PeppGraphic

12/11/2024

In 2018, after the Woolsey Fire, the Graphic reported on the origins of Pepperdine’s Stay-in-Place (shelter-in-place) policy and why the university house students instead of evacuating them:

The Woolsey Fire burned 96,949 acres, destroyed approximately 1500 structures, and became one of the most destructive and costliest fires in Southern California. However, as many communities were evacuated, students at Pepperdine University sheltered-in-place on campus, an action that drew a lot of criticism to the university’s fire response.

The entire city of Malibu was under mandatory evacuation beginning in the early morning of Friday Nov. 9th. When residents were allowed to return to their homes many found nothing left. In accordance with a 33 year-long shelter-in-place policy, students and faculty sought refuge at Pepperdine that same night, as flames advanced on and eventually breached campus borders. In the end, no lives were lost or structural damage done to the Malibu campus. However, as the fire surrounded campus and flames came closer to students, controversy over Pepperdine’s shelter in-place policy ignited and caused many to question the validity and motives behind the policy.

“We first used shelter in-place in the 1993 fire,” then-President Andrew K. Benton said. “And fortunately, prior to that fire, we had worked our plans with the county fire department and they approved those plans. And so we never deviated from it. And over all the … five fires that we sheltered in-place, we’ve never had anyone hurt.”

https://pepperdine-graphic.com/pepperdine-shelter-in-place-policy-raises-questions/

12/10/2024

Students were called to shelter-in-place inside Tyler Campus Center and Payson Library at 1:11 a.m. Dec. 10.

Read the full story in the link in our bio.

12/10/2024

The University sent an automated message at 12:30 a.m. that shelter-in-place has not been activated. If shelter-in-place is activated the Emergency Center of Operations will send out a message via Everbridge with directions for students to relocate to Tyler Campus Center and Payson Library. Students are advised to follow University instruction.

12/10/2024

The University sent an automated message at 12:30 a.m. that shelter-in-place has not been activated. If shelter-in-place is activated the Emergency Center of Operations will send out a message via Everbridge with directions for students to relocate to Tyler Campus Center and Payson Library. Students are advised to follow University instruction.

12/10/2024

NEWS⁠
Pepperdine is experiencing a power outage due to the Franklin Fire in Malibu Canyon. The University sent an email at 11:30 P.M. saying that the 30-acre fire has the potential to grow to 100 acres. ⁠
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The University sent an automated message that the Emergency Operations Committee at 11:51 P.M. is minoring the fire along with the L.A. County Fire Department. Officials say the fire is currently not threatening campus. We will continue to update this story.

12/10/2024

Haylynn Conrad was sworn in Monday night as the newly elected city council member for the reconvening of the 18th City Council of Malibu. City Hall was filled with friends and family of Conrad, including the AYSO United girl’s soccer team she manages. Conrad’s 13-year-old daughter, Ell Conrad, led her mother in the swearing in ceremony.⁠
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“Thank you for the support for this new chapter, very unexpected,” Conrad said. “Because I don’t really dig politics, but I dig doing service.”⁠
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Steve Uhring and Bruce Silverstein were both reelected to the city council.⁠
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Councilmember Paul Grisanti was also honored for his service to the City of Malibu. Grisanti served Malibu as a councilmember for the past four years. He received recognition by State Senator Ben Allen’s office, State Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin’s office and the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department among others. ⁠
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Grisanti thanked the public for electing him for two consecutive terms. ⁠
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“It was a great honor,” Grisanti said.

11/30/2024

Poetry is not just a job for Dana Gioia, celebrated poet and literary critic. It is his passion.

Gioia served as the chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts from 2003-2009 and was the California State Poet Laureate in 2015. He now is taking the time to share his wisdom with college students. Jessica Hooten Wilson, professor and chair of Great Books, had Gioia guide her throughout the start of her career, and is now encouraging her students to learn from his poetry.

Wilson said she carries the wisdom Gioia showed her to this day.

