Reporting From Malibu

Pepperdine Relay For Life raises more than $37,000

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Even thunderstorms couldn’t stop Pepperdine’s fourth annual Relay For Life from “partying with a purpose” Friday, April 13 through Saturday, April 14. Despite having to relocate the event from the Stotsenberg Track to Firestone Fieldhouse, participants succeeded in raising more than $37,000 for the American Cancer Society, according to the Relay For Life (RFL) Committee.

The top three teams in the event, according to RFL’s website, were the DeBell dorm, which raised $4,205; the alumni group for Pepperdine Colleges Against Cancer, which raised $2,890; and the fraternity Psi Upsilon, which raised $2,646. The top three individual fundraisers were freshman Sam Olson, who raised $3,595; senior Tony Demattai of Psi Upsilon, who raised $2,250 relaying for his father; and Associate Dean of Student Stacy Rothberg, herself a cancer survivor, who raised $1,140.

Junior Carly Trixilyn Veneracion, who serves as Online Chair in addition to heading up Accounting and Registration for Pepperdine’s RFL, said the committee decided on Wednesday to move the event indoors to the Firestone Fieldhouse since the forecast predicted an 80 percent chance of rain for Friday.

“It was really a super last minute change of venue, and we really really appreciate Doug Hurley, Matt Kalish and David Foster for allowing us to use the gym at such late notice,” Veneracion said. “Looking back on it, yeah, having it at the track would have been super awesome. But moving the event to the gym was so much better, especially from a logistics point of view. We were able to have music, lights and entertainment all night long, and we really were able to have a 24 hour party.”

Although Veneracion predicts that 250 to 300 people attended the event, 434 registered online to raise funds for the American Cancer Society.

Unpredictable weather has now played a role in determining the outcomes of two major campus events this spring, since the Spring Concert at Alumni Park was cancelled due to rain on March 31.

Other than the change in location, all other plans for the event resumed as usual. Participants who fundraised more than $100 received purple wristbands and were treated to free meals throughout the course of the event, which were donated by Howdy’s Mexican Food, Crumbs Cupcakes, Rockstar Energy Drinks, Domino’s Pizza and Starbucks Coffee among others. Once the participants were registered inside the Fieldhouse, the doors closed and 24 hours of games, music, movies and, of course, “relay” commenced. Instead of outdoor tents, participating teams camped in the upper seating areas of the Fieldhouse.

Sophomore Travis Ganiko, president of Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity, participated in Relay For Life for the second time this year on the Alpha Kappa Psi team — which raised more than $1,470 this year. Ganiko said he disliked the relocation to the Fieldhouse.

“I know the weather would not permit us to go outside, but last years relay felt a lot more exciting for the Pepperdine community as a whole,” Ganiko said.

Nonetheless, RFL’s student organizers said they are proud of the outcome and fundraising effort.

Last year, Pepperdine Relay For Life raised around $60,000 and had almost 700 participants, according to junior Brendalyn Wilson who serves on the RFL committee. The year prior, RFL fundraised more than $50,000.

“So this year we didn’t quite raise as much as usual, but raising $37,000 for [the American Cancer Society] is a big deal, and worth celebrating,” Wilson said. “This year our club went through a lot of major transitions, so I’m excited to see what things we will accomplish for next year’s Relay now that we have had to a year to re-adjust.”

According to Wilson, students have been working since last year to secure food donations, recruit teams, set up entertainment, find event speakers and complete the other necessary tasks to put on this year’s Relay For Life event on campus.

“There [are] a lot of people involved with organizing this event, and planning really does take place all throughout the year,” Wilson said.

According to Wilson, after each Relay For Life event wraps up, a new leadership team (events chair and club president) is selected. This team spends the summer recruiting new members and committee chair positions, including two event chairs, a chair of production, a chair of growth, as well as chairs of subcommittees like team development, recruitment and retention. She encourages students interested in fundraising for cancer research to join.

Wilson’s personal experiences with close friends struggling with cancer inspired her involvement with Relay For Life and the American Cancer Society.

“My first Relay for Life was in 2005, after my friend Brittany Hill was diagnosed with Leukemia at age 15,” Wilson said.

According to Wilson, Hill has a rare blood type, and because she is biracial, she experienced difficulty finding a bone marrow donor match.

“My youth pastor started up a team for our youth group to support her,” Wilson said. “The following year he intended to lead our youth group in Relay again but passed away before the event and so I stepped up to be the Team Captain and continued to be involved with Relay ever since.”

“I’m glad to say that I get to relay for Brittany, a seven-year survivor,” Wilson continued. “But I now also relay in memory of Virda Stevens, a woman who was my preschool teacher, fifth and sixth grade bible school teacher, drama coach and mentor. She taught me what it meant to live for God both as a servant and a leader.”

Like many other “relayers,” Wilson and Veneracion’s experience with loved ones having cancer motivates them to fundraise for a cure.

“I honestly love what Relay stands for, and the fact that my maternal grandparents both died from cancer makes the event even more special for me,” Veneracion said. “I think that Relay is so touching to many students simply because everyone knows at least one person in their life who has been personally affected by the cancer. One of the themes that Relay has is ‘more birthdays,’ and I sincerely believe that one day a medical miracle can be found to eradicate the world of cancer. Just imagine how amazing it would be to have a world with more birthdays.”

Pepp alum takes alma mater's mission to heart

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Pepp alum takes alma mater's mission to heart:

Every Pepperdine student knows the university aims to position students and alumni for lives of service, purpose and leadership. But recent graduates have taken their alma mater’s mission to heart, using their skills to organize philanthropic efforts abroad and turn a service-oriented lifestyle into their vocation and passion.

For Brooks Baumgartner, a 2011 alumnus from Portland, Ore., a spring break trip with Pepperdine’s Project Serve program alongside 12 classmates inspired him to move to Huehuetenango, Guatemala and serve others. There, Baumgartner has volunteered at an orphanage called Fundacion Salvacion (FS), home to whom he calls “90 of the most beautiful children in the whole world,” for the past nine months.

Three months ago, while working with the Guatemalan children, Baumgartner discovered his dream to build a bilingual school for the orphans. That goal is the impetus of his nonprofit organization More Than Compassion (MTC).

“MTC has been created with two purposes in mind: provide for the daily needs of the kids at FS (by providing funds to pay for things like food, water, and shelter) and also to prepare them to succeed in life beyond the orphanage walls (by building a bilingual elementary school, which will provide kids with a quality education and the ability to speak English),” according to the organization’s newsletter.

According to the newsletter, MTC is preparing to make its first payment on the land where the school will be built on April 10. So far, the organization has hired eight American interns to teach English classes, and they plan to hire an additional four Guatemalan teachers to instruct Spanish classes. Construction of the facility will begin in May, with the school projected to open its doors to students by January 2013 — the start of the Guatemalan school year.

MTC plans to debut a 12-minute video on Youtube about the stories of the children who live at FS. (Watch MTC’s “This is Our Story” campaign video)

In conjunction with the video’s release, MTC will be selling t-shirts featuring their campaign slogan (“This is our story, but it’s not over”) for $25 including shipping. All proceeds will go to directly toward building the bilingual school, according to MTC’s newsletter.

“When I donate to something, I never buy a shirt but just give money. BUT I plan on buying one of these [shirts],” senior SGA President Mimi Rothfus wrote on Facebook. “I have been able to visit Huehuetenango, Guatemala twice, and what my friend Brooks is doing down there is amazing.”

In addition to purchasing t-shirts, MTC also encourages child sponsorship for $30 per month (a program administered via morethancompasion.org and donating money to the school’s construction. Recently, Baumgartner’s cousin and her husband offered to match all donations up to $25,000.

Peak, Sibert, House sweep Malibu City Council election

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Malibu City Council will welcome two newcomers, 27-year-old Pepperdine alumnus Skylar Peak and longtime Malibu resident Joan House, as well as incumbent John Sibert who has secured another term since the polls closed last night. Peak will be the youngest person to hold a seat on the Malibu City Council.

Residents took to the polls starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 10 and voting continued until 8 p.m. at seven different precincts around the city. At least 779 absentee ballots were also submitted, as of April 2, according to City Clerk Lisa Pope. The final count was announced around 10:30 p.m.

