One of the places where humans find solidarity, no matter who they are and what they believe, is around the big questions and the dialogue that emerges as we seek those questions together. Questions cannot be pursued in solitude. They must be pursued in communion. That concept is no truer than at Pepperdine.
We know that in order to be successful and to live up to the ideals of our visionary founder, we must hold deeply to our heritage of faith. And, in order to satisfy and honor our mission, we must sustain an intellectual environment that invites all to participate in spirited discourse about the world God created. This diversity of thought is cultivated among a community of scholars, believers, and seekers that come together in fellowship and engage in the sharing and exchange of views. Multiplicity is not only tolerated but celebrated in every discovery and every debate.
Our convictions give us the resources to love, respect, and advocate for others, to engage in fearless dialogue, and to be part of a global community where we encounter those who may not share our beliefs. We see our faith heritage and its influences on scholastic and personal growth as our most powerful differentiator rather than a barrier to progress or restrictive in its ideals. Our response to God's call in each of our lives—to embrace our differences and to promote peace and understanding—is, perhaps, the most integral part of the academic enterprise.
Stories
STUDENTS OF THE SEAVER COLLEGE THEATRE DEPARTMENT PERFORMED CIRCLE MIRROR TRANSFORMATION, a play by playwright Annie Baker about a motley collection of characters in a small New England town who sign up for a creative drama class for adults that brings them together in unexpected ways. Led by the quirky Marty and comprised of a recently divorced carpenter, a high school junior, a former actress, and Marty's easygoing husband, the group navigates through a series of exercises that over time reveal closely guarded secrets, rebuild broken spirits, and forge unlikely relationships between seemingly different townspeople.
THIS SEPTEMBER THE SCHOOL OF LAW ANNOUNCED THE $8 MILLION ENDOWMENT OF THE SUDREAU GLOBAL JUSTICE PROGRAM. Since 2007 the Global Justice Program at the School of Law has touched all corners of the globe with initiatives in international human rights and religious freedom, advancement of the rule of law, and global development. Made possible by the generosity of alumna Laure Sudreau (JD '97), this donation is the largest single endowment gift ever to the School of Law and will support and enhance current programs while envisioning new and innovative initiatives that will create a lasting impact in the lives of the Pepperdine Law community and those experiencing injustices in the world's most vulnerable places.
The Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at the School of Law is once again ranked the number one dispute resolution program by U.S. News & World Report.
THEMA BRYANT-DAVIS (MDiv '16) PRESENTED AT A CONFERENCE ON MINORITY HEALTH HELD IN WASHINGTON, DC, LAST NOVEMBER. Hosted by the White House, the Department of Health and Human Services, and the American Psychological Association, the conference addressed the unique and persistent behavioral health disparity challenges for communities of color and the development of possible strategies to resolve these enduring behavioral health equity issues on a national and local level.
"The most meaningful part was being able to connect with people across institutions and agencies that are committed to enhancing mental health, especially for underserved populations," said Bryant-Davis, associate professor of psychology at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology. "I hope the information I presented will help families by raising awareness about the unique challenges and strengths of the African American community... and will result in more cultural awareness of counselors, more funding for culturally responsive research, and more culturally responsive policies."
PHILOSOPHER AND CHRISTIAN THEOLOGIAN RICHARD MOUW EXAMINED THE IMPORTANCE OF CONVICTED CIVILITY IN CIVIL DISCOURSE at an event held in March cosponsored by the Boone Center for the Family and the Office of the Chaplain. During his lecture "Convicted Civility: How to Talk Peacefully When You Strongly Disagree," Mouw discussed the theory, spiritual significance, and practical application of speaking with respect when discussing differing perspectives and the importance of maintaining both passionate intensity as well as gentle peacefulness in civil discourse.
Throughout the discussion, Mouw drew examples from the last political season and the current cultural climate where disagreements frequently emerge around issues such as religion, politics, and education.