Pepperdine University Launches For Greater Purpose: the Campaign for Pepperdine

MALIBU, California – Pepperdine University launched its For Greater Purpose campaign on June 6, 2026. The launch marks the next chapter in the University’s history and its commitment to preparing students for lives of purpose, service, and leadership. The unprecedented $1 billion campaign will mobilize a movement that values students as whole persons and equips them to uncover their God-given callings so they are fully prepared to make lasting impacts in their lives thereafter. 

The campaign was introduced during a gala attended by members of the Board of Regents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the University. Through the campaign, Pepperdine will expand opportunities for students, strengthen academic programs, support faculty excellence, and invest in facilities and initiatives that advance its Christian mission.

“We are gathered here tonight at an inflection point,” said Jim Gash (JD ’93), president of Pepperdine University. “What an incredible privilege we’ve been given to write a new chapter—a catalytic, transformative chapter that will shape the future of higher education.”

University leaders shared a vision centered on developing students as whole persons and helping them discover their God-given purpose. The campaign will support initiatives across the University, including scientific research, ethical AI innovation, the Great Books program, and healthcare education through Pepperdine’s College of Health Science.

“What is your greater purpose?” said Dee Anna Smith (’86), Board of Regents member and campaign chair. “At Pepperdine, we believe every person is made in the image of God and that every person is created for greater purpose. And that’s worth investing in.”

The campaign will also provide support for endowed chairs and professorships, experiential learning opportunities, and campus spaces that foster learning, community, and spiritual growth. These investments are intended to strengthen Pepperdine’s ability to prepare future generations of leaders and scholars.

“The ambition expressed in this campaign is a reflection of the beliefs, courage, optimism, and faith in God that President Gash possesses,” said Lauren Cosentino (’97, MBA ’12), vice president for advancement and chief development officer. “So many in this room tonight have entrusted their own legacies to the future of this place.”

Throughout the evening, speakers reflected on the vision of founder George Pepperdine, who believed Christian higher education should prepare students both professionally and personally.

“We are proud of Pepperdine’s legacy and trajectory,” said Jay Brewster, provost of Pepperdine University. “We have navigated 89 years of institutional and societal change without losing sight of our deep commitment to mission.”

The public launch builds on Pepperdine’s For Greater Purpose brand initiative introduced earlier this year. Throughout the campaign, the University is inviting alumni, parents, students, faculty, staff, and friends to invest in the next generation of scholars, professionals, and moral leaders.

To learn more about the campaign, visit the For Greater Purpose website.

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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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