Pepperdine Graphic 08.21.23

LAUNCHES AT

WAVES PEPPERDINE CHURCH

A new church focused on students is launching at Pepperdine on Sunday, Aug. 20: Waves Church. Board of Regents member Alan Beard and his wife, Dean of Students Sharon Beard, are initiating the launch, Alan said. Waves Church will meet every Sunday evening at 5 p.m., on main campus near the fountain.

Waves Church will be affiliated with the Churches of Christ, becoming the second church on Pepperdine’s campus, alongside the University Church of Christ. Different from other ministry opportunities on campus, Alan said Waves Church will be an actual church rather than a worship night or Bible study.

“We become one more option for students that want to be in Christian community with other students and that want to learn more about the Gospel and about Jesus,” Alan said.

See: CHURCH A3

Design by: Skyler Hawkins Lead Designer

Aug. 30

Rock the Brock Rock the Brock is the annual welcome back party for the senior class hosted at the Brock House. Seniors have the chance to win prizes, eat food and dance beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Sept. 2

Waves of Flags 2023: Flags Rising Pepperdine will raise their annual 2,977 flag installation on Alumni Park to honor those who lost their lives in the 9/11 attacks. The first flag ceremony begins at 10 a.m.

Sept. 4

Labor Day

Pepperdine will excuse students from class Monday, Sept. 4, to honor the American Labor movement and the contributions of laborers to the development of the United States.

Sept. 16

Worship Summit 2023

The Summit is Pepperdine’s annual Christ-centered worship summit, hosted at Firestone Fieldhouse. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Dinner begins at 5 p.m., and worship begins at 7 p.m.

Good News: Hold onto the 5% and make the most of college

Samantha Torre Managing Editor

At the beginning of every school year, I am a nervous wreck.

Without fail, I spend the last days of summer vacation not relaxing, but stressing over various problems that are never as bad as I make them out to be.

This year, I came to the startling realization that because I completed my minor, I will no longer be taking a much-loved sequence of classes. A lot of the friends that I looked up to have graduated. To make a long story short, I had a minor existential crisis.

This was different than my crises three years ago, when I was worried about whether I’d do well in those aforementioned classes or if I would even make lifelong friends I could go to for advice.

Our time in college is insanely short. It lasts an average of four years, and because the life expectancy in the U.S. is about 79 years, that means it’s only about 5% of our lives.

An absolutely bonkers amount of change — moving from a senior in high school to someone entering the workforce or grad school — takes place in this 5%, and change can be scary.

But this change is not necessarily a bad thing. Being nervous about change means you care about the outcome and you have a vested interest in things going well.

And I really, really want this year to go well. I love Pepper-

dine, and I’ve loved my years here.

Pepperdine — and the people here — are truly special. Each new person you connect with has an amazing story, and I have been privileged to share some of these stories through the Graphic and walk alongside my friends as we all write the next chapter.

To any new students, I want to say, greet these opportunities with open arms. I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, the best part of Pepperdine is the people, so take the time to get to know them. Grab Pizookies, go square dancing and go swimming at the beach with the people you encounter. Take in each moment — even the late nights in Payson, when you’re staring at an essay that is three pages too short, contemplating why you chose this major.

You had one parking job.

To returning students, capture and cherish the little unique moments. Laugh hysterically with your best friends in study rooms at 1:00 a.m., when you’re so tired the most inane things feel like the funniest joke in the world. Go to your favorite spot on campus that you’ve visited a million times and take in the beautiful view.

Going into this year, I want to welcome the changes that await me.

As we welcome the new academic year and find shelter in the calm before the storm, accept the coming change, and see where the waves take you. Prepare to get the most out of this 5%.

sam.torre@pepperdine.edu

Skyler Hawkins | Lead Designer

Skyler Hawkins | Lead Designer

Lead Designer Skyler Hawkins (left), former Creative Director Haley Hoidal (‘23) (right) and I (middle) take a hike in Malibu in February. The decision to hike was spontaneous, but the photos were beautiful.

Lisette Isiordia | Spring 23 Staff Designer

CHURCH: Waves Church launches at Pepperdine

Pastor Taylor Walling will serve as the lead minister for Waves Church, leaving the Hills Church congregation in Texas, Walling announced on social media Aug. 6.

“We feel so blessed that we got the Wallings to come,” Alan said. “Taylor is just such a tremendous talent.”

History of Churches on Campus

University Church started in 1970 and has been the only church on Pepperdine’s campus until now, according to their website.

University Church is a Churches of Christ congregation with traditional a capella-style worship. While it meets on Pepperdine’s campus, many families, alumni, faculty, staff, students and Malibu community members attend, said Steve Rouse, member of the University Church Pastoral

Care and Oversight Council committee and professor at Pepperdine.

Rouse said University Church will continue with its ministries this year and will keep a strong Churches of Christ presence on campus.

“God has been doing really great things in this congregation for years,” Rouse said. “We don’t see any reason why we need to change in allowing God to continue to work within our church in the ways that have been for a long time.”

Announcing Waves Church

The Beards wrote a letter to the University Church congregation in July announcing the launch of Waves Church, and Alan said members of University Church have given them positive feedback so far.

“We all want the same thing, which is to have a great Christian community on campus and to reach students,” Alan said.

In the letter, the Beards wrote the Faith and Heritage Committee of the Board of Regents voted unanimously to approve starting a second church on campus, after years of prayer and discussion.

“We do not consider this a competitive effort because there is more mission field than even two churches can cover,” the Beards wrote in the letter.

Waves Church will not have a children’s ministry or youth ministry at this time, differentiating it from University Church, Alan said.

Affiliation with the Churches of Christ

Any church on Pepperdine’s campus has to be affiliated with the Churches of Christ, Sharon said. Even though Waves Church will be a Church of Christ congregation, Alan said it will be “modern” and focused solely on outreach to students, whether they are a part of the Churches of Christ or not.

“We hope that there are people who didn’t grow up in the Church of Christ or maybe even didn’t go to church growing up who will feel welcome and feel a part of what is going on there,” Alan said.

In addition, Alan said Waves Church will be instrumental, differing from the typical a capella style of worship that many Church of Christ congregations participate in.

“That [reaching all students] is a part of our effort is to reach students who have no idea what the Church of Christ is,” Sharon said. “That won’t limit who will want to come and be a part of this church community.”

How To Get Involved

Waves Church will meet every Sunday at 5 p.m., and there will be a church service followed by a meal. Waves Church will post all announcements about services on their Instagram, Alan said.

University Church will also continue to meet every Sunday morning at 10:15 a.m. in the Amphitheatre.

In addition, University Church has a youth ministry, a children’s ministry, a campus

ministry and an older adults ministry, according to their website.

“We try to make sure that we are able to address the needs of people in the congregation at every stage of life development,” Rouse said.

For students, University Church hosts small groups, holds service opportunities and attends University events together on a regular basis, Campus Minister Falon Barton said.

In addition, every Thursday evening, Barton said University Church will also host a new ministry called Unfiltered for students.

Unfiltered will meet at the Campus Ministry House on Baxter Drive on campus to eat dinner, participate in spiritual practices and discuss challenging topics regarding faith, Barton said.

abby.wilt@pepperdine.edu

Pepperdine’s 990 reveals top-paid em ployees for 2021

Abby Wilt Executive Editor

Pepperdine released its 2021 Internal Revenue Service 990 Form, revealing Pepperdine’s highest paid employees, largest program services and total revenue and expenses from Aug. 2021 to June 2022.

Pepperdine’s total revenue for 2021 was $719,080,959, in comparison to 2020 which was $724,218,664, according to the 990. The University also had higher expenses in 2021, equaling $639,625,912, in comparison to 2020’s expenses, which were $559,572,996.

Top Paid Employees

President Jim Gash made the most last year, earning $586,932 of reported compensation and $341,897 of estimated other compensation, including health benefits, according to the 990.

Basketball Head Coach Lorenzo Romar came in second, and Executive Vice President Gary Hanson came in third.

Chancellor Sara Young Jackson is the only woman in the top 10. In 2020, there were no women in the top 10, according to previous Graphic reporting.

The University employed 4,676 individuals, according to the 990. In addition, 23 individuals volunteered at Pepperdine.

Top Program Services

Pepperdine spent the most money on student services, instruction and research, and academic support.

Student services cost $230,367,322 in expenses, including services such as transportation, parking, dining and housing. Approximately 88% of student services went to scholarships, loans and grants for students.

Instruction and research cost $137,674,706 in expenses, including instruction on the Malibu campus as well on International Program campuses.

Academic support services cost $115,214,576 in expenses, including costs for the health center, the counseling center, OneStop and the library.

Highest Paid Independent Contractors

The University paid independent contractors the most for e-learning, construction, consulting and catering in 2021.

Pepperdine paid 2U INC $48,222,24 for E-learning, the Penta Building Group $4,613,214 for construction, Perkins and Will INC $3,859,76 for consulting, Millie and Severson INC $2,737,25 for construction and Sodexo $2,636,171 for catering.

Reporting sexual misconduct: How Pepperdine handles process

Abby Wilt Executive Editor

Content Warning: This story contains explicit descriptions of a reported sexual assault.

Editor’s note: *Names have been changed to Jane Doe and John Smith to protect the individuals’ privacy.

It was March 2022.

Jane Doe* was studying abroad, when she and her friends decided to go out for the night.

Fellow Pepperdine student, John Smith,* was going out the same night, and the group went to a bar and started drinking together. By the end of the night, Doe said some were sick, some were not “fully there” and some left to go home.

Doe and Smith were left alone.

“Once we were alone, he used that as an opportunity to take advantage of me,” Doe said.

Smith proceeded to rape Doe, she said, without her consent, as she was impaired due to alcohol, according to the Office of Community Standard’s official case verdict.

Two months later, in early May 2022, Doe said it happened again.

Doe said it was a similar situation, where a group of students went out and started drinking. The group left eventually, and Doe and Smith were alone.

“After the second assault, I

was like, ‘OK, I can never see this person ever again,’” Doe said.

For the remainder of the program, Doe said she avoided Smith at all costs and considered reporting the assaults to Pepperdine.

“Whenever he was going out, I wouldn’t go out,” Doe said. “If he was going to an event, I wouldn’t go. If he was in a room, I wouldn’t go in that room. I did everything I could do to avoid him for months.”

The program ended the first week of May, and Doe and Smith went their separate ways.

Doe returned home and was with friends and family when she said she decided it was time to speak up.

An individual has the option to report sexual misconduct to Pepperdine’s Title IX office, file a criminal charge through local law enforcement or file civil litigation, according to Pepperdine’s Sexual Misconduct policy.

After reporting her experience to Pepperdine and going through a formal investigation, Doe said she was upset about the outcome, the time it took to complete the investigation and the way the process took a toll on her — after all she had already experienced.

Reporting a Sexual Assault

On June 24, 2022, Doe filed a complaint against Smith through Pepperdine’s Title IX office.

Doe had an initial interview

with Title IX Coordinator La Shonda Coleman in which she could decide to either file an informal complaint, a formal complaint or neither, according to section VIII of the policy.

An informal complaint does not require the Title IX office to investigate or perform a hearing and allows the complainant and respondent to mutually agree on a resolution, although the complainant can choose to stay anonymous to the respondent, according to section XI of the policy.

A formal complaint requires a thorough investigation, where Title IX will interview the complainant, the respondent and appropriate witnesses for both parties, according to section XII of the policy.

A formal complaint can then either go through the Title IX reporting process or the Sexual Misconduct reporting process.

Because Doe’s accusations happened outside of the United States and not on University property, Title IX dismissed the complaint, and decided to investigate it under Pepperdine’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, according to an email to Doe from the Office of Community Standards.

The Title IX office will consider a complaint a Title IX complaint if it includes Title IX sexual harassment, sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence or stalking, according to Appendix A: Sexual Misconduct Definitions in the policy.

The University must dismiss complaints as Title IX and file

them under the Sexual Misconduct Policy if they happened outside of any of Pepperdine’s campuses or properties, not at a University sponsored event or not at Pepperdine-owned buildings outside of the United States.

The Title IX office will dismiss a Title IX complaint and go through the Sexual Misconduct reporting process if it includes non-Title IX sexual harassment, sexual violence, rape, sexual battery or sexual exploitation.

“If it’s Title IX, there’s just very specific regulations that we have to follow,” Dean of Students Sharon Beard said.

Title IX protects individuals from discrimination based on sex in schools and activities that receive federal funding, according to the Department of Education. Pepperdine does receive federal funding, so therefore, has to follow Title IX regulations, according to section IV of the policy.

If a case follows the Sexual Misconduct policy rather than the Title IX policy, Beard said the University will still take appropriate investigative and disciplinary actions.

“There’s a lot of confusion when a student hears that a case has been dismissed as a Title IX case,” Beard said. “They think we’re not going to do anything about it and that we aren’t taking it seriously. But it’s quite the opposite — we’re able to have flexibility that we think will be in the best interests of the student.”

Doe said she decided to file a formal complaint against Smith and would continue through the sexual misconduct reporting process.

In her formal complaint, Doe said she accused Smith of two instances of sexual assault while abroad. Doe also requested a no-contact directive with Smith — meaning they could not communicate in person or on social media, but the no-contact directive did not ensure no contact on campus, Doe said.

“We could be in a group together, as long as we don’t speak directly to each other,” Doe said. “The only way to violate [the directive] is if you speak directly to each other.”

Before the investigation began, Doe said the Title IX office wrote a summary of Doe’s complaints and sent the report to both parties.

The Investigation Process

After the initial report and dismissal, the Title IX office handed the investigation over to the Department of Public Safety, where Dawn Emrich, director of Title IX Case Management and Prevention Education, investigated, conducted interviews and wrote a formal report, according to the policy. At the time of this case, Dawn Emrich was the director of the Department of Public Safety.

Emrich had the initial interview with Doe on June 29, 2022 to begin the investigation, according to DPS’s investigative report.

