Pepperdine Graphic 8-27-2020 Edition by PGM-PepperdineGraphicMedia

THE PEPPERDINE GRAPHIC VOLUME LI

ISSUE 2 | August 27, 2020

pepperdine-graphic.com

oomed Out samantha miller| staff artist

Zoom Fatigue Hits Students After Week 1 Addiso n w hi ten New s As si sta n t

The fall semester officially began Aug. 17, with all courses offered through an online format and many professors using Zoom to hold synchronous classes. Some students, however, say they find the virtual classroom to be more stressful and draining than the traditional one. For many students, the source of anxiety is not Zoom itself but rather the circumstances surrounding remote classes in general. One major issue facing students living away from the West Coast is time difference. Senior Alexandra Nelson is spending this semester at home in New Jersey, where she is three hours ahead of Malibu time. “It’s like I’m officially enrolled in night school because all of my classes now are from 3 p.m. to 1 a.m.,” Nelson said said. To combat these time difference issues, Seaver Dean Michael

Feltner told professors via email Aug. 20 that students cannot be required to attend classes, tests and quizzes, or other course-related activities synchronously if they are in session between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., in a student’s time zone. The time difference between New Jersey and Malibu is not the only issue Nelson has with online learning. She also said attending class online is beginning to take a toll on her productivity. “[This semester] doesn’t feel real — it doesn’t feel like I should take it seriously,” Nelson said. Even for first-year students who have yet to attend a semester on the Malibu campus, there are noticeable differences with Zoom learning that are already having an impact on their experience. First-year Lucy Duff said she found connecting with fellow first-year students hard in the online classroom. “I’m reaching out to as many people in my class as I can, and

I’ve made friends in several of my classes, but [Zoom is] still just another barrier,” Duff said. “You can’t get those conversations like when you’re walking in and sitting down waiting for class to start, chatting with the people on either side of you. It’s just a little more difficult to make friends.” Some professors have attempted to create connections between classmates by utilizing the breakout room feature on Zoom. For sophomore Elizabeth Chang, however, the awkward nature of these small group experiences makes them more stressful than helpful. “I hate breakout rooms,” Chang said. “You don’t have an opportunity to build relationships [in online courses], and breakout rooms definitely don’t help that.” Chang said she values the social interactions that occur in normal classes and finds it “emotionally taxing” to miss out on them. With Zoom, Chang said it can be draining to attempt to

initiate any kind of conversation with the class. “I spend twice as much time thinking about what I’m going to say or whether it’s worth saying just because the entire room has to stop for you to talk,” she said. “So is my little comment worth saying? Probably not — but then it’s not as fun.” Though it can be just as difficult to talk to classmates during in-person classes, the system of remaining muted and having to anticipate when or if you will even have a chance to say something in a Zoom class takes away the opportunity for entertaining class conversations, Chang said. Perhaps the most tiring aspect of remote learning for students is trying to communicate with professors. On campus, professors are easy to find or even just randomly run into, but online, it takes much more work to get in contact with them, Chang said. Duff said she also finds trying to meet with professors virtually

to be a hassle, citing conflicting schedules as her main problem in the process. “One of [the professors] is only available for one hour during a time that I’m in class, so I can only email him, and he does not reply quickly at all,” she said. “So it’s much harder just on the communication side of things.” As students start to feel the effects of Zoom fatigue and notice what is lost when school is completely remote, there are still small positives that can help make things more fun. Chang said the private chat feature of Zoom gets her through her day, while Nelson said her personalized bedroom workspace is the highlight of remote learning.

ADDIE.W HITENL @PEPPER DINE.EDU

Pepperdine, Malibu Prepare for Fire Season mil es c am pb el l staf f w r i ter As smoke from the 90acre Rock Pool Fire rose over the hills of Malibu Canyon on Aug. 16, residents of Malibu faced the chilling reality that wildfire season has yet again returned. The wildfire season, which generally takes place between the months of September and November, requires much preparation and cooperation between Pepperdine University, Malibu city officials and residents to ensure safety. “I think people are taking [wildfire season preparations] seriously, but there also is a side of human nature where we just move on,” Mayor of Malibu Mikke Pierson said. “After every fire, everyone says they’re so prepared the next time.” As a resident of Thousand Oaks, junior Aaron Ekenstam is familiar with the threats of fires in his town. He said he believes he is pre-

pared but noted that those who are not used to the fire season might not realize the potential severity. “People either take it super seriously or not at all,” Ekenstam said. “Whether you understand it or not, it can still blindside you.” Like many others in the area, Ekenstam’s family prepared an emergency readiness kit in case of a fire. The kit includes items such as food, water, first-aid supplies and extra money. One of the primary collaborative efforts between Pepperdine and the City of Malibu is fire safety and prevention. In times of peril, Pepperdine offers its facilities and resources, including Alumni Park, which takes on the name “Alpha 88” in the county emergency plan and is used for its water supply and landing areas. “We work closely with the city of Malibu and have a great collaborative relationship with them,” said Phil Phillips, Pepperdine’s senior

News

What ’s A3AHE A D A3-

International Programs makes changes to prepare for future abroad experiences. Pepperdine launches new virtual spiritual life programs.

the thewaves wavesreport report

vice president of administration and Chief Operating Officer. “We have ongoing communication with them so that anything we know, they know.” Phillips said he considers the Woolsey Fire a significant learning experience for the University. Pepperdine has since increased both the training and number of its DPS fire officers and purchased an additional fire engine. “Nevertheless, we still want to ask what could go better, and we made a lot of changes to our plans, in particular in talking to students about communication while they were sheltering in place,” Phillips said. Pepperdine’s fire safety plan involves students sheltering-in-place on campus, which students did during the Woolsey Fire. Pepperdine’s campus — built to withstand a high fire-danger zone — was still met with controversy, as many students felt trapped on campus

A7-

SE E FI R E, A5

fashion B1- The industry adapts to COVID-19.

Staff Editorial: Graphic staff weigh the pros and cons of online learning. Opinion: Pepperdine needs to modernize its Christian values.

Fri: thurs: 3-5 2ftft

photo courtesy of Skye Uldrich

L if e & A r t s

Pe r s pe ct iv e s A6-

during Woolsey. “The fact that students sheltered in place there was the smartest thing to do,” Pierson said. Pierson, who took on the role of mayor in July, said he continues to prioritize fire prevention safety and awareness in the City of Malibu. Since Woolsey, Pierson has set up community bulletin boards with fire information, hosted special fire safety classes for seniors and has even seen the Malibu Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) quadruple in size. To further ensure safety and preparation, the City of Malibu hired retired battalion chief Jerry Vandermeulen to take on the role of Fire Safety Liaison.

student B1- Pepp founds new online

platform called the Motivational Project.

Sat: fri:3-5 2–3ftft

Smoky Skies|A cloud of smoke rises above Pepp from the Woolsey Fire. Woolsey was one of the largest fires to threaten Pepperdine in the last decade, and the University has since increased preparations for wildfire season.

SP ORTS

B6-

Pepp golfers play in summer tournament after normal season is cut short.

B6-

Senior athletes explain their decision to return for another season.

sun: sat:3-5 2–3ftft

c o ming s o o n o n the g r a p h T he g r ap hi c’s Ne ws P o d c ast

Mon: sun:2-4 2 ftft

Stay tuned for upcoming episodes, including Meet the News Team! Listen anywhere you listen to podcasts.

mon: Tue:1–2 3-4ft ft

A UGUST 2 7 , 2 0 2 0 | N E W S | P E P P E R DIN E G RA P H I C ME D I A

Covid-19

THE DPS REPORTS

by the numbers

Check out pepperdine.edu/publicsafety for the DPS Reports every week

Pepperdine Community:

50 1 two 2 Deaths

KNown Cases

8/19/20 1:02 p.m. Crime: Traffic Related - Hit and Run, Non-injury Accident Location: Huntsinger Circle

7/31/20 11:55 a.m. Crime: Larceny/Theft Grand Theft of Property Related - Reckless Driving Location: Firestone Fieldhouse

Malibu:

90 Cases three Deaths

Los angeles county:

PRESIDENT’S BRIEFING & OTHER NEWS YOU MISSED S eav er dean cr eate s ne w r ul e about l ate-nigh t c la ss Due to tim e zo n e c oncer ns, de a n fe ltn e r h a s r eq uested th at a ll faculty not r eq uir e sy n c h ro n o us cla s ses if it re quire s th e s tu dent in c la s s fro m 11 P.m . to 7 a.m. th e ir time .

cases

Deaths

US: 5.83M cases

179K Deaths

Ric k gibson be c ome s ne w se n ior vic e c ha n ce llo r R ick gibson, for me rly t he chief mar keting o f f i c er and vice pr esiden t f or public affair s an d c hu rc h r elations, is now t he senior vice chancel l or of P epp.

S GA e le ct i o ns t o b e he ld v i r t u a lly i n S e p t e m b e r An i nf o s es s i on was hel d f or i nt eres t ed c andi dat es Au g. 2 6 and el ec t i ons wi l l b e hel d wednes day, s ep t. 9 and t hu rs day, s ep t. 1 0 on p ep p ervi ne.

A d m i n a nno u nce d p o s s i b le i n-p e r s o n w o r s hi p e v e nt s Du ri ng t he au g. 1 7 p res ident ’s b ri ef i ng, admi ni st rat i on s hared p l ans f or a p os s i b l e i n-p ers on, ou t door wors hi p event s i n c omp l ianc e wi t h healt h department g u i del i nes

v i r tu al eve n ts f or the upc om in g w e e k

235,386 5,663

N o e mploye e s will be f urloughe d d ue to c ovid -19 In an email, pr esident Jim gash announced none of pepper dine’s domestic wor kfor ce will be laid off or fur loughed due to COVID-19.

THURS 27

FRI 28

What: panhellenic pre-recruitment When: 5 p.m. Hosted by: Greek life

What: panhellenic pre-recruitment When: 5 p.m. Hosted by: greek life

What: The gathering When: 7 p.m. hosted by: the well and celebration chapel

What: coffEehouse When: 5 p.m. Hosted by: The board

MON 31

What: panhellenic pre-recruitment When: 5 p.m. Hosted by: Greek life

TUES 1

What: panhellenic pre-recruitment When: 5 p.m. Hosted by: greek life

WED 2

What: resume prep workshop When: 3 p.m. Hosted by: career services What: PNM orientation When: 6 p.m. Hosted by: greek life

What: Pepperdine improv troupe When: 6:30 p.m. Hosted by: The Board

week

Worldwide:

24M cases

822K

Deaths Malibu reopening phase:

Looking for more?

subscribe to the p(S cianxande ls c rolnletowthesbottom l e toftt hee rpage)

@Peppnewswaves

A UGUST 2 7 , 2 0 2 0 | N E W S | P E P P E R DIN E G RA P H I C ME D I A

International Programs moves forward with changes emily Mo r t o n Staf f W r i ter Even after fall closures, Pepperdine’s International Programs is plowing ahead for future semesters, starting with the announcement of priority deadlines for summer 2021 abroad programs. “We are always planning ahead by three or four semesters, so we will continue with that,” Jennifer Ryan, associate director of the London program, said. Without students on campus, each abroad program has more time to make needed adjustments. These projects range from reorganization to updates. “We are currently focusing on projects that we sometimes find it hard to have time for,” Ryan said. “Additionally, it is a good opportunity for us to overhaul our library and reorganize certain aspects of our house.” Sophomore Jada Okhiria said each program is working hard to start forming guidelines for the eventual return of Pepperdine students. Okhiria said she plans to be a Resident Advisor for the Florence program. The programs are working to create the best environment for returning faculty and students. “When the Pepperdine London house reopens for students, we will adhere to all the COVID-19 guide-

lines issued,” Ryan said. “Safety of the students, faculty and staff will always be paramount.” Guidelines for each program will follow restrictions and rules set in each country. Pepperdine announced the closing of a majority of international programs July 9, forcing many students to re-evaluate academic plans for the fall. Washington, D.C., was the final program to close July 22, around the same time Pepperdine announced online classes. The International Programs office has already announced the deadlines to apply for abroad programs for summer 2021, fall 2021, spring 2022 and the school year of 2021–2022. The office is moving ahead with a Sept. 21 priority deadline, following with an interview deadline of Oct. 6 and a priority decision day of Oct. 16. “The biggest change is that for the first time ever, there will be no international programs running this fall,” Ryan said. “COVID-19 has brought the entire world to a standstill.” The office asked students previously enrolled in an abroad program to sign a deferment paper, requesting students to defer to spring 2021. “I don’t think they should be doing applications right now,” sophomore Madelyn Griffith said.

