Pepperdine Celebrates Veterans Day with Weeklong Series of Events
Pepperdine University will commemorate Veterans Day, celebrated annually on November 11, with a weeklong series of events beginning Monday, November 7, on the Malibu campus. Home to nearly 500 military-connected students—more than 300 of them veterans—the events highlight the year-round initiatives and programming specifically designed to promote the academic, personal, and professional success of Pepperdine's veterans and military-connected students.
“Over the years, Pepperdine has supported thousands of veterans and family members as they've transitioned from military to civilian life,” says Eric Leshinsky, director of student veteran affairs at Pepperdine. “Our new initiatives and programming for PeppVets demonstrate Pepperdine's continued and growing commitment to those that served. This is an exciting time to be a PeppVet, and we are incredibly proud to support and salute each and every one.”
In addition to University-led events and programming, Pepperdine, in partnership with the National Flag Foundation, is among a select group of nationwide participants chosen to light up a building in purple as a show of national unity and support for our country’s military heroes. On Thursday, November 11, the Phillips Theme Tower on the Malibu campus will be lit up in support of our nation’s wounded veteran community. The Light to Unite initiative, which has planned displays at buildings such as One World Trade Center in New York City, the Willis Tower in Chicago, and the Koppers Building in Pittsburgh, also marks the 240th anniversary of the inception of the Purple Heart Award.
“Pepperdine would like to show the world our pride and gratitude for all US veterans and the great sacrifices that they have made to protect our freedoms and our nation,” says David Johnson, vice chancellor of engagement and mass appeal at Pepperdine. “We are all blessed because of them. It is a privilege to participate in the national Light to Unite initiative and to honor our veterans on this day.”
This year’s events include:
November 7 | Noon–2 PM
PeppVet and Military Recruiting Forum
Mullin Town Square
November 7 | 7:30 PM
LA Clippers Military Heroes Night with PeppVet section
Crypto.com Arena
November 8 | 4 PM
Prayer and Hike to the Cross
Hosted by the Office of the Chaplain
November 10 | 7 AM
PeppVet Fun Run
Zuma Beach
November 11 | 12:30–2 PM
Veterans Day Luncheon
Brock House
November 11 | Sunset
"Light to Unite" Tower Lighting
Phillips Theme Tower
Year after year, Pepperdine maintains its status as one of the top colleges for veterans in U.S. News & World Report rankings, which recognizes the top-ranked schools that participate in federal initiatives helping veterans and active-duty service members pay for their degrees. Pepperdine is an active participant in the Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program allowing the University to contribute up to 50 percent of a veteran's unmet tuition costs that Veteran Affairs can match. For more information about the University’s dedication to its veterans and military-connected students, visit the Veterans at Pepperdine website.