California Adventure

Feature Story

By Jaime Buck

George Pepperdine College Alumni Recapture Spirit of University's Early Years

While the stories of what drew students to George Pepperdine College are as unique as the alumni themselves, there seems to be one constant: they were involved in something important-something new. "It was exhilarating," says Harry Robert Fox, a member of the graduating class of 1944. Their excitement was contagious, and the years of 1937 to 1972 represent a unique time in Pepperdine's history, when bonds between students were tight, spiritual life was rich, and morale on campus was at an all time high.

Listening to eighty-two year-old Fox, a world traveler and self-described "missionary preacher," retell his Pepperdine College story is a delight. His strong voice rings with the enthusiasm of youth and is seasoned with the wisdom of age. It's not hard to imagine the young Fox's first meeting with Mr. George Pepperdine, founder of the great Western Auto Parts Company, seventy-four years ago. Pepperdine was visiting Fox's parents, who were missionaries in rural Japan. "I was eight years old," he says, "and I stood in absolute awe of that man." Fox was inspired early on by Pepperdine's humility and generosity, so when he had the privilege of attending the dedication ceremonies for George Pepperdine College in 1937 with his family, the sixteen year old knew that the "cutting edge" college was in his future.

"I had always wanted to go to Pepperdine," explains Fox, who eventually met his wife, Jeri, as a student there. "We absolutely loved it. I was part of that younger generation and just had that whole 'spirit of California.' Pepperdine represented a breath of fresh air, and I wanted to be in on it." Fox went on to graduate from and teach at his dream school, alongside many of his most respected instructors.

In the last five years, the University has endeavored to help George Pepperdine College alumni like Fox recapture the "California spirit" that marked their time at the school. By helping plan events such as a recent reunion in Palm Springs, the Seaver and George Pepperdine College Alumni Office is formally mobilizing this group to reunite and stay involved in the Pepperdine community.

The "Grand Pepperdine Celebration II" took place the weekend of September 26 through 28, 2003, at the Doral Palm Springs Resort in Southern California's Coachella Valley. It was a beautiful desert setting far from the original campus in south Los Angeles, but surrounded by mountains reminiscent of Pepperdine's main campus in Malibu.

The weekend afforded opportunities for tennis and golf, but the most popular events gave alumni the chance to sit down and catch up on life since Pepperdine. There were designated times when the various extracurricular groups, from Alpha Gammas to Zeta Kappas, could congregate for a photo. Even Dolores-the beloved fountain statue (pictured right) in the heart of the Promenade, the campus' main thoroughfare-made an appearance. The reunion dinner featured Dolores replicas as the centerpiece at each table.

A special highlight for some of the 210 attendees, which included current University administrators and former professors, was the opportunity to socialize with former students. Fox enjoyed listening to Dr. Neil Clark Warren, a member of the class of 1956, and well known founder of eHarmony.com, speak at a special worship service. James Smythe (B '45), a former professor and now archivist for the University, was pleased to see former student Charlotte Chase's (B '61) watercolor paintings of the George Pepperdine College campus exhibited. Chase generously donated one of her watercolors to help raise money for the University's archival efforts.

Organized with the help of alumni Norma Wade Young (B '61) and Jon Washington (B '63), the event was "the kind of fun you wish you could have every weekend," says Chris Sangster (B '75), assistant dean of Advancement and Alumni Relations for Seaver and George Pepperdine College. Sangster was especially grateful that President Andrew K. Benton, Chancellor Charles Runnels, and Dean David Baird were in attendance, noting, "It was great that they got to know this wonderful group of alumni."

Every time Pepperdine College alumni gather, they wonder why they don't reunite more often. Indeed, events like this serve as a keen reminder to both alumni and the University community that this diverse group is not only part of Pepperdine's inspired history, but its vibrant future.

For information on events and services for George Pepperdine College alumni, please call the Alumni Office at (310) 506-4348.