waves of change 2, the campaign for pepperdine fall 2011

Waves of Change

Since the May 14 public launch of the caMpaign for pepperdine, generouS friendS have Made SubStantial giftS and coMMitMentS to the univerSity, bringing the total fundS raiSed to $270,198,592. It is our pleasure to highlight the following supporters whose pacesetting gifts are changing students’ lives:

laurie and Jeff ubben of San Francisco, California, committed $1 million to Seaver College. Inspired in part by their daughter Charlotte, a senior music and theatre major at Pepperdine, Jeff and Laurie learned about the needs of the theatre department and how increased funding could aid both students and operational needs. The Jeff and Laurie Ubben Endowed Scholarship for Production Design Majors bolsters the theatre department’s ability to recruit and support top students preparing for

FAll 2011

the caMpaign for pepperdine…changing liveS

www.pepperdine.edu/caMpaignTop photo: Cast and crew of “Rabbit Hole.”

InsIde: Note from Co-Chair Marylyn Warren

featureS

James R. Wilburn A Four-Decade Signature of Leadership at Pepperdine University

“Don’t think about it. Just give.” Laure Sudreau-Rippe Endows Chair at Alma Mater

caMpaign giftS and pledgeS

giftS that give bacK

eventS

Continued page 3

careers in scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design. The Jeff and Laurie Ubben Endowment for Theatre Department Operations enables the department to fund strategic opportunities like the Edinburgh program, student-directed projects, and vital operational needs. We are so thankful to this couple for the investment they have made in performing arts education at Seaver College.

robert and Jo barbera of San Marino, California, pledged $250,000 to help create Pepperdine’s library of the future. As chair of the University Libraries Campaign Committee, Robert understands the need to revitalize the University’s central Payson Library to afford students greater access to digital research tools and welcoming spaces for collaboration. Energizing committee members with his passion for higher education and his generous gift, Robert encourages other friends of Pepperdine to follow suit in supporting the $30 million library campaign goal. In honor of the Barberas’ life-changing gift, we look forward to dedicating the Barbera Family Foyer when the renovations are funded and complete.

albert “haSty” and grace arnold of Venice, California, have created a $100,000 charitable gift annuity to benefit the Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Their gift will be directed to the Pat Lucas Center for Teacher Preparation within the school, helping professors equip elementary, middle, and high school teachers for a life of service to our nation’s most precious resources, our children. If you are interested in giving a gift that gives back, please see Stephanie Buckley’s column on page 10 for information on how to establish your own charitable gift annuity, or call her at 310-506-4082.

Cover story continued.

How do you raise $450 million to change students’ lives? Some might suggest “one dollar at a time” or “one day at a time,” but I believe that we can only complete this work “one volunteer at a time.” The Campaign for Pepperdine is all about people: the volunteers who reach out to those interested in joining our cause; the generous donors who choose to invest in changing the world through higher education; and the students and professors who will benefit from increased resources and improved facilities.

With my fellow chair Glen Holden, I am privileged to lead the dedicated team of 124 volunteers committed to seeing our campaign goals fully realized. A homogeneous group we are not. We hail from 60 cities spanning California to Maine, and from Alberta, Canada, to Houston, Texas. Our wide array of professions, years of experience, and community involvement make for lively discussion every time we meet.

What, then, unites us? Most simply, it is our love for Pepperdine University. We remain confident that our students and alumni represent outstanding citizens and the future leaders of America and the world. With 55 alumni from all five schools and colleges serving on our campaign committees, we are determined to give future students the incomparable experience we received when we were students. As a graduate of George Pepperdine College, my years at 79th and Vermont transformed my life. They enabled me to meet Neil Clark Warren (’56), the love of my life and my husband of many years!

I hope that this newsletter will inspire you to join us to change lives at Pepperdine University. The opportunities are endless, and the rewards, immeasurable. So, how do you raise $450 million to change students’ lives? It starts with our 124 volunteers … and with people like you.

