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GSEP Psychology Students Celebrate 2006 Spring Graduation
May 16, 2006 - Psychology students in Pepperdine's Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) will celebrate their 2006 graduation on Saturday, May 20, at 10:30 a.m. in Alumni Park. The Pepperdine and Malibu communities are invited to attend. Dean Hirsch, president and CEO of World Vision International will give the commencement address; James Hedstrom, Ph.D., former associate dean of Psychology at GSEP and graduate of George Pepperdine College, will be honored as the Distinguished Alumnus.
About Lloyd James Hedstrom
Dr. Lloyd James “Jim” Hedstrom holds the title of Professor Emeritus at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology of Pepperdine University. In 1948, only nine years after the founding of George Pepperdine College, Lloyd James Hedstrom entered Pepperdine as a sophomore, beginning an association of lifelong learning, teaching, and giving that would span nearly six decades.
Over a long and fruitful career, Dr. Hedstrom has served the Graduate School in a variety of roles, including that of associate dean, codirector of the doctor of psychology program, interim dean of the Graduate School, and chairperson of the Psychology Division. Known for his expertise outside the classroom, Dr. Hedstrom has enjoyed a successful clinical practice as a counselor and therapist.
A prolific scholar and writer, Dr. Hedstrom has published numerous papers, articles, and book reviews, and has been a frequent participant and speaker at various symposia and professional workshops. During his tenure at Pepperdine, he has chaired several committees including the Dean Candidate Review, Tenure, Rank and Promotion, and WASC Evaluation Committees. He has held the presidency and vice presidency of the Los Angeles Faculty Organization and has participated widely on board and associations within the psychological profession.
Dr. Hedstrom is a recipient of the Certificate of Merit from UCLA’s Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital. He has also received the Dolores Award from the Graduate School for contributions to psychology by a graduate.
Dr. Hedstrom earned his bachelor’s and his master’s degrees in psychology in 1951 and 1954 respectively from Pepperdine College. He received his doctorate from UCLA in clinical psychology with emphases in child and physiological psychology in 1966. The University honored Dr. Hedstrom with the title Professor Emeritus in 1997.
Dr. Lloyd James Hedstrom lives with his wife Betty Jean “Peggy” in Diamond Bar, California.
About Dean R. Hirsch
Dean R. Hirsch is the president and chief executive officer of World Vision International, a Christian relief and development organization dedicated to promoting the well being of people around the world, especially children. Last year alone, World Vision, with a $2 billion budget, assisted 100 million people in 96 countries who were affected by disaster, conflict, or poverty.
Under Mr. Hirsch’s leadership, World Vision International’s income has tripled, and he has focused its resources on protecting children from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. During his tenure, World Vision has recruited sponsors for some 2.6 million children. A veteran of wide experience in global trouble spots, Mr. Hirsch has set up famine relief efforts in Ethiopia and AIDS prevention programs in Africa and Asia, as well as peace-building efforts in Bosnia, Rwanda, and El Salvador.
Culminating with becoming World Vision’s chief executive officer in 1996, Mr. Hirsch has enjoyed a phenomenal 30-year career in Christian service at World Vision. He has held numerous positions in the organization including chief operating officer, vice president for development, and vice president for relief operations.
Mr. Hirsch has been a staunch advocate for the protection of children the world over, drawing attention to the issues of abuse, exploitation, and the promotion of justice with leaders of the United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and others. He is the chairperson of the Global Movement for Children, an international coalition of organizations, groups, and individuals committed to the well being of children.
Mr. Hirsch holds honorary degrees from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, Eastern University in St. Davids, Pennsylvania, and Myongji University in Seoul, South Korea. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Westmont College and a master’s degree from Indiana State University.
Dean R. Hirsch resides with his wife Wendy in Altadena, California.