Peak led the winning votes with a total of 1,644, followed by John Sibert with 1,288 votes and Joan House with 1,142 votes. The remainder of the candidates trailed far behind with fewer than 740 votes each. Hans Laetz received 740, Hamish Patterson had 702 votes, Andy Lyon had 671 votes and Missy Zeitsoff had 586 votes, according to the most recent count of the votes — which includes all except 22 provisional ballots, according to Malibu Patch.

The winning candidates also led in fundraising, with Peak leading the pack by raising $29,905 and spending $15,837. Both Sibert and House raised and spent over $10,000 throughout the course of the campaigning season.

Lyon, Patterson and Zeitsoff continued to voice support for their decision not to fundraise or accept donations for their campaigns, even after falling to Peak, Sibert and House. Laetz stated that he is pleased with the outcome of the election, as his goal was to raise awareness of his position on the Malibu Lagoon Restoration project, according to Malibu Patch.

Voter turnout peaked at 27.65 percent, with 8,672 registered voters in Malibu according to the city clerk’s office, while Malibu Patch reports 30.7 percent voter turnout.

The City Council will adopt the final outcome of the election at its meeting on Monday, April 23. While Sibert will maintain his seat as an incumbent, Peak and House will replace Pamela Conley Ulich, who is term-limited, and Jefferson Wagner, who did not run for reelection.

On election say, several candidates, including Peak, Patterson and Lyon, stood at the corner of Civic Center Way supporting each other and voters. Addressing Peak and Patterson, Lyon said: “I can’t wait to see you both on city council.”

After the votes were counted Tuesday evening, Peak celebrated his victory with family, friends and supporters at the Malibu Inn, where in a speech he thanked volunteers to his campaign and his fellow candidates — including his “two best friends in the world, Andy Lyon and Hamish Patterson.” The winning candidates also celebrated at a reception at Taverna Tony.

Allegations compromise Pepperdine ICC e-board selection

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Inter-Club Council (ICC) has delayed the selection of next year’s president after the slated nominee, junior Sunny Patel, rejected his bid for the position yesterday after allegations surfaced that Patel had made racist, sexist and homophobic remarks on Twitter.

The ICC oversees funding requests from all approved Pepperdine clubs and handled a budget of $190,000 for the 2011-2012 school year — up $40,000 since last school year, according to ICC’s website.

All ICC e-board members and delegates received an anonymous email Wednesday, March 28 at 12:34 a.m., sent under the pseudonym “Danny Deever” — alluding to a Rudyard Kipling poem. The email included a list of Patel’s alleged offensive tweets as well as screen shots Patel’s Twitter page (“@sunnyfratel”). The account has since been deleted by Patel, which the ICC indicated was by the organization’s request.

Kapua Kauhane, ICC adviser, emailed the ICC delegation in response to the anonymous email on Wednesday morning, stating: “It has come to my attention that an email was sent to all of you as of midnight or 1 am this morning regarding the slated ICC President. We are investigating the information presented in the email as the sender was not a reputable Pepperdine address and thus cannot be identified or authenticated. We of course do not support the sentiments that were presented to be Sunny’s words and these words should not represent the ICC.”

In light of the allegations against him, Patel decided to drop his application for the presidency.

“I’m not accepting the nomination,” Patel said less than two hours before the ICC General Meeting planned to confirm him as the president-elect.

At the ICC’s meeting at 8 p.m. in the Fireside Room, current President Danielle Byrd announced that the nominee who had been slated for confirmation withdrew from the race.
In an email sent to ICC, Patel stated: “Unfortunately, I will not be able to continue forth with elections for ICC President. Regretfully, I will be committed to school and other obligations.”
Patel was selected by ICC e-board members, Byrd, Devon Walker and Gabbi Wilson based on “merit and his interview.”
“We thought he was the best candidate after the interview process,” Byrd said.
Juniors Geoff Plourde, who currently serves on e-board but did not participate in the selection process, and CJ Terral also applied for the position.
According to Byrd, the allegations made against Patel were “dealt with administratively” by adviser Kapua Kauhane “without the e-board’s input.”
In response to the email, “ICC asked Sunny to take down the offensive tweets,” Byrd said.
Byrd declined to comment as to whether ICC asked Sunny to step down from the nomination.
Byrd indicated that the e-board selection process will resume next week and applications will be open to new candidates. According to Byrd, applicants will be considered based on GPA, good standing with the university and interview performance. Interviews for the other e-board positions will also be conducted, but only the president must undergo confirmation by the general ICC body of delegates after recommendation from the e-board, according to ICC’s constitution.
This selection process is one of the changes made to the ICC Constitution when it was amended at the start of the spring semester. The funding request approval process also changed, moving from a general delegate vote to a vote by a special funding committee with rotating members.
In addition to his involvement with ICC, Patel serves as vice president of Recruitment and Risk Management for the Inter-Fraternity Council (IFC) on campus.
“Sunny is one of the most well-spoken, intelligent and forward-thinking people I’ve met at Pepperdine. I’ve only heard words of positivity from him. I’m sure it will blow over soon,” junior ICC delegate Josette Barsano said.
According to Byrd, the ICC has never received allegations of racism in the past.
The ICC is currently working with the Student Activities Office and the University to “follow the correct procedures in responding to the allegations,” Kauhane said.
Thursday, March 29, Dean of Students Mark Davis released a statement in regards to the allegations, which was emailed to the ICC delegation via Kauhane.
In the email, Davis stated: “I want to assure you that we take this matter very seriously, and we have launched an investigation to thoroughly review the situation and take appropriate action. In the meantime, I invite you to share any questions and concerns. I’m happy to meet with you, or you can email me.”
Any individuals interested in meeting with Davis to discuss the matter may contact Michele Rihovsky to make an appointment, according to the email.
Although the ICC has reached out to “Danny Deever” via email and encouraged the “whistleblower” to reveal his or her identity, they have yet to garner any more information about the anonymous emailer, according to Kauhane.
“The Interclub Council speaks on behalf of clubs on campus, and thus a diverse student population,” Kauhane wrote to the Graphic. “The ICC does in no way endorse the sentiments shared in the email and of course want to represent all students in their best interests and do not condone derogatory sentiments presented about any group or individual.”

Spotlight: Malibu City Council candidate Hamish Patterson

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Forty-one year-old skater, surfer, self-described “hippie” environmentalist and candidate for Malibu City Council Hamish Patterson wears a uniform consisting of a floral buttoned shirt, an enormous belt buckle, striped tube socks and skate shoes. He says that, in regards to the media attention his campaign bolstered as of late (ESPN, Malibu Times, Malibu Patch), he is “just telling it as a straight shooter.”

“I don’t need to edit myself — I’m going for it,” Patterson said.

With a diverse work history that includes, most recently, being a carpenter and a Youtube star, Patterson has decided to give local politics a go.

“For a long time I was just mad, then I started to work on myself spiritually, then I started to be of service.”

Patterson said that if not for him and candidates like Skylar Peak, Andy Lyon and Missy Zeitsoff, who he supports in the election, the city council debates would be about soccer field lights.

“By default, we changed the whole conversation of the campaign,” Patterson said.

Social media “sensation” to campaign cred

Patterson’s widespread success as a Youtube personality, “The Illusion,” has given him an appeal with younger audiences this election season, with even ESPN taking notice.

“I realized right off the bat I can’t compete with money,” Patterson said of his social media campaign strategy. “I’m not a politician, so I have to think outside the box.”

Instead of asking for monetary contributions to his campaign, Patterson asked his supporters, via Youtube video, to promote him on social media platforms and to have conversations about city issues.

“I’m a big campaign finance reform guy,” he said. “I’ve pledged not to put money into this campaign. I wouldn’t owe favors [in exchange] for $250.”

Patterson believes his straightforward approach has garnered the appropriate attention for success in this campaign.

“They all underestimated me. They thought I was some skater. I realized I could attract my own energy through Facebook and Youtube and through calling a spade a spade.”
Instead of joining the often monotonous dialogue of council discussions, Patterson suggests looking for solutions to city issues within the community.

“The community has the answers. We’re living in a community with some of the smartest, wealthiest, most well-connected people.”

An avid environmentalist: on the Malibu Lagoon Restoration

With a background in environmental chemistry from Northern Arizona University and experience protecting the municipal water supply of Portland, Ore, Patterson’s approach to local hot-buttons like the Malibu Lagoon Restoration and the proposed Broad Beach sand replenishment are rooted in his environmentalism.

