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Waves of Change 01
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the caMpaign for pepperdine…changing liveS
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
InsIde: Note from Co-Chair Marylyn Warren featureS
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James R. Wilburn A Four-Decade Signature of Leadership at Pepperdine University
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“Don’t think about it. Just give.” Laure Sudreau-Rippe Endows Chair at Alma Mater
caMpaign giftS and pledgeS giftS that give bacK eventS
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Top photo: Cast and crew of “Rabbit Hole.”
www.pepperdine.edu/caMpaign
Greetings
From the CAmpAIGn For pepperdIne
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, ’58 Senior Vice President, Retired eHarmony.com Member, Board of Regents
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Cover story continued.
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.
Funds needed to Renovate payson libRaRy
$22 million
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A Four-Decade Signature of Leadership at Pepperdine University
Dinner co-chairs and Graziadio alumni Augustus “Gus” Tagliaferri and Steve Olson.
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.
Jim with longtime colleagues, l-r, Claudia Arnold Preston and Patti Yomantas.
Heritage Foundation President Ed Feulner pays tribute to Dean Wilburn. Guests of the Rokuses, l-r, Lori & Michael Biard, Gary Baker, Joe Rokus, Dick & Coyla Grumm, Kristen & Tari Rokus, Chris & Charlie Kerns.
Endowed scholarship benefactors Frank and Sherry Cornell.
Welcoming friends and sponsors, l-r, Pepperdine President Andy and Debby Benton, Sharon and Terry Mullin. Gala evening gathering at the Beverly Hills Hotel.
Jim Wilburn’s family, l-r, Brother Bob, son Greg, wife Gail, Jim, daughter Susan, & Susan’s partner, Carlisle.
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.
Dignitaries, l-r, Jim and Gail with Gloria and Pepperdine Regent Glen Holden.
School of Public Policy benefactors Farima and Joe Czyzyk visit with Jim.
Dancing with the Star! Well-wishers surround honoree Jim Wilburn following the dinner program.
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aure Sudreau-Rippe Endows Chair at Alma Mater
By Laura Fehlbaum
“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
Almost 10 years to the day after she left California for the East Coast, Laure SudreauRippe (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.
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AcAdemic And LeAdership institutes to be supported by the cAmpAign
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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.
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.
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
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.”
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.”
“don’t think about it. (l-r) Dean Emeritus Ronald Phillips, Dean Deanell Tacha, Professor Janet Kerr, benefactor Laure Sudreau-Rippe, Bill Rippe
Just give.” 7
CAmpAIGn
Gifts pledges We are grateful to the following major benefactors whose generous support in recent months has brought our total to more than $270 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
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Gift to endow a professorship
$2 million
About the
CAmpAIGn
The Campaign for Pepperdine, led by cochairs 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*
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
*as of September 30, 2011
*in memoriam
Years spent changing lives so far
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ifts
ThaT Give Back
charitable gift annuitieS—in giving you receive, literally
Did you know that a gift to Pepperdine can result in a fixed income stream paid to you for your lifetime? A charitable gift annuity (“CGA”) with Pepperdine does just that. In exchange for a gift to Pepperdine of stock, mutual funds, cash, or another asset, Pepperdine will enter into an agreement with you to pay you a fixed income stream for life. The fixed amount of your income is based on your age and the value of the asset gifted. The older an individual, the higher the income. Plus you receive an income tax deduction and make a gift that will benefit Pepperdine students.
income fixed for her lifetime. Mary will also continue to receive $500 of income from the CD. With the CGA and CD, Mary’s annual income jumps to $4,500. Plus, a good portion of the CGA income will be tax free over Mary’s life expectancy. If Mary had stayed with just the CD she would have continued to receive only $1,000 of annual income. By making a gift to Pepperdine, Mary can increase her annual income and help Pepperdine students.
A CGA can truly create a win-win situation. If you would like more information about a CGA for you or a loved one please call me at 310-506-4082.
For example, Mary Brown has $100,000 invested in a CD that is returning 1%. Mary would like to increase her income, but at age 80 she cannot afford to take a lot of risk. At age 80, Pepperdine would pay Mary 8% for her lifetime. If Mary takes one-half of the amount she has in her CD and gifts it to Pepperdine for a CGA, Mary can increase her income, reduce her taxes with the income tax deduction and help future Pepperdine students. With a $50,000 CGA with Pepperdine, Mary will receive $4,000 of annual
Stephanie C. BuCkley, JD, llM Associate Vice Chancellor Center for Estate and Gift Planning stephanie.buckley@pepperdine.edu 310-506-4082 pepgift.org
The Pepperdine Plan
Charitable Gift annuity
easy steps to
income security and Legacy
1. GiFt to PePPeRdine Stock, cash, or real estate Bypass capital gain taxes Tax deduction
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2. Annuity PAyment FoR LiFe Guaranteed income for life to one or two individuals Higher rates for older donors Portion of income is tax free
3. RemAindeR to PePPeRdine After lifetime, remainder benefits Pepperdine students and faculty
PePPerdine’s full-time emPloyees who have donated to the camPaign
73%
Changing
lives
theatre professors at pepperdine provide their students with a safe learning environment. i have felt the freedom to explore and take big risks without the fear of judgment or criticism. as a result, i believe i have not only grown in my confidence as a performer, but as a person as well. the relationships i have formed with both students and teachers are undoubtedly professional but also deeply personal. i not only have gained mentors, colleagues, and collaborators, but a supportive, loving family.
Katharine McDonough Music and Theatre Student Seaver College
eventS on the horiZon Christmas Tree Lighting and Reception
December 1
for More inforMation or to regiSter, pleaSe call
REEL Stories Film Festival
January 27
School of Law Dinner
February 18
Facility EnhancEmEnt Goal
(310) 506-4448 to SpeaK with our eventS Staff.
$150 million 11
PePPeRdine univeRSity 24255 Pacific Coast Highway malibu, Ca 90263-4546
Contact us
Save the date
the Campaign and university Advancement teams at pepperdine stand ready to respond to your inquiries and discuss the campaign and giving methods with you and your financial advisors. All inquiries will remain confidential. For more information, please call or e-mail:
Associates dinner Saturday, March 24, 2012
Senior Vice President for Advancement and Public Affairs S. Keith Hinkle, JD ’97 (310) 506-4898 keith.hinkle@pepperdine.edu Campaign Director Claudia Arnold Preston (310) 506-4546 claudia.arnold@pepperdine.edu www.pepperdine.edu/caMpaign
forMal invitation to follow
Published quarterly by the office of university advancement, Claudia arnold Preston, campaign director and vice chancellor for donor relations; laura fehlbaum and Patti yomantas, editors. for further information, call the campaign office at (310) 506-4546.
An Enduring Legacy‌ a Living Endowment
1-You!
How many people it takes to cHange a life at pepperdine