Marylyn M. Warren, ’58Senior Vice President, RetiredeHarmony.comMember, Board of Regents

Greetings From the CAmpAIGn For pepperdIne

Funds needed to Renovate

payson libRaRy $22 million

careers in scenic, costume, lighting, and sound design. The Jeff and Laurie Ubben Endowment for Theatre Department Operations enables the department to fund strategic opportunities like the Edinburgh program, student-directed projects, and vital operational needs. We are so thankful to this couple for the investment they have made in performing arts education at Seaver College.

robert and Jo barbera of San Marino, California, pledged $250,000 to help create Pepperdine’s library of the future. As chair of the University Libraries Campaign Committee, Robert understands the need to revitalize the University’s central Payson Library to afford students greater access to digital research tools and welcoming spaces for collaboration. Energizing committee members with his passion for higher education and his generous gift, Robert encourages other friends of Pepperdine to follow suit in supporting the $30 million library campaign goal. In honor of the Barberas’ life-changing gift, we look forward to dedicating the Barbera Family Foyer when the renovations are funded and complete.

albert “haSty” and grace arnold of Venice, California, have created a $100,000 charitable gift annuity to benefit the Graduate School of Education and Psychology. Their gift will be directed to the Pat Lucas Center for Teacher Preparation within the school, helping professors equip elementary, middle, and high school teachers for a life of service to our nation’s most precious resources, our children. If you are interested in giving a gift that gives back, please see Stephanie Buckley’s column on page 10 for information on how to establish your own charitable gift annuity, or call her at 310-506-4082.

Cover story continued.

How do you raise $450 million to change students’ lives? Some might suggest “one dollar at a time” or “one day at a time,” but I believe that we can only complete this work “one volunteer at a time.” The Campaign for Pepperdine is all about people: the volunteers who reach out to those interested in joining our cause; the generous donors who choose to invest in changing the world through higher education; and the students and professors who will benefit from increased resources and improved facilities.

With my fellow chair Glen Holden, I am privileged to lead the dedicated team of 124 volunteers committed to seeing our campaign goals fully realized. A homogeneous group we are not. We hail from 60 cities spanning California to Maine, and from Alberta, Canada, to Houston, Texas. Our wide array of professions, years of experience, and community involvement make for lively discussion every time we meet.

What, then, unites us? Most simply, it is our love for Pepperdine University. We remain confident that our students and alumni represent outstanding citizens and the future leaders of America and the world. With 55 alumni from all five schools and colleges serving on our campaign committees, we are determined to give future students the incomparable experience we received when we were students. As a graduate of George Pepperdine College, my years at 79th and Vermont transformed my life. They enabled me to meet Neil Clark Warren (’56), the love of my life and my husband of many years!

I hope that this newsletter will inspire you to join us to change lives at Pepperdine University. The opportunities are endless, and the rewards, immeasurable. So, how do you raise $450 million to change students’ lives? It starts with our 124 volunteers … and with people like you.

Marylyn M. Warren, ’58Senior Vice President, RetiredeHarmony.comMember, Board of Regents

Greetings From the CAmpAIGn For pepperdIne

Funds needed to Renovate

payson libRaRy $22 million

Dancing with the Star! Well-wishers surround honoree Jim Wilburn following the dinner program.

Heritage Foundation President Ed Feulner pays tribute to Dean Wilburn.

Dignitaries, l-r, Jim and Gail with Gloria and Pepperdine Regent Glen Holden.

Gail and Jim Wilburn.

President Benton (right) presents plaque to Jim and announces the naming of the James R. Wilburn Auditorium on Drescher Graduate Campus.

School of Public Policy benefactors Farima and Joe Czyzyk visit with Jim.

Guests of the Rokuses, l-r, Lori & Michael Biard, Gary Baker, Joe Rokus, Dick & Coyla Grumm, Kristen & Tari Rokus, Chris & Charlie Kerns.

Gala evening gathering at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Welcoming friends and sponsors, l-r, Pepperdine President Andy and Debby Benton, Sharon and Terry Mullin.

Jim Wilburn’s family, l-r, Brother Bob, son Greg, wife Gail, Jim, daughter Susan, & Susan’s partner, Carlisle.

Endowed scholarship benefactors Frank and Sherry Cornell.

Jim and Master of Ceremonies Jon Kemp respond to accolades from the audience.

