Pepperdine University - Promenade Yearbook (Malibu, CA)

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s To EE K College is often a place where students first form their own set of religious beliefs and morals. Pepper- ine has long been known as a school with a unique mixture of religious and academic atmosphere. Pepperdine University’s mission statement says, “The most distinctive feature of Pepperdine University is the fact that it maintains a serious commitment to a rigorous academic program in concert with concern with spiritual matters. It does not orofess to be a church or religious oody, but recognizes its role as an educational institution, albeit one with a distinctive and unique heritage and mission. Although Pepperdine is affiliated with the Church of Christ, it is a community of numerous religions. In fact, statistics show that last year almost twice as many Catholics enrolled at Seaver College than members of the Church of Christ. Pepperdine is a place where people of different religions from around the world can learn and grow from each other. Senior Lisa Smith said, I’ve grown spiritually in my attitudes, my beliefs and in my biblical knowledge (while at Pepperdine). I’ve also learned about other religions, which has improved my own spirituality.” To maintain a religious atmosphere, Pepperdine requires weekly convocation attendance and enrollment in two religion courses for the Seaver College general education sequence. “I think it’s nice for the whole school to get together for convocation,” a freshman business major said. “It forms cohesivencss. The speakers are usually general enough to benefit everyone spiritually.” Senior Kim Nelson disagreed. “Forcing convocation on students makes them rebellious,” she said. “We shouldn’t all be forced to pretend we are religious. Seaver has a well-staffed Religion Division and several varied religion courses from which to choose. “Religion courses are an important part of the liberal arts education,” James Hancock, a senior, said. Religion affects the world. You can’t call yourself an educated per- son if you don’t know about religion. You’re cheating yourself without that knowledge.” Another student said, If ‘In God We Trust’ is written on our money, we ought to all know something about religion, even if you don’t believe in it. As students continue to leave home and make their move to Pepperdine, they will also continue to be stimulated to form a set of religious beliefs of their own. As William Dur-rant once said about the Malibu campus, “Oh... to listen to Plato and Christ in these halls on these hills perched under these skies.” —Randy Cupp Facing page, clockwise from top left. After a Sunday sermon. Father Ben Murphy visits with Juan Carlos Garay, Michaclann Dudley, Carla Frank and Paula Frank outside Our Lady of Malibu Catholic Church. The chapel is a quiet place for Susan Welch to reflect. Students gather for convocation. Meeting weekly in different dorms. Ken Fox. Chris Sloniger and Dave Rhoades share their beliefs at the Athletes and Friends Bible study. Below. Promoting international awareness of Ethiopia, Sahlc Sameto speaks at convocation. Religious Perspectives 17

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16 Religious Perspectives

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fefcn Uituut? I 5 Clockwise from left. Caught off guard. Rob Schuller and Dave Harty recuperate from a game of lacrosse. Studying is the farthest thing from Jill Tipton’s mind as she finishes her drink in the sun. The beach is the perfect place for Kevin Angle to relax. Facing page. I .aura Rickie spends her free time working on campus. 8 Free Time