Over a month later, Aug. 4, 2022, Smith had his initial interview with Emrich, where he described the events from his point of view, according to the report.

Throughout the month of August, Emrich interviewed six witnesses — all members of the spring 2022 study abroad program, according to the report. Both Doe and Smith could choose witnesses to speak on their behalf.

Then, Doe said the waiting began.

“From the middle of September until November, noth-

After the second assault, I was like, ‘OK, I can never see this person ever again.’

Jane Doe Pepperdine student

ing happened [on my end],” Doe said.

The investigation process should take approximately 90 days, according to section XII of the policy.

For all cases in the 2022-23 academic year, the reporting process and investigation took an average of 120 business days, Coleman wrote in an Aug. 16 email to the Graphic.

“We understand how important it is to complete a timely and thorough investigation process,” Coleman wrote.

After Emrich conducted all interviews, she wrote an investigative draft report, Doe said.

Emrich sent a draft of the investigative report to both Doe and Smith on Oct. 28, over two months past the conclusion of the investigative process, according to the report.

Both parties had 11 calendar days to submit responses, including any additional evidence they had. Smith did respond, and Doe did not, according to the report.

On Nov. 11, Emrich sent the final report to both parties, including Smith’s responses, according to the final investigative report.

On Nov. 17, Emrich sent the report to the Office of Community Standards to review, according to the report.

After Thanksgiving break, Doe said Beard, on behalf of the Office of Community Standards, reached out to Doe and Smith to discuss next steps.

Doe said she would still like to move forward with a formal resolution rather than an informal resolution — which Beard said she offers students at this stage.

If a student decides to proceed with an informal resolution, the Office of Community Standards sends them back to the Title IX office, regardless of if the Title IX office already dismissed the formal case, according to section XI of the policy.

ment with an informal process, they will undergo a formal process.

Doe decided to proceed with a formal resolution, but at this point, she said she was frustrated the hearing was not going to take place until after Smith graduated because he was graduating in December.

Beard told Doe the hearing would take place in January, after the holidays, Doe said.

The Hearing

After winter break, the Office of Community Standards sent both Doe and Smith a hearing notice Jan. 8.

The hearing would take place Jan. 18 and 19, via Zoom.

Members of the Student Disciplinary Council to serve on this hearing were Beard, director of Financial Operations

Kimberly Hogan and assistant director of Human Resources Greyson Orellana, according to the report. These three would listen to both parties’ testimonies, as well as the witnesses’ testimonies.

Beard said the Title IX office recruits faculty and staff to serve on the Student Disciplinary Council. The members go through training once a year with Coleman.

All six witnesses also had to be present at the hearing, unless determined otherwise. Doe and Smith could also have advisers present at the hearing, according to the Sexual Misconduct policy.

Advisers serve as a support system for the complainant and respondent but are not allowed to sway the decision in any way.

At the hearing, Doe said both parties wrote and presented an opening statement that could be no longer than 10 minutes.

Next, Doe said the SDC questioned both the complainant and the respondent. They also indirectly questioned them.

On the second day of the hearing, the SDC questioned all of the witnesses, and then the complainant and respondent presented closing statements, which were each a maximum of five minutes.

Doe said the hearing was not only long but she also had to be in the same Zoom room as Smith, which made her uncomfortable.

“We’re both looking at each other, which is horrible,” Doe said. “Even just seeing him makes me want to barf.”

The Verdict

On Jan. 24, the SDC reached a verdict.

eral memory gaps throughout the night and she could not remove her tampon before sexual intercourse, Beard wrote in the Jan. 24 verdict.

The SDC concluded Smith was not guilty of rape May 4, 2022, due to a lack of evidence, according to the verdict.

The Office of Community Standards proceeded to discipline Smith for the March 12, with four sanctions, according to the verdict.

Smith was not allowed to participate in or attend Seaver College’s graduation ceremony but still could receive his degree and graduate from Pepperdine. Smith graduated in December but could not walk in April.

Second, Smith cannot go to any Pepperdine campus without permission, even though he had already graduated at the time of the verdict.

Third, Smith had to participate in an online training course on consent. Smith could not officially receive his degree until he completed the training.

Lastly, Smith had to write a reflection paper on what he “had learned from this experience,” according to the verdict. Beard emailed Doe to notify her that Smith was found guilty of rape and outlined his consequences.

“That was all; that was it,” Doe said. “He was found guilty. And then all he had to do was a training.”

Moving Forward

Doe said the verdict upset her, but she decided to not follow through with the appeals process because she didn’t believe it would do anything, and the appeal was due by Jan. 31, which was less than a week after the hearing. Doe said this was not enough time.

“I literally just went through hell,” Doe said. “I’m just like, ‘I just need to go back to my classes, actually.”

In the state of California, if an individual is convicted of rape, they will face up to eight years in state prison and face felony probation, according to Penal Code 261.

Doe said online trainings do not mean anything and compared it to when an individual gets a speeding ticket and their punishment is an online training course — the same as Smith had to complete for raping her.

“When I read that, it just felt like a slap in the face to me as a human but also just everything I had been through,” Doe said. “It’s just absolutely ridiculous.”

in the case. I was also my own lawyer. I was my own confidant, like I was, you know, every step of the way — like they expect us to do all of it. There’s such a burden of proof on the victim.”

Throughout the whole process, even though Doe had a no-contact directive for Smith, she said it did not ensure in any way they wouldn’t run into each other. Doe said she saw Smith on campus one day in the fall and had a panic attack.

possible throughout the reporting process.

“We want to constantly be improving this process,” Beard said.

Doe said there should be more accountability within the Title IX office, DPS and the Office of Community Standards.

If a student decides to proceed with a formal resolution, the Office of Community Standards schedules a hearing.

Beard said a student can initially choose the informal resolution process but can always go back to proceeding with a formal process if they want to. In addition, Beard said if two parties don’t reach an agree-

The SDC ruled Smith was guilty of the rape that took place March 12, 2022.

Due to Doe’s incapacitation from alcohol, the SDC concluded she could not consent to sexual intercourse. The SDC said the evidence was she shared a bottle of vodka among five people, she displayed abnormal behavior, she had sev-

The whole process, from start to finish, took almost seven months, and Doe said she was not just upset by Smith’s consequences but also by the reporting process as a whole.

Doe said she felt like she had to fight alone to prove he was guilty, when in a California state case, she would have a lawyer fighting for her.

“I was not only the victim,” Doe said. “I was the detective

“If their [DPS] whole point is public safety, how did they make me feel safe?” Doe said. “I didn’t feel safe at all a single day last semester because I was just walking around on campus with him every single day.”

Improving the Reporting Process

Beard said the Title IX office and the Office of Community Standards always want to serve students in the best way

“There’s just no accountability,” Doe said. “I want as many people as possible to know that they found a student guilty of rape, and they gave him an online consent training.”

Doe said she only initially reported in order to prevent rape from happening again to someone else, but now, she has lost all hope in the Title IX reporting process.

“Every step of this process was so re-traumatizing,” Doe said.

I was not only the victim. I was the detective in the case. I was also my own lawyer.

I was my own confidant.

Jane Doe Pepperdine student

Food ‘for everybody’: two new restaurants come to Malibu

locations, five of which are in California. Irv’s Burgers has two other locations — in Santa Monica and West Hollywood.

Longo said Malibu is a community that appreciates quality food and a community he wants to “integrate into.”

“A lot of restaurants are afraid of Malibu because they say it’s seasonal,” Longo said. “I believe that I was up for the challenge because I believe that I can connect with the local community and deliver them a premium fantastic product that the people in Malibu can be around year round.”

Additionally, Longo said he will also want to hire “good people” who live in the area — including students.

Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza will act as two new fast-casual dining options at The Park at Cross Creek, said Lawrence Longo, chief executive officer of Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza. As a preview, Irv’s Burgers hosted a Fourth of July pop-up in Malibu at The Park at Cross Creek shopping center.

“These are two restaurants for the masses,” said Steve Soboroff, owner of the Park at Cross Creek. “For the students. For everybody. It’s not just for the millionaires.”

This includes dietary needs. Longo said Prince Street carries both gluten-free and vegan pizzas. At Irv’s, there is a plant-based burger and a turkey burger.

Soboroff said the city has approved the plans for the two restaurants, and construction is underway. The two restaurants are perfect “college-town restaurants” that will be convenient for both Pepperdine and Santa Monica College students, Soboroff said.

“It’s fun, but it’s not a drive,” Soboroff said.

Longo said the two restaurants favor “premium flavors at affordable prices” and “deliver happiness through their food.”

“They [the restaurants] will be an enormous success and fill an enormous hole in Malibu,” Soboroff said.

The restaurant will offer students fresh food at an accessible price, Longo said.

The restaurants will also be open later than many of the other offerings in Malibu, Soboroff said. Prince Street Pizza’s other locations close at times ranging from 9:30 p.m. to 3 a.m., according to their website. Irv’s Burgers’ other locations close between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m., according to their website.

“He’s [Longo’s] gonna do stuff, you know, really, really geared towards being a part of your community,” Soboroff said. “Because your community stays up when other people are sleeping and uses his food to help them study or not study. So, it’s a perfect college-town combo.”

Longo said one idea to appeal to students is offering outdoor movie nights at the Malibu location.

The restaurants will go across age lines — there are also plans for a playground, where children can pretend to work at Irv’s at the Malibu location, Soboroff said.

“It’s for the kids, it’s for the parents, for their grandparents,” Soboroff said. “It’s for the students, it’s for date night, it’s for study night –– it’s for you.”

The restaurants will be two separate entities operating in the same space, Longo said. The restaurants were originally set to open in June, according to the Malibu Times, but Longo said they are now hoping to open in mid-August, with nothing set in stone.

Prince Street Pizza has seven other

“[The restaurants will be] just a really fun, cool environment, a safe place where they [students] can go and have comfort food,” Longo said. “There’s nothing better than, after a hard exam, to grab a nice slice of pizza, or while you’re studying for the exam, having a burger and fries –– maybe a soft-serve milkshake.”

Samantha Torre Managing Editor

[The restaurants will be] just a really fun, cool environment, a safe place where they [students] can go and have comfort food.

Lawrence Longo Chief Executive Officer Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza

Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza share a storefront at The Park at Cross Creek on Aug. 6. The two restaurants are slated to open sometime in mid-August, said Lawrence Longo, chief executive chef of Irv’s Burgers and Prince Street Pizza.

Samantha Torre | Managing Editor

Organizations, policies, volunteers help to address animal overcrowding

Beth Gonzales News Editor Kenny Vargas Assistant Editor

Los Angeles city shelters fell below their 90% save rate to consider them “no-kill” this year in a nationwide animal overcrowding crisis, said Ariel Dengrove, Best Friends LA marketing specialist. This status and the lack of animal care have led to many overcrowded shelters, Dengrove said.

As of this year, L.A. fell below the 90% benchmark save rate, said Ariel Dengrove, Best Friends LA marketing specialist.

Los Angeles County reached its no-kill status through the work of Best Friends, an American non-profit animal welfare organization. A “no-kill” status is reached when a city or county increases its save rate to over 90%, usually with organizations such as Best Friends championing behind them and helping animals with rescue over euthanasia, Dengrove said. This status, the lack of animal care crisis and fundamental funding leads to many overcrowded shelters, which is not all due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s really important for shelters to advocate for their needs and educate the community about some of the issues they face,” said Jenny Berg, California state director for the Humane Society of the United States. “In reality, many of these shelters are really struggling.”

The municipal shelter system has faced many problems such as a lack of funding and animal care, the absence of affordable spay and neuter systems, a shortfall of staff after COVID and more, Berg said. This has led to a dysfunctional and overcrowded shelter system in L.A. County and around the state of California.

Solutions: Spay and Neuter

Dana DePerno, a Malibu Coast Animal Hospital veterinarian who specializes in complementary and alternative therapies, said she has a close relationship with Healthcare of Homeless Animals, a nonprofit

that funds the medical care for animals at the local Agoura Animal Shelter. Her husband and veterinarian, Dean Graulich, is one of the original founders.

“Their [Healthcare for Homeless Animals’] mission is to provide health care for animals in the shelter system that the shelter can’t afford to provide,” DePerno said. “We work with them and provide our services at a 50% discount, and we tend to try and focus on older dogs that come in with senior wellness, dental issues, spay/neuter and tumor removals.”

Berg said animal welfare is in a nationwide lack of care crisis. There is a shortage of veterinarians due to a lack of vet schools and the fact that vets aren’t paid enough to compensate for their schooling, Berg said. In addition, many city-funded shelters do not have enough money to allocate to veterinary services.

There are other city departments that are important and require a lot of money such as fire, police and public health, said Frank Corvino, deputy director at the L.A. County Department of Animal Care. Animal control agencies have historically been on the low end of receiving the correct finances they need to run a program, Corvino said.

Corvino also said the lack of veterinarians is more prevalent in the municipal system as one would make less there than in private practice.

To help with costs, L.A. County offers a free initial exam voucher that vets in Malibu honor, DePerno said. This care voucher, Corvino said, covers up to $500, provides an initial community veterinarian assessment and continues connections to L.A. County’s additional resources. This was put into practice as a direct result of the disconnect between resources and community members.

Corvino said L.A. County’s partnership with pet insurance programs provides affordable spay and neuter systems because, in the areas where those services are more accessible, they have seen a significant lack in shelter overcrowding.

“If you are going to have an animal in your system for more

than 60 days, you have to have the capacity for care,” Corvino said.

City law requires all cats and dogs in L.A. to be spayed or neutered after the age of four months with some specific exemptions, according to the L.A. Animal Services website. With the implementation of this law, L.A. shelters have taken the lead nationally in their efforts to decrease the annual number of abandoned and euthanized pets.

sentatives by a 278-134 vote in July.

The act “brings down the curtain on a bizarre subculture of cruelty, the captive exotics industry that for years has peddled cub-petting and photo ops with dangerous and badly treated big cats,” according to the HSUS website.

