Pepperdine Seeks Students for "The Greatest Year" Docu-Series
For some students in the incoming Class of 2030, their Pepperdine experience is about to become a cinematic journey.
Pepperdine University is inviting incoming first-year students to apply for a chance to be one of six students in The Greatest Year, an original 12-episode documentary series spanning the academic year. From their first arrival on the Malibu campus as students in August to the bittersweet finale in May, the series aims to capture the unfiltered reality of students’ most transformative year.
"The Greatest Year offers a real and up-close look at college life through the eyes of students," said Mike Thomas, vice president of Integrated Marketing Communications. "This is a story about six students and their exciting, challenging, and deeply rewarding journey of self-discovery. We want to show what happens when students say yes to the transformative opportunity Pepperdine has to offer; challenging them academically, socially, physically, and spiritually. The Greatest Year is for students who are open to adventure, new experiences, and the intellectual and spiritual formation that defines Pepperdine.”
While the series focuses on life as a first-year student in Malibu, from navigating world-shaping ideas in a Great Books seminar, to experiencing community at a late-night beach bonfire, to exploring the natural beauty of California, the series will follow students wherever their journey takes them.
The Greatest Year casting call on Pepperdine's Instagram page
The University is offering significant incentives for the six students selected to participate:
- Financial Aid: Each selected participant will receive an $8,000 scholarship toward their Pepperdine education.
- Professional Mentorship: Students will gain hands-on experience in on-camera communication, media production, and narrative storytelling.
- A Unique Legacy: Participants will have a professionally produced chronicle of their foundational year at Pepperdine.
How to Apply
The application process takes about five minutes to complete.
- Eligibility: Incoming first-year undergraduate students.
- Deadline: Applications must be submitted by May 15.
- Apply via The Greatest Year Application Portal.