News and Events
Press Releases
Pepperdine Celebrates Homecoming 2008
Homecoming 2008 comes to Pepperdine University's Malibu campus from Friday, Feb. 15, through Sunday, Feb. 17. The celebration, themed Catch A Wave, will bring alumni back to Pepperdine as they relive their college days, rekindle old friendships, and network with new friends on the beautiful Malibu campus. The event is also open to the public.
"We've expanded homecoming this year to not only include Seaver College but also feature activities that all graduate schools would be interested in," says Homecoming and reunions manager Tara Lawrence. "We've also moved it down to Alumni Park, which is a big step because it shows that there is enough interest from alumni that we need a bigger space to accommodate all in attendance."
This year's homecoming activities will kick off on Friday as participants go "Back to the Classroom" to revisit old professors throughout the day. Also on Friday begins the "Best of Pepperdine," a series highlighting some of the best faculty at Pepperdine as they present on topics of their expertise. Featured faculty members include Dan Caldwell, Distinguished Professor of Political Science; School of Law dean Ken Starr; and Edward Shafranske, professor of psychology at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
Saturday's festivities will begin with a nature hike, followed by a Pepperdine Sweethearts Brunch to recognize couples who met during their time at Pepperdine. Families and guests can enjoy live entertainment, games, and food at the Homecoming Village in Alumni Park. Following the Homecoming Village, students and alumni are encouraged to take part in the tailgate party and pep rally prior to the men's basketball game against Santa Clara at 8 p.m. Grammy-winning recording artist Kenny G will perform the national anthem before the men's basketball game. Also at 8 p.m., the Center for the Arts will present vocalists Dale Kristien and Jordan Bennett in a sparkling Broadway revue called "Love Changes Everything" in Smothers Theatre.
Two more performances come to Pepperdine at 2 p.m. on Sunday. Katie Van Kooten, soprano, and Rosemary Hyler Ritter, piano, will take the stage in Raitt Recital Hall as part of the Stotsenberg Recital Series. In Smothers Theatre the Russian American Kids Circus on Stage will dazzle audiences with their acrobatics, unicycling, juggling, tightrope walking, and more. The Charles Arnoldi: Wood exhibit will be open to the public at Pepperdine's Frederick R. Weisman Museum of Art throughout the weekend. For more information on the performances and exhibit, please visit the Center for the Arts Web site.
All Homecoming guests are also invited to attend the University Church of Christ services on Sunday, followed by a student and alumni game of ultimate frisbee at 1 p.m. in Alumni Park. Class, Greek and International Program reunions will be held throughout the weekend at various locations.
For more information and a complete schedule, please visit the Homecoming 2008 Web site, or contact the Seaver College and George Pepperdine College Alumni Office at (310) 506-4348.
The Villa Graziadio Executive Center is offering special rates to alumni returning to campus for Homecoming. For more information, please visit the Villa Graziadio Web site or call (310) 506-1100.