Graphic File Photo Italian Villa Dreams| The Florence International Program was the first program to be suspended and students sent home to work remotely. The program is suspended until further notice though the IP office hopes to have students studying in Florence in spring 2021. Griffith was set to be a Resident Advisor for the Heidelberg program but will be re-applying for the fall deadlines so she can “have the full abroad experience,” she said. Griffith and many other eager students are waiting on final decisions to be made once more guidelines come out. “I wish they could find a way to make sure we get to go abroad,” Griffith said. Schools in the London

area are starting to reopen, contributing to a positive outlook for the students ready to study abroad. Universities in England, however, have taken a similar approach to the United States. “Some universities are teaching online only, and some are doing a mix of online and in-person,” said Ryan. “They are predicting possible temporary local lockdowns but hopefully not a national one again.”

The programs are encouraging students to remain hopeful about the spring semester, according to an email sophomore Connie Nong received. Nong said she plans to attend Heidelberg in the spring. She, like many other students planning to go abroad, organized her course load to accommodate for her time overseas. “With the way I planned my four years, it doesn’t

make sense for me to go any other time,” Nong said. Decisions for spring abroad programs are still being made, while travel restrictions in Europe remain in place. “I’m hoping we can still go abroad so we can have some normalcy,” Nong said.

EM ILY.M OR TON@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Pepp launches virtual Spiritual Life programs annab el l e c hilders staf f w r i te r

Pepperdine students may be losing their on-campus experience this fall, but the Spiritual Life Office is making sure students don’t lose their spiritual experience. In the Aug. 11 President’s Briefing, Vice President for Student Affairs Connie Horton announced that convocation will not be held for academic credit for the fall 2020 semester. “Although convocation will not be for credit this fall, there will be numerous opportunities for spiritual formation and community,” Horton said. Director of Convocation Gus Peterson and his team in the Spiritual Life Programs Office are working to spearhead many of those spiritual opportunities. “The bandwidth that we otherwise would have used for administration of credits and whatnot can be bandwidth that we offer with greater intentionality toward student care in this online season,” Peterson said. The Spiritual Life Programs Office plans to offer mentorship opportunities, small groups and worship gatherings for students. “We now have nine curricula that have been developed by staff in our office that student leaders, faculty and staff leaders can use [for small groups], or those leaders can, of course, do their own programs,” Peterson said. Students are not currently able to sign up for small groups or mentorships, but Peterson said more information will be provided to

Photo courtesy of Pepperdine Convocation office Virtual Connection | Pepperdine removed the convocation requirement for fall 2020. In response, the Convocation office has pulished online resources for students to continue to emphasize student faith and spirituality. students in the upcoming weeks. Worship gatherings will be held weekly, Peterson said. The gatherings will take place Thursday nights and feature the collaborative efforts of many student-led ministries and The Well. The new time of worship will be called “The Gathering” and will be hosted through Zoom. The first meeting of “The Gathering” took place Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. Pepperdine will hold two larger worship events. The first event is Aug. 19 at 10 a.m., through

Zoom. The Spiritual Life Office has yet to disclose the date for the second large worship event. “One of my main goals is that by participating in mentorships, small groups and some of these worship experiences, [students] get to come into contact with the diversity of what the kingdom of God actually is and can be,” Peterson said. Sara Barton, University chaplain, created a new online resource titled “Practicing Faith” on the Pepperdine website for students to grow spiritually. The platform en-

ables students to engage with videos, recommended practices and reading materials created exclusively by faculty and staff for the community. “All of the content is original,” Barton said. “It’s all written by, spoken by and led by Pepperdine people. So while there are lots of great online resources out there, this is for Pepperdine and curated for our community.” Barton started creating the “Practicing Faith” resource before Pepperdine made the official decision to cancel all in-person instruction. The formation of the platform began in response to a request from the Strauss Institute, Graziadio Business School and Graduate School of Education and Psychology to provide faith resources to students participating in online or off-campus programs. Barton said discussion surrounding the creation of the new resource began around nine months ago. “With coronavirus, all of our students are online,” Barton said. “So I guess it was God’s timing in some ways. We were already working on it, we already had the funding for it, and the thing that I appreciate is that all the people who are featured in the videos came to campus during COVID to be taped. We did it safely outside and practiced all social distancing measures.” The resource can now be accessed by the public through the Pepperdine website. Barton intends to update the website with new materials in the future. “We have plans in the future to

keep the platform updated so people can go back six months from now and find new videos and new resources,” Barton said.

The bandwidth that we otherwise would have used for administration of credits and whatnot can be bandwidth that we offer with greater intentionality toward student care in this online season. Gus Peterson Director of Convocation Barton and Peterson encourage students to use these available resources and follow the Spiritual Life Programs Instagram account @peppspirituallife as a primary source for information concerning programming and spiritual life opportunities. ANNABEL L E.C HIL DER S@PEPPER DINE.EDU

P E P P E R DINE GR A P HIC M E DIA | N E W S | A UG U S T 27 , 20 20

Sophomore Wants To Paddle Through the Sea of Music Umeesha D’Alw i s New s As si stant The impact of COVID19 on the music industry pushed many to think of creative ways to share music without the in-person experience of concerts, tours and festivals. In response, sophomore Sam Nicholson created Paddle, an app that combines music streaming and social media to allow users to share musical suggestions with friends. When COVID-19 hit, summer plans became things of the past. Artists canceled tours, entertainment companies postponed festivals and the music industry struggled. But sophomore Sam Nicholson found a way to bring some of the entertainment back. During stay-at-home orders, Nicholson began the development of a new app called Paddle that combines music streaming and social media to allow users to share musical suggestions on an Instagram-like feed. “There’s so much music out there that it’s almost like a sea of music, and when you’re on a boat in a sea — or any body of water — the paddle is the tool that you use to navigate through the waters,” Nicholson said. “So the app Paddle is your tool to navigate through the sea of music.” While apps like Spoti-

fy, SoundCloud and Apple Music allow users to discover music, there is no specialized app to share the music a user discovers. Although it is possible, for example, to share a link to a song on Apple Music through text, email or another social media platform, unless the recipient also has an Apple Music account, they are unable to listen to the entire song. Paddle, on the other hand, is designed like a typical social media platform with the ability to like and share music, follow other profiles and customize a user profile. “It’s an awesome thing to [share songs and bond] with people in person, but now, with COVID-19, you aren’t always face-to-face with people, and there aren’t any platforms designed to share music back-and-forth with friends,” Nicholson said. “So I wanted to create a trusted place for people to do that.” Nicholson created a Kickstarter for the app’s production July 14, bringing in over $10,000 toward the company’s goal. There are rewards available for people who invest in the app, including accessing the app early, earning the status of certified music critic once the app is launched and receiving a lifetime subscription to the application.

Photo courtesy of Sam Nicholson Digital Designers| Developer Sam Nicholson (center) wraps his arms around his two friends, Matthew Dull (left) and Nick Cerofeci (right), as the team that is working to develop the Paddle app and a Kickstarter profile for investments. The app’s release date is scheduled to hit Google Play and the Apple iOS store this December. “We are planning on launching the app early to Pepperdine before launching it to the public,” Nicholson said. “There will be an access code where students

can download the app before it is launched on the Apple iOS store and Google Play.” In light of COVID-19’s impact on the music indus-

try, Paddle will also be donating 10% of all pledges after the goal is met to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund. The app is set to launch

on the Apple iOS store and Google Play this December.

UM EESHA.DWAL IS@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Sustainability major coming soon Daw niell e W right S taf f W r i te r Seaver College will soon add a new Sustainability major. The major’s curriculum intends to extend the Sustainability minor by adding classes across six of the eight total disciplines at Pepperdine. The Sustainability minor was added to the Seaver course catalog in 2015, making it the first Pepperdine program to focus only on sustainability. However, Junior Emily Stephens said the minor was just the beginning. At Pepperdine, when a student feels they cannot find a major they want to pursue, the student can create a contract major that must pass several levels of approval. Once approved, the student can study under the contract major they created. Stephens did just this and created a Sustainability major. “I think climate change is the most pressing issue facing our civilization, and I’m glad that Seaver students are wanting to step up to the challenge,” said Professor Christopher Doran, founder and coordinator of the Sustainability minor. Stephens said she came to Pepperdine not knowing where she fit among the majors already offered at Seaver College. She started her first year as a Sustainability minor; however, she said she still lacked direction in where she wanted to take her studies. After taking some of the sustainability courses and attending the New Zealand International Program in 2019, Stephens said she found her passion for the field of study. Doran informed Stephens it was possible to create her own major. In collaboration with Doran, Stephens began the process of

contracting the new major. Doran said that since the Sustainability minor began in 2015, a major focused solely on Sustainability has been his goal. “2016 was when we had our first graduate of the program walk across the stage, and I’ve been wanting to move toward a major ever since,” Doran said. The new major is based in policy rather than science, Doran said. As the first Sustainability major, Stephens helped decide her curriculum, which will eventually become the official courses offered for all future Sustainability majors. It will be a medium-sized major with a required 36 units in contrast to the minor, which requires 20–24 units. All the classes offered for the major already exist in the course catalog with the exception of one course that will be added: SUST 592, taught by Doran on the topic of climate change fundamentals. This major aims to prepare students to think critically across disciplines in the context of sustainability and environmentalism, Doran said. He said graduates of the program will have opportunities to pursue jobs across many fields or attend graduate school to further their studies. Doran said he expects the major will be available to all students in 12 to 18 months. There are, however, currently three Seaver College students under the sustainability contract major, including Stephens. While still in contract, these students will still be able to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sustainability, regardless of when the major is officially added to the course catalog. Doran said he is hopeful this major will grow in size over time. He said there are already a num-

Photo courtesy of Emily Stephens This Gal’s Going Green | Junior Emily Stephens poses in a field of flowers. Stephens is one of six new Sustainability majors at Pepperdine and was crucial in developing the course load for the major alongside Professor Christopher Doran. ber of first-year students interested in majoring in Sustainability. To bolster the environmental work of Pepperdine, Doran said he hopes the major is a step toward Pepperdine becoming more concerned with caring for the earth.

