Pepperdine University - Promenade Yearbook (Malibu, CA)

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To COME -------------------------- Why did you come to Pepper-dine?” is a well-worn question asked of many Seaver College students. Undoubtedly the first answer that comes to mind is the school’s location. Few students can deny that the campus’ secluded setting in the Santa Monica Mountains with scenic beaches nearby provided a great lure in their coming here. Yet while the location provided incentive to come to Pepperdine, it usually was only the catalyst. For Brad Popham, junior transfer student from Walnut, Calif., Seaver College’s scenic location was secondary to its academic environment. Pepperdinc’s a good business school, and what’s really great is that it’s a real personal school, too, he said. “You can get lots of personal attention in the classroom.” Popham said Pepperdine has surpassed his expectations. I love it,” LANCOW' he said. It’s a lot better than I thought it would be. It’s really easy to meet people. People just come up and talk to you. Nobody’s really shy.” Driss Bensouda found just the opposite when he first came to Pcpper-dinc four years ago. The senior business major from Gambia, Africa, found it difficult to relate to students at first. “I found a lot of people were very fake and superficial when I first met them,” Bensouda said. “Once I got to know them on a personal level, things were better. Pepperdinc’s size and drew Mariye Tokunata, a sophomore P.E. major, to the school. “I’d heard about it through other students, but it wasn’t what I expected. The student-teacher relationship is much closer than 1 thought it would be, the Hawaii native said. “Students are much closer than at other universities. and the teachers are really willing to help the students. Tokunata transferred from the University of Hawaii and believes her academic load is much more demanding at Pepperdine. There’s much more demand to put time into your work,” she said . “Overall, the environment is much different from that of Hawaii. The Pepperdine environment definitely provides a contrast to Darcy Bernhardt’s hometown. Imperial, Neb., which has about 2,000 residents. A desire to get away from home and experience life in the Los Angeles area prompted Bernhardt, a junior social science education major, to come to Pepperdine. The Seaver campus didn’t live up to her expectations, however. “1 didn’t know there were so many rules, and I don’t think a lot of people do, she lamented. “Also, there’s not a wide variety of people. It seems like there’s only a certain set of people who go here—the wealthier kids who always dress nice. It doesn’t introduce you to a lot of different kinds of people. Despite diverse student perspectives on Pepperdine, most Seaver students remain here—and continue to ponder that well-worn question “Why? —Tammy Clarke Student Perspectives 7

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OwM Vi Facing page from left. Jennifer Johnson and a friend people-watch between classes. Foreign student James Gibson-Horrocks enjoys the California lifestyle. Clockwise from top left. Jan Strand enjoys frozen yogurt from the Galley. Sun worshippers Lisa Heinz and Sue Dawson talk with a friend. Elaheh Zianour points to someone near the fountain. Mike Heisler, John Croft. Steve North. Saicd Javid and Robyn Little smile about their weekend plans. 6 Student Perspectives

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LEAD At the door of the Brock House, l)r. Howard White stands proud. Perhaps the Waves' most loyal fan. Dr. Howard White regularly attends school basketball and water polo games. White, president ol Pepperdine University, also frequents as many of the other sports as his schedule ill allow. While he was executive vice president of the university, he was honored with an award for not having missed a home basketball game in IS years. Tve always enjoyed sports, and I've always felt that they added a great deal to the life of a school. he said. They do (add) to the life of any culture, if you stop to think about it: every culture known to man has had its own sports. White's die-hard support for athletes strengthens the respectful kinship students feel with him. They look at this administrator from a different perspective. To them, he is not the stuffy, stereotypical school official. Pepperdine students have described him as a very personable man, “always smiling.” and as one who really seems to care for the students, even though, as one student noted, I’ve never met the man personally. I do not ever try to pretend that I’m one of them. White says of the students. I don’t try to learn the latest slang or try to pretend that I'm 20 years old. Yet. he seems to have the energy of a student where his job as president is concerned. He works in the office six full days and even devotes some time on Sundays to university business. White has served the university as a history professor, dean of both graduate and undergraduate studies, founding director of the Heidelberg Year-In-Europe program, executive vice president and finally as president since 1978. A majority of White’s travels to other countries have been for the purpose of gaining recognition and interest for Pepperdine. He attends formal dinners and social events to represent the university and gain more support for the school. To White, Pepperdine is his life, and the work is pleasurable. I’ve enjoyed the social aspects of the job. he admits. I don’t think of myself as a shy. retiring person. I don’t think I’m so outgoing that I’m not happy unless I'm in a big group of people. I like some quiet time, but I also like very much to be with people.” Raised in a strong Christian family in Alabama, White initially set out to be a minister. Consequently, religion is an important aspect of his busy life. It is the driving force behind this dedicated man and a spiritual encouragement as well. I consider it (religion) as the foundation of our lives, and I don’t mean that in any self-righteous way,” he said. That is. to me, what explains the world and gives life meaning, purpose. This faith in God and a lake-one-day-at-a-time attitude are roots of White’s successes. I just believe that if a person works hard and conscientiously in any position, there will be other opportunities that will open up. he said. That has been my philosophy, and it has worked that way. White retired this spring and passed his position as president over to Dr. David Davenport. He now resides in one of the administrative duplexes overlooking Pepperdine and serves as president emeritus and as a life member on the Board of Regents. White will continue to be an involved part of the university, which has been his life. Although he will be serving the school in a different perspective, he will be just as close to the school's activities, athletics and people. —Iris Yokoi N Dr.