Tom Kemp, Jr., offers closing toast to Jim and his 1990’s work with Tom Kemp, Sr., on the Committee to Assist Russian Reform.

Dinner co-chairs and Graziadio alumni Augustus “Gus” Tagliaferri and Steve Olson.

Jim with longtime colleagues, l-r, Claudia Arnold Preston and Patti Yomantas.

A Four-Decade Signature of Leadership at Pepperdine University

Dancing with the Star! Well-wishers surround honoree Jim Wilburn following the dinner program.

Heritage Foundation President Ed Feulner pays tribute to Dean Wilburn.

Dignitaries, l-r, Jim and Gail with Gloria and Pepperdine Regent Glen Holden.

Gail and Jim Wilburn.

President Benton (right) presents plaque to Jim and announces the naming of the James R. Wilburn Auditorium on Drescher Graduate Campus.

School of Public Policy benefactors Farima and Joe Czyzyk visit with Jim.

Guests of the Rokuses, l-r, Lori & Michael Biard, Gary Baker, Joe Rokus, Dick & Coyla Grumm, Kristen & Tari Rokus, Chris & Charlie Kerns.

Gala evening gathering at the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Welcoming friends and sponsors, l-r, Pepperdine President Andy and Debby Benton, Sharon and Terry Mullin.

Jim Wilburn’s family, l-r, Brother Bob, son Greg, wife Gail, Jim, daughter Susan, & Susan’s partner, Carlisle.

Endowed scholarship benefactors Frank and Sherry Cornell.

Jim and Master of Ceremonies Jon Kemp respond to accolades from the audience.

Tom Kemp, Jr., offers closing toast to Jim and his 1990’s work with Tom Kemp, Sr., on the Committee to Assist Russian Reform.

Dinner co-chairs and Graziadio alumni Augustus “Gus” Tagliaferri and Steve Olson.

Jim with longtime colleagues, l-r, Claudia Arnold Preston and Patti Yomantas.

A Four-Decade Signature of Leadership at Pepperdine University

Laure knew that she would eventually want to give back to the School of Law, and she finally had the ability to do so after establishing a successful career in entertainment and intellectual property law. Senior Vice Chancellor and School of Law Dean Emeritus Ronald Phillips has kept in touch with Laure since her graduation, occasionally meeting her and her classmate, David Monk (JD ’97), for lunch to talk about the school’s growth. In May 2011, Dean Phillips presented Laure with the idea of making a gift, a gift that would herald Laure as the first alumna to endow a chair at Pepperdine. She jumped at the opportunity, especially because the chair would be designated for professors who have overcome significant obstacles in their careers.

When she learned that Professor Janet Kerr would be the first to occupy the chair, Laure had an even greater interest in giving the gift. Janet serves as executive director of the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law which trains interested Pepperdine law students to become entrepreneurs, or lawyers for entrepreneurs, and also

facilitates microfinance projects, giving small loans to the underserved to fund new businesses. Microfinance is one of Laure’s passions. Further, Janet has always inspired women to pursue law, even serving as a mentor to Laure during her time at Pepperdine.

School of Law Dean Deanell Tacha is also thrilled. “In particular, this chair will make possible very important enhancements to the work being done by the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law,” she enthused. “It will enable students to be involved in the essential links that must be forged in training lawyers and business people to work together in their mutual efforts to strengthen the economic fiber of the nation and the world.”

When asked what she would say to someone thinking about giving a gift to Pepperdine, Laure was enthusiastic and encouraging: “I would tell someone thinking about giving a gift, ‘Just don’t think about it. Just give—just give back.’ I was able to give back to an institution that helped me, and the surprises keep coming.”

“don’t think about it. Just give.”

(l-r) Dean Emeritus Ronald Phillips, Dean Deanell Tacha, Professor Janet Kerr, benefactor Laure Sudreau-Rippe, Bill Rippe

By Laura Fehlbaum

Almost 10 years to the day after she left California for the East Coast, Laure Sudreau-Rippe (JD ’97) returned to Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus with her husband, Bill Rippe. Although partly motivated by a desire to take her husband on his first tour of her law school, Laure was actually visiting for a much greater purpose—to give a gift that has changed her life. Ultimately, it is a gift that will change the lives of professors, students, and the greater community forever. Laure made the generous decision to endow a chair at the School of Law with a $3 million commitment.