He said the major is a symbol of the progress the University can continue to make as a community. “I would like to think that we can be known as a Christian leader on climate change and sustainability issues, but we’re certainly not

there yet,” Doran said. Pepperdine has recently made steps toward a greener campus by planning to install more EV charging stations, creating The Eden Project and implementing more sustainable food practices. The University’s Center for Sustainability works in many areas of Pepperdine with the goal of creating a greener college. Doran said he sees the Sustainability major and addition of new classes focused on climate change as steps toward the University taking the issue more seriously. Stephens is optimistic that there are so many female leaders who are passionate about the environment. Over 80% of the Sustainability program is composed of women. Further, 100% of the new Sustainability majors are women, Doran and Stephens said. “I love seeing all of us girls come together and use our voices,” Stephens said. “I’m super proud that our female students at Pepperdine have wanted to be engaged in this effort,” Doran said. Doran is collaborating with other professors to make the Sustainability major worthwhile and strong in curriculum so each graduate is ready for the world after Pepperdine. Stephens said she feels confident that she will be prepared in whatever she decides to do after graduation. “[The Sustainability major] just fosters a great community of people who are like-minded and care for the earth,” Stephens said.

DAW NIEL L E.W R IGHT@PEPPER DINE.EDU

A UGUST 2 7 , 2 0 2 0 | N E W S | P E P P E R DIN E G RA P H I C ME D I A

Campus Life fee moves virtual: where your money is going C r ist o b al del ga do staf f w r i ter Over the past week, countless Pepperdine students have asked the same question: “Why are we being charged a Campus Life fee if we are not even in the same city, state or even country as Pepperdine’s campus?” Apart from the small number of students who live on Pepperdine’s campus due to personal hardship or other circumstances, students generally find themselves conducting their school work from their own homes. As such, many were surprised when a $63 Campus Life fee appeared in their finance tab on WaveNet. Four groups receive the funds that the Campus Life fee generates. These groups are the Student Government Association, Inter-Club Council, The Student Programming Board and the Student Wellness Advisory Board. Respectively, the clubs receive 40%, 25%, 25% and 10% of the total Campus Life fee. To increase transparency and promote ongoing events, the four groups took collective action and, over the past few weeks, have shared social media campaigns outlining how each club uses its budget and plans for the rest of the semester. During a regular semester, the Campus Life fee

costs $126. The University Management Committee chose to reduce the fee by half with input from Brittany Skinner, director of Student Activities. Skinner, as well as student leaders — presidents, senators and directors — from the recipient organizations, recommended a reduction in the fee. Although each of these groups promotes the idea of “Pepperdine as a community and not as a physical location,” Skinner said she understands why students may have adverse feelings over the fee. “The students that oversee these areas care about the student experience; they are students themselves,” Skinner said. “So I hope that other students will trust that these student leaders are doing whatever they can to make the student experience better for everyone this semester.” Skinner said she believes students can receive the full benefits of the fee by learning from SWAB, becoming part of the SGA, participating in clubs and accessing funds. “Students are charged the Campus Life fee to provide community, education and programming even in a time of distance,” said Stacey Lee, SWAB’s health, wellness and resilience education program coordinator. “This year, with these circumstances, the Campus

Courtesy of SGA Cash for Campus Life | Though on-campus activities remain suspended, students still paid a fall 2020 Campus Life fee to support four student programming groups on campus. The fee supports the groups in paying student salaries and event materials, among other expenses Life fee is not so much the ‘Campus’ Life fee as it is a ‘community’ life fee to build connection and fun during remote learning.” Many groups hosted events over the summer in addition to their upcoming fall programming. For example, SGA held a Zoom conference Wednesday, to provide information on the upcoming student elections, which provide a unique opportunity for students to create tangible change within their Pepperdine commu-

FIRE: Pepp Preps for future fires FROM A1 Duties of the Fire Safety Liaison include monitoring current fire conditions in Malibu and visiting homes for fire risk assessments, according to the Malibu city website. Vandermeulen said he hopes to soon see a Community Wildfire Protection Program approved specifically for the city of Malibu. Malibu currently takes part in a county-wide CWPP, but a city-specific plan would allow the city to qualify for future state and federal funding, which would assist in preparation down the road. “The CWPP is a planning tool long-range, long term — not necessarily just for the wildfire season,” Vandermeulen said. Some Malibu residents, including Communication Studies professor Jennifer Akamine Phillips, have taken planning and preparation into their own hands. Akamine Phillips is a member of her neighborhood’s CERT program, which provides her with the opportunity to take fire safety classes. “We’re not professionals; we’re all amateurs in this and learning ourselves,” Akamine Phillips said. “We are helping each other and working as a team collectively to get information from all the various resources that we see, especially because misinformation can come quickly and we want to avoid listening to that.” Akamine Phillips’ community, located adjacent to Malibu State Creek Park, is made up of 130 houses. Twenty-five percent of those houses burned down during Woolsey, and even more obtained smoke damage, Akamine Phillips said. Since then, the community has become more mindful of future fire seasons and hopes to act as a model for other communities. “It’s basically always in the back of our mind for a lot of the things and decisions that we make moving forward,” Akamine Phillips said. “We’re a lot more cautious about the months of September to November.” Pepperdine community members are en-

“It’s basically always in the back of our mind for a lot of the things and decisions that we make moving forward. We’re a lot more cautious about the months of September to November.” Jennifer Akamine Phillips, professor and Malibu local couraged to sign up for emergency information alerts from Pepperdine at emergency. pepperdine.edu.

MI L E S. CA MP B E L L @P E P P E RD I N E . E D U

nity. On the same day, Tide Pools, Pepperdine’s club fair presenting over 90 student organizations, took place. This was particularly useful to first-year and transfer students who sought to obtain a taste of the community they signed up for when they enrolled at Pepperdine. ICC Adviser Sabrina Wilson said she recommended the Peppervine website for students who want to get more involved; this webpage is a helpful resource for get-

ting to know what events are going on at all times. On its main page, it includes current public events such as Strolling with SPB and the SOA Weekly Meeting. Moreover, 138 different clubs have their own subpage where they post about their past achievements and future opportunities to get involved. Students who prefer Instagram can access SGA, ICC, SWAB and The Board’s pages, which are updated regularly. Some students, however,

remain unconvinced. “Some might benefit from the events despite them being online,” sophomore Astrid Olsen said. “I am not one of those people who feel as though online events can stimulate the effects of an in-person event.” Olsen said she will not be attending any of the events this coming semester, so it is not fair that she still has to pay the fee. As of now, students residing on or near campus will also have to interact with the Pepperdine community via Zoom. Pepperdine will continue to follow local, county, state and national guidelines, meaning that individuals cannot meet in person unless they live in the same household, said Jared Maguire, senior and co-chair of the Administrative and Special Projects Committee. “If there comes a time when that is possible and it is approved, it is something that will be reviewed all the way up through administration first — but as with all of Pepperdine, the health and safety of our students are always first, and we will seek to create a community in the safest way possible,” Maguire said.

C R ISTOBAL .DEL GADO@PEPPER DINE.EDU

FIRE: Pepp Preps for 2020 fires

M IL ES.C AM PBEL L @PEPPER DINE.EDU

The Graphic

PERSPECTIVES pepper di ne-g r aphi c.com

auGu s t 2 7 , 2 0 2 0

STAFF LIST

STAFF EDITORIAL

Leah Bae | Artist

Positivity is key through tough times In the days between Pepperdine’s May 20 announcement of plans for an in-person semester and its July 22 announcement of an entirely online semester, students received many conflicting messages from the administration. Even though the July 22 decision was made in anticipation of Gov. Gavin Newsom and the state of California’s guidelines for colleges and universities, students felt led on by Pepperdine administration because of the University’s sudden switch of plans. Student reactions were mixed. Some demanded a fully online option for the fall 2020 semester, while others hoped for the ability to move back to Malibu. Students also questioned the value of an online Pepperdine education — a debate beginning in March when the spring 2020 semester was moved online. After Seaver upheld its 3% tuition increase, despite the fully online semester, almost 1,500 students signed a petition against it. Though there are some daunting cons, there are also hope-inspiring pros. During this time, everybody can benefit from searching for a silver lining. PROS For some students, taking Pepperdine classes from their home or apartment is an improvement. With more time in their sched-

ules, students have the freedom to pursue a job or internship that would not necessarily be possible when taking courses in-person. In addition to focusing on their classes, students might also have more time to spend with their friends or family, once it is safe to do so. Some students enroll at Pepperdine because of its low student-faculty ratio; this benefit will not disappear with an online semester. While online, it will be more convenient for students and faculty to get in touch. Further, students can easily reach professors without having to travel to their offices to talk about an assignment or grade. This saves time for students, whether it’s a quick question or in-depth discussion. Unlike an in-person class, students on Zoom are able to see the faces of everyone in class at once. Zoom’s breakout room feature allows students to speak among their peers and makes it easier to have meaningful class discussions. Breakout rooms, which are normally used to break up the class in smaller groups discussion, may incentivize more student participation because some may not feel comfortable speaking to the whole class. Since the business world is predicting a permanent, widespread shift from in-person meetings to video conferencing, Zoom mastery is an asset for students. Online meeting etiquette and confidence

THE 'BU YORKER

are key components in preparing for future jobs.

take place in person as planned. Fortunately, organizations like Panhellenic are restructuring ReCONS cruitment events for Zoom, but by losing the opportunity to attend in Online instruction isn’t comperson, it is more difficult to meet parable to an in-class experience. new people and make connecStudents now have to worry about tions. the stability of their internet conFurther, classic Pepperdine nection and that of their profesevents such as New Student sors. Additionally, online classes Orientation, Waves Weekend and force students to stare at a screen Blue and Orange Madness are for hours, often with few breaks. not comparable to the in-person This is not good for their eyes and celebration when held online. makes focusing difficult. These events are essential to the Instead of being submerged in Pepperdine experience, and this the material in a classroom, stusemester, students will not be able dents have to try to speak without to experience live music, Ferris interrupting another participant wheels and socializing with friends and hope their contribution is able as past students have. to be understood. When considering the impliFor most people, Pepperdine cations of an online semester, it is not affordable. Even with the is important to recognize that the scholarships and financial aid COVID-19 pandemic is much offered, tuition is still high. While bigger than the Pepperdine comliving in or near Malibu, it’s easy munity. Pepperdine is not making to justify the price with beautiful the decisions because it wants to ocean views and Los Angeles job but because it has to. or internship opportunities. With While the pandemic directly students scattered across the U.S. impacts the lives of students and and internationally, personal and faculty, it also impacts the lives professional networking opportu- of many others. Therefore, for nities are not as readily available. the people who are privileged Because students are not perenough to do so, it is important to mitted to live on campus unless focus on the pros of the situation they qualify for a hardship, Peprather than dwelling on the cons. perdine’s student life is heavily At the same time, it is necessary diminished. to remember that all faculty and All kinds of events, including student reactions are valid. And, Greek life formals, convocations above all, remember that this is and athletics, are no longer able to (hopefully) only for one semester.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Madeline Duvall | Art Editor

