Pepperdine University President Recognizes Dr. Jordan B. Peterson with the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Freedom

MALIBU, Calif. – Today, Pepperdine University President Jim Gash presented best-selling author and clinical psychologist Dr. Jordan B. Peterson with the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Freedom. Gash presented the award during Peterson’s appearance before an audience of 2,600 at the President’s Speaker Series in Firestone Fieldhouse at the University’s campus in Malibu.

Media assets are available here. A recording of the event is available here.

“In your work as a psychologist, you have helped millions worldwide to find lasting freedom in their personal lives,” Gash said as he gave Peterson the award. “In your work as a public intellectual, you have been a great champion of freedom of speech and of academic freedom. You have sought to be a light, an encouragement, and a beacon of freedom in a world that desperately needs it.”

At the start of the event, Gash introduced Peterson to rousing applause and a standing ovation, after which Peterson shared remarks for 30 minutes. He began by referencing the Biblical story of Jacob and Esau as an example of “what happens if you found your life on the desire for power.” Outlining the narrative of brotherly betrayal, Peterson emphasized the importance of keeping one’s word and the consequences of selfish ambition. He then commented on the Biblical story of Abraham, who was called to operate outside his comfort zone in “a pattern of faithful and courageous adventure.”

“We learn on the edge of challenge,” Peterson said. “You want to be on the edge that transforms you, and that’s the edge of adventure."

Peterson then discussed humanity’s desire for respect and influence and how sacrifice is central to fulfilment.

“The foundational principle that is stabilizing the world - and maybe the cosmos itself - is the principle of upward striving and voluntary self-sacrifice,” he stated.

Gash then joined Peterson on stage for a question and answer session, which began with a brief discussion of Peterson’s latest book, We Who Wrestle With God. Peterson mentioned his lifelong journey of exploring humanity’s fear of death and experiences with God.

Gash then highlighted Peterson’s experience as a professor with views that are out of step with the Canadian government.

“I kept saying what I was saying because I was more afraid of God than of Justin Trudeau,” he stated. “The true pathway to adventure is the truth.”

Peterson referenced the collapse of his academic career, which led to his transition toward lecturing. He became emotional when talking about people approaching him to share how his remarks have positively impacted them.

Gash then shared feedback from Pepperdine students who stated, “Dr. Jordan B. Peterson was my gateway drug to Christianity,” and “Dr. Peterson helped me open a path in my life that led me back to my faith in God.”

Peterson later detailed the Passion of Christ and Jesus’s willingness to endure suffering. He stated that each generation must learn what matters most in their lives.

“Voluntary exposure to what poisons you cures you,” he said. “You’re obligated to send them [your children] out into the world to take their little doses of poison and become fortified along the way.”

Peterson then emphasized the importance of confession and repentance.

“Look around and see if there are things around you that you could set in order,” said Peterson. “Start wherever you are.”

In summary, Gash asked Peterson about adventuring toward deeper water in sacrificial faith.

“To learn means to move forward adventurously, to become more resilient and more skilled,” Peterson stated. “There’s no difference between those concepts…Whatever you face calls forth within you something within you that can face that. No matter what opposes you, the force that abides with you is more than up to the task.”

Gash then presented Peterson with the 2025 President’s Award for Excellence in Freedom to close the event, with another standing ovation from the audience of 2,600 attendees.

Pepperdine University’s President's Speaker Series welcomes distinguished scholars and thought leaders representing diverse points of view to examine topics and issues facing our communities and the world today. Driven by a desire to connect deeply with our community and inspire meaningful dialogue in the pursuit of truth, the series provides opportunities to cultivate an engaged and impassioned collective through civil discourse.

About Pepperdine University
Founded in 1937, Pepperdine University is an independent, Christian university located 30 miles west of Downtown Los Angeles in scenic Malibu, California. The University enrolls approximately 10,300 students across its flagship liberal arts school, Seaver College; the College of Health Science, and four graduate schools—the Caruso School of Law; the Graziadio Business School; the Graduate School of Education and Psychology; and the School of Public Policy. Pepperdine is committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. Follow Pepperdine on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

 

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