use to serve others.

More than 50 years later, the Blands returned to campus and were reminded of the lasting impact Pepperdine had on their lives. Inspired by the excellence they saw in today’s Pepperdine Orchestra, they are paying that experience forward with a $1 million gift to establish an endowed professorship in orchestral conducting.

Their generosity will support Seaver College’s Fine Arts Division, the orchestra, and the faculty who help students discover their own gifts and purpose.

Read Bob and Jane’s story and learn more about their generous investment in Pepperdine’s future: https://bit.ly/4xHJOGV

08/13/2026

Willie the Wave has been a huge part of Pepperdine’s story for generations. 🌊

Can you guess the year each of these photos was taken? Let’s see who knows their Pepperdine history best. 💙🧡

08/12/2026

A new generation of Waves is on its way to Malibu!

As we prepare to welcome new students for NSO 2026, we're taking a look back at a few special moments from the 2016 NSO—10 years ago!

Fall 2026 NSO begins August 17, and alumni are invited to be part of the welcome. Join the Move In Team on August 17 and 18 to greet new students and families, help carry belongings to the residence halls, and make their first days in Malibu feel a little more like home.

To sign up, visit https://bit.ly/4cAXefE

Alumni, do you remember your NSO? 💙🧡

08/11/2026

Today’s alumni spotlight features Katie Stjernholm (’10), cofounder of Pepperdine’s ReelStories Film Festival and the Emmy Award-winning producer behind Champions of the Golden Valley.

This award-winning documentary tells the incredible story of a mountain town in Afghanistan. After Alishah Farhang narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympics, he returned to his hometown of Bamyan to create an annual ski race that united rival villages through hope, joy, and community.

Katie, who started as an international studies major, fell in love with film when a Pepperdine professor invited her to join his Art of Storytelling and Life class. From there, she found her professional calling: giving voices to those in need.

🎬 Watch Champions of the Golden Valley for free on Olympics.com
Learn more about Katie’s journey here: https://bit.ly/3RmWHH0

08/10/2026

Step forward and make a difference with the Pepperdine community! 💙🧡

Throughout September, alumni, students, parents, faculty, and staff of Pepperdine are invited to come together for Step Forward Day, a longstanding tradition of service and giving back.

Join fellow Waves in your community and help carry forward Pepperdine’s commitment to purpose, service, and meaningful impact.

Find a project near you and register through https://bit.ly/4fEvsRE

08/08/2026

Congratulations to Pepperdine alum Derek Hitchner ('23) on capturing his first Korn Ferry Tour title at the Utah Championship!

After Derek and four other golfers finished tied at 21-under through 72 holes, the group returned to the 18th tee for a sudden-death playoff. All five players reached the green with their approach shots, but Derek was the only one to convert, sinking an incredible 6-foot birdie putt to secure the victory and the biggest win of his professional career.

Congratulations, Derek! We can’t wait to see what’s next. 🌊⛳️

Read more here: https://bit.ly/4z244o8

08/07/2026

08/04/2026

We are proud to spotlight alumnus Christian Mayer (MPP '25). “To whom much is given, much is required.” Christian is answering the call to serve for a greater purpose. Inspired by his family’s history and the timeless wisdom of the greats, he is dedicated to a life of service in the U.S. Army, guided by honor, duty, and a commitment to something bigger than himself.

Through Pepperdine’s Master of Public Policy program, Christian gained the skills and perspective to lead, serve, and create meaningful change. His journey reflects a life dedicated to service and a commitment to living .