Step Forward Day 2012

In 1988 two Seaver College students recognized the need for volunteers in the local community and wanted to share their passion for service with their peers. Their goal: to encourage others to “step forward” at the start of the school year in order to set the tone for the rest of their days on campus and beyond.

Now spanning 11 states and a growing number of countries worldwide, this year’s 24th annual Step Forward Day, which took place September 8, continued the Pepperdine tradition of living out a commitment to service.

A record-high 1,400 participants gathered in Malibu to serve the local community at over 50 organizations ranging from elementary schools and hospitals to children’s museums and local parks. Across the nation and around the world, nearly 350 volunteers served over 20 local organizations in the spirit of furthering the Pepperdine mission and calling.

Here are some of the ways that the University community joined together in acts of service for this year’s Step Forward Day.

Seaver students clean up the playground at Webster Elementary School in Malibu.

Seaver students clean up the playground at Webster Elementary School in Malibu.

Seaver students clean up the playground at Webster Elementary School in Malibu.

Seaver students clean up the playground at Webster Elementary School in Malibu.

Residents of Seaport 17 Rehab Center in Santa Monica with students from first-year seminar "Preparing for a Life of Purpose, Service, and Leadership” taught by Seaver College dean of students Mark Davis.

Residents of Seaport 17 Rehab Center in Santa Monica with students from first-year seminar "Preparing for a Life of Purpose, Service, and Leadership” taught by Seaver College dean of students Mark Davis.
Web Exclusive: watch as students Jennifer Abohosh and Lucy Ryan talk about the Step Forward day tradition and mission:magazine.pepperdine.edu/step-forward