“Dana is always talking about how poetry is not just meant to be an academic enterprise,” Hooten Wilson said. “It’s [poetry] a human endeavor.”

Dana Gioia, esteemed poet, shared some of his work at the stories behind it Nov. 14 at the Surfboard Room in Payson Library. Students and staff gathered to hear from the former California State Poet Laureate.

11/30/2024

Pepperdine Women's Basketball comes from behind to take down the University of Califonia, Riverside Highlanders 55-52 Nov. 18 at Firestone Frieldhouse. The Waves remain undefeated at home and secured back-to-back wins following a trip to California Baptist University on Nov. 16.

With their second comeback win on home turf, Head Coach Katie Faulkner said she gives all the credit to her unfaltering Waves.

"Players stepped up," Faulkner said. "That's what I love about this team, it's just always evolving."

Pepperdine Women's Basketball is off to an impressive start. Coming into this match 2-2 after a win over rival Loyola Marymount University, the Waves look to go flawless on home turf against the University of California, Riverside.

11/26/2024

As fall ends and many await the arrival of the Christmas season, Thanksgiving will approach at the end of the month.

Though many skip over Thanksgiving customs and fast forward to celebrating Christmas early, students said going home to Thanksgiving traditions is a fun way to ring in the holiday season.

Senior Caroline Graham said Thanksgiving is a huge holiday in her family. Each year, 40 guests arrive at her family's home in the suburbs of Philadelphia. She said she looks forward to this while still in Malibu, as it can be hard to get into the holiday spirit.

As fall comes to an end, students look forward to the Thanksgiving traditions they engage in each year. As the holiday approaches, students shared sentiments about the traditions they celebrate with family and friends.

11/25/2024

A hobby that started as a way to cut costs has now turned senior Karyssa Cameron’s dorm into a booming business.

While pursuing an Engineering and Physics major, Cameron is also an artist with a thriving nail business: Nails By Karyssa. Like many students, she was looking for ways to save money, especially when it came to non-essentials like nail care. Cameron said she took matters into her own hands — literally — and started doing her own nails.

“I started doing my own nails to save money because they were very expensive out here,” Cameron said. “I haven't got my nails done since freshman year."

Senior Karyssa Cameron runs a nail business out of her dorm, providing students with affordable self-care options. Cameron, a double STEM major, uses nail art as her creative outlet.

11/25/2024

Screen Arts Professor Paul B. Kim spent a week of his summer in Hawai'i, directly aligned with his philosophy for filmmaking. When encountering a new project, he said he thinks primarily about power and representation while trying to explore underrepresented spaces.

Kim and Nick Yi, senior Screen Arts major, stayed in Oahu, Hawai'i in May and spent eight days filming with Assistant Professor of Biology Florybeth La Valle's research team on their study of algae.

"I think a lot about, 'How does one thoughtfully, meaningfully using their privilege with the camera, with the expertise in media and storytelling that they have, how do they come into an environment and tell the story about someone and or a community or a culture in a way that's both balanced, equitable and just strengthens a community?'" Kim said.

Screen Arts Professor Paul B. Kim spent eight days in Hawai'i filming a documentary based on Assistant Professor of Biology Florybeth La Valle's research on algae. The two shared their similar philosophies for the work they do.

11/25/2024

Childhood shows can leave impressions on student lives due to their plots, characters and nostalgia. However, sometimes there are a mix of opinions on whether or not a reboot should even be made after an iconic first show.

For several years, reboot shows have continuously been released for popular childhood shows including: "Raven's Home", "iCarly," "Fuller House," "Zoey 102" and most recently "Wizards Beyond Waverly Place."

"I think it can be a good way so you don't keep rewatching the show over and over again," Wright said. "It definitely brings in some new ideas, fresh episodes."

Show reboots can be a hit-or-miss when released because they may not live up to the original. Students share their opinions on reboots they have watched and whether they support the continuation of reboots being produced.

