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Waves Weekend

 

Established in 2010, Waves Weekend was created when Alumni Affairs and Student Activities combined several annual Pepperdine events into one unified celebration for the entire University community. During Waves Weekend, Pepperdine’s Malibu campus comes alive with a full lineup of events for students, families, alumni, and friends, including; Madness Village, a fun and festive carnival-like experience featuring a Ferris wheel, carnival games, food trucks, and the Family and Alumni picnic, a time when the full Pepperdine community comes together, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

 

Date

October 9–11, 2026

Contact Us

For all questions regarding Waves Weekend, please contact wavesweekend@pepperdine.edu, or 310.506.4201.

For alumni-specific questions, please contact Chad Quinones at chad.quinones@pepperdine.edu, or 310.506.4348.

For current family and student specific questions, please contact Danielle Minke at danielle.minke@pepperdine.edu, or 310.506.6729

 


 

Waves Weekend 2026

October 9–11, 2026

 

Waves Weekend 2025 welcomed alumni, students, families, and friends back to campus October 3 to 5, 2025, for an unforgettable celebration of community, tradition, and school spirit. Throughout the weekend, the campus came alive with high-energy events, meaningful connections, and the vibrant excitement only Waves can bring.

 


Registration Details

Alumni

We welcome home all Pepperdine alumni and look forward to reconnecting with you and creating new memories with you and your families.

2026 Registration Coming Soon! 

Family and Friends

Family members and friends, reunite with your Pepperdine students as you enjoy a weekend of fun, campus festivities.

2026 Registration Coming Soon! 

Students

We encourage current students to take part in one of Pepperdine’s most beloved campus traditions.

2026 Registration Coming Soon! 

 


 

Annual Activities

 


 

A Look Back at Waves Weekend 2025 Reunions

 

Alumni Reunion and Award Presentation

Alumni honored at Waves Weekend Alumni Banquet

The Alumni Banquet brought Waves together to celebrate shared memories and lasting connections. Henning Strauss (’01), CEO of Engelbert Strauss, Inc., was announced as the 2025–2026 Seaver College Distinguished Alumnus, and Rob Balucas (’99), Chief Creator and Founder of Catalyst, received the inaugural Wave of Resilience Award.

The weekend was a meaningful celebration of community, achievement, and the enduring spirit of Pepperdine.

Read More | 2025-2026 Seaver College Distinguished Alumnus

Read More | 2025 Wave of Resilience Award Recipient 

Florence Alumni Grand Reunion

Guests gather with Elizabeth Whatley at Florence Grand Reunion

The Florence Grand Reunion brought together over 300 alumni and friends for a joyful celebration of 40 years of the Pepperdine Florence Program. From Elizabeth Whatley’s heartfelt remarks to shared stories and laughter, the weekend reminded us of the lasting impact of the Florence experience. Special thanks to Elizabeth Whatley for her inspiring leadership and dedication to the spirit of la dolce vita that continues to unite our community.

We’re excited to continue the Florence celebration in Summer 2026 with the Pepperdine International Travel trip to Florence—register today!

Connect with Florence Alumni  

 


 

Celebrate With Us on Social

Use #WavesWeekend on your social posts to share the fun.

Students on a carnival swing
Student slam dunking over another student
Students sitting in Alumni Park
Ferris wheel lit up at night