News and Events

Press Releases

Pepperdine Community Commemorates 9/11 Attacks 

Pepperdine University commemorated the fifth anniversary of September 11, 2001 with a number of opportunities for members of the University community to pause and remember the tragic events of that day. The day of remembering began early that morning when President Benton led a prayer service in Stauffer Chapel. A formal memorial service was held at Heroes Garden on the Drescher campus in the morning and the garden remained open to the public for the remainder of the day.  

Deena Burnett, wife of Graziadio School alumnus Tom Burnett who died on United flight 93, was a featured speaker at the formal memorial service.  
 
Throughout the day, Stauffer Chapel and Heroes Garden was available for private meditation and prayer. 
 
In the evening, a special 90-minute program featuring an audio and video presentation of Benjamin Britten’s War Requiem was held in Stauffer Chapel. The requiem was composed following World War II and reflects Britten’s anti-violence convictions about the tragedy of war. It was written as a warning to future generations about taking up arms against fellow human beings without justification. This contemplative and solemn service concluded the day of remembrance on the Pepperdine campus.