Moving Mountains

Feature Story

By Gina Ledbetter

Architecturally stunning from every perspective, the new fifty-acre Drescher Graduate Campus, standing 765 feet above sea level, represents the most ambitious construction project undertaken by the university since the Malibu campus first opened in 1972.

In the fall of 1971, before the opening of the Malibu campus, the Voice pictured Pepperdine's third president, Dr. Norvel Young, on the cover. Above his article a quote read: ".if you have faith no bigger even than a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'move from here to there,' and it will move." During his tenure, the campus moved from its Los Angeles location at 79th and Vermont to Malibu- sometimes referred to as the "Miracle at Malibu"-raising Pepperdine in prominence and stature.

Once again, President Young's vision and words served to inspire Pepperdine to literally move a mountain. After decades of planning and years of hard work, the Drescher Graduate Campus-dreamed of since the 1980s-was brought to fruition in August 2003.

Named after generous Pepperdine benefactor, John F. Drescher, the campus required a Herculean effort involving more than 1,000 workers, several determined contractors, and moving 4.5 million cubic yards of dirt. With everyone putting in extra effort over nearly ten years, the project finished a whole term ahead of schedule and was opened to students, faculty, staff, and visitors in August 2003.

The campus houses three Pepperdine graduate schools including the Graziadio School of Business and Management, the Graduate School of Education and Psychology, and the School of Public Policy. Also on the new campus are residential housing units for students, faculty, and staff, a 300- space parking structure, the George L. Graziadio Executive Center, and Pepperdine's Heroes Garden (pictured right)- created to honor and remember the heroes of the September 11, 2001, attacks on our nation.

For each large section of work there was one general contractor. Sukut Construction, a premiere large-scale earthmover, worked on the vast infrastructure-the mainframe under which the 50.4 acres of masterful architecture and landscaping stand. They cleared nine billion pounds of dirt- 230,000 cubic yards more than expected. Among the other contractors were Millie and Severson, who built the academic centers that boast the latest high-tech equipment and uncompromising facilities. Also, Wimsatt Contracting and Kajima Construction developed the parking structure, and the Olson Company, who specializes in California housing, built the residential homes with their remarkable views and modern interiors.

President Andrew K. Benton announced Pepperdine's decision to honor Norvel and Helen Young by "committing their names and their devoted legacy" to a new building, which will be known as the "M. Norvel and Helen M. Young Center for the Graduate School of Education and Psychology." The yearlong campaign to name the building for the Youngs has begun in earnest, with one million of the planned three million dollars total needed already committed. Many of the other academic facilities have also been named after Pepperdine supporters, including the Beckman Management Center in the Graziadio School of Business and Management, the Braun Center for the School of Public Policy, and the George L. Graziadio Executive Center.

Pepperdine alumni seeking a corporate retreat, or a unique location to host an executive workshop, can now look to their own alma mater. Unveiled in September 2003, and formally dedicated on November 1, 2003, the Villa Graziadio Executive Center is a world-class meeting facility. Offering fifty superbly appointed rooms and state-of-the-art meeting spaces, it is open year-round for academic and business retreats, conferences, and events.

"Our executive center is the only one in Southern California located directly on campus," remarked Kevin Quinn, director of sales for the Villa Graziadio. "As a result, visitors enjoy an environment conducive to learning and collaboration."

Within steps of the Villa Graziadio Executive Center, the 14,880- square-foot Heroes Garden sits on one of the highest buildable ridges of the Malibu campus. It was dedicated on September 11, 2003, and attended by Deena Burnett and her three children-twins Haley and Madison, and Anna Clare. Deena's husband, Graziadio School alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., was a passenger on United flight 93. He is widely credited as being among the courageous passengers who struck the first blow against terrorism and prevented the plane from hitting its intended target in the nation's capital.

The Heroes Garden is open to the public during daylight hours, 365 days a year. The garden's construction was made possible by a generous gift from Al and Angie Strauss, in memory of their son, Gary Strauss. Pepperdine alumnus and Chairman of Pepperdine's Crest Advisory Board, Clark Cowan, provided additional support. The garden serves as a public space to pause, reflect, and honor those who sacrificed their lives on that fateful day.

The Pepperdine mission to strengthen lives for purpose, service, and leadership, lives on in the Drescher Graduate Campus. The campus serves as yet another reminder of what great faith and perseverance will afford those who believe deeply in moving mountains.