A Message from the Chairman

The academic year 2002-2003 has been an extraordinary one for Pepperdine. The fact is, the University is experiencing so many successes in recent years that the "extraordinary" threatens to become "ordinary!"

Certainly, one of the highlights of the year has been the completion, ahead of schedule, of the Drescher Graduate Campus at Malibu. Although there are important construction and remodeling projects remaining, the new campus represents the final phase of the build-out of the Malibu master plan, which has been on the drawing board for more than twenty-five years. In addition to its beauty and functionality, the new campus is one of the most technologically advanced in the nation.

More subtle changes are taking place elsewhere. A major renovation and enhanced collection is underway at Payson Library, and other improvements are brightening the face of Pepperdine. In Buenos Aires, the beautiful Casa Holden now welcomes our international program students. A new graduate campus in Pasadena opened graduate programs to residents of the San Gabriel Valley. The Pepperdine Plaza, headquarters for the Graziadio School of Business and Management and the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, is nearly ready to move to a new and better location in West Los Angeles, adjacent to the San Diego (I-405) Freeway. And of course, academic initiatives and advancements, the real foundation of the University, are abundant.

On behalf of the Board of Regents, I want to commend the leadership of President Andrew K. Benton in assembling a capable team to construct the Drescher Graduate Campus in record time. Moreover, his management team, deans, and directors have made steady progress in academics, athletics, and other areas. The president has set a tone of civility and concern, of faithfulness and vision-a tone worthy of emulation.

I believe that Pepperdine has never been stronger administratively, academically, or fiscally. After sixty-six years of operation, we are on solid footing and are poised for even greater achievement and service. I am grateful to the Regents and to all those within and beyond the walls of academe who support this eternal cause known as Pepperdine University.

Thomas J. Trimble
Chairman, Board of Regents