“[They] want to make the lagoon nine feet deep, which is more of a lake,” Patterson said. “They’re using the lagoon restoration project as a reason to build a sewage plant in Malibu.”

But Patterson says residential septic systems are not to blame for the lagoon’s contamination.

“It’s not sewage — it’s dirty from bird feces, nitrates, the Tapia sewage plant,” Patterson said. “It’s not the homeowners, it’s the birds in the lagoon.”

Patterson and his supporters oppose the manner in which the city has handled the restoration project.

“Why we’re fighting the lagoon so adamantly is that it doesn’t need to happen that way. We’re taking the brunt of the blame for a problem that’s been proven to not be ours.”

Due to Malibu’s building moratorium, according to Patterson, residents can update their properties with a state-of-the-art septic system, but they are prevented from recouping the cost by adding new fixtures that would add financial value to their property.

Patterson expressed concern about the possibility of a lawsuit should the city continue to pursue the restoration project. He strongly objects to the project’s proposed starting date, June, when he says the project will block the busiest intersection in Malibu as tourists travel to the beach — exacerbating traffic on Pacific Coast Highway.

“I’m a hippie down in my heart. You’re bumping into the wrong thing to do.”

Underneath the mud of the lagoon, Patterson said, is run-off from old gas stations.

“They’re opening a pandora’s box,” he said about the possibility of restoring the lagoon.

Patterson underlined the importance of sound decisions that maintain the integrity of Malibu’s environment, mentioning one proposed solution for the water issue:

“They wanted to inject [water] 150 feet under the Civic Center… [the location of a] fault line.”

Conspiracy Theorist

Patterson describes himself as a “conspiracy guy,” alluding to his own theories about everything from the commercial development of the city to the proposed sewer system to connections between city council members and third parties with vested interests in the city’s politics.

“These guys will sell us out for chump change,” Patterson said.

Patterson also had concerns about who really has control in local politics: “The commercial developers are running the city because the city council isn’t running the city; the city manager and the attorney are running the city.”

Pepperdine & the surrounding community

Patterson spoke openly about his desire to engage the Pepperdine community more often in city affairs, complaining that city government currently fails to address the obvious connection between Pepperdine and Malibu.

“The City is inept… It never wants to come up to Pepperdine. I don’t have any issues with Pepperdine,” Patterson said.

Malibu City Council votes to protect scenic views

Thu, 15 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Malibu City Council votes to protect scenic views:

The eclectic locale of families, settled retirees and surfers young and old that calls Malibu home is finally united behind a single cause: its ocean view.

Though the Malibu City Council voted 3-2 in favor of a view preservation ordinance at its public meeting on Monday, Feb. 13, the council will not decide on the contentious restoration ordinance for up to six months. The supported ordinance dictates that residents are entitled to retain the views they currently have. The proposed restoration ordinance, which would potentially authorize property owners to restore views obstructed by neighboring landscape, is pending community discussion and legal considerations by the council.
Effective immediately after the view ordinance’s passage, residents may pay a $260 fee for the planning committee to physically survey their property and take photos of the primary views. The photos will establish the homeowner’s rights to a view. Should neighboring landscape/foliage obstruct the view in the photos, the property owner may ask the city to intervene or engage in forced mediation and arbitration with the offending party.

The controversial view restoration ordinance, which will engage city council discussion in the weeks and months to come, is not a new issue on the minds of Malibu residents. According to the Malibu Times, 60 percent of locals voted in 2008 in favor of an advisory measure that asked if the city council should adopt an ordinance requiring the removal or trimming of foliage “in order to restore and maintain primary views from private homes.”

Since this vote initialized view ordinance discussions, the city council organized 31 public meetings and six city council meetings on the topic.

Mayor Laura Rosenthal and Councilmember Jefferson Wagner used the 2008 vote as their justification in support of a view restoration ordinance, while Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem Lou La Monte and Councilmember Pamela Conley Ulich had their doubts. Considering granting restoration rights as far back as 1991 could result in lawsuits against the city, according to La Monte and Conley Ulich.

Fellow Council member John Sibert shared this concern, and expressed his uncertainty in the Feb. 13 discussion.

“I don’t know whether the [legal] risk to the city is $600,000 or $6 million,” Sibert said at the Feb. 13 council meeting.

Property value is one of the key issues playing a role in the view ordinance debate. Homeowners and real estate professionals believe the loss of an ocean view risks severe slashes in a property’s ticket price.

Jennine Kidd, vice president of Secure One Properties, has served the Malibu and surrounding community for more than 25 years as a property manager. According to Kidd, a backyard that no longer has an ocean view can cause property value to plummet anywhere from $200,000 to $1 million.

“It’s like having a room that’s on the [Las Vegas] strip versus a room that overlooks the dumpsters,” Kidd said. “It takes away from profitability, leasability, marketability and general appeal. I definitely think that Malibu should not allow people to obstruct the views of their neighbors.”

The City of Carmel, a small beach community in Monterey County similar to Malibu, recently underwent a similar initiative, according to Kidd. The city council determined that neighboring homes could not obstruct the view of surrounding properties.

“People move to Malibu for the views — that’s the main attraction,” Kidd said. “If neighbors build a fortress around the house, it’s going to cause problems.”

Kidd has faced those “problems” first hand, when a property she managed in neighboring West Hills had its impressive city and canyon view obstructed by landscape. When the homes were purchased brand new, the landscaping was not mature. But after 10 to 12 years, residents started losing their views and landscaping restrictions became a hot button issue in the community. Kidd said she was able to work out an agreement between the neighbors without enlisting a professional mediator, which the Malibu City Council listed as protocol in future incidents.

“When people are purchasing a home, they’re paying for that ocean view,” Kidd said. “They’ve paid for that. When someone takes it away, it’s the responsibility [of the city] to respect that and not allow [obstruction].”

However, Kidd said she believes it should be a community standard to preserve a property’s view at the time of purchase. The ordinance should state that trees cannot exceed a certain height, according to Kidd, but specifics depend on the property since “every lot is a little bit different.”

“It is time to [have an ordinance],” Kidd added. “[An ocean view] is the lifestyle of Malibu. It’s the same in any upscale community… People move there for the ocean.”

Not all Malibu residents share Kidd’s views. Despite the resounding support for the ordinance at the Feb. 13 city council meeting, several residents spoke out against the ordinance — fearing that the conflict may hurt the Malibu community as similar ordinances have affected other beach cities.

“This city of ours will forever change by the passing of this ordinance,” resident Judy Decker said at the meeting. “We have all lived in peace, please find a way of keeping it that way with not passing this ordinance.”

In 2000, the community of Rancho Palos Verdes experienced strain and conflict when city officials began to enforce the View Restoration and Preservation Ordinance, originally passed in 1989. Though passed into law decades earlier, the ordinance faced numerous legal appeals.

Rancho Palos Verdes residents whose trees were cut down argued that homeowners should not have the right to the atmosphere surrounding their house, and that trees also have a right to life.

Laguna Beach shares the atmosphere of Rancho Palos Verdes and Malibu, but unlike those beach communities the view ordinance it passed in 1997 is non-binding. Due to questions of its constitutionality, the city of Laguna Beach’s law recommends, but cannot require, neighbors to abide by view restoration.

While beach cities across Southern California struggle to define their policies on view restoration, Malibu has already made a significant step in approving the view preservation ordinance. In California, homeowners do not own the airspace around their property unless a local law specifically grants it in writing. Depending on the council’s upcoming view restoration decision, this legislation may be a step in that direction for Malibu.

Financial aid revamps policy, lifts restrictions

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Financial aid revamps policy, lifts restrictions:

Most college students, regardless of having varied majors, interests and post-graduate goals, await the same legacy after completing their undergrad: debt. While for some “financial aid” means thousands of dollars in loans, some savvy students seek employment or merit-based scholarship within Pepperdine’s academic departments to offset the cost of attendance.

This fall, several students learned that the “cost of attendance,” according to Pepperdine’s Office of Financial Assistance, did not include housing or living costs. The office notified scholarship recipients whose awards exceeded tuition prices that they could not accept all or part of their scholarships.

For years, students and departments have struggled to comply with this policy set by Financial Assistance which dictates that, in general, institutional scholarships and grants — when combined with applicable federal or state grants — may not exceed the cost of tuition.