Letters to the Editor must bear the writer’s name, signature, class standing, major, address and phone number (except in some circumstances determined appropriate by the Graphic). Letters must be fewer than 300 words and will be edited for syntax, grammar and brevity. Letters can be mailed to student publications or emailed to peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com

Graphic Pepperdine University 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy. Malibu, CA 90263 310-506-4311 peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com peppgraphicadvertising@gmail.com

M ANAG I NG ED I TO R M AK E N A H U E Y D I G I TAL ED I TO R B R IAN N A WIL L IS C O PY C HI EF B RYAN T L O N E Y NEW S ED I TO R AS H L E Y M O WR E AD E R NEW S ASS I STANT ED I TO R G R ACE WO O D NEW S AS SI S TANTS U M E E S H A D’ALWIS N ATAL IE H AR D T AD D IE WH ITE N S am an t h a T o r r e S eni o r R ep o r ter E m ily S h aw L I FE & AR TS ED I TO R R O WAN TO K E L I FE & AR TS ASS I STANT ED I TO R S O F IA L O N G O L I FE & AR TS AS SI S TANTS AL E X A B O R S TAD CH R IS T IN K AR R L I FE & AR TS C O PY ED I TO R N ICO L E WIT T S P O R TS ED I TO R KAR L WIN T E R SP O R TS AS SI S TANT ED I TO R PAX TO N R ITCH E Y S P O R TS ASS I STANT J U S T IN T O U H E Y S P O R TS D ES I G N AS SI S TANT IN E Z K IM P ER SP EC TI V ES ED I TO R CAR O L IN E S H AR PL E S S P ER SP EC TI V ES ASS I STANT ED I TO R AJ M U O N AG O L U P ER S P EC TI V ES C O PY ED I TO R TIF FAN Y H AL L L EAD D ESI G NER M E L IS S A L O CK E HEAD P O D C AST P R O D U C ER KAE L IN M E N D E Z P O D C AST P R O D U C ER S IV Y M O O R E L IN D S E Y S U L L IVAN AR T ED I TO R M AD E L IN E D U VAL L AR T As si s tant ED I TO R AL LY AR M S T R O N G AR TI S TS L E AH B AE GAB BY D IG IOVAN N I S AM AN TH A M IL L E R P HO TO ED I TO R AL I L E V E N S AS SI S TANT P HO TO ED I TO R J AY L E N E R AM L I P HO TO G R AP HER S CH AR L O T TE WAL K E R V I D EO P R O D U C ER M AR IS A D R AG O S P I X EL ED I TO R K IL E Y D IS TE L R ATH B U SI NESS D I R EC TO R H AD L E Y B IG G S ADV ER TI SI NG M ANAG ER PATR ICK H AR L E Y MISSION STATEMENT “Pepperdine Graphic Media (PGM) is an editorially independent student news organization that focuses on Pepperdine University and the surrounding communities. PGM consists of the digital and print Graphic, a variety of special publications, GNews, Currents Magazine, social media platforms and an Advertising Department. These platforms serve the community with news, opinion, contemporary information and a public forum for discussion. PGM strengthens students for purpose, service and leadership by developing their skills in writing, editing and publication production, by providing a vehicle to integrate and implement their liberal arts education, and by developing students’ critical thinking through independent editorial judgment. PGM participates in Pepperdine’s Christian mission and affirmations, especially the pursuit of truth, excellence and freedom in a context of public service. Although PGM reports about Pepperdine University and coordinates with curricula in journalism and other disciplines, it is a student (not a University) news organization. Views expressed are diverse and, of course, do not correspond to all views of any University board, administration, faculty, staff, student or other constituency.”

AU GUST 2 7 , 2 0 2 0 | PE RS PE C TIVE S | P E P P E R D I N E G RA P H I C ME D I A

Pepp’s Christian values need a makeover website is plagued with false and misleading

c ar o line Sharp less per spective s E dit or To many, there are two different faces of Christianity. There are Christians who believe that homosexuality is a sin, women should obey their husbands and white people are the superior race. There are also Christians who believe God loves all His children equally. Both recent actions and old traditions place Pepperdine with the former rather than the latter. In July 2020, Pepperdine removed Planned Parenthood from the Pepperdine Resource, Youth Diversion and Education website after the anti-abortion group Students for Life Action contacted the University. “Pepperdine’s Vice President [Danny] DeWalt thanked us and said that they had Plannned Parenthood removed from their website immediately,” according to SFLA’s website. Now, other anti-abortion organizations are bragging about the “win” in convincing Pepperdine to stop promoting Planned Parenthood. This action may seem insignificant, but it conveys a deeper message: Pepperdine favors conservative Christian beliefs over students’ health and safety. The SFLA website lists “Kicking Planned Parenthood Out of Christian Schools” as proof of its success. The page also states that the organization works to “ensure the abortion industry cannot take over towns, commit abortions, and suck-up taxpayer money.” Though SFLA uses the terms interchangeably, Planned Parenthood is not “the abortion industry.” Planned Parenthood delivers vital reproductive health care, sex education and information to millions of people worldwide, according to its website. Because of the Hyde Amendment, taxpayers do not pay for abortions. Hours after Kamala Harris became the first Black and Asian American woman to be nominated vice president for a major party, SFLA posted a scathing critique, calling her an “abortion extremist.” An “abortion extremist” is a made-up concept that implies someone relentlessly promotes abortions or pushes them onto others; Harris merely supports legislation giving women the right to govern their own bodies. Anti-abortion extremists, on the other hand, have committed countless acts of terrorism, violence and harassment, including murders of innocent doctors and women. It is troubling that Pepperdine would obey the demands of an organization whose

Ally Armstrong | Art Assistant Editor claims, extremist views and hateful rhetoric. Pepperdine already took a stance on the issue by posting Planned Parenthood on its website in the first place. There were no student protests, Freedom Wall displays or Graphic op-eds calling for its removal. In removing the resource, however, Pepperdine is showing the community that its views have shifted. It now conveys access to crucial health and educational resource is unimportant — and neither is a woman’s right to make life-changing decisions for herself, like opting out of a pregnancy. Even though other schools in Southern California list Planned Parenthood as a resources on their websites, one might argue Pepperdine should avoid controversial issues to prevent conflict among students and faculty. Past events prove Pepperdine does not mind controversy when it comes to protecting its Christian values. The institution maintains a sexual relationship statement that states, “Pepperdine University affirms that sexual relationships are designed by God to be expressed solely within a marriage between husband and wife.” Most schools do not have sexual relationship statements — for good reason. It is inappropriate and unnecessary for a school to comment on the topic unless it is creating a more inclusive environment by stating that all types of consenting relationships between any gender or identity should be accepted. Pepperdine, however, defends this statement, which was last updated in 2017, because it is a reflection of its Christian principles. Though many Christians are supportive of the LGBTQ+ community and sexual freedom for women, others use text from the Bible to justify their hate. The Bible’s discussion of menstruation, in particular, is sexist. In Leviticus 15:19–30, God gives a lengthy lecture explaining that everything and anyone a woman touches while on her period becomes “unclean.” She, of course, is the most “unclean”; she should not be touched, slept with or allowed in temple during her monthly cycle. While universities such as Harvard, Yale and New York University run programs that distribute free menstrual products to students, Pepperdine’s treatment of periods is less than satisfactory.

Junior Grace Ramsey brings up a valid point that most vending machines on campus have options for credit card payments; however, the menstrual product machines in women’s restrooms are still slotted coin machines. “They are about as reliable as a slot machine,” Ramsey wrote in an email to the Graphic. In Ramsey’s experience, the machines are often empty and do not issue refunds. Additionally, the various on-campus restrooms inconveniently charge different amounts — some require dimes, while others require quarters — making it difficult to prepare. This may seem like a mere annoyance, but it contributes to period poverty and gender disparities. In the United States, one in five teenagers have struggled to afford period products, and one in four have missed class because they did not have access to period products. Students, specifically, are one of the prominent groups in the U.S. who face period poverty, which is defined as limited access to menstrual products due to a lack of income and resources. “For something that is such an integral part of most women’s lives, it seems like periods are an afterthought when it comes to Pepperdine bathrooms,” Ramsey wrote. “Whether your period is an inconvenience or a source of economic stress, Pepperdine should be doing more for the thousands of people on campus who need these products to live their daily lives.” This, however, is not solely a women’s issue; women are not the only people who get periods. Since Pepperdine does not have gender-neutral bathrooms, some transgender students might need access to menstrual products in men’s rooms. “I fully believe that free products should not only be in women’s restrooms but also men’s restrooms,” Ramsey wrote. “Pepperdine has terribly little to say regarding its trans* students, but this might go a long way in making people feel more welcome on campus.” If Pepperdine wanted to commit to being an inclusive institution, as it recently stated, it would take the extra steps to show love to marginalized students rather than passing subliminal, Bible-age judgment on them. The smallest efforts — listing Planned Parenthood as a website resource, removing the Sexual Relationships statement or making menstrual products more accessible — could make a big difference in making students feel supported. As the world has evolved, so have many Christians. Pepperdine needs to join them in extending love to all students and faculty, regardless of their sexual preferences, gender identity or views on abortion. Pepperdine should not only place itself on the right side of history but on the loving side of Christianity. It is time for the University to re-evaluate its Christian values to reflect the diverse world we live in. C AR OL INE.SHAR PL ESS@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Pandemic halts WCC along with athletes’ careers there is no way to know how much weight Pepperdine truly carried in this particular decision. While it is a reasonable assumption that Pepperdine wants all of its athletes E m i ly C h a s e to succeed, this decision s ta f f w r i t e r could have jeopardized athAfter months of letes’ careers. deliberations and conConsidering the tinued efforts to salvage tragedy surrounding the the remnants of hope for COVID-19 pandemic, college sports, a decision it might seem harsh to has finally been made. On criticize the decision to Aug.13, Pepperdine Unipostpone college athletics. versity shared news of the On the other hand, it is West Coast Conference’s critical to acknowledge decision to postpone all fall the consequences of this competitions. decision. Founded in 1952, Throughout the semesthe West Coast Conferter, college athletes use this ence encompasses small conference as a way to rally universities from Spokane, together and work toward Washington, to San Diego. a common goal. Without Pepperdine has held an this end goal, what are they all-time membership with working to accomplish? this conference since 1957 Sports are the fibers and continues to take part that often weave a college in all events. campus and spirit together. How great of a role did Without that, players and Pepperdine have in the de- fans are affected. Campus cision-making process? The culture will be altered; longer a team has been a traditions such as going member, the more weight to see a game on a Friday the team’s say carries in the night can no longer bring conference. In spite of this, students together. The

disappearance of financial support that sports bring a college campus will also have lasting effects for at least the rest of this academic year. Echoing the motivations behind Pepperdine’s move to remote instruction, it is sensible to believe the conference postponement will reduce risk. Many coaches are older and therefore more vulnerable to COVID-19. Eliminating the risks that come with a busy conference environment will protect their health and safety. The risk for athletes, on the other hand, is not as high. The CDC says people aged 15 to 24 have the least number of cases — a mere 242 compared to other adult age groups, which near tens of thousands. While one case is too many cases, researchers have proven that if young adults were exposed to large groups, they are least likely to obtain the virus. There is no way to foresee what might have happened if the WCC had continued with the trajectory of the scheduled

Postponement of the

Leah Bae | Artist conference, but the disappointment of some student-athletes is palpable. With seniors approaching their final season, it is their last chance to shine before the professional leagues. Every athlete’s story differs, but one outcome may be the same: Their professional career tracks will be permanently derailed. While this is a drastic idea to entertain, this scenario could become a reality. Pepperdine needs to come up with creative solutions to highlight senior athletes this year despite the circumstances. Pepperdine officials should advocate for their athletes to get the time and training they deserve.

