Pepperdine University Honors Graduating Veterans and Current Members of the Armed Forces With Distinctive Honor Cords
Seven military veterans and two Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC) cadets graduated from Pepperdine University’s Seaver College on Saturday, April 27, 2024. These distinguished members of the student body were recognized by the institution with red, white, and blue honor cords celebrating their service and sacrifice to the United States of America.
“Distinctive cords are worn at most commencement ceremonies, often for scholarly excellence,” says Eric Leshinsky, director of student veteran affairs at Pepperdine University and a retired United States Air Force colonel. “Introducing military honor cords, which recognize and honor our veterans, active service members, and ROTC cadets entering military service, is phenomenal. Our PeppVets wear them proudly.”
The idea to institute the military honor cord tradition was introduced to Pepperdine
in 2022. Inspired by the different stoles and honorary adornments available to high
achieving students, Leshinsky pitched the idea of red, white, and blue cords for veterans
to the various deans of Pepperdine’s five schools. After receiving positive feedback
from each, these patriotic emblems recently became a fixture in the University’s commencement
ceremonies.
“One of my great joys as dean was recognizing and honoring the contributions of Seaver College students,” says Michael Feltner, dean of academic initiatives and former dean of Seaver College, who approved the conferral of military honor cords during his tenure. “At the milestone celebration of commencement, it seemed appropriate that we also recognize the student veterans who have either served or committed to serve our country and who have also completed their baccalaureate degree with a special red, white, and blue honor cord. It's my sincere hope that these students take as much pride in wearing the special honor cord as the Pepperdine community takes in their accomplishments and service to our nation.”
Recent Pepperdine Graziadio Business School alumnus Ervin Mercado (MBA '24), pictured in feature image above, was commissioned as a naval officer in 2008. Specializing as a surface warfare officer, he managed sailors, administration, combat equipment and weaponry, and engineering while navigating and driving US Navy warships. His final naval tour from 2018 to 2020 took him overseas to Bahrain, where he served as a battle watch captain for the Fifth Fleet Command Center.
"Earning my MBA at Pepperdine was an enriching experience," Mercado says. "I had the privilege of learning from exceptional business professors and collaborating with a supportive faculty, which profoundly enhanced my professional development as a veteran and business leader."
After graduation Mercado will begin his first full-time civilian role at Bank of America as an assistant vice president in their Leadership Development Program. "Armed with a unique blend of military leadership and business acumen honed through Pepperdine's MBA program, I am ready to harness this distinctive skill set to drive Bank of America's success and make a significant, positive impact," Mercado says.
Pepperdine University demonstrates its commitment to supporting military-connected students in many ways. The University actively aids just under 500 enrolled students who have either served in the Armed Forces, are current active service members or ROTC cadets, or are related to a member of the military. In 2023, Pepperdine opened the PeppVet Center, which serves as an on-campus hub for its military-connected students. The PeppVet Center helps provide guidance on educational benefits, academic support, career development, and community building opportunities while also providing a dedicated space for peer-to-peer support, development and fellowship.
This commitment to supporting the military was recognized by the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings, in which Pepperdine is ranked as the 45th best college for veterans to attend.The University continues to honor the achievements of this student population through its military honor cord initiative.
“It's important that we acknowledge these service members, as many of their fellow students may not know their story,” says Leshinsky. “The military honor cords provide an opportunity for the Pepperdine community to say thank you to these students for their service to our nation as they move on to the next chapter of their lives.”