Pepperdine Welcomes 3,500 Students at Start of Fall Semester

August 16, 2024 – Malibu, CA – Pepperdine University kicked off fall semester by welcoming 3,500 undergraduate students to its Malibu campus. Over 900 first-year students settled in and began adjusting to new surroundings, relationships and routines with classmates and professors ahead of classes, which begin next week. A “top tips” video was shared on social media with move in day tips as a fun introduction to life on campus.

“All of us at Pepperdine are thrilled that a new academic year is upon us,” said University President Jim Gash. “Every August brings fresh faces, fresh talents, and fresh excitement to a community that is already flourishing together. Great things are ahead, and we can't wait to see what the year has in store.”

The new school year brings a renewed sense of excitement and enthusiasm to Pepperdine, with faculty and staff eager to welcome students back to campus and into the classroom.

Pepperdine University’s New Student Orientation (NSO) introduces students to the university’s academic environment, Christian mission, and various support resources. Key events such as Becoming a Wave pep rally and Block Party offer opportunities for students to connect with their peers and embrace school spirit.

NSO also emphasizes spiritual growth and community with events like Spiritual Life Chapel and New Student Sunrise. The orientation culminates with the President’s Reception where President Jim Gash and First Lady Joline Gash personally welcome students in a formal yet warm setting which exemplifies the close-knit, supportive community at Pepperdine.

Students from the class of 2028 hail from the United States and over 40 countries. Pepperdine’s Seaver College offers degree programs in over 43 fields of study, with the most commonly declared undergraduate majors being Business Administration, Psychology, and Integrated Marketing and Communications.

Students, alumni, and fans are ready to cheer on Pepperdine Athletics (NCAA Division I) as fall sports get underway. In just a month, Pepperdine’s Fine Arts department kicks off a year of stellar productions with “Lost Girl,” an exploration of the story of Peter Pan’s Wendy.

Photographs of campus move-in festivities are available here.

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 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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