Pepperdine Community Rallies to Raise Record-Breaking $3.1 Million During Pepperdine Gives 2026

On October 14, 2026, the Pepperdine community united for Pepperdine Gives, the University’s annual 24-hour fundraising campaign supporting students across all six schools through more than 280 opportunities and initiatives. With contributions from 1,552 donors, the campaign raised more than $3 million, exceeding its original $1.75 million goal by 179 percent. Among the gifts was a $1 million anonymous donation from a Pepperdine parent to establish a new student scholarship at Seaver College. 

The generosity demonstrated throughout this day of giving helps make a Pepperdine education more accessible while enriching the student experience inside and outside the classroom. Contributions support scholarships and academic innovation, as well as student wellness initiatives, emergency assistance, international study opportunities, and athletics. 

“Each year at Pepperdine Gives we see our whole community embody what it means to invest in lives of greater purpose,” said Jim Gash (JD ’93), the University’s president and CEO. “Every gift helps the next generation of Waves to be leaders of character and courage, empowered to realize their God-given talents. We are deeply grateful to all who make that future possible.” 

Likewise, the Pepperdine Gives team expressed deep gratitude to all participants, noting that every gift—regardless of size—helps cultivate an environment where students can flourish and fulfill their potential.

“Pepperdine Gives is powered by people,” says Liam Iadicicco (’17), Pepperdine’s senior director of annual giving. “Behind these results are volunteers who showed up, made phone calls, and texted their friends and family to share why Pepperdine matters to them. That personal outreach is what it takes to ensure everyone who is able to make a gift has the opportunity to do so, and we are deeply grateful to every volunteer who helped make this day possible.”

Additionally, all funds raised through Pepperdine Gives contribute to the For Greater Purpose Campaign for Pepperdine, the University’s $1 billion fundraising initiative focused on student success, purpose-driven leadership, and an enriched educational experience. The campaign’s success reflects the collective impact of alumni, parents, faculty, staff, students, and friends of the University who are investing in the next generation of Waves and advancing Pepperdine’s mission of purpose, service, and leadership.

Generosity spanned every corner of the institution, providing vital funding across Pepperdine's schools, athletic programs, and central initiatives. Among the top funding recipients, Seaver College led with $1,200,570 raised, followed by Athletics with $492,922, the Graziadio Business School with $441,942, and University Initiatives with $341,419, such as The Mountain at Mullin Park, Waves of Flags, the Hub for Spiritual Life, Pepperdine Libraries, and much more.

“I love that Pepperdine Gives helps the University support opportunities for students to be encouraged, to make lasting memories, and to seek truth,” said Seaver student Joel Kim. “Overall today generates awareness for so many great opportunities here on campus.”

As another impactful season of giving comes to a close, look back at the people and programs touched by the Pepperdine community’s generosity during this year’s annual day of giving in the video below.

For more information on the impact of giving or to support University programs throughout the year, visit the Pepperdine Giving website.