Assembly member Ash Kalra introduced the AB-240 Dogs and Cats: California Spay-Neuter Fund on Jan. 13, according to the HSUS website.

Whether it is a free spay/ neuter system through organizations such as Furry Friends, free mobile clinics and even L.A. County refusing to take in healthy stray cats, these strategies have proven to be massive solutions to overcrowding and the rise of overall euthanasia rates, Corvino said.

“Low-cost spay/neuter is absolutely a piece of the puzzle because, if people are not getting dogs through the shelter system, where they’re already spayed and neutered, we end up with an issue, and we end up with more dogs,” DePerno said. “That is just self-perpetuating.”

Partners: Best Friends and the Humane Society

come integral in a local community that might be yearning to learn more.

“Unfortunately, especially after COVID, a lot of pets have gotten dumped out in the shelter system, which has led to overcrowding,” Dengrove said.

Volunteers and system reorganization help can be found within the successful Best Friends’ Embed Program, Dengrove said.

This program resulted in enforcing three-day shelter assessments that resulted in shelters — such as Hesperia — making significant changes including streamlining the process of how to handle free-roaming dogs in the community, according to the Best Friends Website.

While city shelters are open to help, Dengrove said, county shelters are more difficult to get on board because they are more rural and often left to their own devices with a lack of financial support. This makes the shelter “more stubborn” and resistant to change from outside pressure.

“You’re seeing a lot more euthanasia in the county shelters, sadly,” Dengrove said. “There’s just not a ton of resources that are allocated to them, so unfortunately, they have to make do with what they have.”

After a resident has adopted an animal, failure to spay or neuter comes with fines up to $100, and after multiple violations, it becomes a misdemeanor, according to the L.A. Animal Services website. L.A. County provides the Free Spay and Neuter System that offers free sterilization to residents whose household is below HUD’s Household Low-Income limits, according to the L.A. Animal Services website.

“Low-cost spay-neuter programs are really important, and a lot of local rescue organizations help fund those,” DePerno said.

Berg said many legislation bills on animal welfare issues in the state of California have also proven to work, such as the Big Cat Public Safety Act, which passed the House of Repre-

Dengrove said municipal shelters take in many more animals than a rescue might. Many organizations such as Best Friends and the Humane Society of the United States will come in and help as well as support them, such as coming in and pulling out animals so shelters do not have to deal with overpopulation.

Organizations such as this help launch programs that have proven to help overwhelmed shelters such as providing training to volunteers and those in paid positions, rescuing animals and advocating for struggling shelters on a state level, Berg said.

Dengrove said multiple cities helped start programs such as SEAACA that support foster recruitment, vaccinations, medical resources and even marketing for shelters to be-

Best Friends has seen shelter success with their programs that include neutering clinics, microchips, educating people on options when surrendering their pets and connecting residents to pet-friendly affordable housing and foster options.

While the Humane Society has rescue and shelter procedures, Berg said, the Humane Society fights largely on a state level with the legislature and animal welfare acts that have helped shelters in the more long-term, big-picture mindset.

When one signs up for organizations like the Humane Society of the United States, the organization sends out alerts when an important animal-welfare bill is passing

Unfortunately, especially after COVID-19, a lot of pets have gotten dumped out in the shelter system, which has led to overcrowding.

Ariel Dengrove Best Friends

L.A. Marketing Specialist

Photo by Kenny Vargas | News Assistant Editor

A husky living in one of the kennels at Agoura Animal Care Center waits to be adopted April 17. With dogs needing regular social and physical exercise, shelter volunteers have been an essential force in providing this enrichment, said Ariel Dengrove, Best Friends LA marketing specialist.

SHELTER: Organizations help animal overcrowding

From

through and will include action alerts such as petitions to sign.

“A lot of legislators really care what their constituents think about issues, so being a voice at the table contacting your legislators and advocating for these issues is really important,” Berg said.

Vet Loans and Abolishing Adoption Fees

Berg said shelters struggle with hiring and keeping veterinarians employed due to the nationwide shortage. While people may struggle in California to get their dog to a vet with appointments filled up months in advance, there are currently bills in the legislature looking to abolish this lack of access to care issue, Berg said.

One of them, The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), will help veterinarian students with their student loans. The cost of veterinarian school for four years can have an average cost of more than $200,000 for instate students and $275,000 for out-of-state students, according to the VIN Foundation, a nonprofit that offers veterinarians education and support.

There are only two vet schools in the state of California, Berg said. UC Davis and Western offer a DVM degree, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, according to the University of California website.

“There’s a bill this year on addressing this issue and encouraging vets to work in shelters, and that would help them pay off their loans or work in urban areas that don’t have veterinarians,” Berg said.

contact with their trusted veterinarians.

Another financial solution proven to show an increase in adoption numbers comes from the ASPCA’s successful fee-waiver program initiated in September 2008, according to ASPCA’s website.

The “Free Over Three” initiative was started at ASPCA’s adoption center, meaning they waived all adoption fees for cats over three years old, and the number of shelter visitors and adoptions increased dramatically, according to ASPCA’s website.

A follow-up study found the free cats and cats of cost were experiencing no difference in treatment at home. This program increased shelter foot traffic by 60% and initiated other promotions such as adopt one get two free, according to ASPCA’s website.

CalAnimals

A

cates the public on puppy sales and scams in the pet industry.

“It’s really helpful to get the issues across, and what we can do as an organization is support their legislation,” Berg said. “My role is to submit support letters and go to committees and testify in support of bills.”

nimals has seen success with enacting their strategic plans in emergency resources, offering free online training to shelter systems and organizations in compassion fatigue, and sharing what shelters can legally do to gain veterinarian support — according to their website.

Berg said the small amount of California vets who train in-state leave the state to find more work, and this bill would incentivize them to stay instate. Berg said there is also a successful telemedicine program helping residents stay in

Berg said “CalAnimals” is an umbrella organization for shelters in California that has seen much success in advocating for shelter education and helping train animal control.

The organization takes surveys on the vet crisis, displays bills and opposition letters on animal welfare issues and edu-

CalAnimals have seen legal success in helping animal shelters across the state by publishing the Animal Laws Handbook, sponsoring the Animal Law Enforcement Training Academy for humane animal control officers and more — all specifically in California — according to their website.

While many states may have their own version, CalA-

“We need to make sure the community is safe as well,” Corvino said. “And the other part is animal cruelty investigations, animal welfare in the community and investigating in making sure that pets are taken care of correctly.”

beth.gonzales@pepperdine.edu kenny.vargas@pepperdine.edu

Photo by Kenny Vargas | News Assistant Editor

husky plays in one of the larger kennels at Agoura Animal Care Center on April 17. Agoura’s shelter has not experienced animal overcrowding, which has allowed them to allot one dog per kennel and even pull from other shelters to alleviate overcrowding in those facilities, said Dr. Dana Deperno, Malibu Coast Animal Hospital veterinarian.

In reality, many of these shelters are really struggling.

Jenny Berg California state director for the Humane Society of the United Sates

PERSPECTIVES

THE PGM STAFF

Executive Editor

Abby Wilt

Managing Editor Samantha Torre

Special Edition Editor

Marley Penagos

DEI Team

Editors:

Joseph Heinemann & Marley Penagos

Assistant Editor: Madison Luc

Advertising Team

Ad Director: Victoria Snapper

News Team News Editor: Beth Gonzales

Senior Reporter: Emily Chase

News Assistant Editor: Millie Auchard

News Assistant Editor: Kenny Vargas

News Assistant: Ava Heinert

Staff Editorial: The Graphic reintroduces themselves

Graphic Staff

Editor’s Note: PGM staff members decide on the topic of a Staff Ed together. The staff as a whole provides opinions and content included in this Staff Ed to provide thoughts and shed light on solutions for happenings at Pepperdine.

Every day, the Graphic staff works hard to put out content that relies on facts, entails thorough reporting and aims to provide answers to your questions. We strive to be transparent — and the process that goes into the production of our content is a side of Pepperdine Graphic Media you may not know much about.

Pepperdine Graphic Media consists of the Graphic and Currents Magazine, which are separate entities with different staffs. We are a student-run organization that is editorially independent, we fully pitch and produce our content.

When print editions come out, once a month, staff spend Tuesday and Wednesday nights in the newsroom from 5 p.m., until midnight (and often later). When we do not produce print, we still spend time together in what we call “production.” During that time, we make sure we have a consistent flow of quality content online, and our leadership team holds each team member accountable for fulfilling their position.

In addition to the four main sections — News, Life and Arts, Sports and Perspectives there is also a digital team, a social media team, a copy editing team, an art team, a photo team and a podcast team. In addition, we have Diversity, Equity and Inclusion editors as well as managing and executive editors checking our content.

We also require in-person interviews –– unless under special circumstances such as an illness or differing locations — and aim to get to know our sources and tell their stories in a meaningful way.

Each section has its own lineup of staff that an article goes through before it is published. The process typically goes like this: A writer submits a draft, the main section editor looks first, and then the copy editor checks for grammar and spelling mistakes; then, the article comes to the managing editor — who oversees all sections — and finally, the story is sent to the advisers of PGM before a digital editor uploads it to the website.

After the lineup listed above suggests edits, the story continues to go back to the writer to make changes before being sent through the editors again. This process can take several hours daily and can last around a week — or more for longer stories — sometimes going back to the writer for edits dozens of times.

Our art and photo teams enter at this point in the pro-

cess so we can have visuals to pair with our stories. We want to not only tell our readers about our reporting but to show them as well.

Our reporting and editing process contributes to our mission for accuracy and thoughtful reporting. If readers see anything that is inaccurate, we welcome feedback at any time as well as Letters to the Editor.

Once we have printed our published stories in our newspaper, our staff brings stacks of papers to stands around campus in places such as Starbucks, the TCC, the TAC, the CCB, Waves Café and more. Our website will have the most up-to-date content at all times.

In addition, we have a QR code the community can scan in order to send us any ideas, story pitches or ways we can improve.

PGM is excited to welcome the new year with several returning members and several new members, and we all commit to giving our community quality, truthful, accurate and timely news.

News Staff Writer: Priscilla Sy

Life & Arts Team

Life & Arts Editor: Yamillah Hurtado

Life & Arts Assistant Editor: Tim Gay

Life & Arts Assistant: Alexandra Speck

Life & Arts Assistant: Samantha Wareing

Life & Arts Assistant: Max Pohlenz

Life & Arts Staff Writer: Emma Ibarra

Life & Arts Staff Writer: Anezka Liskova

Perspectives Team

Perspectives Editor: Victoria La Ferla

Perspectives Assistant

Editors: Fiona Creadon & Madison Luc

Perspectives Assistant: Faith Oh

Perspectives Staff Writer: Laury Li

Perspectives Staff Writer: Kylie Kowalski

Perspectives Staff Writer:

Arik Chu

Comic Writer: Luke Franklin

Sports Team

Sports Editor: Tony Gleason

Sports Assistant Editors: Alex Clarke & Joseph Heinemann

Sports Assistant: Justin Rodriguez

Staff Writer: Dylan Chai

Staff Writer: Isaac Kim

Staff Writer: Nick Shea

Digital Team

Digital Editor: Gabrielle Salgado

Social and Multimedia

Producer/Editor: Christina Buravstova

Digital Assistant Editor: Milena D’Andrea

Digital Assistant: Andrew Kim

Video Editor: Hunter Dunn

Copy Team

Copy Chief: Aubrey Hirsch

Photo Team

Photo Editor: Mary Elisabeth

Staff Photographer:

Perse Klopp

Staff Photographer: Lindy Smith

Staff Photographer:

Emma Ibarra

Design Team

Lead Designer: Skyler Hawkins

Assistant Lead Designer: Will Falmer

Assistant Designer: Emilia Lekhter

Art Team

Art Editor: Jackie Lopez

Staff Artist: Sarah Rietz

Podcast Team

Podcast Producer: Joe Allgood

Abroad Team

Abroad Correspondent: Alicia Dofelmier

Art Editor | Jackie Lopez

Not all friends can be roommates

Fiona Creadon Perspectives Assistant Editor

one you do not see during the day can provide the necessary space to maintain a good relationship.

If you find that you are in a situation where your roommate/friend is a source of stress and this is causing tension in your friendship and living situation, here are some words of advice:

campus that you may not have otherwise explored.

2. Prioritize Communication

For many students, the beginning of the academic year marks the start of new roommate combinations.

Some students make the choice to live with friends they have made during their time in school. This can be a great arrangement for certain people who love the extra time with their friends outside of class.

For others, however, this can be more stressful than beneficial.

Often what students do not realize until they get to college is living with people is a very intimate experience. Cohabitation is an important skill for college students to learn, but it can sometimes be too taxing for a friendship.

It takes a certain dynamic to live with a person and spend all day with them. In some cases, living with some-

1. Needing Space From People is Normal

It can feel uncomfortable to recognize that a relationship feels suffocating, especially when you know your friend has good intentions. However, sometimes there is a limit to how much time you can spend with someone before feeling emotionally drained.

If this is the case, create space for yourself. One way to effectively do this is to find activities to participate in outside of the dorm while you know your roommate is home.

Instead of being with your roommate all day, create a routine of working out while they are in the dorm between classes, or study in the library instead of in your room with them. Utilize the opportunity to take advantage of other activities and locations on

One of the best and most effective ways to work through conflict is to clearly express your feelings to the other person. A surefire way to avoid defensiveness or further argument is to not express judgment but instead share your feelings and your feelings only.

An example of this would be: “Hey, I have early classes during the week, so when you stay up late on the phone with friends, it makes it challenging for me to get enough sleep. Maybe you could take your calls in the common room if they’re after 10 p.m.?”

This can prevent a situation in which your friend feels judged and instead help you focus on how the situation can be fixed. Assuming this is already a friend of yours, a conversation of this nature should be less intimidating because you know each other well enough to feel comfortable expressing your thoughts.

