Pepperdine Pays Tribute to Nation's Veterans at Annual Veterans Day Luncheon

On Veterans Day, Tuesday, November 11, 2025, Pepperdine’s PeppVet organization, the University’s dedicated support system for veterans and military-connected students, hosted a special luncheon at the Brock House, the president and first lady’s residence on the Malibu campus, to honor and celebrate the University’s veteran community. Featuring remarks from University leadership, student-veterans, and esteemed alumna and retired lieutenant colonel Natalie Trogus (’99), the event paid tribute to the courageous service and sacrifice of those who have defended the freedoms we enjoy as a nation.

Jay Brewster, the University’s provost and chief academic officer, opened the event by recognizing the profound contributions of Pepperdine’s veteran community—not only in safeguarding our nation but also in shaping a better world through their continued service and leadership. He highlighted several alumni-veterans, including a PhD in microbiology and a physician finishing his residency at a top medical school, illustrating the significant impact veterans make across diverse fields. Brewster also spotlighted Pepperdine’s participation in the Yellow Ribbon Program, which helps fund veterans’ education through tuition support and its strong network of partnerships and on-campus organizations that advance the University’s commitment to supporting veterans—including the American Legion Post 283 for its scholarships and assistance during the Palisades fire recovery and the PeppVet Council for organizing the luncheon.

Eric Leshinsky

“Thank you so much for the service and the good work you do. There is nothing more selfless or more significant than to serve as a member of the military and to commit oneself to the safety and security of one's fellow citizens,” said Brewster. “There are few acts that are more complete and that more thoroughly embody the values of purpose, service, and leadership at the heart of our University's mission. It is a privilege to open our campus to men and women who have served their country with distinction and to extend them special opportunities to receive a world-class Pepperdine education.”

Eric Leshinsky, director of student veteran affairs at Pepperdine University and a retired United States Air Force colonel, followed Brewster’s remarks by asking all members of each branch of the military to stand in recognition of their service and receive well-deserved applause. He emphasized the value each veteran and branch has played in defending our nation's freedoms, underscoring that it is the veteran who is responsible for all the liberties we enjoy as a country.

“Today, we honor all veterans—almost 16 million of them—because it’s the veteran, not the preacher, who gave us freedom of religion; it’s the veteran, not the reporter, who gave us freedom of the press; it’s the veteran, not the orator, who gave us freedom of speech; it’s the veteran, not the campus organizer, who gave us freedom of assembly, and it’s the veteran, not the politician, who gave us the freedom to vote,” explained Leshinsky. “To all our veterans out there today, happy Veterans Day.”

Moment honoring the thousands of Americans who were POW or MIA

The national anthem was performed by Pepperdine’s a cappella group, Won by One, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by PeppVet Council member and Graziadio Business School student-veteran Byron Fisher. The program also included a solemn observance honoring the thousands of Americans who were prisoners of war or remain missing in action, led by Evan Cheung, a Graziadio Business School student-veteran, and Bailey Steele, a Seaver College student-veteran, who are both PeppVet Council members. An empty chair served as a powerful symbol of such servicepersons and as a reminder of the nation’s commitment to securing the release of any American held in captivity, recovering the remains of those who gave their lives in defense of freedom, and achieving a full accounting of those still missing.

Natalie Trogus joined by a student-veteran and PeppVet Council member

In celebration of the US Marine Corps’ 250^th birthday—observed the day prior on November 10—keynote speaker Trogus joined a student-veteran and PeppVet Council member in making the ceremonial first cut of the Marine Corps’ birthday cake, which was later shared with attendees. Leshinsky explained that it is tradition for a  senior and junior member of the service branch to perform this first cut.

Introduced by PeppVet Council president and Graziadio Business School student-veteran Mike Donovan, retired lieutenant colonel Trogus took the podium. She reflected on her dedicated years of military service and her education at Pepperdine, noting that her formal education in Malibu was supplemented by the significant education she received in the military. There she learned perseverance and to rely on her faith, which will always serve as a beacon even in the most challenging times. “It's faith that keeps you grounded when the world feels uncertain, and it is faith that brings you home, ready to start again, to build, to lead, to love,” she said. 

Natalie Trogus

Trogus spoke about the importance of Veterans Day, stating that it’s not just another holiday, but a time to honor military veterans who have carried the weight of service on their shoulders in peacetime and in war. “Veterans Day is a steady reminder that freedom has a cost and is born by the veterans and our families who selflessly choose to serve others, from the quiet courage of those standing watch on distant posts and serving a faraway land to the resilience of those returning home to build new lives,” she said. “Every veteran carries a story of sacrifice and service. This is a day to pause, to reflect, and to honor the men and women who serve and have served.”

Trogus emphasized that defending our nation’s liberties is not only a duty for the present but a commitment to future generations. She reflected that service is the foundation of America’s freedoms, calling citizens to accept a responsibility far greater than themselves in defending the Constitution of the United States. Trogus shared that true service means choosing duty over convenience, purpose over comfort, and country over self. She reminded the audience that this spirit of service does not end when no longer in active duty, as many veterans continue to serve their communities, schools, and workplaces as mentors, leaders, and coaches—embodying quiet strength and unwavering dedication. 

Trogus reflected on the profound lessons her military service instilled—faith, service, and a sense of belonging to something greater than herself. “We are in a difficult time in our nation's history, and it is our veterans that are the glue that keeps this country together,” she said. “Combat deployments test you in ways that few other experiences can—they teach you about fear, courage, and faith. The Marine Corps wasn't just a job. It was a calling—one that I would answer over and over.”

Eric Leshinsky presenting Natalie Trogus with award

In honor of her service and participation in the day’s event, Trogus was presented with a commemorative placard as a gesture of gratitude for her sacrifices to our nation and a symbol of her enduring connection to Pepperdine.

After Trogus’ address, Tim Perrin, senior vice president for strategic implementation, expressed his gratitude for everyone in attendance, underscoring the significant mental and physical challenges military members must endure and that serving one’s country is not a sacrifice that is taken lightly. 

Group photo of veterans and their families in attendance

“No one enlisted in the military believing they're in for an easy time, and yet you took stock of the commitment you were making and the mental and physical stresses you would be under, and you decided it was still worth it to serve your country and to keep us all safe,” said Perrin. “That's not a sacrifice that everyone is willing to make of their own volition, but our volunteer military depends on those who are willing to make that sacrifice and to serve. And as Natalie said, we're better because of your service.”

Leshinsky concluded the event by recognizing the efforts of all who contributed to the day and the respect shown by the attendees. 

“Thank you for taking your time to honor our Pepperdine and community veterans.” he said. “To my fellow veterans—continue to tell your story  and continue to make an impact in your community; it’s needed now more than ever, I know you will. God bless our veterans and God bless our great nation.”