Even though it was, in her husband’s words, a “spur of the moment” gift, Laure’s story confirms that the decision to give was years in the making. Born and raised in France, Laure received the French equivalent of the juris doctor before moving to California. After working at an American law firm for a year as a foreign consultant, she decided to apply to law schools in the Los Angeles area. Even though she didn’t have the best application on paper, Laure shares, “Pepperdine took me even without the normal background. They took a chance on me, and I’m very grateful.”

Laure credits her time at the School of Law and her alternative dispute resolution experience at its Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution with much of her career success. Her first boss, upon hiring her, explained that he had considered more than 100 applicants from top-tier schools before choosing Laure. Although the law school was still working its way up to its current-day ranking, Laure learned then that “it isn’t necessarily the law school you attend that determines your future career.” It is so much more. Pepperdine’s personal attention from professors, small classes, and emphasis on ethics made all the difference, Laure says.

AcAdemic And LeAdership institutes to be supported by the cAmpAign

“it waS a Spur of

the MoMent deciSion,

but it’S been So

gratifying. i’M being

Shown that it waS

the right deciSion

over and over.”

-laure Sudreau-rippe, Jd ’97

Endows Chair at Alma MaterLaure Sudreau-Rippe

Laure knew that she would eventually want to give back to the School of Law, and she finally had the ability to do so after establishing a successful career in entertainment and intellectual property law. Senior Vice Chancellor and School of Law Dean Emeritus Ronald Phillips has kept in touch with Laure since her graduation, occasionally meeting her and her classmate, David Monk (JD ’97), for lunch to talk about the school’s growth. In May 2011, Dean Phillips presented Laure with the idea of making a gift, a gift that would herald Laure as the first alumna to endow a chair at Pepperdine. She jumped at the opportunity, especially because the chair would be designated for professors who have overcome significant obstacles in their careers.

When she learned that Professor Janet Kerr would be the first to occupy the chair, Laure had an even greater interest in giving the gift. Janet serves as executive director of the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law which trains interested Pepperdine law students to become entrepreneurs, or lawyers for entrepreneurs, and also

facilitates microfinance projects, giving small loans to the underserved to fund new businesses. Microfinance is one of Laure’s passions. Further, Janet has always inspired women to pursue law, even serving as a mentor to Laure during her time at Pepperdine.

School of Law Dean Deanell Tacha is also thrilled. “In particular, this chair will make possible very important enhancements to the work being done by the Palmer Center for Entrepreneurship and the Law,” she enthused. “It will enable students to be involved in the essential links that must be forged in training lawyers and business people to work together in their mutual efforts to strengthen the economic fiber of the nation and the world.”

When asked what she would say to someone thinking about giving a gift to Pepperdine, Laure was enthusiastic and encouraging: “I would tell someone thinking about giving a gift, ‘Just don’t think about it. Just give—just give back.’ I was able to give back to an institution that helped me, and the surprises keep coming.”

“don’t think about it. Just give.”

(l-r) Dean Emeritus Ronald Phillips, Dean Deanell Tacha, Professor Janet Kerr, benefactor Laure Sudreau-Rippe, Bill Rippe

By Laura Fehlbaum

Almost 10 years to the day after she left California for the East Coast, Laure Sudreau-Rippe (JD ’97) returned to Pepperdine University’s Malibu campus with her husband, Bill Rippe. Although partly motivated by a desire to take her husband on his first tour of her law school, Laure was actually visiting for a much greater purpose—to give a gift that has changed her life. Ultimately, it is a gift that will change the lives of professors, students, and the greater community forever. Laure made the generous decision to endow a chair at the School of Law with a $3 million commitment.

Even though it was, in her husband’s words, a “spur of the moment” gift, Laure’s story confirms that the decision to give was years in the making. Born and raised in France, Laure received the French equivalent of the juris doctor before moving to California. After working at an American law firm for a year as a foreign consultant, she decided to apply to law schools in the Los Angeles area. Even though she didn’t have the best application on paper, Laure shares, “Pepperdine took me even without the normal background. They took a chance on me, and I’m very grateful.”