3. Utilize Available Resources

If communication and the creation of new routines that take you out of the dorm do not aid the situation, it’s possible you may need to utilize your resident advisor (RA) or spiritual life advisor (SLA).

There is nothing wrong with needing to vent to someone about roommate issues, wanting a second opinion or bringing in a mediator. A major responsibility of an RA or SLA is to walk alongside students and help those who are living on campus with any problems that may arise. This absolutely includes roommate relationships.

If you find yourself in need of help, do not feel ashamed or guilty. Just because you are friends with your roommate does not mean the relationship will be conflict-free. Sometimes, two people are not meant to live together. That doesn’t mean you can’t be great friends or overcome this issue. It just means that not all friends can be roommates.

fiona.creadon@pepperdine.edu

London rain makes Malibu shine

Laury Li Perspectives Staff Writer

Transparency Item:The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of thewriter.

Summer in London is not nearly as depressing as winter, but the ever-changing weather and unpredictable rainfall still upset me for the month I spent there.

Living near the beach in Malibu, I often take the pleasant weather for granted. Life in the UK is the total opposite. I attended the London Religion program this summer, yet the frequent rainfall and depressed look of London residents often made me wonder: is this actually the city I was so eager to come to?

I was used to leaving the umbrella at home most times of the year. However, in London, a sudden rain after dinner soaked my pants on my way back to the house.

I could hardly see anything wearing glasses. The rain disrupted my plan for the rest of the evening, and the worst part was it ruined the food in my paper to-go box.

Don’t get me wrong — the program was terrific, and the London Waves were lovely. It was just the weather let me down.

The London weather was surprisingly nice on our arrival, compared to the stereotypical impression that it always rains. I let my guard down for

some days, and then came the pouring rain.

During a short travel break in the second half of the program, my friends and I decided to go to Edinburgh, Scotland, another city with fascinating architecture and pubs. It has a summer average high temperature of 66°F — the same as the summer lower average in L.A. Five minutes after leaving the train station, the chilling wind blew our umbrellas inside out.

Often, UV exposure concerns Southern California residents. UV index forecast shows that UV reaches level 11 at the beginning of August, which indicates the highest risk of damage to the skin and eyes.

In comparison, the UV peak in London stays between four and six in the same period, according to uvindex.app.

Despite the benefits of lower UV exposure, cloudier weather also comes with a risk of vitamin D deficiency.

While regular intake of most vitamins is through food, ultraviolet B radiation on the skin triggers a photosynthetic reaction that generates vitamin D, according to a study on the benefits of sunlight from Environmental Health Perspectives.

A significant number of UK residents have a low vitamin D level, according to the UK National Health Service. Children with vitamin D deficiency are particularly vulnerable to rickets compared to other age groups.

Other than physical illnesses, such as muscle weakness and bone fractures, the consequences of lacking sunlight include depression.

Seasonal affective disorder, often known as seasonal depression, is more prevalent with shorter daylight time and insufficient sunlight exposure. Though the program was in the summer, I still felt less motivated than the days when I was in Malibu, where it felt like a mental rinse just standing in the sun.

Though Malibu has sunny days for most of the year, the weather is becoming a new trouble lately. Storms hit California with unusually heavy rainfall in January due to climate change, according to The New York Times.

One suggestion to avoid insufficient vitamin D is to consume more internally from food or tablets. Fatty fish and fish liver oil contain rich natural vitamin D, according to the National Institute of Health.

Some practical solutions to living through London weather include packing a heavy-duty umbrella, down jackets and waterproof sneakers, according to the London School of Economics and Political Science management department blog.

In the rainy season in Malibu, Pepperdine Graphic advises commuting students to leave a stopping distance, drive slower and turn the headlights on.

Sunlight in Southern California can be too strong sometimes, but it is essential to our physical and mental health. Coming back from London reminds me to appreciate it more. Enjoy the sun whenever you have the chance.

Emma Crees | Staff Artist

Sarah Rietz | Staff Artist

Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of thewriter.

Campus ties unearth cosmic truth

Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

New students are discovering they will spend most nights studying and hanging out in Payson Library. Amidst breaks from their studies, students find themselves immersed in late-night conversations with friends about their Zodiac signs. Diving deeper into the interstellar intersection of romantic connections and horoscopic predictions is beyond intriguing, but is it actually realistic?

It’s undeniable that the stars have an uncanny way of impacting our relationships, according to Insider. This makes breaking down the astrological understanding of love essential, delving into a realm of insights that, while not scientifically proven, are embraced by many as meaningful beliefs.

While astrology adds a dash of enchantment to the tumultuous journey of college relationships, it’s essential to strike a balance between cosmic insight and grounded reality.

Astrology can impact relationships in a variety of ways. The idea of chemistry between signs suggests there exists a powerful connection when two individuals share the same astrological sign, according to Co-Star.

A Taurus and Virgo could get along well because they both have a practical nature, while a Leo and Aries might click because they share a lot of energy and excitement, according to Astrotalk.

Beyond connection, astrology is considered a tool for communication.

Many consider astrology a tool for communication. Trying to explain a friend’s impulsiveness? Just blame it on the fact that they’re Aries, and accept that this a characteristic to expect in Aries, according to Cosmopolitan.

Some believe astrology can facilitate growth. The best relationships often push us to

grow and evolve. Astrological insights can offer a roadmap for understanding your friend’s strengths and areas that need growth. Not one Zodiac is perfect. However, Zodiac signs may allow us to scapegoat our friends and maneuver our way out of arguments.

Sarah Rietz | Staff Artist

Depending solely on astrological charts, Zodiac descriptors and what phase the moon is in may lead to unrealistic expectations. These impractical aspirations can arise if the other person does not believe in astrology or is unaware of its role in their relationship.

Remember, we’re more than just our Zodiac signs –– we’re complex beings. Life shapes our upbringing, experience and personal choices.

Some believe conflict can arise from astrology’s influence. During Mercury retrograde, a period astrologists believe to disrupt communication, it becomes tempting to attach every misunderstanding to this cosmic event, hiding the real root issues.

Things could get a little tricky when we start acting just

like our Zodiac sign and try to change or exacerbate certain characteristics that are similar.

For example, if you’re a stubborn Taurus, you might find yourself sticking to your point during an argument because that’s what you believe Tauruses are supposed to do, which can actually make the situation worse instead of fixing it.

Imagine all the dorm halls on campus were split based on Zodiac signs, and one misunderstanding with one dorm hall could lead to everyone stereotyping this dorm and all the people related to it because of its Zodiac sign. It seems unfair and unlikely that each individual living there is exactly the same, despite sharing the same sign.

We should embrace people as unique individuals rather than relying on predetermined assumptions. We shouldn’t go about our relationships eliminating people based on past experiences or our friends’ experiences with them.

Relationships of all kinds go beyond the stars –– they’re shaped through experiences, willingness to grow and aspirations. So, let the stars be your guide, but let your hearts and intellect be the captains of your collegiate cosmic ship.

victoria.laferla@pepperdine.edu

Christ Pantocrator teaches balance

Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

Icons are a form of worship that artfully display holy and sacred beings. Icons are more than works of art. They teach us things. They live and breathe, instilling wisdom from Christianity through the aesthetic medium. The definition of an Icon is vague and shadowy. I never really understood how an image or piece of art could teach and nurture faith. An injury over the summer taught me how Icons emanate wisdom.

I came across the Icon of Christ Pantocrator at Sinai while reading Pepperdine’s Professor of Great Books

Paul J. Contino’s excellent book on Dostoevsky and Incarnational realism. In this Icon, the two faces of Christ split down the middle, the left exhorting and reproachful and the right pitying and loving. At first, the lack of symmetry between the left and right sides of Christ’s lovingly-portrayed face may seem off-putting, but deeper analysis shows the reason behind this asymmetry.

The right half of Christ’s face is mournful. His right eye locks onto the viewer with compassion and pity. The shadows are less prominent, and his features are less harsh; a white glow of health and innocence imbue his face.

On the right side, he calls people

to follow Him. There is calm and tranquillity in the right side of his face, drawing in the feeling of the warm glow of home. The right side of Christ’s face almost sighs like a disappointed father, looking in pity at his child, who insists on touching the hot stove and burning himself. Christ seems to say, “Come here, poor child; I’ll take care of you.”

The left side of the face, however, is much less sanguine. Christ’s stare pierces directly into the viewer. The darker shadows around his cheekbones and eyes, combined with the angular and arched eyebrows, make the right side of Christ’s face seem almost alien and inhuman, emphasizing humanity’s painful separation from God.

Christ’s left pupil centers in his iris as opposed to the right side of his face, which is looking up, appealing to a higher nature. Christ’s harsh ex-

pression encapsulates the difference between a look and a stare. Christ intently stares at the viewer, making one feel as if they have been judged and found wanting.

This icon symbolizes two symbiotic approaches in Christianity. The right side of Christ’s face acknowledges the capacity for good inherent in all humanity. The left side of Christ’s face focuses on sin and separation from God, reproaching humanity for evil. These two halves are held in a transcending golden mean only in Christ.

One of the fundamental tenets of Christianity is that man is made in the image of God. This feature allows humanity to be similar and unique at the same time. I face challenges that are uniquely mine, yet somehow, others can relate to them. I learned which half of Christ I lacked through my injury.

I tore my knee ligaments kickboxing. After hearing the ungodly sound of my knee popping and cracking like a can of soda, I still insisted on boxing without kicks and continued to train for two hours afterward.

Being the fool I was, I didn’t realize that adrenaline was serving to numb my knee’s pain while I continued tearing it apart. The reality became apparent when I woke up unable to walk, and my knee had swollen up like a balloon.

During this period of rest and recovery, I became bitter and resentful, hating myself for being unable to walk.

I started trying to push my luck, deciding to force myself to get better, exercising in any small way I could to

fix my knee. Ignoring my doctor’s advice, I did squats and single-leg deadlifts, prolonging my injury. Sometimes the hardest thing in the world is to do nothing.

Only a month into this unhealthy cycle of self-reproach, I remembered the right half of Christ’s face — full of understanding, pity and love — and I felt calm. It wasn’t as if all my problems had disappeared, but I began to see how my self-reproach was hurting me. I had to see myself in the eyes of compassionate Christ to see my value and potential as a child of God.

Once I had stopped being so hard on myself and let my knee heal, I saw an exponential increase in recovery. It’s been two months since my injury, and I’m glad to say I am back at the squat rack.

Rest and recovery, whether physical or psychological, is extremely hard for me and, I suspect, for other individuals who are more negatively driven. During recovery, I may think I am doing nothing, but, in reality, I am ever-present and always active in whatever I do.

Doing nothing is still, paradoxically, something I inevitably choose to do. The Icon of Christ Pantocrator has shown me that even rest can be a struggle, but it is a struggle I must acknowledge.

Mary Polumbo | Staff Artist

Victoria La Ferla Perspectives Editor

Arik Chu Staff Writer

Remember, we’re more than just our Zodiac signs –– we’re complex beings.

Victoria La Ferla Perspectives Editor

Breakfast brings the sunshine

up of protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals, according to Healthline.

tion” does not push blanket rules but instead advocates personalized diets, recognizing individuals’ bodies can respond differently to specific foods, and the best diet for one person may be very different for another, according to an article by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

A balance of health-conscious and indulgent choices is a perfect blend for every morning. Ultimately, what one’s choice of breakfast looks like depends on their personal dietary and lifestyle needs.

Breakfast can refer to meals that are consumed in the morning, but breakfast foods can be eaten at all hours of the day. Steak and eggs anyone?

Pepperdine even recognizes the importance of breakfast. During the Sunday of finals week each semester, Pepperdine hosts a Late Night Breakfast. This fun student tradition is an experience that creates bonds within the Pepperdine community while providing reinforcements for students to power through late-night studying.

My favorite part of breakfast, besides the food, of course, is the people I share it with. When I get the chance, I spend my morning meals catching up and connecting with friends and family.

Victoria La Ferla Perspectives Editor

BACK TO MALIBU

TransparencyItem:ThePerspectivessectionoftheGraphiciscomprisedofanadvicecolumnbasedon newtopicsandrotatingwriterseach time.Thisistheopinionandperspective of the writer.

Hey there Waves,

Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

Hungry, stomach growling. When I wake up in the morning, my first thought is, “What will I eat for breakfast?” After the long stretch of not eating through the night, I’m ready to break my fast. Sometimes, the smell of bacon wafting through the air or the welcome scent of buttery pancakes and waffles greets me. Breakfast, hands down, is the best meal of the day.

Not only do I indulge in traditional American breakfast foods but I am also blessed to have a mother who teaches me about our heritage through Chinese breakfast foods. For those who are curious, a blog post by Elaine of China Sichuan Food showcases some examples of traditional Chinese breakfast foods.

Eating a nourishing breakfast gives people fuel to kick-start their days, improve their heart health and reduce brain fog, according to Cleveland Clinic.

Many students have busy routines and hectic lifestyles that make it hard to find time for breakfast, but setting aside time to eat breakfast can give them the energy they need. Especially for students prone to exhaustion from insufficient sleep, breakfast can boost their day.

Everyone’s schedule looks different, but breakfast needs to be prioritized. If you struggle with finding time, see if there is anything you can eliminate from your morning routine to set aside time for breakfast.

I often eat breakfast and have a cup of tea while reading the Bible, the news or a book before class. Even if a last-minute homework assignment is due, I make sure to sneak in a bite or two.

What to eat for breakfast is important too. A balanced breakfast is made

Some healthy breakfast options Healthline recommends are eggs, avocado toast, fruits, Greek yogurt, oatmeal, nuts, seeds, coffee and tea. These options provide a variety of proteins and sides to choose from. Grab-and-go options that can be prepared ahead of time could be hardboiled eggs, precut fruit, trail mix or parfait bowls.

With today’s tech capabilities, this interaction can sometimes look like a phone or video call home or to a friend around the globe, but it is not an excuse to neglect face-to-face interactions.