11/24/2024

It’s July 12, day two of the 2021 Major League Baseball Draft.

Anticipation fills the air as Bily Cook, former Pepperdine Baseball infielder (’18-’21) and current Pittsburgh Pirates IF/outfielder, eagerly awaits for his name to be called.

“This was the first year that they had a 20-round draft. The year before, it was five because of COVID-19, and then before that, it was 40 rounds,” Cook said. “Little different draft than what I had heard about in the past, but basically, we were just sitting around waiting to see who would call.”

Billy Cook, former Pepperdine Baseball infielder ('18-'21) and current Pittsburgh Pirates IF/outfielder, has made it all the way to the Major Leagues. Drafted in 2021, he made his debut during the 2024 season while leaving his mark in Pittsburgh.

11/24/2024

Pepperdine requires Chapel for every first and second year student, but there are many options from religious discussions to prayer and sports.

Many athletes, in both the collegiate and professional realm, have religious ties, which is a contributing factor to why Sports Chapels at Pepperdine are so popular.

“The theme of fellowship is what the Chapel was centered on,” Assistant Professor of English Martin Premoli said. “For me, that’s what has been able to build fellowship quickly and find friendship and community.”

Pepperdine provides a multitude of Chapel options for first and second year students. Pickleball, basketball, yoga and surf are provided every Wednesday for students to connect their faith with sports.

11/24/2024

Recently, I was listening to one of my favorite podcasts, “No Stupid Questions,” when a sentence stopped me in my tracks. In episode 209, Host Mike Maughan paraphrased Ellen Langer, Social and Clinical psychologist: “Rather than spending so much time trying to make the right decision, just make the decision right.”

Trying to make the best decision can waste a lot of time. Assistant Perspectives Editor Caitlin Murray suggests being decisive will benefit most in the long run.

11/23/2024

Women’s Tennis Head Coach Per Nilsson has left Pepperdine. He announced his departure Oct. 29, according to Pepperdine Athletics.⁠
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After 11 seasons for the Waves, Nilsson is coaching the Gators as the Women’s Tennis head coach at the University of Florida.⁠
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"It has been a dream to work at Pepperdine," Nilsson said. "Leaving this incredible place is nothing short of bittersweet. Words cannot express the gratitude and appreciation I have for this school, the program and, most importantly, the incredible individuals I have had the privilege to work with."⁠

After a decade-long career with the Waves, Women's Tennis Head Coach Per Nilsson, has announced his leave from Pepperdine. Nilsson heads to the University of Florida to coach for the Gators.

11/23/2024

Campus Recreation at Pepperdine is more than just a program — it's a gateway to adventure, fitness and connection. From group fitness classes and competitive sports to guided hikes and kayaking at the Channel Islands, Campus Rec brings students together in an active community that thrives on the unique landscape of Malibu.⁠
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For years, Campus Rec has been a resource students have had access to for any of their activity needs. At its core, Campus Rec is "dedicated to enriching the Pepperdine community," and in doing so, has provided students with many programs that "encourage healthy, active and balanced lifestyles," according to the Campus Rec website.⁠
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Pepperdine offers its faculty, staff and students with many benefits, which more times than not, end up forgotten or unknown. Campus Recreation at Pepperdine is one of those benefits, and it's more accessible than most realize.

11/23/2024

For the fall tennis season, Pepperdine Women's Tennis now has their youngest team in years with four freshman. Even with their new teammates, the Waves are planning to continue their domination in the West Coast Conference.⁠
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The new faces include freshmen Taylor Goetz, Liam Oved, Duru Söke and Alexia Harmon. Harmon is from Las Vegas and was the No. 6 recruit in the nation, according to Pepperdine Athletics.⁠
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"I think we've played two or three individual tournaments," Harmon said. "It's been different, but it's been fun."⁠

Pepperdine Women's Tennis has four new freshmen this semester with another coming in the Spring. Most recently, their head coach, Per Nilsson left for the University of Florida, leaving an interim coach to lead them.