WCC does not mean indefinite cancellation, leaving room for daydreams of playing in a conference setting once again. While Pepperdine has not released further statements regarding updates, it is safe to assume athletes might not be getting the news they want anytime soon. As an athlete or fan of sports, keep asking questions and stay up to date with changes to the conference. Everyone may be stuck at home for class, but student-athletes should not be stuck in the dark. Do not wait on the bench for an answer; get in the game. EM ILY.C HASE@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Switch your bias

AJ Muonagolu P e r s p e c t i v e s A s s i s ta n t E d i t o r For those who are not a part of the white majority, interacting in America takes a bit more work. This is reflected by everyday conversations in which POC employ the skill known as code-switching. Code-switching is generally defined as the practice of switching from schooltaught English and grammar rules to other types of English dialects such as African American Vernacular English. It can also be used between languages; speaking English around one group of individuals, then speaking Spanish around another is a common example in the U.S. Code-switching can be a valuable skill for interacting with the majority; however, it can enforce the idea that people’s own identities of communication shouldn’t be normalized within society. A group of Black scholars coined the term AAVE, also known as Ebonics and originally called Nonstandard Negro English, in the 1970s. Scholars, however, heavily debate its origins. The most well-known hypothesis states that AAVE began during the slave trade. People who were enslaved had to learn English the best they could despite it not being their native tongue. By mixing English with their own West African and Creole speech, they shaped their own form of English. Ebonics also includes the dropping of certain letters, linking verbs and words in phrases. For example, “I don’t know” becomes “I oun know,” while “I’m gonna do it” becomes “I’mma do it.” There are also words that were created in AAVE such as “ain’t,” “phat” and “ashy.” Another key instance is the usage of the double negative — “I don’t want none,” for instance — which some think is to exaggerate the point of the singular negative. Unfortunately, some equate the usage of AAVE to a lack of knowledge. This bias is known as “linguistic prejudice.” As a result of the stigmatization of AAVE — and subsequently, the accent along with it — many POC who grow up in America learn to speak in a specific tone while using standard English. Colloquially, this is known as their “white voice,” and it involves speaking standard English while using elevated diction and syntax. Code-switching also adds a layer of division within POC communities. To succeed in a white man’s world, some assimilate, causing others in their communities to brand them as a “sell-out” or an “Uncle Tom.” Inherent prejudice between languages causes unnecessary pressure for POC, which results in them code-switching. For instance, English-speaking individuals often resort to harassment when others speak Spanish or Arabic in public; President Donald Trump is guilty of this. He famously said, “We speak English, not Spanish,” during a CNN Presidential Debate in 2016. First off, the United States has no official language. This is most likely due to the multitude of languages that thrive in the U.S., such as Spanish, Chinese, Tagalog, French, Vietnamese and Korean. English also has many phrases and words that are appropriated from other languages. “Deja vu” or “rendezvous,” for example, are both French in origin, while “embargo,” “mosquito” and “breeze” all have direct Spanish roots. Code-switching requires a high level of intelligence: It proves an individual is fluid in multiple grammar, speech and language forms. The reason why it is a necessary skill for some POC, however, is disheartening. POC are hindered from using their natural speech patterns, while the majority can appropriate them whenever they see fit. Individuals, schools and the nation need to be aware of how they perceive other languages and dialects and the people who speak them. Since we know America is full of different individuals, it’s time to accept the notion that it’s also full of different, valid and beautiful forms of speech. AJ.M UONAGOL U@PEPPER DINE.EDU

P E P P E R DINE GR A P HIC M E DIA | N E W S | A UG U S T 27 , 20 20

Pepp updates Student Code of Conduct for new Title IX and COVID-19 protocols As hl ey Mo w r eader New s edi tor Pepperdine updated its Student Code of Conduct with changes to the Sexual Misconduct Policy and the Good Samaritan Policy as well as the creation of COVID-19 Interim Protocol for students. On Aug. 21, Dean of Students Mark Davis announced the changes as a follow-up to President Jim Gash’s statements at the Aug. 17 President’s Briefing, reflecting the University’s theme of “Belonging” for academic year 2020–21. The University developed the Student Code of Conduct in 2018 to create a unified code, related disciplinary procedures and policies that apply across the five Pepperdine schools, according to Davis’ email. Administration made changes to the code in 2019 to clarify language in the Sexual Misconduct Policy in addition to further solidifying Pepperdine’s stance against all marijuana products. “[Students’] adherence to, support of, and input regarding the Student Code of Conduct helps maintain the strong and caring community we have built together at Pepperdine,” Davis wrote. The COVID-19 Interim Protocols serve as official regulation for Pepperdine’s standards during COVID-19 regarding visitors, face coverings and other essential business on campus. The Sexual Misconduct Policy updates reflect new Title IX regulations provided nationally in May and clarify some lan-

guage and Pepperdine policy in handling formal complaints. COVID-19 Interim Protocols Due to the nature of the pandemic, Pepperdine created a new interim policy for COVID-19, outlining restrictions and protocols in place for community members. Students, staff and visitors are required to wear a face covering at all times on Pepperdine campuses. The face covering, be it a traditional mask, bandana, neck gaiter, homemade face covering or scarf, must be worn over the nose and mouth and secured around the lower face. Exceptions are available for those with medical conditions and children under the age of 2. Pepperdine will provide two face coverings to every student, staff and faculty member at no cost, and the individual will be responsible for cleaning and wearing the covering, according to the updated policy. Additional coverings will be available for purchase at the bookstore. All campus visitors must be essential or invited guests. Invited guests include current essential students, faculty and staff, visitors with permission, family members of on-campus condo homeowners, parents and families helping students move out, designated vendors and service operators, and ride-hailing and food delivery drivers. Guests are also required to follow social distancing and face-covering protocols.

Pepperdine extended its telecommuting protocols as well, allowing for every employee — including student employees — to complete work remotely if the position allows. Pepperdine’s new policy also indicates supervisors must extend flexibility for those doing in-person work to allow for extenuating circumstances, such as caring for elderly family members or children due to school closure and being at higher risk with a weakened immune system. All University-sponsored international and domestic travel is prohibited through Sept. 30, with some rare exceptions that the traveler’s supervisor and a member of the Steering team must vet. Community members who travel internationally for personal reasons must complete a 14-day quarantine before being allowed access to Pepperdine’s campus. Students and faculty living on campus may return home but cannot access other campus spaces during their quarantine. The list of COVID-19 interim protocols also shared the LA County Health Department protocols for higher education, retail establishments, restaurants, office-based worksites and collegiate sports. Updated Sexual Misconduct Policy “This summer Pepperdine made substantial changes to our Sexual Misconduct Policy to conform to the new Title IX regulations published by the US

Photo courtesy of Title IX OFFICE Sexual Misconduct Flowchart | Pepperdine updated its Sexual Misconduct Policy and shared a flowchart outlining the basic flow of a formal complaint filed with the Title IX Office. The updated chart reflects new power given to Pepperdine’s Title IX officers to file a complaint on behalf of the complaintant if they believe it necessary for any reason.

Department of Education in May,” Davis wrote.

[Students’] adherence to, support of, and input regarding the Student Code of Conduct helps maintain the strong and caring community we have built together at Pepperdine. Mark Davis Dean of Students

Major changes to the policy include redefining sexual harassment, permitting the Title IX coordinator to call for investigation(s) regardless of the complainant’s wishes, allowing both parties — the victim and the accused — to view evidence and allegations filed during a formal complaint and permitting an adviser to be present with both parties during a video conference hearing. The Title IX regulations published by the U.S. Department of Education in May 2020 clarify the definition of sexual harassment prohibited under Title IX to include sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence, stalking as well as sexual harassment and sexual harassment (quid pro quo) — all of which are defined in Pepperdine’s Sexual Misconduct Policy, according to the website. “The updated Title IX regulations provide more autonomy and control to the complainant to decide if they want the University to move forward with a formal investigation and hearing,” according to the website. With the new regulations, the victim or complainant must file a formal complaint before the University will proceed with grievance procedures or disciplinary action. Updated regulations also state the Title IX coordinator can determine if an investigation is necessary regardless of the wishes of the victim “out of concerns for the welfare and safety of the complainant and the community.” The example of this scenario listed on Pepperdine’s new webpage is in the case of a potential serial sexual perpetrator. Pepperdine has two Title IX coordinators: one for the University, Lauren Cosentino, vice president for Campus Operations and Human Resources; and one for students, La Shonda Coleman, Title IX coordinator for students. Cosentino is responsible for Pepperdine’s compliance with Title IX and the

University’s response to formal complaints by students against employees, employee-to-employee complaints and reports from third parties. Coleman, on the other hand, coordinates between students and is the University contact for both employees and individuals on the receiving end of a sexual assault complaint, labeled in the University handbook as a Respondent. “The jurisdiction of the Sexual Misconduct Policy is broader than the jurisdiction of Title IX, and applies to the education programs and activities of Pepperdine, to conduct that takes place on the campus or on property owned or controlled by Pepperdine, at University-sponsored events, or in buildings owned or controlled by Pepperdine’s recognized student organizations,” according to the policy update. This means, whether the allegations occurred outside the U.S. or did not occur during Pepperdine education programs activities — such as in off-campus housing or within an international program — Pepperdine can still apply the policy to community member behavior and can extend jurisdiction. The role of advisers during a video conference hearing expanded under new Title IX regulations. Pepperdine’s policy, prior to revision, dictated that both parties will meet via video conference with a Hearing Officer to review the final investigation report and any response by the complainant or respondent. The Hearing Officer, like the Title IX coordinator, varies based on who is involved in the allegation. For complaints between students, Sharon Beard, associate dean of students for community standards, or her designee serve as the Hearing Officer. For complaints against an employee, Human Resources appoints a Hearing Officer. The Hearing Officer can also create a hearing panel by adding up to two additional personnel to listen to the video conference. Advisers, who can be a party’s attorney, are able to cross-examine and question the other party and witnesses, including asking questions that challenge credibility. Pepperdine added several layers of regulation to this. The adviser must question in real-time, an involved party may not cross-examine, all cross-examination questions are first shared with the Hearing Officer to determine relevance and the adviser cannot question in an abusive or disrespectful manner, among other guidelines. Students filing a formal grievance of sexual misconduct can also opt for an informal resolution — a voluntary process through which a student complainant and respondent can mutually agree to participate in an alternate means of resolution. The complainant must still file a formal complaint, and the two parties must agree to an informal resolution. The informal resolution can still involve disciplinary sanctions, but it cannot be appealed, and once the students agree to an informal

resolution, neither party can opt for the formal grievance process. “Regardless of whether Title IX is applicable or which procedures are followed, Pepperdine is committed to a fair, accurate, consistent, transparent, and prompt response to allegations of Sexual Misconduct,” according to the website. Community members scrutinized the Sexual Misconduct Policy at Pepperdine after a sexual harassment case between two student Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers in 2019 and an increase in sexual assault cases on campus during spring 2019. An October 2019 article revealed many students do not understand the process for filing a sexual harassment complaint nor are they aware of sexual harassment reports being filed.