Food is meant to be shared in a communal gathering with family or friends, and dim sum is one of my favorite brunch options for gatherings. With steamy and fragrant smells in the air, dim sum restaurants serve Cantonese foods like sticky sweet buns, dumplings and noodles.

Waiters with metal carts bring out small platters of food and stop by each table in the restaurant. Patrons can request the number of dishes they want, and the waiter will stamp a sheet of paper for the tab. Waiters place dishes in the center of the table on a lazy Susan to be passed around the table.

Since many of the dishes are fried and greasy, hot tea, or “chá,” is served in a teapot left on the table to cleanse the palette.

If you have never tried dim sum, Pepperdine is located in a perfect place to try different ethnic cuisines. For authentic dim sum, visit LA’s Chinatown on a day off — only a 30-minute drive away.

Make sure to ride the orientation wave to familiarize yourself with the campus. From locating the gnarliest study spots to mastering the perfect time to hop onto the shuttles, soak in all the knowledge orientation has to offer and meet as many people as possible. You never know whom you will click with.

Diving into class assignments is crucial but so is catching a breather. Find your perfect “me time” spot with an ocean or mountain view.

Pepperdine’s options of extracurricular clubs and activities are exceptional. Whether you’re into debating the big stuff, drawing people or saving the planet, there’s a club for you.

I never would have expected to be a part of a sorority, but the day before registration closed, I said, “Why not? Even if it doesn’t work out, at least I’ll make some new friends.” I couldn’t have been more correct.

Professors are your lifeguards, ready to help you ride the academic surf. Don’t hesitate to paddle over to their office hours with questions or to just chat about the subject matter. Pepperdine’s small size is a big benefit when learning complicated topics.

Balancing the rush of classes, assignments and beach vibes requires epic time management skills. Don’t underestimate the chill atmosphere on campus; there is a lot to do, and people expect things completed on time and to the best of your capability.

People love their daily cup of joe — 74% of Americans drink coffee daily and 49% drink three to five cups a day, according to Drive Research.

Coffee and tea can be healthy beverage choices but only in moderation. Naturally, these drinks contain a high amount of caffeine.

Moderate doses of caffeine, about two 8-ounce cups of coffee, can help people stay awake and alert, but high doses — 12 cups or more — can cause feelings of anxiety, high blood pressure, difficulty sleeping and headaches, according to an article from the American Heart Association.

As always, everything in moderation, including moderation. Individual consumption of more indulgent options — yummy, but not for everyday consumption — like pastries, crepes or anything with lots of sugar and processed carbs, should be measured against personal dietary needs.

A practice called “precision nutri-

Some of my most cherished memories are of my family sharing conversations and life experiences together over bowls of congee — rice porridge with toppings like chicken, century eggs, salted duck eggs and green onions.

Breakfast is not simply a meal or time of day; it is a chance to make memories with loved ones. It represents family, friends, community, hospitality and feelings of warmth. It is a time to renew body and mind for the new day ahead. Breakfast is a meal you should not miss.

Malibu is more than just a place –– it’s an aesthetic. From its sunset evenings to its laid-back energy, Pepperdine’s campus is like a daily dose of Instagrammable moments. Embrace it, and let it inspire your creativity and outlook.

As the sun dips below the horizon, blend the world of academics with the art of sunset-watching.

With these tips, you’re ready to paddle out and catch the first waves of your Pepperdine journey. Embrace the challenge, ride the highs and remember — whether you’re surfing or studying — it’s all about finding your balance and riding with style.

With care,

Art by Jackie Lopez | Art Editor

Madison Luc Perspectives Assistant Editor

Breakfast is not simply a meal or time of day; it is a chance to make memories with loved ones.

Madison Luc Perspectives Assistant Editor

Are you busy or avoiding your own thoughts?

Faith Oh Perspectives Assistant

Transparency Item:The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion.This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.

Students often view summer break with a breath of relief — the full weight of school lifts, and there is more room to relax. However, after a while, they quickly find themselves bored and scramble for various activities to fill their time.

Most people hate being bored. There is nothing stimulating or enticing about sitting alone with one’s thoughts. When I find myself in a moment of quiet, I tend to become restless and search for anything tWo keep busy such as doing chores.

Psychology professor Timothy D. Wilson conducted an experiment at the University of Virginia to explore the state of being alone with one’s thoughts.

In the experiment, 42 participants sat quietly doing nothing for 15 minutes. By the end of the time period, nearly half of the participants had administered at least one self-inflicted shock. Prior to those 15 minutes, the same participants had declared they would pay money not to experience the painful shock, according to BBC.

The experience of sitting alone was so unpleasant that people would rather experience pain than be left to their thoughts. Evidently, there is something undesirable about stewing in these emotions.

Especially in this day and age with social media, it feels normal to constantly be on the move. If schoolwork is

finished, there is always something else productive to do. If there is a break, the go-to is scrolling on a phone.

People are always keeping their minds busy; it’s no wonder they often feel drained despite taking time away from their work. However, the obvious unhealthy habits of social media in our daily lives may not be the only thing leaving us exhausted.

I experienced this myself, especially this summer. Arriving back home was wonderful, yet uneasiness continued to stew within me. Aside from work obligations, I filled my days with customary activities, including physical exercise, personal work projects, hobbies and hanging out with friends.

It was a profound improvement from the unhealthy coping mechanisms I employed in years prior. But the terrible, empty feeling still remained, and I did not know why.

The truth was, I made good progress, and that was something to be proud of. But I also realized that I utilized these improved activities to continue avoiding uncomfortable feelings.

“While the need to be busy all the time can help keep our minds off things, it can also increase our stress, anxiety, and mental strain,” according to CalmSage.

At a breaking point, my partner encouraged me to practice mindfulness through meditation, a concept I had often scoffed at.

But it turned out mindfulness was not all about sitting upright on yoga mats and trying to shut off one’s thoughts.

Mindfulness meditation isn’t about stopping those thoughts but rather learning how to relate differently to them and think with a clear, calm, lov-

ing attitude, according to Ten Percent Happier.

It can be scary at first, allowing daunting emotions to run their course, but opening up to receive and kindly acknowledge them can make a world of difference. I discovered a few points that have helped my own mindfulness practice.

1. Emotions are Impermanent

This concept stems from the Buddhist perspective on life and how things are constantly changing, according to Positive Psychology. The heavy feelings might feel terrible, but they don’t last forever.

2. Take on a More Calm, Neutral Attitude

Become more observant of the physical and emotional feelings that dwell or pass. Mindfulness tunes into the senses to ground a person in the present moment.

3. Identification is Key

Identifying where you feel discomfort in your body and accepting the discomfort — that is, refraining from changing or making the feeling go away — are key steps to sitting with your thoughts, according to The Center for Mindfulness & CBT.

Mary Palumbo | Staff Artist

There is no right or wrong way to practice mindfulness. A variety of methods exist and may be used however one feels comfortable.

For example, the body scan is a popular mindfulness practice and focuses on how each part of the body feels, starting from the feet up, according to Positive Psychology.

4. Stay Consistent

It surprised me how taking 10 minutes out of my day to sit quietly with myself turned out to be extremely healing. Not only did it mentally prepare and calm my mind for the day but I also learned a lot about myself when I sat through difficult emotions.

Up until that point, I realized I didn’t have much mental or physical awareness about myself. I was conditioned to just push past anything that hindered my work or leave it to God without practically doing anything for myself.

This restless lifestyle is especially easy to fall back into as the new school year approaches. While it’s tempting to fill the days with constant activities, it is equally important to allot time to rest. Your mind and body deserve it.

LIFE & ARTS

Students find a new home during NSO

everybody’s happy to be here.”

Alisa Chanpong-Amateau, mother of Lily Amateau, had similar feelings about her daughter moving into college.

she was looking into schools on the West Coast because she is Jewish, Aviv said.

The Pepperdine community welcomed new students to Seaver College in Malibu on Aug. 14.

New Student Orientation began Aug. 14 and concluded Aug. 18. Student Activities created this program specifically for new students and their families to become familiar with the school’s academics, student activities, student services, housing, international programs and much more, according to the NSO website.

“I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was 5,” first-year Lily Amateau said. “Now that God has given me a college to go to, I just feel tremendously blessed, and moving in hasn’t finally hit yet, but I think it’s going to be something great.”

Junior NSO leader Georgia Puckett said the orientation leaders are “the first faces [new students] see on campus.”

Before NSO week, NSO leaders attended training Aug. 10-12. Puckett said it was fun seeing everyone after being abroad last semester in Lausanne.

The NSO leaders help move in all the first-year students. They’re in charge of hanging up posters, making house signs and leading events like the firstyear seminars and game nights, Puckett said.

Puckett said the orientation leaders have had loud music on, trying to make it fun, energetic and easy for the people moving in.

Carolyn Jibilian, mother of first-year Haig Jibilian, said she is on the same page regarding the energy of this NSO.

“Overall, everyone has been super friendly,” Carolyn Jibilian said. “Really high energy. You could tell

“We are so happy for her,” Chanpong-Amateau said. “We feel so fortunate that she was able to come here, and we just thank God.”

For some, Pepperdine has been a school that has always been on their list of choices, while for others, like first-year Andie Aviv, it was a last minute decision.

“Then, I looked more into it, and I was like, ‘Religion is such a diverse idea now, and it’s not one way or the highway; so many different cultures and beliefs are now accepted,’” Aviv said. “So, I wasn’t going to let that define [my decision].”

The beginning of NSO has been exciting for Puckett, and she is enthusiastic for the next upcoming days, she said.

“It’s fun watching them [the first-years] drive by because they’re all smiley and so excited,” Puckett said. “I remember when I was moving in, I was so nervous, but seeing how smiley and excited they are — like they’re just so happy to be here, and it makes it so much easier moving them in and talking with them.”

Aviv said she is most excited about the small class sizes and looks forward to interacting with her professors.

“I’m most excited to have a new beginning and go into a new campus with new people and just to experience life in a different view,” Amateau said.

Aviv said, at first, her parents were planning to only allow her to go to universities on the East Coast.

“After a lot of convincing, I was finally like, ‘I belong here,’” Aviv said. “‘Why send me somewhere where I’m not going to be comfortable?’ I love it here.”

Pepperdine did not initially catch her eye when

Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor

Drawings in colorful chalk cover the sidewalk outside first-year housing Tuesday, Aug. 15. New students moved in before NSO activities began.

Anežka Lišková Staff Writer

I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I was 5. Now that God has given me a college to go to, I just feel tremendously blessed.

Lily Amateau

First-year

Mary Elisabeth |

Photo Editor NSO leaders help students move into their dorms on Upper Dorm Road on Tuesday, Aug. 15. First-year students moved in before NSO activities began.

NSO leaders cheer for cars driving through Tuesday, Aug. 15. New students moved into first-year dorms at the beginning of NSO.

Junior Jordan Solofa, NSO leader, expresses her excitement for moving first-year students in firstyear housing Tuesday, Aug. 15. Leaders spent most of their days on Lower and Upper Dorm roads.

NSO leaders move a box to a students dorm Tuesday, Aug. 15. Students said they were excited to move in.

Graphic team members go abroad

Finding myself and my family roots in Florence Milena D’Andrea Digital Assistant Editor

Italian culture has been close to my heart from a young age. Both sides of my family are Italian, and six of my eight great-grandparents emigrated from Italy to the United States through Ellis Island in the 1920s.

My family has passed down hints of our Italian culture including pasta and sauce recipes and a love for traditional Italian music. That’s why, when I first toured Pepperdine during my sophomore year of high school, the Florence sign outside of the International Programs office immediately caught my attention.

naco. The beach had the clearest water I had ever seen, and I had the privilege to try some of the best croissants and cheese in the world. What stands out to me most is how kind and full of life the people there were. A parade through Old Town Nice and parties along the Promenade des Anglais far into the night exemplified this exuberant spirit.

I took a significant step out of my comfort zone when I solo-traveled to Venice and Bologna. This trip allowed me to find myself and take in all the beauty around me without distraction. It also taught me how to enjoy being alone, and it prompted me to interact with locals and fellow tourists. I even met and exchanged numbers with a girl my age from Florida on a food tour.

In addition to the trips I got to take, I will never forget the people in the program whom I became close with through incredible shared excursions and daily life in the villa. My peers in the Florence program became my family away from home, and I continually looked forward to lunches in the Mesa, worship nights, spontaneous gelato runs to Medici’s and dancing at the Piazzale Michelangelo.

I also have to give shout-outs to our wonderful program director Elizabeth Whatley — or, “Queen Elizabeth” — our faculty in residence, Dr. Felicity Vabulas, and my Italian professor, Valentina Nocentini. They made the Villa such a cozy and loving atmosphere and became like parents to us in our time away from home.

the city, a day trip to Siena and San Gimignano, a four-course meal at her private home and a final dinner overlooking the Duomo.

I am so thankful Pepperdine has an abundance of abroad opportunities, and I hope to discover another location next summer. May and June were a whirlwind and showed me how vast our world is. You could say I’ve caught the travel bug. Despite the uniqueness of every location I visited in my time abroad, my biggest takeaway was Italians’ love for life and carefree joy, and I’ve carried this attitude home with me.

“Grazie,” Florence, for the summer of a lifetime. I hope to go again, as the city of the Renaissance will always have a piece of my heart.

milena.dandrea@pepperdine.edu

Beth Gonzales has tea at her favorite spot, Fait Maison, near the Pepperdine house in South Kensington in June. She took her childhood best friend Alyssa to this spot; they also visited Primrose Hill, Camden Market and more.

I waited about nine hours in line and met some local friends, and it was more than worth the wait. I saw Harry through the dewdrops of my eyes toward the front, while fireworks lit the night sky behind him.

This was, in fact, a very Harry trip, as I also had the opportunity to freelance for a Harry Styles documentary coming out on UK Channel Five. The production company filmed me for the documentary which included hours of interviews about Harry’s life — finally, I was being compensated for my Harry knowledge.