Laure credits her time at the School of Law and her alternative dispute resolution experience at its Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution with much of her career success. Her first boss, upon hiring her, explained that he had considered more than 100 applicants from top-tier schools before choosing Laure. Although the law school was still working its way up to its current-day ranking, Laure learned then that “it isn’t necessarily the law school you attend that determines your future career.” It is so much more. Pepperdine’s personal attention from professors, small classes, and emphasis on ethics made all the difference, Laure says.

AcAdemic And LeAdership institutes to be supported by the cAmpAign

“it waS a Spur of

the MoMent deciSion,

but it’S been So

gratifying. i’M being

Shown that it waS

the right deciSion

over and over.”

-laure Sudreau-rippe, Jd ’97

Endows Chair at Alma MaterLaure Sudreau-Rippe

About the CAmpAIGnThe Campaign for

Pepperdine, led by co-

chairs Marylyn Warren,

’58, and Glen Holden,

and seven volunteer-led

campaign committees,

will transform the lives of

our students through four

aspirations that advance

learning, knowledge, and

scholarship; honor God and

our heritage of faith; build

community; and respect

diversity and promote

global understanding.

With “Changing Lives”

as the campaign theme,

Pepperdine has set a goal

of $450 million to support

student-centered priorities

to do just that—educate

our students to change

lives around the world.

The campaign has already

received more than $270

million in gifts and pledges.

Campaign Funds rAIsed

$270,198,592*

*as of September 30, 2011

8 9Years spent changing lives so far75*in memoriam

Judy and JaMeS ZiericK - Extended commitment to support the Pepperdine women’s basketball team for four additional years

farMerS group, inc. - $150,000 pledge to support the Dean’s Executive Leadership Series at the Graziadio School

Sherry and franK (Mba ’78, edd ’04) cornell - Committed $100,000 to establish the Dr. Frank W. and Mrs. Sherry R. Cornell Endowed Scholarship for students at the School of Public Policy and created a $25,000 scholarship fund for distribution over the next five years

Marilyn and george (’55) forbeS - $100,000 pledge to the Seaver College athletics program

rowena and douglaS (’59, Mba ’69) gordon - Pledge of $100,000 toward the University Events Center

graZiadio faMily - Gift of $100,000 through the George and Reva Graziadio Foundation to enhance the Reva Graziadio Endowed Scholarship at the Graziadio School

chriStine and richard newMan - $100,000 pledge to establish the Christine and Dick Newman Family Endowed Scholarship at the Graziadio School

KiMberly and Michael oKabayaShi - Commitment of $100,000 to the Campaign for Pepperdine, designation pending

eleanor and JiM randall - $100,000 gift for the Randall Internship Program at Seaver College

twanna (Mba ’77) and John rogerS (Mba ’77) - $100,000 to Guardian Scholars Program for Emancipated Foster Children at Seaver College

aMy Jo (’00) and charleS runnelS - Established a Charitable Gift Annuity of $100,000 to benefit the future University Events Center

Janet and Joel weber - $100,000 commitment to create the Herwig-Weber Family Endowed Scholarship for Seaver College students

Gift to endow a professorship

CAmpAIGn

Gifts pledgesWe are grateful to

the following major

benefactors whose

generous support in

recent months has

brought our total

to more than

$270 million.

$2 million

elinor* and herbert nootbaar - Charitable Remainder Unitrust resulting in a gift of $4,233,009 to the School of Law

laurie and Jeff ubben - Commitment of $1,000,000 to establish the Jeff and Laurie Ubben Endowed Scholarship for Production Design Majors and the Jeff and Laurie Ubben Endowment for Theatre Department Operations

Sandi and griff williaMS - $1,000,000 commitment to the following priorities: University Events Center, scholarships, and studio arts resources.

barbara KaufMan - Established a Charitable Gift Annuity for her home totaling $796,925 to benefit the campaign

cherie and robin arKley ii - $500,000 pledge to the Ken Starr Excellence Fund at the School of Law

celeSte and John plueger and faMily - Pledged $200,000—$150,000 to the Campaign for Pepperdine and $50,000 to our men’s volleyball program