Pepperdine University Receives Transformational $1 Million Gift From George And Yuko Uyesugi

George and Yuko Uyesugi, two esteemed members of the Los Angeles business community, recently established the “William ‘Woody’ Matthews, George and Yuko Uyesugi Japanese Studies and Cultural Endowed Fund” at Pepperdine University with a generous $1 million institutional gift. 

By launching this new and transformative fund, the Uyesugis invest in Pepperdine’s mission of educating students for lives of Greater Purpose. Their donation will directly benefit Seaver College’s International Studies and Languages (ISL) Division, as well as provide financial aid to students participating in the institution's Asian Studies program.

“We hope that our gift instills a cultural and relational openness in Pepperdine students,” said Yuko Uyesugi. “I hope the students learn from the positive aspects of Japanese culture and customs and use them as fuel for their future growth and development.

“The fundamental teachings of the tea ceremony are rooted in the principles of *wa, kei, sei, jaku* (harmony, respect, purity, and tranquility). America is home to a diverse population with varying cultures and customs. By respecting and understanding these differences, one can grasp others' perspectives. Purifying one's mind, prioritizing the greater good over the self, and calmly considering solutions from multiple viewpoints fosters a mindset that leads to reconciliation amidst differences. From this process, growth emerges.

“America is a major global power and a world leader. I believe we have a responsibility to nurture the next generation that will lead the world.”

A Cultural Exchange

The Uyesugi gift allows Pepperdine to build upon its strong tradition of equipping undergraduates to be global ambassadors. International studies and education has long been a priority for the University, and since the 1980s, Pepperdine has specifically emphasized educating students on Japanese culture, customs, and history. 

Glenn Webb, a Seaver College professor and Fulbright scholar at Kyoto University, launched the Institute for the Study of Asian Cultures (ISAC) on the Malibu campus in 1987. Through a variety of language, literature, and history based courses, Webb introduced countless undergraduates to the importance of Japanese studies and the wisdom found within the island nation’s traditions.

As a result of Webb’s influence and the campus community’s enthusiasm for the subject matter, Pepperdine housed a traditional Chado teahouse in Malibu for more than a decade. Students, foreign dignitaries, and friends of the University all flocked to this immersive setting to learn more about their global neighbors in Japan.

During this time, Pepperdine began sending undergraduates to Tokyo to study and learn on the ground abroad. Although the institution never purchased a permanent international campus in Japan’s capital city, this initial venture, paired with the success of ISAC, foreshadowed the University’s recent global advancements.

Today, Seaver College offers an Asian Studies Program, which allows undergraduates to immerse themselves in Japanese language and culture courses. More than that, in 2026-27 Pepperdine is sending its first cohort of students to its newest international program in Kyoto, Japan. 

With their gift, the Uyesugis ensure that the unique cultural exchange taking place between Malibu and Japan continues well into the future. Their fund will specifically provide scholarship support to students engaging in Japanese studies at Pepperdine, while also allowing the ISL Division at Seaver College to expand Japanese cultural and educational opportunities on the main campus.

“The Uyesugi gift is going to transform the Japanese Studies program,” said George Carlsen, the Divisional Dean of Seaver College’s ISL division. “It is going to help shape the curriculum and opportunities that we offer within ISL and at Seaver College for many, many years to come.”

While Asian Studies is particularly popular at Seaver College, the Uyesugi gift breathes new life into the program. Now ISL has the ability to support students who wish to study abroad in Kyoto, reimagine their Malibu based offerings, and consider new ways to build out their Japanese studies curriculum.

“Seaver College is extremely grateful for the Uyesugis and their support,” said Mike Sugimoto, Pepperdine’s professor and coordinator of the Asian Studies program. “This kind of gift doesn't happen very often—one that empowers a specific academic program like this. It allows us to consider new ways to make Japanese Studies at Seaver college a permanent part of our academic offerings and expand our cultural reach.”

Generous Stewards

As Japanese Americans, George and Yuko are passionate about bridging the gap between their two distinct homelands. Driven by this motivation, the Uyesugis cultivated a relationship with Pepperdine beginning in the early 2000’s. 

Yuko was first introduced to the campus community as a result of the Malibu-based teahouse. An expert on the Chado Tea Ceremony, she led demonstrations for Seaver College students and grew a friendship with Webb. Fascinated with the University’s Asian studies focus, she and George donated funds in 2013 to support the educational offerings of the Japanese studies emphasis. And now, in 2026, they are reinvesting in Pepperdine’s educational efforts with their most recent $1 million gift.

"When Yuko shared her belief that ‘you can’t hate someone with whom you have shared a cup of tea,’ I knew our vision for Japanese Studies could be bold,” said Karin Shaw, Pepperdine University’s vice chancellor for global engagement and development. “As the program’s first donors, Yuko and George are making a truly game changing impact that will inspire others to follow their lead.”

The Uyesugis share that habits of generosity and cultural stewardship were instilled in them by their longtime business partner William “Woody” Matthews, the first namesake of the gift. Matthews and his broader family treated George and Yuko less like work associates and more like a brother and sister. He took interest in their Japanese culture; in turn, they took interest in his Americanisms. Over time, this exchange flourished into a loving bond between the two families.

“As you start understanding and sharing about the cultural differences existing between you and your global neighbors, your life becomes more fulfilled,” said Yuko, reflecting on the experience. “Your world and your heart open up.”

To this day, Matthews’ legacy of generosity still inspires the Uyesugi’s philanthropic efforts. Their most recent gift to Pepperdine aims at providing undergraduate students with a similar opportunity to meet, befriend, and learn from others of a different culture. 

“By contributing to the Japanese Studies program in Malibu and Kyoto, we feel like we’re providing an opportunity to the next generation,” explained Yuko. “It is an opportunity for young people to develop a better understanding of culture and build strong, relational bridges across the Pacific.”