I cherished picking out every souvenir for my family, as I was living this dream for them as well. This has always been one of our top travel destinations. It felt like a second Christmas the day I came home from abroad and gave them all their gifts. I, of course, showed them all the goodies I got for myself, such as a blue heart necklace from the Titanic Museum in Belfast. The best part, by far, was my internship in central London. Every day, once I got off the Tube for work, I got to see the London Eye on my walk; it truly felt unreal. I am working toward a career in the music industry, and this job was in music PR. I remember how nervous I was walking into the office the first day. I felt very overdressed, but what else is new?

D’Andrea admires the colorful buildings of Burano, an island off of Venice, Italy on June 25. The Vaporetto system, Venice’s public waterbus, offered frequent rides to the 118 islands.

After COVID postponed my IP journey my sophomore year, I was ecstatic to hear of my acceptance to the 2023 summer program. Along with my eagerness to explore the country of my roots, I also felt nervous about traveling abroad because it was my first time leaving North America. Yet, when my friends and family asked me prior to my departure what I was most excited for, I continually said, “the food,” and I was definitely not disappointed.

My time abroad was more than a fun summer vacation; it was truly a learning experience where I gained confidence and independence. Almost every weekend, I explored someplace new, and I managed to see four countries and 13 cities in my time there.

The highlight of my entire trip was my weekend in Nice, France and Monte-Carlo, Mo-

30. In the last few hours before a 4 a.m. departure, students gave a bittersweet goodbye to the landmark cathedral.

Florence program director Whatley’s love for the country radiates from her. She planned terrific field trips for our group from the day we arrived, including a gelato tour around

I never thought returning to London through Pepperdine would be possible, but this May, I went once more — as Louis Tomlinson said in his song, “Always You” — “from LAX to Heathrow.”

Pepperdine’s International Programs has changed my life. London and its pop culture wonderland has been my dream since I was a child and I had British flags all over my bedroom. I spent my time there in the spring of my sophomore year and worked all last year as the London ambassador, which lead to my applying for the internship program.

I always knew I wanted to eventually live in London, even for a short time, so I thought, what better way than to get a glimpse of the working world there and to be a London girlie going to work every day on the Tube? Later, when I told this to my London friends, they laughed at me and my very American goofiness.

I knew because this was my second time around I wanted to accomplish all new things. This included punting in Cambridge, watching an orchestral show at the Royal Albert Hall, seeing a real lighthouse in Seaford — which has always been a goal of mine — and even accomplishing my life dream of seeing a member of One Direction live in London: Harry Styles at Wembley Stadium.

This time abroad, I also accomplished my biggest travel goal, Ireland. My high school friends and I have been interested in Ireland and Irish history; it is so rich, and I always dreamed of looking out onto their sea of green.

Gonzales and her co-worker take some film photos at work after a last-day pasta lunch from a local deli in June. Gonzales interned in music PR and made some new lifelong friends.

I instantly made friends with all my co-workers and learned so much more about British culture through them than I ever had before. They really trusted me; they started me off with writing press releases, listening to new music and even taking me to events and shows such as Parklife Festival in Manchester.

I will forever remember dancing to headliner The 1975 under the Manchester stars and looking up at the sky — feeling like I knew this was a moment I would never forget.

I got to go to the Irish Rock and Roll Museum and see live busking on Grafton Street as well as real fairy trees on our drive up north. Fairies and folklore have always been a massive part of my life, and every local in Ireland was so invested in telling us their stories, I truly learned so much through the people I met along the way.

I saw some traditional Irish dancing, U2 memorabilia at the Little Museum of Dublin, took an after-dark ghost tour and even read my book during a solo day at Dublin Castle.

This summer abroad, I saw London in a new light, and I became close with some pretty incredible people in the house that I will cherish, especially as we enter our senior year and leave our mark on Pepperdine.

I am so thankful for every way Pepperdine has changed my life, but IP is among the highest. I will never forget the Pepperdine house among Hyde Park’s grace — and remaining in London City’s sweet embrace.

Florence summer 2023 students bidding the Duomo farewell in Florence, Italy on June

Photo by Milena D’Andrea

Photo by Milena D’Andrea

Following the music on my way back to London

Beth Gonzales News Editor

Photo by Beth Gonzales

Photo by Beth Gonzales

I am so thankful for every way

Pepperdine has changed my life, but IP is among the highest.

Beth Gonzales News Editor

Living the Swiss Dream

Victoria La Ferla Perspectives Editor

Lausanne: a picturesque gem nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, where time seems to slow down and every corner unveils a delicious gelateria.

In Switzerland, modernity and tradition coexist harmoniously. The efficiency of the Swiss rail system is a marvel, whisking you from centuries-old towns to cosmopolitan cities with clockwork precision. Yet it’s the warmth of human interactions that truly leaves an impression.

In a world attached to technology, making genuine connections can sometimes feel like a lost art. However, friendships blossomed effortlessly among the last group of students who roamed the halls of Maison du Lac.

Conversations we sparked in the cafeteria turned into late-night discussions on anything and everything. In these moments, we wove bonds of friendship.

In the heart of Lausanne, a charming gelateria became our sweet spot. Every day we would gather to indulge in the velvety embrace of gelato. Gelato is a beautiful paradox — something so cold yet so inviting.

But this encounter wasn’t just about the gelato — it was about the shared experience, the collective “mmm” of delight that came with each first taste. Our gelato outings became a ritual of bonding, a daily reminder that life’s simplest pleasures are best enjoyed in the company of friends.

The lush Swiss countryside and the glistening waters of Lake Geneva held more

than just scenic beauty; they were reminders of the fragility of life. I took a Biology class while abroad, and I discovered a new side of life. Learning about ecology and conservation made me see the world as a delicate puzzle, where every creature matters.

The idea that we all depend on each other became clear, like pieces fitting together. It is almost as if the Earth is intertwined like vieux amis (old friends) and everything relies on something else to thrive.

I discovered a newfound purpose: to embrace the world as an endangered species itself — deserving the same care, compassion and devotion we reserve for humans.

Finding family in Florence

Emma Ibarra Staff Writer

There’s nothing quite like a summer abroad, studying in the Tuscan region of Italy in one of Europe’s most influential cities. Through May and June, I was lucky enough to spend a part of my summer studying abroad at Pepperdine’s campus in Florence, Italy.

Victoria

And so, my time in Lausanne became not only a chapter of delightful memories but also a catalyst for forming a deeper connection with the world around me — or le monde qui m’entoure.

As I reminisce about those days of laughter, exploration and gelato, I’m reminded that life’s true treasures lie not only in extravagant experiences but in the connections we make and the memories we create.

Lausanne will forever hold a piece of my heart.

And the gelato? Well, it became a delicious metaphor for the sweetness that friends bring to our lives. Just as each flavor has its unique charm, every friend brings something special, whether it’s a sprinkle of wisdom, a scoop of humor or a pint of encouragement.

Though I knew I would be living in the birthplace of the Renaissance for the summer, I learned from my time spent in the London program last year that it’s best to go into these kinds of experiences somewhat blindly.

There will be people who know one another, and the first days can be difficult to get your footing with your group, especially when you see some students already have their close friends before stepping off the plane. Nevertheless, everyone is usually extremely excited and ready to navigate a whole new city with their select group of strangers.

One of the things I love most about having a study abroad experience is that everyone starts somewhere completely different from where they finish. In a short time, you are thrown into acquaintanceships with 30 students who happen to live, eat and learn at the same villa as you.

It’s truly a unique social situation because everyone is on the same level at the beginning of the program. Some people’s personalities flourish, and certain friendships deepen, while others snap in half. All the mishaps and delights contribute to an amazing program.

I learned how to let go a little bit when traveling. The few things that make life sweet are quite simple — food, family, friends and experiences. Although, it can be easy to lose all attachment to such small luxuries when American culture has an affinity for competition and obsession with affluence.

Florence, “family” felt like a subjective term — one that didn’t rely on blood ties or even long-term associations made before the abroad program. The friends I was lucky enough to see each and every day felt like family. The program director Elizabeth Whatley and my Italian professor and administrator, Valentina Nocentini treated me like one of their own.

The experiences I had in Italy were truly unforgettable precisely because I felt like I belonged.

There are a million little things I miss about my time there. I miss how no one uses their phones unless it’s drawn to their ear while gossiping with their moms and friends.

I miss the coolness of gelato after a long day of studying and scarfing down antipasti dishes and the most filling, surprisingly digestible, plates of penne strascicate — carb overload doesn’t exist in a place like Italy.

Bar Robiglio, and order cappucini at all times of the day. The servers we saw every day felt like family as they were well aware we were Americans and didn’t grimace at how much sweetener we added to our caffè. Though we may not have drank espresso the traditional “Italian” way every time, they accepted and welcomed us as if we were their own.

Few people can say they perused the cobblestone streets Florentines and visitors have stepped over for generations. In so many ways, I felt comforted by the fact that those same streets have seen so much more than I ever will.

At the end of it all, I realized home is where you can feel love all around, and while I cannot wait to go back to Florence, at least I can recall the love I felt in the summer I spent with friends, “family” and food.

If I’ve taken anything home from the Italian mentality, it’s that food brings people together. I’ve learned to appreciate the art of eating dinner, whether it’s with family, friends or, in my case, with fellow students and faculty.

There’s something so comforting about having a structured lunch in the Villa every day like clockwork. With program activities like Tiramisu Tuesdays at the Villa or post-dinner Medici Gelato field trips across town – food comforts.

Throughout my time in

I am fortunate that certain food dishes can call me back to the place I was able to call my temporary home. Bolognese can situate me back in Florence, and a good cannoli calls me back to my weekend in Venice. Lemon granitas and arancini remind me of my travel break in Sicily, and there’s something so comforting about the lacking availability of tap water at mealtime.

I’ll miss my morning routine abroad — one where I would walk with my friends a few blocks over to our favorite café,

I’d be lying if I said I went into my experiences blind — that I hardly prepared myself for my European excursion — but I found I had the most fun when I went with the flow and relinquished all sense of control. Even those unfavorable experiences –– when trains were missed, booked experiences were canceled or we ran late to our gates, which always seemed to be way at the end of the airport — made my short time abroad irreplaceable.

victoria.laferla@pepperdine.edu emma.ibarra@pepperdine.edu

Friends gathered around in Lausanne, Switzerland in May. Pepperdine students enjoyed delicious and new flavors of gelato.

Photo courtesy of Olivia Borchet

Lausanne will forever hold a piece of my heart.

La Ferla Perspectives Editor

Senior Emma Ibarra (left) and juniors Amiel Silbol (middle) and Jordan Paran (right) pose in front of Florence’s famous skyline that features the Duomo cathedral. The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore was built from 1296 to 1436 and has remained a popular tourist attraction.

Photo by Emma Ibarra

The experiences I had in Italy were truly unforgettable precisely because I felt like I belonged.

Emma Ibarra Staff Writer

Junior Jordan Paran (left) and senior Emma Ibarra (right) eat gelato while sitting in the streets of Florence. Gelato has been an Italian specialty since its creation in the 16th century.

Photo by Emma Ibarra

Recap: Waves loved live music this summer

Alexandra Speck Staff Writer

Senior Nathania Au, who attended Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour in July, said warm nights and freedom from coursework are the perfect concert ingredients.

“You’re out of school, vibing with friends and just having a good time dancing and screaming and away from responsibilities for the night,” Au said.

This summer, Pepperdine students sought out their favorite artists at concerts around the world. Venues and genres differed, but Waves shared a unanimous appreciation for live music in the summertime.

Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour commenced in Arizona in March and circled back to the West Coast in July and August to conclude its initial American leg. Waves attended Swift’s Santa Clara and Los Angeles shows in masses, including Au, who said it was “the best experience of [her] life.”

“She performed all the best songs with so much depth and emotion, and her production was just on another level,” Au said. “There was fire, confetti, fireworks, and I was on my feet for all three and a half hours screaming and dancing.”

Junior Kira Landis said she later attended one of Swift’s six August shows at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. Despite the chaos that might have ensued from a six-show production, Landis’ review was nothing short of glowing.

“So many people were complimenting one another and

smiling at one another, which created such a healthy environment,” Landis said.

This positive dynamic between fans includes trading friendship bracelets. A lyric in “You’re on Your Own, Kid” — a song on Swift’s “Midnights” album — inspired the tradition.

“Being surrounded by equally excited people who were all so kind to one another at the Eras Tour was such an amazing experience,” Landis said.

Metro Boomin

Concerts may not be the first activity to come to mind when considering Pepperdine’s International Programs, but senior Mary Karapetyan, a former advertising assistant for the Graphic, found herself with a “once in a lifetime” opportunity to attend a Metro Boomin show while studying abroad in Florence.

A longtime Metro Boomin fan, Karapetyan said she took the train with two friends from the program to attend the Italian music festival La Prima Estate, which featured the popular artist.

Karapetyan said she remembers listening to hours of Italian music by unfamiliar artists before Metro finally took the stage. She said the wait was “well worth it,” and she had the chance to meet actor Louis Partridge, who was also in attendance at the festival.

In the spontaneous spirit of Pepperdine study abroad, Karapetyan’s group improvised their return trip to Florence.

“We spent the entire night outside the train station,” Karapetyan said. “My two friends slept on the floor.”

Music Review: The songs that shined this summer

Yamillah Hurtado Life & Arts Editor

Summer is a time for basking under the sun, picnics at the park and road trips with loved ones. The music industry delivered an array of hit songs and chart-topping albums for the perfect summer playlist. Here are some recommendations from the music industry’s summer 2023 pool.

The group finally caught a 7 a.m. train back to Florence — just in time for class that morning, she said.