Financial Assistance held a meeting earlier this month, in which scholarship-awarding divisions such as Communication and Fine Arts weighed in on the process of awarding scholarships and financial aid. Director of Financial Assistance Janet Lockhart announced that the policy has changed for the upcoming school year to allow departments to award scholarships that can count toward housing, books and other costs. Lockhart reserved, however, that the office will still determine eligibility based on each student’s FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), which calculates financial need.

“It has been approved to allow departmental scholarships to cover other educational related expenses above tuition, for those that qualify, but not to exceed the cost of attendance,” Lockhart wrote in an email. “We are very excited about the change and want students to receive the maximum scholarship aid they qualify for, therefore this is a definite move in the right direction to help students achieve their educational goals at Pepperdine.”

According to Lockhart, the policy has been in question for several years, but Enrollment Management decided now was the best time to change it. Lockhart, Dean of Admission and Enrollment Management Michael Truschke and the financial aid staff participated in crafting the new policy, which Truschke ultimately officially approved.

Lockhart said now is the right time to change the policy.

But not all of her colleagues share that sentiment.

Esther O’Connor, Communication Division office manager who oversees scholarships, said that Financial Assistance has been vague about explaining financial aid policies and why students cannot apply department-awarded merit scholarships to housing costs. O’Connor has worked at Pepperdine for 25 years, 22 of which she has spent at the Communication Division. For 22 years, the rules and the reasons behind them have been unclear.

When some students received notification in September 2011 that their financial assistance was “revised,” in other words decreased, due to the addition of a merit scholarship awarded by a department, O’Connor was disappointed that students could not use the additional money to cover other costs, like books.

“My question has always been, ‘Can it go to room and board?’” O’Connor said, adding that not knowing the whole policy has been frustrating, as a member of a division staff.

Lockhart said Financial Assistance does not track data regarding how many students are affected by the current policy change.

Although the change appears to be out of the blue for Pepperdine, Lockhart said that change in federal and state policies happen all the time.

“We are highly regulated by federal and state policies which require our careful monitoring of aid,” Lockhart wrote. “The last Reauthorization (changes and updates to federal policies) contained over a thousand pages of updates, just to give you an idea.”

Lockhart explained that the policy being enforced currently exists due to a limited budget.

“We have a limited amount of resources, therefore we have to budget and live within our means,” Lockhart wrote. “We determined that the majority of our aid recipients are able to receive all the grants and scholarship awards that are offered while staying within the stated policies.”

To the contrary, the Communication Division holds that every year has posed a struggle between the division and Financial Assistance as students awarded scholarships for their merit are limited to how much of the award they are allowed to accept. Meanwhile, Financial Assistance supports the policy they had formerly upheld under the principle that funds are limited and should be distributed among students as equitably as possible.

According to Trushke, the rule of institutional grants and scholarships capping at the cost of tuition is not a “policy,” but rather a “guideline” applied on a case-to-case basis depending on an individual student’s financial “need” determined by a FAFSA application.

Typically, state and federal grants are applied to tuition first. Institutional scholarships and grants can go toward the remainder of the tuition left over after government aid. Formerly, loans and outside scholarships were the only assistance for room and board available to Pepperdine students.

A few rare exceptions to the institutional aid cap are athletes with full grant agreements that cover all expenses, some lab fees (which can range from $300 to $600 per year) and international program fees, according to Lockhart.

Lockhart’s advice for students affected by the policy mid-year is that the office will continue to enforce the current policy this semester.

“We don’t make policy changes mid-year,” Lockhart wrote.

Truschke asserted that his staff does much of their work behind the scenes where their efforts are unknown to students.

“There are scores of students who have been in dire financial circumstances, and would have had to withdraw from Pepperdine if it had not been for the extra efforts of their financial aid adviser,” Truschke wrote in an email. “The financial assistance staff is very much in touch with the realities and challenges of helping our students fund their education.”

Students who are interested in discussing their financial aid can schedule appointments or walk in to meet with the next available adviser during the office’s appointment hours between 10 a.m. and noon and 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, according to Lockhart. “If students need assistance outside of these time frames every effort is made to assist,” Lockhart wrote.

Dean clarifies university policy as LGBT club applies for recognition

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Dean clarifies university policy as LGBT club applies for recognition:

Leaders of Reach OUT, an unofficial organization supporting LGBT students, are preparing to apply for recognition in the Inter-Club Council (ICC). Meanwhile the Office of Student Affairs has made efforts to address Pepperdine’s LGBT community — including meeting with Reach OUT. But what makes this club different from the others to apply for club membership in the past?

According to Mark Davis, Dean of Student Affairs, the University must respect the values it has historically held, including the affirmation that sexual relationships are reserved for man and wife. The issue with “official recognition” in the University’s eyes, said Davis, is that it implies endorsement. Davis argued that Reach Out is recognized at Pepperdine, but not endorsed. Although the group is allowed to meet on campus, without ICC membership Reach OUT cannot hold events on campus unless another student groups sponsors it.

“We want to create an environment where everyone can express their opinion,” Davis said.

Davis said he admires that non-gay Pepperdine students have the ability to say, “I’m not sure if I agree with what you’re doing, but you’re my friend. I love you.”

The Building Bridges Committee is composed of about 20 members including Chaplain Dave Lemley, Director of Convocation Sarah Jaggard, Housing and Residence Life, University Church ministers, students from the School of Law, SGA President Mimi Rothfus and Executive Vice President Nico Gutierrez, and LGBT students and their supporters. The committee meets once weekly to discuss how to improve the campus environment for LGBT students. One of its initiatives includes clarifying University policies in next school year’s Student Handbook regarding interpersonal relationships, specifically the sexual relationship clause. Davis said this may include a Frequently Asked Questions section in addition to establishing a “biased incident report protocol.”

Graphic: What is the official stance, if any, of Student Affairs/the University on a gay-straight alliance such as Reach OUT on campus?

Davis: As a private, Christian university, Pepperdine has taken the approach that official recognition is only given to student organizations that clearly support the Christian mission and the policies contained in the Student Handbook. For example, while we welcome students to attend Pepperdine from all backgrounds, most people understand why we don’t officially recognize a student organization that has a goal — stated or unstated — to endorse atheism. Our affirmation statement declares that “God Is,” and so we promote this position. Pepperdine also affirms that sexual relationships were designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between husband and wife, and so we endorse this traditional sexual ethic.

G: What are some of the challenges of officially recognizing a group like Reach OUT at Pepperdine?

D: The challenge with recognizing an LGBT student organization is definition. Sexual orientation is complex, multidimensional concept that includes interrelated dimensions such as attraction, behavior and identity. So one of the challenges with officially recognizing a student organization related to sexual orientation is knowing what the University is recognizing or what the group is promoting.

A related challenge is that official recognition implies endorsement of a position, and it includes University funding. Regardless of the student organization name or purpose statement, giving official recognition to an LGBT group will signal to some that Pepperdine no longer affirms the traditional sexual ethic and is using its resources to support a position inconsistent with our Christian heritage.

At the same time, I’m concerned that not officially recognizing a LGBT student group could leave the impression that we don’t care about our LGBT students. While there is disagreement on the complex moral issue, we need to make it clear that disagreement is no excuse for the poor treatment of any member of our community.

Pepperdine respects everyone’s right to form his or her opinion and recognizes that there are members of our community who do not agree with the traditional sexual ethic. Regardless of one’s viewpoint, Pepperdine affirms the dignity and worth of every person and seeks to create a campus culture where each person is treated with love and respect.

The topic of homosexuality is emotionally charged because it touches our lives in so many ways, including our relationships with friends and family and our cherished religious beliefs. I am saddened by the hateful language, the judgmental comments, and the overall lack of respect that is shown to people on all sides of this debate. While the debate should be “over” on the individual worth and dignity of every human being, we need more thoughtful dialogue on God’s design for sexual relationships how people decide what’s right and wrong, and the role of the Bible in making these decisions.

We also need to be able to disagree on religious teachings without condemning the other person to hell or labeling someone a bigot just because we don’t share the same viewpoint. In this time of heightened sensitivities, we need people who can express their convictions with civility. In Richard Mouw’s book, “Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil World,” Dr. Mouw reminds us that “convicted civility” is the key for survival in this pluralistic age.