The updated Title IX regulations provide more autonomy and control to the complainant to decide if they want the University to move forward with a formal investigation and hearing. office of Title IX Pepperdine Website Good Samaritan Policy Pepperdine also updated the Good Samaritan Policy “for clarity and efficacy,” Davis wrote. The website outlines the policy in its entirety as well as specific examples of individuals and group who would be covered by the policy due to varying circumstances. These can include club involvement, complying with Pepperdine and first responders, and those who issued the first call for help. The Good Samaritan Policy at Pepperdine has been continually reviewed and updated since its creation, with notable changes made after the deactivation of fraternity Delta Tau Delta in 2017. In 2018, a survey of first-year students by Unite Pepp showed incoming students did not trust the policy and would not use it. Individuals who wish to provide feedback on the Student Code of Conduct or other related policies or procedures can contact the Office of Community Standards at community.standards@pepperdine.edu.

ASHL EY.M OW R EADER @PEPPER DINE.EDU

Au g u s t 27, 2020

The Graphic

pepp e rd in e - g ra p h ic.co m

LIFE & ARTS

The fashion industry tailors itself to COVID-19 So fia Lo ngo li f e & Ar ts A s si stant Edi tor With store closures and significantly minimized profits, the fashion industry is still struggling in the age of COVID-19. In addition to drastically altering the supply and demand for clothes, the pandemic forced advertising, customer service and company values to adapt. Pepperdine students involved in the fashion industry have noticed the shift in the fashion world as brand ambassadors, small business owners and models. “It’s more consumer habits changing rather than brands changing what they [are selling],” senior Dyani Heredia-Urias said. According to an article in Forbes, “COVID-19 has exposed a fundamental weakness in the traditional fashion system: matching supply and demand.” This weakness was apparent when numerous big retailers filed for bankruptcy during the pandemic, unable to recover from the decrease in sales. With excess inventory, unsold clothes are piling up, sparking a conversation on how to deal with the merchandise in an environmentally friendly effort, according to an article in the Wall Street Journal. In California, indoor malls are still not permitted to open. Since people are cautious about shopping

Courtesy of Dyani Heredia-urias

Model Status | (Left) Model Dyani Heredia-Urias models new athletic Aerie apparel in her bedroom in Aug. (Right) Heredia-Urias poses in an Aerie bralette outside her home to announce her partnership with the clothing brand via an Instagram post in July. outside, online shopping has increased. With retailers unable to advertise like before because of closures and precautions, the fashion industry will need to adapt in the coming months. New Consumer Interests Innovative mask and loungewear designs have changed consumer interests in the fashion industry. With offices and schools closed and festivals and vacations canceled, consumers aren’t shopping for the clothes they used to shop for. Heredia-Urias said she has been working with American Eagle’s in-house intimate apparel brand, Aerie, since 2018. She mod-

eled in the brand’s 2018 ad campaign, which appeared in American Eagle stores, on social media and even in Times Square. Heredia-Urias said she applied to the Aerie Ambassador Program this year, and in July she officially became an ambassador for Aerie, posting weekly on her social media to promote the brand’s new arrivals. Heredia-Urias said her sense of style changed during the pandemic. “When I was back at school, I loved picking out my outfits — that was kind of my thing,” Heredia-Urias said. “Once COVID hit, I became an advocate for baggy T-shirts or joggers.” Heredia-Urias said she has seen other brands

Madeline duvall | art editor change their message to promote their loungewear lines, but Aerie has not needed to do this since they have always been a comfort lifestyle brand. Because she has plenty of downtime, Heredia-Urias said her online shopping has increased over the past few months, as she now buys things she wouldn’t normally get in a store. “When you’re in a store and trying things on, it’s such a different experience,” Heredia-Urias said. “I feel like I tend to hold back when I’m in stores and [when] I look at pictures on a website, I’m like, ‘Oh that

could be cute,’ and then my shopping bag is just huge.” Increase in Online Shopping Millions of Americans, like Heredia-Urias, have been lured into the world of online shopping. According to statistics from the Illinois Technology Association, online purchases have increased by 72.6% and online revenue has increased 22.2% since March. With the increased usage of online shopping, retailers have to make up for the traditional in-store experience, especially for shop-

pers who may hold doubts about online ordering. Retailers have started to offer customers personal stylists to help them shop online. Lululemon is one of these retailers, offering a virtual shopping experience with an educator over video chat or phone call.

SE E Fa sh i o n, B 3

Student starts Motivational Project to build community B et h g onzales staf f writ e r The birth of an online platform, the Motivational Project, founded by senior Julia Strouk, is helping the Pepperdine family chase after their dreams, while also encouraging others within the community. The project provides practical tools, plans and guides on healthy mindsets through shared inspiration and how to believe in the power of self, which motivates the reader to work harder and strive higher than ever before. “The Motivational Project is really a platform that is aimed at building a community of self-driven and ambitious individuals,” Strouk said. Strouk said she felt the energy and dedication exuded by Pepperdine’s community needed to be highlighted. Participants in this project will be pushed to do their best by viewing others’ specific dreams, whether it’s a new business, career plan or personal goal. “I discovered a passion for pushing people to see beyond their own limits and actually go after what they want in life,” Strouk said. Strouk started the project this July but said she has always adored being the person to cheer up her friends and give them advice on what direction they should take. “I started this project with the intention of building a community of individuals who believe they can achieve anything they set their minds to; my goal is that others will adopt this mindset,” Strouk said. Strouk said she is always working on new ways to expand her project. New features include becoming a member on the website and writing forum posts. She is working on a feature where users can chat. A new Instagram TV series is also coming to the Motivational Project’s social media account in the upcoming weeks. A new entrepreneur extension launches this week, Strouk said. This section will include a network of people who want to support one another throughout the process of self-employment and business ventures.

Courtesy ofjulia strouk

Picture Perfect | Senior Julia Strouk, founder of the Motivational Project, tilts her head and smiles for a portrait. The project’s online presence motivated students, faculty and alumni to accomplish their aspirations for life and share their stories. “The entrepreneur’s section is going to be about discovering and supporting young entrepreneurs, and I’m hoping it will motivate others who want to start a business,” Strouk said. Junior Anastasia Lamachkine said she is pursuing her professional tennis career and expanding her own chocolate bar company. Lamachkine founded her chocolate company, Choconastu, two years ago. “As of now, I’m only selling the chocolate bars in Peru, but the goal is to one day make it available worldwide,” Lamachkine said. “My passion for sports has guided me to find healthy foods that are grown in pure environments.” As Strouk observed Lamachkine navigate her way through her own business, she said she knew Lamachkine had to be involved in her project. “In five years, as my long-term goal, I want my chocolate brand to be worth $5 million,” Lamachkine said. Lamachkine is one of many students who has been featured by the Motiva-

Madeline Duvall | Art Editor

Courtesy of Anastasia lamachkine Courtesy of Anastasia Lamachkine

Where it all Started | Chocolatier Anastasia Lamachkine smiles with a Choconastu chocolate bar, the company that she founded, atop Machu Picchu, Peru. Her chocolate is made with organic cacao beans from Tingo Maria, a city located in the Peruvian rainforest. tional Project, and she will also appear in Strouk’s new entrepreneur section. “When [Strouk] launched her Motivational Project, she reached out to me and asked if I want to be part of it,” Lamachkine said. “I agreed to be part of the community she is building because I think it is a great project creating a close network of highly driven people.” Senior Jorge Contreras became involved with the Motivational Project when it was his turn to be featured. Contreras said he is excited by what is going

to happen within this project. “I’m a big finance guy,” Contreras said. “I’m really into investing, and my goal is to build a hedge fund to manage and invest in successful portfolios across the globe.”

SE E pr o j e ct, B 3

PEP P E R DINE GR A P HIC M E DIA | L IFE A N D A RTS | A U G U S T 27 , 20 20

Dancer dreams of bringing skills to Pepperdine’s stages

Christin k a rr Life & A rts assis ta n t

Transfer veteran hopes to help people in a new way Junior Branden Garcia transferred to Pepperdine this fall in hopes of working in the medical field. He is a Political Science major on the pre-med track. Garcia served in the army for seven years. He worked as a military policeman, which he said aligned with his dreams of serving people and allowed him to interact with individuals all over the country. Garcia said he made lots of friends serving in the army. Having that experience helped build his character and work ethic. “I have made lifelong friends [in the army], and we still keep in touch,” Garcia said. Garcia said the academic rigor and the opportunities that Pepperdine provides for its students led to his decision to transfer this fall in pursuit of a career in medicine. “I’m in between the view and just the name that Pepperdine has — the prestige of [it] drew me there,” Garcia said. Pepperdine’s reputation for excellence is what Garcia said he believes will help him achieve his dreams. “The medical field is another way to help serve people but in a different scope of helping them,” Garcia said. Garcia, who had always dreamed of serving others in one form or another, said he believes his life experience will help him reach his goals and succeed as a new student at Pepperdine. “I know how to be open-minded and accepting of others when it comes to diversity and just being disciplined,” Garcia said. Garcia grew up Castroville, California, and moved to Tarzana in anticipation of attending Pepperdine. He said he was raised by two hardworking parents and business owners who inspired him to work hard. “[My parents] molded me into who I am and where I’m going today,” Garcia said. “They’ve been great and very supportive through my whole life.” Garcia said he was disappointed about the fall 2020 semester being delivered remotely

Courtesy of braden garcia Serving his Country | Transfer junior Braden Garcia poses outside in his army uniform. He served for seven years before making the decision to attend college and later decided to transfer to Pepperdine as a Political Science major. but understands the safety concerns of the University. “It sucks, you know, to try to get used to a new school system and teachers and everything online,” Garcia said. Garcia said he hopes to improve his study habits this fall and avoid procrastination. He said he’d like to get involved in Pepperdine Rugby Football Club on campus when it opens again. “I think it’s just going to have to be more discipline and more focus on my end goal,” Garcia said.

