News and Events

featured event

Pepperdine Hosts 10th Annual Veteran's Day Public Ceremony

Pepperdine University, in partnership with the Malibu Chamber of Commerce and the City of Malibu, will host a stirring tribute to America's Veterans on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Heroes Garden on the Drescher Graduate campus. The public is invited to attend the ceremony, which will mark its 10th year of honoring veterans.  

"We are excited to honor and remember our beloved veterans who have given so much of themselves to serve our country,” says Heidi Bernard, Malibu Chamber of Commerce president and Crest Associates director at Pepperdine. “This is a special ceremony as it represents a full decade of honoring this tradition and embracing our veterans. We look forward to joining with the Malibu community on this special day."

This year will also mark the first time that the event will be held on the campus of Pepperdine at the Heroes Garden. The 9/11 tribute garden was chosen because of its beautiful location and because of what the Garden represents.

“This garden is a tribute to the heroes of, not only 9/11, but of all the wars that have been fought. It felt fitting to hold the event here, outdoors, with ocean as far as one can see,” noted Ani Dermenjian, chair of the Veteran's Day public ceremony.  “We are looking forward to this being the best year yet. It's very inspiring."

During the event, veterans who served in various wars will speak. Pepperdine veterans include Marv Dunphy, men's volleyball coach, and Ben Gifford, student at the School of Law. Seaver College students Anna Richardson will be singing the national anthem and David Mather will be playing taps. Gary Hanson, executive vice president, will welcome guests to Pepperdine with a few words. The rest of the program is made up of local Malibu veterans, and a singing performance from students from Our Lady of Malibu. A light reception will follow the event. 

The event is free and open to the public. Any questions may be directed to Committee Chair Ani Dermenjian at (310) 317-9382 or the Malibu Chamber at (310) 456-9025. The Drescher Graduate campus is located on the grounds of Pepperdine University at 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu CA 90263.