Lizzy McAlpine

Small artists who found fame through social media and streaming platforms connected with ever-expanding audiences this summer. If the name Lizzy McAlpine doesn’t ring a bell, the chorus of her hit single “Ceilings” most certainly will. Featured in nearly 748,000 TikToks, the crescendoing, lyrical track went viral just before McAlpine’s Los Angeles shows at The Wiltern. McAlpine sold out the historic venue, which has previously hosted the likes of Tom Petty, Metallica, Stevie Nicks and Adele.

Juniors Angelee Valdez, Jamie Santos and Isabella Aydin attended the concert in May. Valdez said Spotify playlists tailored to her music preferences prompted her to further explore McAlpine’s discography.

Valdez, who sat in the last row of the theater, said she and her friends stood on chairs to view the performance. A group seated nearby laughed and sang along with hers, their distance from the stage causing no detriment to the energetic atmosphere, Valdez said.

“That moment was a reminder of how amazing it is that music can bring people together,” Valdez said.

alexandra.speck@pepperdine.edu

Photo courtesy of Angelee Valdez Angelee Valdez (center) and friends — Jamie Santos (left) and Isabella Aydin (right) — took a photo outside Lizzy McAlpine’s May concert at The Wiltern.

Photo courtesy of Nathania Au Au (left) and two friends smile at Taylor Swift’s July 29 Santa Clara concert. Au wore friendship bracelets traded between fans at the concert.

Photo courtesy of Nathania Au

Senior Nathania Au snapped a picture of Swift performing “Long Live” at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara in July. In a blog post Swift said the song is an ode to her band and fans.

Theaters welcome summer blockbusters

With the release of blockbusters like “The Little Mermaid,” “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse,” and the famed “Barbenheimer” internet rivalry, cinematic experiences made a comeback to the big screen this summer.

Amid the progressing SAG-AFTRA writer’s strike in the entertainment world, the period of scarce new written material from Hollywood may lead to fewer films in theaters in the coming years. Nevertheless, audiences flocked to the theaters to catch major studio releases this summer and enjoyed the moviegoing experience — which, for now, remains unaffected by the strike.

On May 26, the release of Disney’s live-action film “The Little Mermaid” kicked off the start of the summer film season. Ariel, portrayed by singer and actress Halle Bailey, found new breath in the reimagined re-make of the animated 1989 film. Despite being a remake of a familiar story, the movie was a box-office hit and successfully scored an estimated $296 million in the United States and Canada, according to IMDb.

For some fanatics, summer film festivities began in the south of France at the Cannes Film Festival. Each year, a plethora of

actors, filmmakers and members of the press converge in Cannes, France for a two-week preview of films and series from around the world May 14-25.

Director Wes Anderson debuted his latest work “Asteroid City” at the Cannes Film Festival earlier in May, alongside other exciting works like the upcoming Scorsese Oscar-contender “Killers of the Flower Moon” and HBO’s controversial and short-lived series “The Idol.”

After festival season, audiences sought out adventure in their cinema. In June, Miles Morales returned to the screen in the “Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse” for the newest addition to Sony’s Spider-Verse storyline. Miles, voiced by Shameik Moore, joins Gwen Stacy, voiced by Hailee Steinfeld, in this energetic sequel to the animated 2018 “Into the Spider-Verse.”

The second film in the Spider-Verse franchise was met with support from critics and audiences alike, bestowing a 95% score on Rotten Tomatoes.

In July, thrilling franchises like the new Insidious film, “The Red Door” and “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning, Part One,” descended upon cinemas to bring audiences to the edge of their seats. “Red Door” viewers expected more midsummer scares than the Insidious sequel could deliver, and the film

earned a low 39% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Conversely, Tom Cruise’s return as Ethan Hunt in “Dead Reckoning” left audiences pleased with the seventh addition to the Mission Impossible franchise, as viewers rated the movie at 96% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Undoubtedly it was July’s same-day release of Greta Gerwig’s “Barbie” and Christopher Nolan’s “Oppenheimer” that blew box office records out of the water. With the help of the internet and strategic studio marketing for the blockbusters, masses flocked to theaters July 21, to watch both films as a “Barbenheimer” double-feature.

Margot Robbie produced and starred as the titular “Barbie” in the female-driven film that reimagines the iconic Mattel doll in modern-day Los Angeles. Despite the film’s glitzy pink backdrop and dreamy costumery, “Barbie” deals with self-realization, existentialism and finding purpose.

Starring eminent actors like Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera and Will Ferrell, the long-awaited “Barbie” was met with widespread support from children and adults alike and scored an 88% rating from audiences.

In contrast with Gerwig’s dreamscape of glitz and glam, director Nolan’s world went dark in “Oppenheimer” as he focused on the creator of the

atomic bomb, J. Robert Oppenheimer.

Set in the United States during World War II, the film stars Cillian Murphy as the world-famous physicist whose findings would forever change the trajectory of chemical warfare. The movie boasts supporting actors such as Emily Blunt, Robert Downey Jr. and Florence Pugh, and audiences rated the ominous biographical thriller highly at 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

The film earned a 96% rating from Rotten Tomatoes and left viewers with a taste for adventure. Action movie enthusiasts can look forward to DC Comics’

upcoming Aug. 18 release, “Blue Beetle,” which presents viewers with a jam-packed escapade.

Many viewers returned to theaters for the first time in three years after the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Movies from the 2023 summer season shattered box office records, even rivaling the earnings of pre-pandemic blockbusters.

While the writers’ strike may delay upcoming films from further production, this season exemplifies the type of magic movies bring viewers.

emma.ibarra@pepperdine.edu

Students react to actors’, writers’ strike

As Hollywood actors and writers continue striking, Theatre and Screen Arts majors said it has to happen for the future of their industry. The Writers Guild of America (WGA) and the Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) are striking for the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) to better compensate actors and writers for streaming television shows and movies and protect them against artificial intelligence (AI). Theatre and Screen Arts students said they are glad these unions are on strike because of how much the AMPTP is under-appreciating projects that real creators produce.

“It’s important as artists that we put our foot down and not accept anything less for the work that we are creating,” said Holly Jackson, senior Theatre and Screen Arts major.

After college, Jackson said she plans to create projects that showcase more African-American culture as well as social issues such as the strike. She’s concerned over the crippling effects the strike has already had and will continue to have on actors and writers if it continues through next year.

“I’m seeing some of my favorite actors

that I’ve looked up to for years that are having to sell their houses,” Jackson said.

Actor Billy Porter revealed in an interview with Evening Standard he had to put his home up for sale due to the strike.

“To the person who said ‘We’re going to starve them out until they have to sell their apartments,’ you’ve already starved me out,” Porter told Evening Standard, referring to what an anonymous Hollywood executive told Deadline.

One of the reasons why the WGA and SAG-AFTRA are striking is for higher residual payments for shows and movies on streaming, which is the amount of money actors and writers make after the project they worked on is re-aired. The amount of residuals an actor and writer makes from a project on streaming is significantly less than one on cable, according to a Rolling Stone article.

Because streaming platforms don’t have to take summer and winter breaks, they often release seasons of their original series all at once with shorter amounts of episodes compared to cable networks, according to Screen Rant.

Jackson said she believes this streaming model hasn’t been helpful for actors and writers because she thinks the AMPTP is focusing on pushing a higher quantity of projects instead of taking time to create quality work audiences can connect with.

“As an actor, it feels like our legs are

being looked at as a dollar sign and our face as a punch card,” Jackson said. “We are starting to lose the very grit of what makes art, art.”

SAG-AFTRA chief negotiator Duncan Crabtree-Ireland revealed in a press conference July 13, that in the negotiating room, the AMPTP proposed that SAG background actors should be scanned and paid for one day. The companies would then own the AI versions of the actors for the rest of their lives and can use them in any project without compensation.

Jackson said she believes the use of AI characters in projects is wrong because it’s putting actors out of jobs.

“When we add artificial people to a story, at that point, it doesn’t even feel real anymore,” Jackson said. “Some of the most beautiful stories watched are when actors are being vulnerable with their audiences.”

Junior Film major Nick Yi plans to be a director and writer after graduating but anticipates starting out as a production assistant first. He said he’s been shocked to see how much of a major impact AI is having on the film industry.

“The idea of using AI to replicate a dead person is troubling for a lot of people including myself,” Yi said. “What the use of AI in the writers’ room ends up doing is taking away the power of creatives

and performers and replacing it.”

SAG-AFTRA member Eli Parson was out striking in front of Sunset Bronson Studios in Los Angeles on Aug. 10. With the unions striking in Hollywood, his advice for aspiring actors is to stay up to date with the strike, learn SAG-AFTRA rules early and take classes where there are working actors in L.A.

“You can’t ignore the business aspects,” Parson said. “Start building a foundation and find workshops that people might be doing, especially now since nobody’s working.”

Parson said he hopes the AMPTP can come to an agreement with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA soon so everyone can go back to work, making the proper wages with investments in what they have created.

“Executives who just move around money and time slots and don’t actually create anything are making all of the money,” Parson said. “And that doesn’t make any sense, especially with the economy the way it is.”

SAG-AFTRA’s scheduled picket dates, times and locations are on their website.

timothy.gay@pepperdine.edu

Jackie Lopez | Art Editor

The characters Spider-Man, Barbie, Oppenheimer and Ariel are set behind a colorful backdrop in this animated depiction. The films of summer 2023 pulled in box office numbers that rivaled pre-COVID earnings

Timothy Gay Staff Writer

Emma Ibarra Staff Writer

Graphic by Emilia Lekhter

Pepperdine welcomes transfer athletes

Women’s Basketball

As the 2023-24 school year begins, Pepperdine will welcome a total of 37 transfer student-athletes across all sports, Associate Director of Athletics Amanda Kurtz wrote in an Aug. 9, email to the Graphic. For multiple teams such as Women’s Basketball and baseball, these numbers are much higher than in previous years.

The experience of transfer student-athletes is a valuable asset, multiple Pepperdine student-athletes said.

“Having incoming transfer teammates with experience is imperative,” said Helena Friend, Pepperdine Women’s Basketball junior guard. “Having transfers brings experience from so many different angles on the court; in the classroom, it brings experience with all the other aspects that come along with being a student-athlete and experience all around the table that is crucial to be successful.”

Women’s Basketball led the Waves with a total of seven incoming transfers including graduate guard Mi’Cole Cayton (University of California), junior guards Emerita Mashaire (Buffalo), Myra Gordon (Alabama), and Ella Brubaker (The Master’s University), senior center Megan Harkey (Xavier), junior forward Maggie Vick (Iowa State) and graduate guard Lexi Griggsby (University of Washington).

Alongside new players, Kelsey Keizer will lead a completely new coaching staff for the Women’s Basketball team. Keizer formally worked as the head coach for Southwestern Baptist.

“Everyone is coming in on this new blank page, including the coaching staff,” Vick said. “It gave us an opportunity to start building from the base up and not being thrown into something that was already established and feeling behind. It feels like a blank slate, which is a great opportunity as a transfer.”

Baseball

Behind Women’s Basketball, Baseball had the largest influx of transfer students, Assistant baseball Coach Cameron Rowland wrote. Baseball’s additions include graduate outfielder Nick Upstill, graduate outfielder Connor Walsh (Rice University), sophomore pitcher Collin Valentine (University of Texas), junior shortstop Justin Rubin (University of Virginia) and graduate pitcher Matthew Boyer (Wichita State).

“I don’t expect anyone to come in and be a hero right away,” former transfer pitcher Tommy Scavone said. “I expect all the transfers to come in and work hard and be motivated to win for Pepperdine baseball. If everyone is on that same page, we can go a long way.”

Student-athletes transfer for a variety of reasons. Upstil said he chose to transfer due to Pepperdine’s Sociology master’s program, the change of scenery from San Francisco State University and the level of interest he felt he received from the Pepperdine coaching staff.

Pepperdine Baseball could intake these transfer students as departing players opened up roster spots.

Following the 2023 season, senior catcher Ryan Johnson signed with the Houston Astros, junior shortstop John Peck signed with the Detroit Tigers and senior pitcher Shane Telfer signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Baseball also lost freshman infielder Jack Basseer (Texas Christian University), freshman utility Jack Goodman (Undecided), senior outfielder Grant Schoen (University of Oregon) and senior catcher Quintt Landis (University of California, Los Angeles) to the transfer portal.

Additionally, junior utility Lincoln Orellana reported he medically retired.

Men’s Basketball

Men’s Basketball also could add in transfer students due to departures, as Maxwell Lewis was drafted 41st overall in the 2023 NBA draft, while Mikey Mitchell (Minnesota), Carson Basham (transferred to NAU) and Jan Zidek (Chattanooga) all transferred out, according to On3.com

“It’s tough seeing Carson, Jan and Mike all leave,” said Houston Mallette, Pepperdine Men’s Basketball junior guard. “I’m happy for all of them to get a fresh start in a place that they feel is best for them; I’m excited for them. It hurts a lot, but I understand college is a business, and you have to do what is best for yourself.”

Men’s Basketball filled roster sports with graduate guard Ethan Anderson (Wyoming) and junior forward Michael Ayaji (Pierce College in Washington). Last year, Anderson averaged 7.9 points and 4.3 rebounds a game on 54% fieldgoal shooting, while Ayaji averaged 22.7 points and 12.8 rebounds a game on 74% fieldgoal shooting.

“They play incredibly hard and make us better as a group,” Mallette said. “Ethan is a guy I look to for a lot of wisdom for what it takes to win, how to win, etc. Mike does a phenomenal job. He rebounds the ball well, he has the ability to score the ball and he is about all the right things.”

These additions are set to help the Waves team with rebounding, defense and maturity, Mallette said.

“Times change, people leave, guys get hurt — a lot of variables happen,” Mallette said. “I just try to re-emphasize to the guys that, this year, we have a chance to do something special.”

Houston

Photo courtesy of Michael Ajayi Men’s Basketball junior forward Michael Ajayi is pictured in a game for Pierce College in January. Pierce led the Northwest Athletic Conference in total rebounds with 346 and total free throws at 250.