CH RI S T I N . KA RR@P E P P E RD I N E . E D U

Sophomore Katie Lee transferred to Pepperdine this semester to pursue a degree in Psychology. Lee said she hopes to join Dance in Flight once students are able to safely return to campus. “Pepperdine has been my dream school for as long as I can remember,” Lee said. Lee originally applied to Pepperdine as a senior in high school, but she said she feels that divine intervention led her to Wheaton College in Wheaton, IL, instead. She is now more excited than ever to attend the University. “Honestly, it was just the hand of God, I think, with what happened, because financially, we wouldn’t have been able to afford it anyway,” Lee said. Lee said she’s been dancing most of her life, and it is one of her greatest passions. She continued her dance career throughout high school and learned many different styles of dance. “I was a part of a hiphop dance ministry team from 8 to 15 years old,” Lee said. “I had the opportunity to go to Asia to perform.” Lee was part of the dance team at Wheaton College. She learned modern and ballet dance styles in her time there. Lee said she enjoyed her dance experience because it enabled her to connect to the community and her faith. She said she’s happy to begin her journey at Pepperdine. “Something that I am most excited about at Pepperdine is to be a part of a community where people can grow together,” Lee said. Lee, who was raised in Orange County, California, said she plans to join clubs, participate in activities and immerse herself in the community. “I’m excited to see what life at Pepperdine is like, living and learning right by the beach and having so

Courtesy of katie lee Strike a Pose | (Above) Sophomore Katie Lee leaps at her local theater in Orange County. She said she dreams of dancing at Pepperdine. (Below) Lee sways back during a dance at her local Orange County theater. She said she wants to try out for Dance In Flight when the University reopens.

Courtesy of Katie Lee many places that are close by campus that can be fun to discover,” Lee said. Lee said she hopes to use her education at Pepperdine to go on to a master’s program in speech therapy. She ultimately wants to work with children. “I want to one day work at a clinic or hospital to help and serve the ailing children in a holistic manner — mind, body and spirit,” Lee said. Lee said she is excited to learn from renowned professors and gain knowledge that will help in her future endeavors. She is excited to live on campus

when it is safe to do so and to start dancing once again. “I hope to absorb everything that Pepperdine has to offer,” Lee said.

C HR ISTIN.K AR R @PEPPER DINE.EDU

Biology major hopes to promote a loving Christian environment First-year Amani Pearson said the loving Christian atmosphere drew her to Pepperdine. She discussed how her affiliation with the Churches of Christ impacted her decision to attend the University this fall. Pearson said Pepperdine is her dream school, so when she got accepted, it was an exciting moment for her. “Pepperdine has been my dream school since, like, sixth grade,” Pearson said. Pearson, a Biology major, said she originally applied to Pepperdine as a Journalism major. Now, she hopes to become a physical therapist and work with children in some capacity. “I just love being around kids,” Pearson said. “They just have such a lively energy.” Coming from hardworking and dedicated parents, Pearson said she found inspiration in their example. With a father who was in the Air Force before becoming a principal, and a mother who worked tirelessly as a teacher for special needs children, she never lacked a living representation of the kind of person she wanted to become. “[My parents] are really hard workers and they always inspired me to push myself to be the best that I can,” Pearson said. “They always went after goals that seemed unattainable, but then they would reach them.” Pearson said she hopes to live a life that will reflect the kind of morals and work ethic that her parents have instilled in her. Pearson said she would describe herself as dedicated. She said she hopes to do well in her undergraduate career and have a meaningful experience that she will cherish for a lifetime. “I live by the motto, ‘Expect the worst and hope for the best,’” Pearson said. “I like to be prepared for things.” Pearson said she is disappointed the fall 2020 semester will be held online but hopes to still establish meaningful relationships virtually. She said she feels connected to California and is excited to be on campus in the spring, if possible. “Pepperdine seems like a really loving community,” Pearson said. “I just hope that I can become a more loving and open person attending Pepperdine.”

CHRIST IN. K A R R @ P E P P E R DIN E . E DU

Flash a Smile | (Above) Firstyear Amani Pearson poses in her Pepperdine sweatshirt. She said Pepperdine has been her dream school since sixth grade. (Below) Pearson poses for a portrait at Columbine Hills Park in Littleton, Colorado. She moved there from California when she was a young child.

Seeking nominations for PGM’s Currents Magazine!

Courtesy of CHelsea Taura

Do you know an individual in the Pepperdine community who deserves to be highlighted? Currents Magazine wants to hear their story! We will be profiling multiple individuals and groups in our upcoming issue — Humans of Pepperdine — in an effort to learn more about the individuals & groups in our Pepperdine community and the culture that encompasses our campus. Click here to nominate someone: https://bit.ly/2CwtFy6

Photos Courtesy of Amani Pearson

PEP P E R DINE GR A P HIC M E DIA | L IFE A N D A RTS | A U G U S T 27 , 20 20

Fashion: businesses adapt to a new model F R OM B 1 COVID-19’s Impact on Sales Not all retailers are surviving the pandemic. With store closures in March, the fashion industry took a big hit that lasted several weeks. Neiman Marcus, J.C. Penny, Lucky Brand and Lord & Taylor are just a few of the companies that filed bankruptcy because of the decrease in sales due to store closures, according to an article in The Intelligencer. Lucy Jolis is the owner of Sunroom, a women’s designer fashion boutique in Malibu. Jolis said her online business sales stayed about the same during closures, but her in-store sales are still struggling. Since Jolis isn’t selling as much as she used to, the store’s inventory has been cut in half. “[COVID-19] has brought down our sales significantly because people aren’t shopping as much because people aren’t leaving their houses,” Jolis said. “It’s like you’re working 10 times as hard with half of the results because people are scared to go out and do anything.” Jolis said the strongest part of her business is her loyal customers whom she has continually worked with. Tourists and foot traffic also significantly contribute to her sales, but she doesn’t see that demographic of her sales coming back anytime soon. Some businesses, however, have experienced the opposite, gaining more traction and recognition on social media. Senior Kendall Ross said she founded her small business, I’d Knit That, gaining popularity during the pandemic even though she just launched it at the beginning of the year. Ross started selling handmade knit-

Courtesy of Kendall Ross

Courtesy of meghan macaya

Cool Threads | (Left) Knitter Kendall Ross poses in one of her handmade knit sweaters. She made many new articles of clothing and accessories, including bright sweaters, tops and bags, during quarantine to add to her growing business, I’d Knit That. (Right) Meghan Macaya’s website, Eden, includes fashion, lifestyle and beauty advice for readers. The blogger was inspired by Kourtney Kardashian’s blog, Poosh, when creating her website. ted sweaters, tops, bags, blankets and more on her Instagram and website in January. “I definitely had more time to knit and make things and experiment,” Ross said. “[Sales] increased through that, [which] probably went along with gaining more recognition.” Ross said she feels there is less of a need for buying even though people still may be shopping. She believes there is a drifting focus on sustainability when it comes to clothes, such as thrifting or buying from resellers. “We’re not going out, and things are kind of more simplified than they were,” Ross said. “People can focus more on not buying as much and buying better. A lot of people are realizing, ‘Oh, I don’t need to shop constantly and I can just focus on the wardrobe I have.’” The Shift in Advertising Another new hurdle in the fashion industry is dealing with state closures that impact ad-

vertising campaigns and modeling. Retailers want to uphold the message of staying safe and performing social distancing, so having full-blown modeling campaigns may send the wrong message to consumers. Junior Meghan Macaya said she recently signed with a modeling agency, Peak Models and Talent, but because of COVID-19, she has had difficulty finding jobs. She launched her fashion and lifestyle blog, Eden, on Aug. 10 after her recent internship in web design and business marketing. Macaya said she noticed a few retailers making an effort to give back to their community. Revolve stood out to her the most because the company created a GoFundMe page, Revolve Around Our Heroes, to donate to first responders and COVID-19 relief. Macaya donated to the cause after finding out about it. “I thought that it was really great how they came out in support of the people on the front lines during the pandemic [and]

Courtesy of jorge contreras

Group Bonding | Student Investment Club, which senior Jorge Contreras leads, gathers for a group photo. The Wave Pool sought a way to promote financial literacy and extend career opportunities in finance.

Project: Motivational Project aims to help students chase their dreams FR O M B 1 At Pepperdine, Contreras said he finds it easy to build relationships through a community that continues to inspire him. He said he has pursued his goals on campus and will continue to do so while school is remote. “Right now I lead the Investment Club; because of that, I have met so many people and offered opportunities to them,” Contreras said. “Pepperdine has really shown me the values of leadership, service and purpose.” Contreras said Pepperdine’s smaller community is all about giving people opportunities and fostering an environment where everyone can succeed — even in a time when students cannot be together on campus. “Due to what our country is experiencing with the cultural crisis, I think it is more important to have a community where people are motivated and inspired by each other because it’s difficult to have that when we’re not together,” Contreras said. Strouk said the virtual aspect of the fall semester will not slow down the movement. “Being at home shouldn’t be a challenge because [the Motivational Project] is online and [through] social media,” Strouk said. “Especially in these times of COVID-19 where people feel isolated, this platform can really bring people together and it’s a great way to feel supported.” Strouk said she is still learning new things every day from this endeavor. She said her evolving ideas and visions keep on coming, which she finds exciting.

Courtesy of Anastasia Lamachkine

Mocked Up | The Motivational Project’s mock up shows their online presence and aims to motivate Pepperdine students. “I myself am trying to make it in this world; I’m still a college student trying to achieve my own goals, but I want to do this with everyone,” Strouk said. Strouk said students can get involved in many different ways. These ways include being featured on the Motivational Project’s Instagram and website, which are open to students of all grades. Strouk said she is hoping to one day grow this beyond the Pepperdine circle. “I send [the people being featured] interview questions about their goals, motivations and daily habits,” Strouk said. “The goal with that is to inspire others to believe in themselves.” Strouk said she encourages students or alumni to submit a form on the website to be featured in the Motivational Project’s profiles section.

B E T H .G O N Z A L E S @P E P P E RD I N E . E D U

had an intention to serve in that way,” Macaya said. Macaya said she noticed a shift in advertising from retailers due to COVID-19 as well. “On social media, it’s all shopping online, [and] photographers [are] doing photo shoots for social media influencers on FaceTime,” Macaya said. “It actually turns out looking pretty good.” This new form of online advertising ranges from high fashion to everyday apparel. In April, Bella Hadid starred in the first FaceTime campaign for Vogue Italia. TikTok star Addison Rae shot American Eagle’s Back to School campaign from her bedroom over Zoom. “People are getting creative nowadays, [and] we’re all finding different ways through the technology that we have to just make it work,” Macaya said. SOF IA.L ONGO@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Courtesy of meghan macaya

Say Cheese | Blogger Meghan Macaya flashes a smile in a leopard-print dress earlier this year in Westlake Village. She launched her fashion and lifestyle website, Eden, this August.

