Pepperdine University

During the gloomy era of the Great Depression in the year 1937, a man named George Pepperdine dared to hope for better. He founded a liberal arts college in Los Angeles that promised to not just impart high-quality education but also nurture the hearts of its students towards love for their fellow mankind. Dubbed as the first-class George Pepperdine College—much to George's chagrin—its ethos were built around Pepperdine's belief in the power of education to uplift humanity.

Before George touched the realm of academia, he was a well-known businessman who founded the Western Auto Supply Company with a minimal investment of $5 back in 1909. The prosperity from his business venture fuelled his intent to contribute to society meaningfully. He envisioned George Pepperdine College to be a place where liberal arts could flourish, and spirituality could find its path.

Come September 21, 1937, and this dream sprung into reality. A vibrant student body consisting of 167 new learners from 22 different American states and two foreign nations embarked on their academic journey in the brand new campus. This academic abode was nestled in the heart of South Los Angeles, designed with the charm of Streamline Moderne style, courtesy of John M. Cooper, an influential art deco architect of the era.

Within less than a year of its inauguration, on April 5, 1938, George Pepperdine College proudly achieved full accreditation from the Northwest Association. Much of this accomplishment can be attributed to the unswerving leadership of its first president, Batsell Baxter, and dean, Hugh M. Tiner. Around the same time, the campus witnessed the launch of its student newspaper, the GraPhiC, marking another milestone in its fledgling journey.

In the subsequent years, the college expanded significantly both in terms of academic programs and student enrolment. By 1948, it boasted of 1,839 students from different corners of the world. The college took a big leap forward when it launched its first graduate program—a Master of Arts in religion—and welcomed its inaugural batch of students in 1944. Further, in 1963, its first international program in Heidelberg, Germany, marked the beginning of its global footprint.

Despite its soaring success, by 1957, Pepperdine College began to grapple with challenges, much of which centred around its expansion costs. The Vermont Avenue location was facing issues like rising crime and urban decay, which led to the harrowing 1965 Watts Riots. Resultantly, the then-president, M. Norvel Young, set out on a quest for a safer suburban location to secure the college's flourishing future.

The turning point came in 1968, when the Adamson-Rindge family generously offered to donate and sell their land in the scenic Malibu region. Sensing the potential for raising donations and despite concerns over building costs, the school decided to relocate to the pristine Malibu location and began construction on April 13, 1971.

Now, herein unfolds an unfortunate incident. In 1969, a conflict between a black teenager Larry Kimmons from South LA and a Pepperdine security officer led to the grievous death of Kimmons. This incident triggered protests among the black students, some attributing it to racial discrimination. This incident marked a significant moment in Pepperdine's journey, a testament to its ability to navigate through turbulent times and learn from them.

Transitioning to the Malibu campus did not deter Pepperdine from retaining and expanding its original Vermont Avenue Campus. The university continued to cater to its urban student population even as it made a major decision to shift most of its undergraduate liberal arts program to the new Malibu campus. However, by 1981, the Vermont Avenue Campus was sold to Crenshaw Christian Center, marking the end of an era.

Amidst the changes, Pepperdine continued to thrive. Not only did it acquire the Orange University College of Law in 1969, but it also renamed the college as 'The School of Law', inaugurated the 'School of Education', and converted its business division into a full-fledged graduate business school. Reflecting on these significant milestones, the college earned the status of a university and was renamed 'Pepperdine University' in 1971.

Through the years, Pepperdine did not lose sight of its international footprint. It erected permanent programmes in London, Florence, Buenos Aires, Lausanne, and Shanghai. Over time, it has also managed to rebrand various entities like the Graziadio Business School and Caruso School of Law on the back of generous donations from influential patrons. The testaments of its continued success are its expansions, new campus inaugurations, and numerous programmes, all thriving today, connecting students across borders, cultures, and learning paradigms.

Now let me tell you the story of surviving nature's caprices. Sur