Alex Clarke

Assistant Sports Editor

Photo courtesy of Maggie Vick Junior forward Maggie Vick pictured for Waves 2023 Media Day in July. Vick formerly attended Iowa State University.

Ethan is a guy I look to for a lot of wisdom for what it takes to win, how to win, etc. Mike does a phenomenal job. He rebounds the ball well, he has the ability to score the ball and he is about all the right things.

Mallette Junior Guard

Women’s Soccer looks toward the coming year

Joseph Heinemann Sports Assistant Editor

Pepperdine Women’s Soccer season began Aug. 17, against the Georgetown Hoyas at Tari Frahm Rokus Field with a final score of 1-1. Sophomore midfielder Tatum Wynalda said the team is building on the difficulties of the 2022 season.

“This year, we have a lot of unfinished business. We have a lot to prove because last season did not go our way,” Wynalda said.

Wynalda said the team suffered several injuries to starting players over the course of the year, which led to the team feeling like they didn’t hold up to their own expectations.

“In the span of three games, I want to say we lost five to six starters,” Head Coach Tim Ward said.

New Faces Stepping Up

With the brand new year comes a group of new players getting ready to step up on the pitch. Ward said he expects many players to take steps forward this season.

“The women are excited to step into a more senior role and do the job,” Ward said. “We don’t have a massive freshman class. We have five new freshmen and then a transfer from Notre Dame.”

Wynalda played 18 games and had eight goals and one assist last season. Wynalda said she is optimistic about

what she learned in 2022 and hopes to create success this year.

“The biggest thing for me is just implementing everything that I learned from last season and bringing it into this season,” Wynalda said. “Now I feel a little bit more comfortable and can start helping in the leadership roles and contributing in ways that I wasn’t necessarily able to last year.”

Wynalda said, for freshmen coming into the soccer program, it is important to emphasize inclusion and acceptance on the team.

“Something that we value on our team is we don’t see anyone as different than what they are,” Wynalda said. “If you’re on this team, you’re on this team for a reason. We don’t see each other as classes when they’re a part of this team.”

As the new year begins, players may be worried about the impact they can make as freshmen, but Wynalda said not to be scared of new opportunities.

“Don’t be afraid to just come out here and do your thing and show what you’re made of because passion and drive will get you so far,” Wynalda said.

Senior midfielder Skylar Enge said she was happy to see how dedicated the new freshmen were and they were willing to put in the work before summer training had begun.

“They did a really good job,” Enge said. “A lot of them came in July to some of the

captain’s practices we were doing and came to lift and run. That really helped make the transition a lot easier, but they’re all working really hard and are ready to learn.”

Looking at Next Season

The Waves started their preseason Aug. 10, with a 2-1 win against Arizona. The Wildcats had a record of 8-73 with only one loss during conference play, and much like Pepperdine, Coach Ward looking on the up for next year.

“I like the new coach at Arizona,” Ward said. “She got the job one or two years ago, Becca Moros. She’s excellent at what she does, and I really like the trajectory of the Arizona program.”

When looking at the upcoming season, senior defender Victoria Romero said the team was planning around defensive strategies.

“We’ve been practicing some really specific defending pressing in practice, so it’d be really nice to see everyone be able to implement it in the

game,” Romero said. Heading into their game against Georgetown, Wynalda said the Waves were mainly focusing on how they handle adversity.

“We’re just focusing on, when things don’t go our way, how we respond to it and how we stay together as a team,” Wynalda said. “What can we do when all odds are against us? How do we battle?”

Senior Midfielder Skyler Enge passes the ball downfield April 2, at Tari Frahm Rokus Field. Enge had 17 shots on goal for the season.

Sophomore goalkeeper Taylor Rath makes a save April 2, at Tari Frahm Rokus Field. Rath had four saves and two wins last year.

Colton Rubsamen | Spring 23 Assistant Photo Editor

Waves baseball players look toward MLB

If a person walked down the steps to Eddy D. Field Stadium on any given day during the 2023 spring season, they’d see roughly three out of four Waves strike out, according to Pepperdine Athletics.

Every so often, though, somebody makes contact.

This summer, the Houston Astros and the Detroit Tigers drafted former senior catching utility Ryan Johnson and former junior infielder John Peck, respectively.

“It just doesn’t hit you right away,” Johnson said. “It’s crazy.”

Johnson flew out to the Astros training facility in Florida two days later. Following a brief training camp, the Astros will sort him into one of three tiered minor league affiliates, Johnson said.

“They’re two of the hardest workers I’ve seen here the past three years,” senior pitcher Brandon Llewellyn said. “And they’ve earned every bit of it, if not more.”

Peck, Llewellyn said, dominated his position in spite of being under-scouted in high school and facing COVID-19 restrictions during his first year. With the Tigers draft-

Alumni catching utility Ryan Johnson reacts to a hit during a game against UCLA at Eddy D. Field Stadium in a game during the 2023 spring season. Johnson had four putouts against UCLA, a term referring to outs caused by catching a ball, causing a force out or tagging a runner.

ing him in the seventh round, he is the highest-drafted Wave since the Kansas City Royals drafted Pitcher A.J. Puckett in the second round in 2016.

Despite leading the team in runs batted in (37) and home runs (10) in 2022, Johnson did not get drafted as a junior, according to Pepperdine Athletics.

“That’s when, as baseball [players], you want to get drafted,” said Johnson’s father, James Johnson. While Johnson’s primary pursuit throughout college was baseball, it was also important to have a backup plan: his degree in Business Administration, said Johnson’s mother, Heather Johnson.

“You always dream about it. You hope it’s gonna happen,” Johnson said. “You talk to the scouts; you think ‘OK, they like me,’ but you don’t really — like it might not happen.”

A batting average of .289 and 18 home runs marked Johnson’s senior year, according to Pepperdine Athletics.

league, the Eastern League, had an average of .240 in ‘22.

Llewellyn’s junior year didn’t produce the results he was looking for, he said, but he still hopes to play professionally.

“I really haven’t left Pepperdine,” Llewellyn said. “I’ve been in the weight room five days a week since the season ended.”

Llewellyn said he hopes to carry on the culture Peck and Johnson instilled.

“Brandon Llewellyn will pitch again,” Johnson said. “And he’s really good for us.”

Llewellyn said he is entering the 2024 season excited, but he knows his stats need to improve if he wants a chance at being drafted.

Two weeks ago, Heather and James Johnson visited Johnson at training camp.

“It was a neat moment to be able to share as a family,” James Johnson said. “But then, very quickly realizing that, OK, now you got more work.”

The Athletic, a national sports publication, stated Johnson’s status as a senior makes him a “money-saver.” He cannot reject an offer in favor of another year of school, an option open to juniors, according to previous Graphic reporting.

Professional teams have drafted 191 Pepperdine alumni. 37 Pepperdine alumni have played in the MLB. Only three have played in an MLB All-Star game. Of those three, one of them has had their number retired: Mike Scott ‘76. It hangs, steps above the Astros’ scoreboard — above Johnson’s head should he ever get the chance to play in Minute Maid Park.

“He really set that example for [the] guys,” Llewellyn said. “And really did the best job out of anyone that I’ve been a teammate of here.”

As a professional, Johnson said he has more time to focus on baseball, especially its mental aspect.

“[In college] there’s all these time limits and NCAA rules,” said alumnus Wyatt Young, infielder for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, Double-A affiliate of the New York Mets. “But there’s no rules in pro ball.”

The Mets drafted Young as a junior in 2021. He said, compared to the three games a week for three months college and high school teams play, the five to six games a week for half a year professional ball demands is far more exerting.

“You’re up against the best in the world,” Young said. “So, you better love the process and trying to develop.”

For Young, this means focusing on what he is good at: hitting line drives and getting on base, Young said. However, he said his long-term goal is the same as almost every other player’s: Major League.

Young has a batting average of .209 so far this season, despite batting .270 in ‘22. His

The game is the same, but it’s a different monster.

Wyatt Young Infielder, Binghamton Rumble Ponies

Maximilian J.S. Pohlenz Staff Writer

Infielder John Peck loads his swing during a game in the 2023 spring Season at Eddy D. Field Stadium. Senior pitcher Brandon Llewellyn said Peck was an inspiring figure for the Waves during his time at Pepperdine.

Photo courtesy of Ashley Paulsen

Alumnus Wyatt Young, infielder for the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, takes a swing against a UC Davis pitcher in Eddy D. Field Stadium during the spring 2019 season. The Mets drafted the Honolulu native in 2021.

Photo courtesy of Kyle McCabe

Colton Rubsamen | Spring 23 Staff Photographer

Senior pitcher Brandon Llewellyn hurls a ball toward a Gonzaga Batter in Eddy D. Field Stadium during their series in spring 2023. Llewellyn would put up a single strikeout against Gonzaga.

Colton Rubsamen | Spring 23 Staff Photographer

Max Lewis pursues playing in the NBA

Max Lewis, former Pepperdine Men’s Basketball sophomore forward, officially signed with the Lakers on July 9, to a four-year contract, according to a report by Khobi Price on Twitter. Lewis made his NBA Summer League debut July 3, against the Heat, according to USA Today.

The Los Angeles Lakers drafted Lewis with the 40th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, according to the NBA. Lewis is Pepperdine’s 20th player drafted to the NBA, according to Basketball Reference.

After playing two seasons at Pepperdine, Lewis said he is excited for the opportunity to play for the Lakers and seeks to maintain the strong work ethic he said got him to the NBA.

“All the hard work and what I’ve been through — it’s just great to finally say, ‘I’ve not made it, but I got to my goal,’” Lewis said. “Even though I haven’t done anything in the NBA, just to say I’m in the NBA and my name’s on a roster is just a blessing.”

Lewis has played in seven games in which he averaged 4.86 points per game, 3.4 rebounds and 1.43 assists in seven games for the Summer League since being drafted, according to basketball.realgm.

Lewis averaged 14.6 points, 4.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game the previous two seasons for the Waves, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Lewis was a great member of the team on and off the court, said Lorenzo Romar, Pepperdine Men’s Basketball head coach.

“It was a pleasure to coach Max,” Romar said. “Someone who was really trying to learn,

he was coachable, he kept everyone laughing and had a great sense of humor. If things weren’t well, he kept a positive attitude and continued to work hard.”

Houston Mallette, Pepperdine Men’s Basketball junior guard, was Lewis’ teammate the past two seasons. Mallette said Lewis’ skills on the court grew immensely from the 2021-22 season to the 202223 season.

“Max’s transition from his freshman to sophomore year is the craziest jump I’ve seen a player make in terms of basketball — in terms of basketball IQ, basketball skill and basketball development as a whole,” Mallette said.

Specifically, Mallette said it was the first game of the 2022-23 season against Rice University when he saw Lewis’ improvement and realized he has what it takes to play professionally.

“I saw how easy basketball came to him and his instincts,” Mallette said. “He has incredibly high basketball instincts. Our first game against Rice last year, I knew he was a bonafide NBA player.”

Lewis said he started preparing for the NBA Draft upon the conclusion of Pepperdine’s season. During his training, Lewis said he spent three consecutive months in the gym and enjoyed getting to focus solely on basketball.

From there, Lewis said he attended workouts with NBA teams. The Lakers were the first of the 13 teams he practiced with, which Lewis said he was nervous about at first; however, he knew it was time to show how he would be a valuable member of the team.

“My mindset was just to go hard and show I can compete,”

Lewis said. “Even if I don’t make shots, show I can do other things.”

Before he was drafted, the Lakers were already Lewis’ favorite NBA team, according to Pepperdine Athletics. Lewis said, while he would have been grateful if any team drafted him, it felt a little more special to play in the same organization as other all-time-great players.

“All the greats — everyone that played on the team from Kobe to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar,” Lewis said. “There’s so many good players that were on this team.”

On the Lakers, Lewis will be teammates with NBA veteran Lebron James, who is a 19time all star and the all-time leading scorer in the NBA, according to Basketball Reference. Romar said James is the best teammate Lewis could have entering the NBA.

“He [Max] couldn’t ask for a better situation,” Romar said. “He’s [Max] learning from arguably the best player of all time and a veteran of many years in the NBA. He’s [James] seen it all. He’s played in a number of championships and playoffs.”

As Lewis looks to start playing basketball professionally, he said one thing he learned from Pepperdine is the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic.

“You have to always be in the gym and just work,” Lewis said. “Coming from a mid-major school, you get underlooked and overlooked as well.”

Before the draft, multiple mock drafts — like ones from Bleacher Report and CBS Sports — predicted Lewis being selected in the 20-30 range. Mallette said the Lakers were lucky they could select Lewis.

“Max was one of the most talented players in the draft,” Mallette said. “There’s a lot that goes into it, but the Lakers got a steal at the 40th pick having lottery talent.”

For any advice to a player that wants to follow in Lewis’ footsteps and play in the NBA, Romar said it comes down to how hard they work for it.

“You have to put in the work; it’s just that simple,” Romar said. “Max put in the work.

7 GAMES

4. 86

anthony.gleason@pepperdine.edu

19.9 MPG PPG

1. 43 AST

.325 FG%

.750 Ft% 3P% .143

Design by Skyler Hawkins | Lead Designer

Some of these guys by the age of 10 are anointed. Max had to fight for everything, and look at where it got him.”

Brandon Rubsamen | Spring 23 Assistant Photo Editor

Max Lewis, former Pepperdine Men’s Basketball sophomore forward, plays in a game against against Gonzaga at Firestone Fieldhouse on Feb. 18. The Los Angeles Lakers selected Lewis with the 40th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Tony Gleason Sports Editor

Pepperdine athletics is back with Women’s Soccer 1-1 tie against Georgetown

Women’s Soccer plays their first game of the season against the Georgetown Hoyas. Sophomore midfielder Tatum Wynalda scored a goal with fewer than four minutes remaining to tie the score 1-1.

Photos by Mary Elisabeth | Photo Editor