I am looking forward to the exciting dialogues we have planned over the course of this year through the “Building Bridges” group that includes the leaders of Reach OUT as well as other students, faculty and staff. Our goal is to help us come to a greater understanding and appreciation for each other’s beliefs and common humanity. The group will be making recommendations on additional educational programs, support/discussion groups, and changes to our harassment policy to make it clearer that Pepperdine will not tolerate the harassment of any of our community members, including students who identify as LGBT. We will also work together to review a new set of FAQs based on common questions raised last year from our dialogue with LGBT students. Ultimately, our work will be incorporated into the Student Handbook.

G: Who is ultimately responsible for making the final decision?

D: Whenever Student Activities has any questions about a student organization application, it is forwarded through the supervisory chain for review. Issues that impact the identity of the school and relationships with constituents are ultimately reviewed by the senior administration.

G: How does the University address criticism from WASC as well as national publications in relation to Pepperdine not recognizing a gay straight alliance on campus?

D: WASC has a long history of respecting the uniqueness of each school’s mission and heritage. In its recent site visit report, after noting that some in our community feel unease in speaking about sexual orientation, WASC recommended: “The University should continue its good work in diversity, support it spiritually and financially, and recognize openly the importance of campus climate and the quality of the educational experience to all students.” We fully agree with this statement and are dedicated to maintaining a Christian learning community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Pepperdine financial aid policy perplexes

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Pepperdine financial aid policy perplexes:

When the Communication Division posted scholarships to the accounts of their top-achieving students involved in media production, they never imagined any policy could prevent the students from receiving the funds they wished to award. This fall, that is exactly what happened.

Students awarded scholarships by academic divisions such as Communication and Fine Arts received emails from the Office of Financial Assistance detailing their “revised” financial aid packages after the addition or increase of their scholarships.

Although many had taken out loans this semester, Financial Assistance notified each student whose aid exceeded tuition that his or her other institutional aid (which might be Pepperdine Grant, Seaver Grant and other various academic or merit scholarships) had been reduced so that “institutional grants and scholarships do not exceed [the] tuition charge of $20,250 for the fall 2011 semester.”

According to Dean of Admission and Enrollment Management Michael Truschke, the rule of institutional grants and scholarships capping at the cost of tuition is not a “policy,” but rather a “guideline” applied on a case-to-case basis depending on an individual student’s financial “need” determined by a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application.

“The guideline was put in place for fairness and equity,” said Director of Financial Assistance Janet Lockhart. “We don’t have an unlimited amount of funds.”

However, Lockhart admitted that while state and federal grants are legally limited to use for tuition, applying institutional aid from within the University only to tuition is an internal decision.

Typically, state and federal grants are applied to tuition first. Institutional scholarships and grants can go toward the remainder of the tuition left over after government aid. Finally, loans and outside scholarships can assist with the cost of room and board.

Esther O’Connor, Communication Division office manager who oversees scholarships, said that notification of financial aid “guidelines” and explanation of why students cannot apply department-awarded merit scholarships to housing fees has been vague. O’Connor has worked at Pepperdine for 25 years, 22 of which she has spent at the Communication Division. For 22 years, the rules and the reasons behind them have remained unclear.

“My question has always been, ‘Can it go to room and board?’” O’Connor said, adding that not knowing the whole policy has been frustrating, as a member of a division staff.

“It seemed unfair,” Communication Division Chair Ken Waters said, noting that while the division does not know the various federal, state and Pepperdine policies related to financial aid, it is frustrating to know funds that could potentially decrease student loan debt are available and, due to an unclear policy, cannot be awarded.

On Sept. 12, 13 and 14, the Graphic attempted to reach the Office of Financial Assistance for comment on treatment of departmental scholarships, expressing the dissatisfaction of students and division staff responsible for awarding departmental scholarships. More than a week later, on Sept. 21, the Graphic met with Lockhart to discuss the situation.

During the meeting, the Graphic mentioned inconsistencies uncovered while researching the matter. For example, the Communication Division struggles every year with talented students not being able to accept scholarships awarded to them for their merit. Meanwhile, Financial Assistance follows a policy in place under the principle that funds are limited and should be distributed among students as equitably as possible.

Lockhart expressed the willingness of the Office of Financial Assistance and the University to reconsider treatment of departmental merit scholarships.

“It is worth the effort to revisit our current policies about departmental scholarships only being toward tuition,” Lockhart said, considering the effects of loan debt on students. “We’re open to making things better for our students.”

Although it “won’t happen over night,” Lockhart said the Office of Financial Assistance would look into altering the policy for the upcoming academic year. According to Lockhart, the first steps toward revising the guideline include “a combination of discussing with Mike [Truschke], talking to divisions and any other areas that this may impact.

“It’s definitely time,” Lockhart said, noting that 25 years ago the cost of tuition was not $40,500.

“We don’t want policies in place that prevent us from helping students,” Lockhart said.

Lockhart also discussed how the misunderstanding of financial aid policies by students, faculty and staff can bring a negative impact on the office.

“We’re doing everything we can to help assist,” she said, “[even if] it doesn’t always seem that way.”

Dozens of students are employed by the Communication Division, receiving scholarships in return for their work in student groups like the debate team, the Graphic, Currents Magazine, KWVS Radio and NewsWaves. For many, the departmental scholarship policy resulted in working long hours with no compensation.

“I probably went into the financial aid office four or five times to meet with financial aid advisers to find some loophole to get the scholarship that I was actively earning working 30 hours a week in the [Currents Magazine] newsroom,” said senior Heather Manes, who was editor in chief of Currents last spring. “My financial aid adviser actively tried to find a way to get me my scholarship.

“Basically, in the end, they told me my financial aid was maxed out, even though I was taking out thousands in loans,” Manes said. “It was super disappointing because you’re told, ‘Work hard, and everything will work out.’ I took scholarship positions figuring it would help pay for school and help my mom financially. Instead, I basically worked for free while everyone around me was getting paid to be there.”

Lockhart encourages students and divisions to bring concerns to the Office’s attention, since helping students is its priority — even if it means reevaluating the validity of past policies.

“Sometimes that’s all it takes,” Lockhart said.

Bus-train collision kills nine, injures 212 in Buenos Aires

Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Bus-train collision kills nine, injures 212 in Buenos Aires:

At least nine people died and 212 were injured in Buenos Aires on Tuesday, Sept 13., when two trains and a bus collided.

According to authorities, it took hours to free victims from the wreck.

“There are people in the hospital now in a very grave state, including children. They have severe injuries,” Fernando Sostre, spokesman for the Argentine Federal Police, told CNN.

The cause of the collision is still under investigation by Argentine authorities.

No Pepperdine students were harmed in the incident.

Provost's office undergoes change

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Provost's office undergoes change:

As students return for the fall semester, they may find that more has changed than their class schedules. Beginning in July, the University has announced major changes in administration personnel, particularly in the Office of the Provost.

University Public Relations announced July 18 that Timothy Chester, vice provost for academic administration and chief information officer (CIO), accepted an position as CIO for the University of Georgia, effective Sept. 15. Jonathan See will serve as interim CIO as interviews for Chester’s permanent replacement are underway.

Meanwhile, the University is also working to fill the position of director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness, made vacant by Dr. Chris Collins, who is now a professor at the University of Hawaii. Provost Darryl Tippens said the new director of that office should be announced in a matter of days.

“We have very talented people, both internally and externally, who are applying for the open positions,” Tippens wrote in an email.

Frank R. Seaver Chair of Biology and former Associate Provost for Research Lee Kats was named vice provost for research and strategic initiatives, effective Aug. 1.

The need for the position arose from the growing responsibilities of the Provost’s Office, new commitments from the new Strategic Plan (which was approved last June by the Board of Regents) and President Andrew K. Benton’s desire to increase the prominence of the athletic programs, according to Tippens. (Anyone may access the University’s strategic plan online at www.pepperdine.edu/strategic-plan.)

Athletic Director Steve Potts looks forward to working with Kats on the latter goal, believing Kats is the perfect individual for the job due to his understanding of student athletes, having volunteered with the men’s volleyball team for years.

“I view it as a way for Athletics to connect with the academic program,” Potts said.

“Dr. Kats, who has been serving as the associate provost for research, was an obvious choice to take on these additional assignments,” Tippens wrote.

