Pepperdine Volunteer Center

History

The Pepperdine Volunteer Center (PVC) was founded in 1988 by two students who were actively involved in service and had a vision to create a place on campus that would foster and encourage volunteer work among the entire Pepperdine community. 

Since that time, the PVC has grown both in number of programs and participants as well as continued to refine and mature its mission. By serving both as a facilitator and as an educator, the Volunteer Center seeks to advance the University’s visionary statement, "That knowledge calls, ultimately, for a life of service."  This mission is realized in developing and supporting student leaders who engage their peers in meaningful service and build strong partnerships with the community.

The PVC serves as a facilitator in finding, developing, and coordinating meaningful service opportunities with various organizations each possessing unique needs. 

We also view our students' service as an extention to the learning that takes place in the classroom.  As students interact with people from diverse socio-economic, political, religious, and cultural backgrounds, they are given the unique opportunity to learn from those they are serving.  The Volunteer Center seeks to promote this community-based learning by incorporating intentional training and reflection into each volunteer program it offers.

The PVC is entering our next phase of growth to include service-learning, community-based research, and Pepperdine's Non-Profit Management minor.