Monthly Student Employee Spotlight

Esther Chung

Esther Chung is a Political Science Major with a Nonprofit Management Minor. Her career goal is to work in an area that focuses on global justice. She works in the Convocation office and she loves her co-workers and supervisors. According to Esther, "They are so encouraging and make work so easy".

"As a production assistant, Esther is the behind the scene wizard who makes Wednesday Chapel happen each week. Her love and passion for organized events, intentional services, and a promptly returned email fuels our ministry. We are so thankful for her love of this campus and commitment to the work of this office!"
- Convocation - Spiritual Life Programs

Sydnie Greger

In Fall 2020, Sydnie will start her Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. She then plans to earn her Ph. D. in Clinical Psychology to continue her career in therapy specializing in anxiety and mood disorders in children and teens. She also plans to teach psychology in a collegial setting. She says, "I love the people I work with. I have worked in the financial assistance office since the beginning of my freshman year. Now, as a last semester senior, I feel like the financial aid staff is my family."

"Sydnie has been working with us for her entire 4 year career at Pepperdine. She has taken her position very seriously and successfully trained many of our new incoming student workers. Her vast knowledge of the job and ability to help students and parents though the financial aid process in a calm and clear path is a true example of the Pepperdine way. She will be greatly missed by all of the FA Office staff, student workers and advisors."
- Financial Aid Office

Kayley Butler

Kayley Butler is a Physics Major with a Sustainability Minor. She aspires to obtain her PhD in Environmental Science and work with the Los Angeles community to prepare a healthier path for future generations. For the past three years she has worked at the Pepperdine Fund helping to educate students and alumni on the importance of giving back and increasing the value of her degree.

Kayley says, she is so grateful to work with supportive people who love Pepperdine and Excel Spreadsheets as much as she does!

"Kayley is being nominated for this honor because she is a hard worker, diligent in every detail - no matter how small - and keeps our office running. Her service oriented nature, leadership, and supervision of the other student employees in our area, as well as her life purpose makes her the ideal Pepperdine student, employee, and champion."
- The Pepperdine Fund

Kimberly Nesper

Kimberly Nesper is currently studying for her PhD of Global Leadership and Change. Her career goal is to one day be a Foreign Services Officer or Ambassador.

Kimberly says, "I have truly enjoyed working for my supervisor, Sue Funkhouser, and her team in the MSOD department. Everyday in the office, I am greeted by friendly people. The work I do is truly rewarding, as I see students progress through their academic careers."

"Kimi's expertise with excel has increased our efficiency. Her analytic and data crunching skills are utilized by the academic director's research. By working with Kimi collaboratively, we have tackled and completed complex projects. Her attitude is bar-none - cheerful and happy to support and serve in whatever is needed. No task is too small or too large. We are blessed to have her on our team"
- PGBS - Masters of Organizational Development Program Office

Georgia Zanca

Georgia Zanca is majoring in Journalism with an outside concentration in Screen Arts and hopes to work for Walt Disney.

Georgia says, "The Emily Shane Foundation has given me the exceptional opportunity to help others recognize their own talents and to see my students mature and grow into incredible young men and women. Getting to be with students on a weekly basis exposes me to new perspectives and provides me with insight from different backgrounds, languages, and more. "

Cindy Kim

Cindy Kim is an undergraduate senior graduating with an Advertising degree with an emphasis in Business. In the future, she hopes to go into Dental or Dental Missionary.

Cindy says, "I love my supervisors and the people I work with in the Information Technology department. Not only are they super intelligent, their personalities make it such a fun place to be. Thank you Tessa, Lynn, and Tim for always being there to help me!"

As a rising sophomore, she has yet to discern what God's plans are for her. Nonetheless, she aspires to become a philanthropic business leader that will work with sustainability in mind and give back to society.

Isabella is an incoming senior majoring in Advertising with an emphasis in Creative Writing. She hopes to one day lead through Art Direction in an ad agency or her own.

As Digital Arts and Computer Science are growing industries around the world,  
Zion would like to eventually work abroad and do career missions.
For now, it is her hope to work in the Digital Arts field-- specifically in graphic
design, but she is also interested in front-end related work.

Zion says, "I am a graphic designer for the Center for Faith and Learning and
this job has encouraged me to pursue art as a career rather than keep it as a
hobby, while still glorifying God. My favorite part of this job is easily my
relationship with my boss, Stephanie. She is extremely supportive and loving,
and I enjoy every conversation I have with her. Thank you, Stephanie, for being
the amazing woman that you are! I am always encouraged by you to be a better
daughter of Christ."

Emma is pursuing a bachelor's degree in Philosophy with plans of becoming a
Marriage and Family Therapist in her bright future.

Emma says, "My favorite part of my job is that my supervisors have become like
family to me, they have truly helped make Pepperdine into my home away
from home."

As an Economics major, Alexis hopes to work in Data Analytics for a tech company one day.

Lexi says, "I really enjoy working with other students and offering my services
to help them grow professionally. I also appreciate how supportive my supervisors
have been to me throughout the past year! They've been nothing but encouraging
and kind, and I could not have asked for better people to work for."

Michelle is a Business Administrator major in the 5 year MBA Pepperdine program.
She plans to specialize in Entertainment, Media, and Sports Management,
eventually making a positive impact in the music industry.

Michelle says, "It has been such a joy getting to work at Waves on Call since my
freshman year! I have especially enjoyed getting to connect with Pepperdine Alumni
on a regular basis and seek advice from them. During my time at Waves on Call I
have gotten the opportunity to cultivate genuine connections with Pepperdine
alums and gain priceless wisdom. Through the countless phone conversations I
have had over the years, I have learned the art of communication and how to remain
authentic. Moreover, as the supervisor for Waves on Call, I have learned to lead
humbly and by example."

Major: MS in Global Business
Career Goal: Project Management and Digital Marketing in the creative industry (hopefully one day abroad)

Candy says, "I love each interaction I'm able to have with my peers at Graziadio and my weekly meetings with my supervisor (shout out to Emily Guetzoian)! My job has given me the opportunity to learn so much about effective communication and the importance of being proactive, especially in the current virtual environment."

Major: Juris Doctor (JD)
Career Goal: I intend to become a corporate or health law attorney.

Brittaney says, "I enjoy helping students apply creative solutions to complex writing problems, and I enjoy working closely with my supervisor, Emily Guetzoian."

Major: Business Major and Applied Maths and Art Minor
Career Goal: What is most important is that I am able to be creative and do something impactful and meaningful.

Zoe says, "I love that I get to help bring light to an amazing nonprofit, and in doing so get to help disadvantaged students in the LA area get the support they desperately need to thrive! I also love getting Pepperdine athletes involved with the Emily Shane Foundation as it is not only so amazing for the students they will be supporting, but also an amazing experience for them to step up and make a difference in the community that supports them so much."