In addition to his regular duties, Kats will temporarily oversee several areas previously covered by Chester.

“Because these changes have occurred rather rapidly, we are taking our time to settle the precise, permanent job descriptions for each of these positions [vice provost for research and institutional initiatives, vice provost of academic administration and director of the Office of Institutional Effectiveness], as all three are closely related,” Tippens wrote.

Jonathan See, deputy CIO officer and interim CIO since Chester’s departure, believes Chester left him and the Information Technology (IT) division well equipped in his absence.

“For the past 18 months and in order to focus on more important academic matters, he has empowered me (and subsequently Michael Lucas who joined us last December) to run the day-to-day operations of IT,” See wrote in an email. “Hence, because of this arrangement, the transition to my new assignment has been quite smooth.”

Although See indicated that he may be a potential candidate for Chester’s permanent replacement, he said he is focusing on IT’s work, which includes over 40 projects for fiscal year 2012.

This summer, See oversaw several IT projects, including upgrading and improving the number of wireless access points in the Seaver dorms, in order to improve Wi-Fi coverage for better student experience, according to See.

IT also expanded the Internet bandwidth out from the Malibu campus by almost seven times from 45 megabits to 300 megabits.

“Think of this expansion like moving from a typical garden hose to a fire hose,” See wrote. “Nowadays, students are coming to campus with multiple wireless devices in their hands (smartphones, tablets and laptops); the bandwidth expansion is necessary so as to improve the Internet experience.”

See said the IT division has a great momentum, and Chester deserves much of the credit for that.

“Because Dr. Chester supervises several vital areas, including IT, planning, assessment, and the Office of Institutional Effectiveness — and because he has been the chief overseer of our preparation for the next regional WASC) accreditation visit, naturally we were disappointed to lose a man of such breadth, energy, and talent. But the good news is that Dr. Chester built a great organization,” Tippens wrote.

Chester said he looks forward to observing, from afar, Pepperdine’s WASC reaffirmation process.

“The deepest satisfaction I have experienced professionally in my career has been the relationships developed with Dr. Chris Collins and Dr. Joy Asamen as we worked to complete the CPR phase of Pepperdine’s WASC reaffirmation,” Chester wrote in an email. “The one regret that I have is that I will not be on the front lines with Dr. Collins and Dr. Asamen as this important work is completed.”

According to Chester, it was terribly difficult to contemplate leaving, but he and his wife Gail could not pass up the opportunity to return “back to the South to a large, research-oriented flagship institution,” similar to Texas A&M where Chester spent most of his early career.

Chester said he and his wife always knew they would return to the South, and his offer at Georgia would locate the couple less than a day’s drive from their surviving parents.

In a post on his blog (www.accidentalcio.com) dated July 18, Chester discusses how he was approached by the University of Georgia earlier this year, and after a series of conversations over the past three months, he received an invitation to become their CIO. His decision to accept involved matters personal and professional.

“I sat with the provost and president of UGA and told them both that if I left Pepperdine, I would be leaving the best group of direct reports, and indeed, one of the best IT organizations, that I have ever been associated with, and that it would be very difficult to contemplate leaving,” reads an excerpt from Chester’s blog entry.

Having worked closely with Benton in his time at Pepperdine, Chester attended the president’s senior leadership meeting every Friday and weighed in on critical issues facing the University.

“My advice to [Benton] remains this, that the times we find ourselves in are distinctly unique and I do not believe that higher education can go back to the old ways of doing business that were typical prior to the financial crisis of 2008,” Chester wrote. “My best advice to the leadership of this great institution is to confront these challenges boldly.”

Students celebrate life of Sarah Brady

Tue, 30 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Students celebrate life of Sarah Brady:

Students, faculty, staff and friends of Sarah Brady gathered Monday, Aug. 29, at Stauffer Chapel at 8:30 a.m. for a special prayer service in honor of the Seaver student’s tragic passing Friday evening.

Twenty-year-old Brady was en route to Pepperdine from her hometown of Littleton, Colo., on Friday, Aug. 26, when an unfortunate car crash claimed her life. Read the full story.

Chaplain Dave Lemley opened the service by asking the congregation to hold Sarah’s family in their prayers. Lemley said the accident is an opportunity to begin the year by putting trust in God. According to the chaplain’s opening words, Brady had just completed summer classes at Pepperdine, looked forward to the fall semester and was at peace with life before the accident, which he believes comforts those disturbed by the news of her passing.

After Lemley’s opening remarks, Campus Minister Linda Truschke, Brady’s Great Books Colloquium professor Ronald Cox and senior Jordan Kahler, who would have been Brady’s resident advisor at the Drescher dorms each read comforting Bible passages. After each passage, Lemley allowed a moment of prayer.

“Not having known Sarah, we all still grieve knowing that someone who could have been such a light for us in this community was taken away so suddenly,” Kahler said. “Our hearts, our thoughts, our prayers are with her family and friends.”

Truschke encourages students to seek out each other and others who can provide comfort at this time, and remember that God will not abandon them.

“Words fall short sometimes of what people need,” Truschke said.

Tragedy strikes: student killed in car crash

Sat, 27 Aug 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Tragedy strikes: student killed in car crash:

Pepperdine grieves the tragic car crash that claimed the life of Seaver student Sarah Brady Aug.26, during her return to campus for her junior year. The 20-year-old is a native of Littleton, Colo.

The Associated Press reports the student was driving west on Interstate 70, 10 miles east of Salina, Utah, just after 6 p.m. Friday when she lost control of her car.

She apparently swerved into the left-hand emergency lane while passing another vehicle, over-corrected and hit the other car, sending both vehicles off the road and into several rocks, according to Trooper Dan Altenes of the Utah Highway Patrol.

Brady is believed to have been killed instantly, according to the Salt Lake Tribune.

The University asks the community to remember the student’s friends and parents, Carey and Mary Jane Brady, during their time of grief.

Throughout the day, students have acknowledged Brady by posting statuses on Facebook.

Junior Kristen Nassif’s status reads, “Sarah Brady, I loved you so much and I know you are in a better place now. You were such an amazing friend and such an amazing young woman. I will continue to think of you always and I hope you are surrounded by diamond point shoes where you are my love! I will miss you always and forever. Rest in peace.”

A prayer service will be held Monday morning at 8:30 a.m. in Stauffer Chapel.

The Dean of Students Office is accepting cards, notes and letters to forward to Brady’s family: Tyler Campus Center Suite 210, Mail Code 4472.

Pepperdine ranked fifth douchiest college by GQ

Sat, 23 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Pepperdine ranked fifth douchiest college by GQ:

GQ thinks we’re kind of a big deal. And who are we to disagree?

Since Pepperdine surfaced as No. 5 on GQ’s tongue-in-cheek “The 10 Douchiest Colleges in America: 2011 Edition” July 20, the link has gone viral within the “Peppervine” as students share their thoughts on the high-brow critique via Facebook and Twitter.

Between the Huffington Post’s rating as one of the “trendiest” colleges in the nation last month, Pepperdine appears to be on the radar of popular media this summer.

“I’m surprised Pepperdine, out of all colleges in this nation, was chosen for the list and made number five,” junior Scott Cowie said. “To be on the list shows that we’re known and we’re kind of a big deal.

“Since we all walk around thinking ‘We’re kind of a big deal,’ the article just boosts Pepperdine’s ‘douchiness’ rather than ‘puts us in check.’”

Senior Christina Alcaraz shared Cowie’s sentiment.

“I think it’s great that we were included,” she said. “It just means we are a known and envied school.”

The article classifies Pepperdine as the home of the “Heidi Montag Bible fellowship douche,” asking “Are you a Christian but also really want a Mercedes SLK in Caspian blue and to be on whatever the next ‘Hills’ is called?”

It continues, listing a typical student’s life goals: “Stay celibate until marriage; buy a townhouse in Newport Beach; convert all gays; meet someone with the ‘three Hs: hot, humble, and holy.’”

But are students offended? Not according to Cowie, who goes far enough to say we’re flattered.

“They describe us pretty well and I think, if anything, we all, deep down, appreciate the description,” Cowie said.

“From what I’ve heard and seen, our student body has had a more ‘Thank you, it’s about time someone gave us our due credit’ attitude. We’re Waves … and we’re proud of it.”

