Florence 40th Anniversary
Florence, Italy, International Program
Pepperdine’s program in Florence, Italy has offered students an immersive academic experience since 1985. The program began in temporary locations before calling Villa di Loreto home, in 1995. Seaver College students have been proud to call this iconic city their home away from home. The location provides a unique opportunity to explore Florence's historic center, museums, and the Santa Maria Novella railway station, as well as a lively shopping area.
Pepperdine International Travel to Florence
Summer 2026 | July 8–July 12
Pepperdine Alumni Affairs is excited to invite you on a one-of-a-kind alumni trip back to Florence, Italy, Wednesday, July 8 to Sunday, July 12, 2026! Rediscover one of the world's most renowned centers of art, literature, history, and culture. Experience the beauty and history of Florence like never before, with the opportunity to stay at the iconic Villa Di Loreto and immerse yourself in the timeless magic of this remarkable city. More details to follow.
Picture-perfect views in Florence
Our cherished Villa Di Loreto
Learning about Persian and Ottoman rugs
Florence Grand Reunion
Waves Weekend | October 4, 2025
In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Florence program, Pepperdine hosted the Florence Grand Reunion at the Brock House on Saturday, October 4, 2025, during the annual Waves Weekend event. Florence program alumni, faculty, staff, and friends gathered to return home, reminiscing and reconnecting with former classmates and fellow alumni. Elizabeth Whatley (’84), director of the Florence International Program, welcomed attendees and joined in honoring four decades of the life-changing Florence experience.
A taste of Italy at the Florence Grand Reunion
Florence International Program Director Elizabeth Whatley
Pepperdine President Gash Welcomes Guests at Florence Grand Reunion
The Florence Impact
Elizabeth Whatley
"It has been 40 great, glorious years of the Florence program. I would like to personally invite you to come celebrate with us in Flornece in July. Ci vediamo Presto."
—Elizabeth Whatley (’84)
Program Director, Florence Program | Seaver College International Programs
Florence Memories
Together above the rooftops of Florence. Holding onto each other and the memories made under the Tuscan sun.
Postcard views, real-life memories! Taking in the timeless beauty of Florence from a Pepperdine vantage point.
Lost in the timeless beauty of Florence. Reflecting on history and dreams overlooking the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence, a symbol of resilience and artistic heritage.
Strolling through history. Every step down Florence's charming streets writes a new chapter in our study abroad story.
Sweet moments abroad! Pepperdine students toasting Florence with gelato in hand and adventure in heart.
Back on Alumni Park and full of Florence memories. Students celebrating reunions, reflections, and the journey home.
Soaking in the Florence skyline and stories of the Duomo during a Pepperdine study abroad journey.
Where light meets legacy. Stained glass reflections in the heart of Pepperdine's Florence Villa.
Students at Piazzale Michelangelo.
Golden hour over the City of Lilies! Sunset magic from Golden hour over the City of Lilies! Sunset magic from Piazzale Michelangelo, where Florence truly shines.
Support Florence Students
To commemorate the 40th anniversary, Pepperdine launched an exciting initiative to raise additional scholarship funds for the University’s study abroad program in Florence and to celebrate the years of dedication the Director of the Florence International Program over the past 40 years. Join alumni and friends to expand opportunities for future Waves to experience a year or semester abroad and broaden their educational horizons by supporting the Elizabeth Whatley Scholarship Fund.
Share Your Florence Story
Many alumni of Pepperdine's international programs recognize the transformative, cross-cultural
experience of living and learning in a place far from home. A pivotal part of that
journey is the relationships you build with the group of students who experience it
with you. In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Florence program, all alumni are invited to connect with their
fellow program participants by joining the Pepperdine Florence Alumni Facebook group and sharing memories from your time abroad.
Connect and Share on Facebook