Author and Speaker Arik Housley (’96) to Give W. David Baird Lecture and RISE Summit Address at Pepperdine University
Seaver College at Pepperdine University will host Arik Housley—author of the newly published book Always November, Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience—on campus as a speaker at both a W. David Baird Distinguished Lecture Series event and the institution’s RISE Summit on Thursday, February 19.
Housley is the father of the late Pepperdine student Alaina Housley, who was killed during the 2018 mass shooting at the Borderline Bar & Grill in Thousand Oaks, California. His recent book chronicles how he and his family journeyed through grief to discover light in the midst of darkness—a story that connects directly with the 2026 RISE Summit theme, "From Loss to Light.”
“Seaver College is honored to host and learn from Arik Housley during his upcoming trip to our campus,” said Lee Kats, the dean of Seaver College. “As an alumnus of our programs, a devoted father, and gifted resilience speaker, Arik is uniquely equipped to help our community navigate conversations about grief and pain.”
Housley will give two talks on campus on February 19. First, he will deliver a W. David Baird Lecture from 11:30 AM to 1 PM. After this initial event, Housley will sign copies of his book for attendees. Then, during the evening, from 6 to 8 PM, he will offer remarks at the RISE Summit, followed by a broader conversation on practicing resilience through loss with a panel of Pepperdine students, faculty, and staff.
“The two Always November events offer opportunities for our campus community to reflect and grow both individually and collectively,” said Connie Horton (’82), the vice chancellor and executive director of Pepperdine’s RISE Institute. “Arik’s remarkable journey as a grieving parent, as a deeply spiritual person, and as a resilient human being will, no doubt, inspire our students, alumni, faculty, and staff and help them consider ways they can always balance grief and joy together as well as support others in their most difficult moments.”
In addition to being an author and speaker, Housley is a businessman. For nearly 30 years he has served the Napa Valley community by operating grocery stores, Housley’s Century Oak Winery, and the Italian restaurant Il Posto Trattoria. Housley is also one of the owners of Napa Valley 1839 FC, which supports both men’s and women’s soccer teams competing in national leagues.
Both of the Always November events are free for the campus community. Registration for the W. David Baird Lecture (11:30 AM - 1 PM) and the RISE Summit (6 - 8 PM) is limited and required to attend.