Alcaraz raised a point that the article was intended for comedy.

“The things they said about every university were generalizations and stereotypes but it was in the humor section, which means it was meant to be taken as a joke.”

However, Cowie does have a bone to pick with GQ about their assertion that Pepperdine students aspire to “convert all gays.”

“I think it’s good to set the record straight that a growing majority of Waves are accepting of the gay community and the atmosphere is changing and turning away from the ‘convert them all’ stance that the article portrays,” Cowie said.

Read the full article at: http://www.gq.com/entertainment/humor/201108/douchiest-colleges-america-2011#ixzz1SsIz3lbm

Fitzpatrick sheds light on his return to Pepperdine

Sat, 09 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Fitzpatrick sheds light on his return to Pepperdine:

Since University Church of Christ’s (UCC) unexpected announcement earlier this week that Thomas Fitzpatrick will return to his position as campus minister, Fitzpatrick and Senior Pastor and church Elder Rich Little shed light on the story behind what led Fitzpatrick asking for the opportunity to fill the space he left last semester.

The Campus Minister Search Committee was nearing its final stages of hiring a new campus minister, narrowing final interviews down to two candidates, when Fitzpatrick expressed his interest in returning to campus ministries.

“We knew we would receive an entirely new vision and philosophy with a new candidate, however there was never a feeling that Thomas’ vision and philosophy was incompatible with the church, and given his recent experiences, we knew he would bring additional strengths and insights he didn’t possess prior to his departure,” Little wrote in an e-mail.

Fitzpatrick explained what caused him to request the opportunity to return to his position at UCC, since leaving at the end of May to work as an associate preaching minister at a church called The Hills in Fort Worth, Texas.

“Things didn’t feel right from the first moment I got here [Fort Worth],” Fitzpatrick wrote in an e-mail. “Nothing has ever been wrong, in fact quite the opposite, we love the church here and the people love my preaching, but my heart and passion are not here —they are at Pepperdine.”

While he and his family started to integrate with their new home and his new job, Fitzpatrick said he continually thought about UCC’s new house groups, the new intern team, the new students and several guys he was discipling. He said he believes it was a clear sign of his call to minister at Pepperdine.

“It’s not fair to the people here for me to only give them part of myself, and not all of it,” Fitzpatrick wrote.

Little said the committee was initially surprised and intrigued by Fitzpatrick’s interest in returning.

“We were interested in how this unique and highly unusual circumstance might meet the expectations of the committee and provide a unique opportunity for someone familiar with our church to use this season as a learning experience that will further refine his ministry and calling,” Little wrote.

Little described the actions taken by the committee before making their unanimous vote.

“The moments leading up to consensus were extremely positive and constructive,” Little wrote. “Multiple phone conversations, email exchanges, a Skype meeting and a conference call with the eldership provided everyone with a sense of Thomas’ journey and decision making process.”

The elders and the committee asked important questions, and were pleased with the answers they heard, according to Little.

Fitzpatrick said it was a blessing to hear the committee wanted him back.

“It humbles and honors me to know they voted unanimously for it,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “That’s what grace is — an undeserved second chance.”

Rich believes the community will react positively to Fitzpatrick’s return.

“Thomas was loved by Pepperdine community and I expect people to be generally pleased by his return and ministry here,” Little wrote.

However, Fitzpatrick himself foresees some concern.

“I expect there will be a very mixed reaction to my return,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “Some will think that I am crazy and foolish, and they would be right. Some would say I made a lot of mistakes and they too would be right. But hopefully people will understand that walking by faith is scary and uncertain.”

All in all, Fitzpatrick describes the series of events as a learning experience.

“I am learning that God wants me to know and trust him,” Fitzpatrick wrote. “Not work for him, not speak on his behalf, not necessarily preach at a church or do campus ministry, but to truly know and trust him.

“As a Christian I want to know what his voice sounds like and what his face looks like, and although this is all incredibly stressful & embarrassing, I think I’m beginning to hear and see a little more clearly.”

Pepperdine UCC announces Fitzpatrick's return

Tue, 05 Jul 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Pepperdine UCC announces Fitzpatrick's return:

After nearly three months on the search for a new campus minister, Professor of Religion and University Church of Christ Elder Ron Highfield, on behalf of the elders and the Campus Minister Search Committee, announced today that Thomas Fitzpatrick will return to his position.
In March of this year, Fitzpatrick announced his decision to leave Campus Ministries at the end of May 2011 to work as an associate preaching minister at a church called The Hills in Fort Worth, Texas. After only six weeks at the job, Fitzpatrick realized he made a mistake leaving the University Church campus ministry, according to Highfield’s announcement.

Just one week ago, on Monday, June 27, Fitzpatrick contacted Highfield, in the middle of interviewing another candidate, and asked if the committee would consider having him return.

“I desire in the depths of my soul to come back to Pepperdine and be the campus minister once again … I honestly can say you will be getting a better me (more committed, more passionate, more seasoned) — although a much more embarrassed, humble, broken, sympathetic me as well,” Fitzpatrick said to Highfield.

The Campus Minister Search Committee, comprised of Linda Truschke, Gary Selby, Emily Gibson, Rich Dawson, Stacey Rouse, Cory Howard, David Lemley, John Jones, Senior Pastor Rich Little and Highfield, reviewed more than 30 resumes, conducted nine interviews (via Skype, phone and in person) and offered two of the nine interviewees to join the committee in person for a series of interviews. It was in the middle of that final step in the process that Fitzpatrick voiced his interest in returning.

“We [the Search Committee and the elders] realize this is an odd twist of events. But we are convinced that Thomas’s return is best for the ministry,” wrote Highfield.

Highfield explained that the Search Committee and the elders spent two hours on the phone with Fitzpatrick, during which they asked him “some hard questions,” before unanimously deciding to invite him to return.

Karl Ihfe and Neil Reynolds, the two applicants invited to complete further interviews for the positions, were notified by Highfield of the turn of events, and “each of them proved to be gracious and understanding of [the committee’s] decision,” according to Highfield.

Highfield and Little were not available for further comment.

Pepperdine voted trendiest Christian college

Thu, 30 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Pepperdine voted trendiest Christian college:

As Pepperdine students, we know we get the best of both worlds — academics and location. From runs on the beach to running into celebrities, all our friends think we’ve won the scholarly lottery. And they’re not the only ones.

Our alma mater recently surfaced on Huffington Post’s top 10 list of Trendiest Colleges, posted this morning. Their methodology involved comparing The New York Times’ list of 2010-2011 application increases, Collegeprowler.com‘s “Top Colleges” lists (which rank universities in various topics according to student feedback), Princeton Review’s 2010 list of the “Happiest Colleges” and the “New Ivies” lists from Newsweek and unigo.com to compile a comprehensive list of the most desirable institutions in the country.

Pepperdine received a nod for the Trendiest Christian College, alongside Macalester College, Colby College, Trinity College, Columbia University, Washington University in St. Louis, Case Western Reserve University, Bowdoin College and Yale University, in their respective categories.

According to Huffington Post, Pepperdine’s applications jumped 17.46 percent in 2011 and the university landed a spot on numerous “top college” lists. Recently, student reviewers rated the campus No. 3 Most Scenic on Collegeprowler.com, as well as No. 11 in Best Course Variety. They didn’t fail to mention the university’s excellent student body either, referencing the record number of Pepperdine’s Fulbright Scholars in 2010.

“Of the university’s eighteen student applicants, nine became finalists and seven recent graduates became scholars. Impressive? We certainly think so,” the article said.

Read the full text: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/06/30/the-trendiest-colleges_n_887602.html?ref=fb&src=sp#s301075&title=Pepperdine_University_Trendiest

Christian scholars discuss integration of faith, science

Sat, 18 Jun 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Christian scholars discuss integration of faith, science:

Wondering why hundreds of scholars inundated campus in the middle of an otherwise uneventful summer? They’re attending the 31st annual Christian Scholars’ Conference, a tradition that called hundreds of academics across different disciplines to join in Malibu June 16 through 18 to explore the unique relationship between faith and science.

Hundreds gathered Thursday afternoon, packing Elkins Auditorium and requiring an overflow to PLC 125, to hear the plenary address by Francis Collins on the current tensions between science and faith. Collins formerly worked as the director of the Human Genome Research Institute, and since 2009, has served as the director of the National Institute of Health under the appointment of President Barack Obama.

