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Margaret Thatcher Returns to Pepperdine to Speak with Students

After being presented with an honorary doctorate from Pepperdine earlier this fall, Lady Margaret Thatcher, former prime minister of the United Kingdom, returned to speak with students at the Pepperdine London House on December 3.

Lady Thatcher met with Seaver College and School of Law students in the Pepperdine London House Library. She spent an hour getting acquainted with students in small groups. "She was witty, charming, and sharp," said Jim Gash, associate dean and interim director of the School of Law London Program. "Needless to say, the students were in awe."

"Meeting Lady Thatcher was an incredible thrill," said law student Brett LoVellette. "To have the chance to interact with one of the great leaders of the 20th century was something I certainly did not expect when I signed up for law school. Lady Thatcher was dignified, witty, and gracious."

The London House, located in the Knightsbridge/South Kensington area, is used by students of both the School of Law and Seaver College. Since 1981, the School of Law has offered its second and third-year students a six-week summer session (plus a final exam week) or full fall semester program in London, fully approved by the American Bar Association. The program for Seaver College students includes visits to museums, art galleries, libraries, houses of Parliament, and other historical and cultural sites.

The 123-year-old London House recently underwent a $5-million renovation, which refurbished infrastructure, electrics, plumbing, and heating. The building reopened in an historic ceremony on October 30, at which Lady Thatcher was a special guest.

Learn more about the London programs at Seaver College and the School of Law.