President Jim Gash Announces “Courage” as 2026-2027 Presidential Theme

In an email sent to faculty and staff on Wednesday, August 5, 2026, Pepperdine University president Jim Gash (JD ’93) announced "Courage" as the University's annual theme for the 2026–2027 academic year. Each year, President Gash selects a theme to guide the University's shared campus life that offers the Pepperdine community a foundation for intellectual inquiry, spiritual reflection, and community connection. In recent years, themes have included "Joy" (2022), "Freedom" (2024), and "Purpose" (2025).

"Courage does not mean never being afraid," writes President Gash in the email. "It means taking action despite the presence of fear; following the call, even when it is difficult; doing the right thing, even when it costs."

Rooted in Pepperdine's Christ-centered mission to prepare students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership, this year's theme invites the University community to pursue truth, serve others, and lead with conviction even in the face of uncertainty. Drawing from the annual theme verse, Joshua 1:9—"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."—President Gash emphasizes that courage is not rooted in self-confidence, but in confidence that God faithfully walks alongside those He calls.

Quoting C. S. Lewis, who described courage as "every virtue at a testing point," President Gash writes that justice, honesty, and love require courage when they are put to the test.

"We cannot be just, honest, or loving in any deep sense without also being courageous," he writes. "Whenever our sense of justice, our commitment to truth, and our love for our neighbor are tested, courage is what enables us to remain steadfast."

Throughout his message, President Gash reflects on what courage looks like across the Pepperdine community, from classrooms where difficult ideas are thoughtfully explored, to faculty and staff who invest in forming students of wisdom and virtue, to students and alumni who boldly pursue lives of service around the world.

As the new academic year begins, President Gash invites the community to consider where God is calling each person to act with courage. He asks, "Where is God calling me to be courageous? What truth must I pursue, what neighbor should I serve, and what worthy calling might I follow?"

President Gash will continue exploring the theme of "Courage" throughout the academic year and encourages the Pepperdine community to embrace faithful action rooted in God's abiding presence.

"May we courageously pursue our Greater Purpose," he writes, "knowing that the God who called us is with us wherever we go."