Collins humbly took the microphone after an extensive introduction by Provost Darryl Tippens, opening with a joke about how challenging it was, as a presidential appointee, to get permission to speak at the event. “I am not here representing the U.S. government,” he said, a comment met with a room full of chuckles.

Collins described his journey in education that eventually led him to Jesus.

“At 25, I would have thought ‘Christian scholar’ was an oxymoron,” Collins said. “Because at 25, I was an atheist.”

After deciding to change the course of his career and attend medical school at UNC Chapel Hill, Collins grew curious about the faith of ill patients. At the time, he assumed it was because of a “superstitious fear of the unknown.”

As he learned more about Christianity, however, Collins said he realized his knowledge of science and the potential of faith did not contradict. He also found that many in his field were believers, as many as 40 percent of scientists, according to Collins.

“I fell on my knees and became a follower of Jesus, and I’ve been there for 34 years,” Collins said. A voice in the audience replied, “Hallelujah!”

Under Collins’ leadership, the Human Genome Project brought 2,000 scientists from six different countries together to research gene-related illnesses. Twenty-two years ago, the gene linked to cystic fibrosis was identified. The project has also aided in the development of breakthrough treatments for DNA-caused cancer, such as the drug crizotinib. Collins described the case of one particular patient, whose stage IV lung cancer did not respond to chemotherapy. Although only 10 percent of lung cancer can be treated with crizotinib, her tumors were gone within five to six months.

Many guests of the conference were familiar with Collins from his interview on “The Colbert Report” about his book “The Language of God.” Collins played a clip from the interview, in which Colbert asked, “So will you be the only Christian in hell?” Collins took care to mention the satire was not rehearsed.

“Colbert is a very thoughtful and very serious believer,” Collins said.

Despite the punchy humor of Collins’ address, his presentation went on to draw serious conclusions about creation.

For example, Collins noted the genetic variation present in the human population today, in which each child has around 60 mutations not present in his or her parents, could not develop from only one or two ancestors, the biblical Adam and Eve. Collins concluded the variation would be more consistent with a population of around 10,000 at the start of the species, but offered numerous explanations of Adam and Eve for consideration.

Max Feiler, a student at CSU Chico, said he especially admired Collins’ humility. Feiler heard about the conference through the C. S. Lewis Foundation and decided to attend the conference to gain more background for one of his classes. He described the challenges of attending a public university, where some atheist students can sometimes be ignorant to the work of researchers like Collins. Feiler also expressed his respect for David Bentley Hart, a theologian at the conference whom he described as one of the leading theologians in the country.

“We’re honored to host some of the absolute foremost thinkers who have bridged the perceived gaps between science and theology,” said Professor Craig Detweiler, who participated in the conference as a panelist and moderated several sessions. “I think Pepperdine has a unique position … to merge to fields of technology with enduring scholarship. This conference and these speakers put us at the nexus of a very strategic moment.”

Tippens commented on Pepperdine’s hopes for the conference.

“Historically, Christianity and science have been allies,” Tippens said. “[At Pepperdine] we are all about the integration of faith and learning,”

He described the prevailing assumption among people who are not specialists in either science or religion that they are incompatible, mentioning an editorial he authored in the Ventura County Star, in which he asserted that science and faith can be friends. Tippens explained that, perhaps ironically, secular fundamentalism and religious fundamentalism mirror each other in their reductivism.

“Going back through the tradition of science, there has always been room for both,” Tippens said.

MP3s of all the main speeches are available on iTunes U.

Pepperdine receives approval on expansion project

Sun, 08 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Pepperdine receives approval on expansion project:

The Campus Life Project is one step closer to approval since the Los Angeles County Regional Planning Commission gave its support to the proposition at a meeting on May 4.

The plans for expansion aim to resolve a few campus issues with the addition of 468 beds to reduce the number of student commuters, 2,000 seats to the existing athletic stadium (totaling 5,470 seats), enhanced lighting for the soccer and recreational fields, a campus quad and welcome center and, to students’ relief, increased on-campus parking.

Local residents voiced concerns about decreased safety from increased traffic as well as the increased noise that would result from the athletic renovations. Pepperdine has agreed to prohibit games from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. to alleviate those concerns.

The project now awaits approval by the county’s Board of Supervisors and the California Coastal Commission.

Students sound off about bin Laden's death

Mon, 02 May 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Students sound off about bin Laden's death:

As students celebrate their graduation, President Barack Obama announced perhaps another reason to celebrate. At approximately 11:30 p.m. (EST) on Sunday, the president officially announced the killing of Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden at a compound in Pakistan by U.S. forces.

Shortly after Obama’s announcement, Waves weighed in on their concerns and ideas for what this means for U.S. policies domestically and abroad.

Maximillian Muller, a junior who recently returned from studying abroad in Heidelberg, Germany, was in Orange County at his grandparents’ house when he heard the news.

“We found out through a text actually,” Muller said. “I was more excited than my grandparents were. I was more enthralled by the significance.”

Muller shared his feelings as a witness to such a monumental moment of American history, suggesting this could be an opportunity for students to take the scene.

“I think it’s very rare that we see justice on the international scene Muller,” said. “Our revenge was a just one and someone who deserved to be held accountable was held accountable for their actions. We should and can rally and support that kind of thing without being warmongers.”

On the other hand, junior Taylor Harris does not see bin Laden’s death as a positive influence in the future.

“It’s nice that we got Osama bin Laden but it’s hardly worth celebrating in light of bad U.S. foreign policy,” Harris said.

The news of the successful killing of bin Laden begs the questions of U.S. security in the immediate future. Muller said he does not believe a threat to U.S. soil is imminent, though he does believe there should be no question that security should be heightened.

If the information is correct that Obama said [in his speech], that we acted in cooperation with the Pakistani government, that shows a unity on the international scene at least in the War on Terror perhaps not with Iraq,” Muller said. “I think the repercussions as far as further retaliation will be in the Middle East. I don’t foresee any significant attacks in the U.S.”

President of Pepperdine’s Middle Eastern Peace and Awareness (MEPA) organization, Adrian Aurrecoechea, had several immediate reactions to how bin Laden’s death will relate to U.S. security and anti-terror missions abroad.

“As far as making any changes, I don’t feel like America is any more or less secure,” Aurrecoechea said, citing satellite groups of Al-Qaida as posing an equal threat to the United States as bin Laden did in his life, especially since they might be fueled by his death.

“They’re all trying to achieve the same goal — trying to get the U.S. out of the Middle East,” Aurrecoechea said. “They’ve been doing the best they can to achieve their mission and killing bin Laden isn’t going to weaken them.”

Aurrecoechea described the War on Terror as a war against an ideology that Al-Qaida and its umbrella groups perpetuate despite the victory of bin Laden’s death. According to Aurrecoechea, Al-Qaida is not bin Laden alone.

“It’s different groups that spring up and are loosely affiliated,” Aurrecoechea said. “We’re fighting an ideology and fighting with violence isn’t going to solve the overall issue.”

Aurrecoechea also responded to Obama’s speech in relation to MEPA’s mission of fighting ignorance toward the Middle East.

“I think its great that he said that [the War on Terror] is not a war on Islam, but just because he says something doesn’t mean [U.S.] policies reflect that,” Aurrecoechea said. “We have to keep in mind that the Islamophobia in the U.S. affects policies domestically and abroad.”

Ultimately, Aurrecoechea believes the president’s nonpartisan outlook in his address will benefit his popularity.

“More than anything he has secured himself votes in the next election,” Aurrecoechea said. “He’s proven that he’s done something in the White House.”

Harris agrees that Obama will use bin Laden’s death as evidence of success of his administration.

“A lot of times we end up justifying bad actions as a good thing,” Harris said, explaining that the government might adopt an attitude of, “It’s all working so let’s do more of it” to continue to implement poor policies abroad.

“It will probably be an important point in the next election,” Harris said.

As scores of Facebook statuses and Twitter updates multiply, whether in celebration of a U.S. victory or criticism of Obama, Pepperdine students are using social media as an opportunity to speak out.

Though many are celebrating tonight, and Obama has stated that justice has been served, Aurrecoechea believes the fight is not over yet.

“Does it end the War on Terror? I would say no,” Aurrecoechea said.