augus t 27, 2020

The Graphic

pepp e rd in e - g ra p h ic.co m

SPORTS

Collegiate student-athletes leading charge for social and racial justice just in t o uh ey spor ts as si sta n t Protests advocating for justice for crimes such as police brutality, institutional racism, education reform and voter education have continued since the death of George Floyd. Collegiate athletes have been leaders working for diversity, inclusion and equality among their conferences and campuses, including student-athletes from Pepperdine. Pepperdine Athletics has worked closely with student-athletes from the Waves Leadership Council this summer to put together a variety of education panels with different speakers to discuss race, diversity and inclusion. One of the student-athletes at Pepperdine who has been at the forefront of these efforts is Jayda Ruffus-Milner on the women’s basketball team. “We had a panel called Listening to Each Other: A Conversation about Race and Anti-Racism at the end of June with different staff and alumni of Pepperdine, and we were all just talking about our experiences and how this time has affected us,” Ruffus-Milner said. “We had close to 115 students attend.” Ruffus-Milner said he hopes Pepperdine Athletics can be a building block in Pepperdine’s community efforts to help raise awareness for racial and social justice. “We want President Gash and the administration to acknowledge the problems that we see,” Ruffus-Milner said. Karina Herold, deputy director of Athletics, has been vocal about initiatives that push for racial and social justice. “Three or four years ago, we formed a diversity council and put together our own diversity statement,” Herold said. “This is something we have felt strongly about.” Herold also said it is critical to have conversations about hard topics like race. “The skills that we really wanted to bring to our Waves Leadership Council were to teach them how to

facilitate conversations with peers,” Herold said. The West Coast Conference, which includes the Waves, has created initiatives to become a more inclusive and diverse environment. The WCC created the “Russell Rule,” which is the first conference-wide diversity initiative. It is named after former WCC and NBA superstar Bill Russell. The rule requires each institution to include a member of a traditionally underrepresented community in the pool of final candidates for every athletic director, senior administrator, head coach and fulltime assistant coach position in the athletic department, according to an article from the West Coast Conference. “After the murder of George Floyd, our presidents wanted to enact meaningful and lasting change in the WCC, and we’ve been amazed at the nation-wide positive response we’ve received since announcing the Russell Rule,” WCC Commissioner Gloria Nevarez wrote in an email. “We hope this is a signal to the marketplace that the WCC is committed to change.” Athletes have been engaging in acts of solidarity before and after games, including taking a knee for the national anthem and wearing Black Lives Matter shirts and patches. “I really want for us to have shirts made or something Black Lives Matter related that shows our support,” Ruffus-Milner said. “I am supportive of people kneeling.” Pepperdine Athletics pledged its support for students to use their free speech and exercise their First Amendment rights. “We want to talk about it and help spark the conversation and not just be a support system — but also to be active in the solution,” Herold said. On a broader scale, other NCAA conferences and student-athletes are making their voices heard in the fight for racial and social justice. The Pac-12 Conference recently formed an advisory group for social justice and anti-racism with representatives from all 12 universities.

ali levens| photo editor

It launched a series of virtual anti-racism forums for student-athletes and coaches. The forum includes: Condoleezza Rice, a Stanford professor and former secretary of state; Steve Kerr, head coach of the Golden State Warriors and former Arizona Wildcat student-athlete; and Chiney Ogwumike, former Stanford athlete and WNBA star, according to an article from KSL. On the East Coast, the Big East started the Coaches for Action organization, composed of minority assistant coaches with at least one member from its 11 institutions, and shared a mission to educate and bring awareness to social injustices. Dwayne Killings, an assistant basketball coach at Marquette, was essential to the creation of this committee. “We felt like we had such a unique platform as assistant coaches to engage our guys, speak out for our players and give our guys a platform,” Killings said. Some of their goals are to create a scholarship fund to assist first-generation minority students with at least a 3.0 GPA who elect to attend a Big East school and to educate players and coaches about voting in local and national elections, according to an article from CBS Sports. The Big East conference has been fully supportive of Killings

Leading the Charge | Redshirt sophomore guard Jayda Ruffus-Milmadeline duvall | art editor ner drives against Pacific and his colleagues’ creation of the on Jan. 30. Ruffus-Milner is also a driving force in committee. “I think people have applauded Pepperdine’s fight for raour efforts,” Killings said. “When cial justice. all of us got together, we did not realize we were doing real leadership training, and you have a Zoom call with your commissioner and assistant commissioner who have been completely supportive — it’s been awesome.” Other meaningful changes have happened in part thanks to the actions of student-athletes. Mississippi State University running back Kylin Hill tweeted June 22, “Either change the flag or I won’t be representing this state anymore.” It seemed to be the final push for lawmakers in Mississippi to act, according to an article from Insider Higher Education. At the University of South Carolina, football players accompanied by Head Coach Will Muschamp and his wife, Carol, marched in protest through downtown Columbia. One player held a sign reading, “Matter is the minimum. Black lives are worthy. Black lives are beloved. Black lives are needed,” according to an article from the Big Spur. Eddie Comeaux, a contributor to Forbes, wrote “Five Ways to Advance Racial Justice in College Sports.” He wrote it is important to understand and acknowledge anti-Blackness, rather than disregard its effects on policy decisions

and practices in athletics, and to prepare Black athletes for quality school-to-career transitions. He also wrote he wants to enable college athletes to monetize the use of their names, images and likenesses as well as to increase Black representation in coaching and senior-level leadership positions, ensuring Black athletes have a voice in NCAA governing board decisions, according to an article from Forbes. Athletes from all professional leagues have continued to use games as a way to protest and show solidarity. All NBA playoff games were postponed Wednesday after the Milwaukee Bucks staged a boycott by staying in the locker room during tip-off in response to the Jacob Blake shooting in Wisconsin, according to an article from the Minnesota Star Tribune. Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer and the Women’s National Basketball Association followed suit, postponing several games amid boycotts and protests.

JUSTIN.TOUHEY@PEPPER DINE.EDU

Coach Tim Ward’s success runs deep just in t o uhey s por ts ass i s tant Throughout his tenure at Pepperdine, Coach Tim Ward has continued to build a successful program that has lasted over the past two decades. Entering 2020 in his 27th season at Pepperdine and 23rd as the head coach, Ward has 18 winning seasons with 11 NCAA tournament berths, including three Sweet 16 berths, four WCC titles and five Coach of the Year honors. This year is particularly uncommon for the NCAA and for college athletes because the fall championships will be moved to the spring. Like spring student-athletes, fall student-athletes will have to wait several months until they can play again. With no competitions and limited in-person contact throughout the semester, Ward said he has had to adapt and learn new ways to coach and connect with his team. “We have been holding

weekly Zoom meetings, except the first week of school because we wanted them to get into the routine,” Ward said. Ward said he has seen how Zoom can positively affect the way he coaches. “Technology will play a role in our coaching going forward with film analysis,” Ward said. “We can connect with the girls late at night and do a film session for 15– 20 minutes.” Despite the challenges this fall, the team culture and success that Pepperdine’s team has had during Ward’s tenure is ingrained in all of the team’s players. He said he relies heavily on his senior leadership to create a positive team culture and maximize the team’s potential. “We have always felt that our teams go as our senior leadership goes,” Ward said. “We want to win games and championships. Over the course of a 20-game season, you usually get what you deserve.” Joelle Anderson, a senior, said the team culture Ward has established during her

time here has been terrific. “He has an amazing team culture, and I like how he brings faith into the team,” Anderson said. “He gives me a lot of hope and brings great positive energy to the team.” Ward said he wants to make his student-athletes better both on and off the field. “He always talks about building women of character — not just as soccer players but as actual people,” Anderson said. “It’s special that he develops not just great soccer players but wants to develop amazing character.” The relationships Ward has developed with his student-athletes from their freshman year until their senior year is another building block that contributes to success. Calista Reyes, another senior on the team, said her relationship with Ward has been phenomenal. “My relationship with him has helped shaped me into a different person,” Reyes said. “I have faced adversity, and he has helped me appreciate the lessons learned from the challenges

put in front of me.” Ward’s relationship-building, development of character and mission have allowed his team to stay near the top of the NCAA for the better part of his tenure. “It’s our mission to live a life of constantly pursuing excellence, and that is a big part of what we do,” Ward said. Ward said this fall he has encouraged his team to let go of the things they cannot control and focus on what they can. “We cannot control when Los Angeles County lets us back on campus or what the NCAA does,” Ward said. “What we can control is our attitude, and rather than looking at it as a negative, we’re going to use this as an opportunity to grow and stay self-disciplined, focus on our school and family.” There is no doubt that adversity has been prevalent over the last several months. Pepperdine student-athletes have had to deal with the Woolsey Fire, the Borderline Shooting and COVID-19 in a span of two years.

courtesy of pepperdine athletics Imparting Wisdom | Women’s Soccer Head Coach Tim Ward instructs defender Erin Sinai during a 2019 home game. While the circumstances are bad, Ward said he has been able to find perspective in his life. “I think my life has been a bit out of balance,” Ward said. “I have been able to reconnect with my family and my kids, and I do think it’s been a blessing.” Ward said he hopes his student-athletes will be able to grow from these challenges. “Life is not easy, but I think adversity reveals character, and when the game is on, the gamers come out,” Ward said. “Our team is full of gamers, and their character is strong physically, emo-

tionally and spiritually.” While it is disappointing Pepperdine athletics will have to wait a few more months to return, Ward said he understands everyone is in the same position. “We know that other student-athletes have gone through this,” Ward said. “So many teams last spring were crushing it and didn’t get to finish out their seasons, so in light of that, I think our girls have a healthy perspective.”

JUSTIN.TOUHEY@PEPPER DINE.EDU

P E P P E R DINE GR A P HIC M E DIA | S PORTS | A U G U S T 27 , 20 20

Pepperdine Teams adjust training

Summer sessions look vastly different without teammates

Programs scramble to practice despite fall season postponement

Paxt o n r it c hey s taf f w r i ter

While most college students use summer breaks as a chance to relax or pick up an internship, the work for student-athletes is just beginning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, Pepperdine student-athletes were stuck at home during what would normally be one of the most active times of the year. Coaches and players had to revamp their usual offseason training programs and take on the challenge of how to connect as a team while adhering to both social distancing and NCAA regulations. “It’s a huge loss not being able to compete and get things fine-tuned,” junior water polo player Sean Ferrari said. “Summer is such a pivotal time to get us ready for the season.” Traditionally, players would use the summer period to prepare for the season ahead. “We usually get to work out with [Strength and Conditioning Coach] Bri Holder, we get to have our girls in a couple classes and everything else is dictated by them,” Women’s Volleyball Head Coach Scott Wong said. “The biggest thing is they get to be with each other. They were looking forward to that a lot more than most this year.” This year, however, the pandemic forced the closure of college campuses through the late spring and summer months. Many conferences — such as the West Coast Conference (WCC), which includes Pepperdine, have already announced the postponement of their fall sports seasons — meaning that fall athletes had to stay in shape from inside their own homes and without a specified start date to play. Ferrari said Pepperdine sent each athlete a few workout supplies, such as bands, to be used in workouts. Strength coaches then put together packets that were individually tailored due to the disparity of resources that players may have access to. While Ferrari and his teammates use the bands along with other DIY workout equipment, such as using water jugs instead of dumbbells, there is only so much of water polo that can be replicated. “It’s not like basketball where you can go to any park and play,” Ferrari said. “The only guys who can work out are the people with pools in the backyard.” The U.S. Water Polo Instagram account has posted workout videos that can be copied at home, but while core exercises certainly don’t hurt, they don’t match the workout of being in the pool. “Human beings are not created to operate in the water,” Ferrari said. “It’ll take a little bit of time to reacclimate our hips and shoulders.” That acclimatization period is a big reason why scrimmages, both intra-squad and against local schools, are the part of the summer Ferrari will miss most. “It’s a big loss not being able to scrimmage and not getting in those reps,” Fer-

A U S T I N H A LL s ta ff w r i t e r

File Photo Coming Together | The women’s volleyball team celebrates a point during last season. They have not been able to train together so far this year. rari said. “We want to beat [other schools] in the summer and set that precedent for the fall — or the reverse, we want to take that hunger and carry it into the season.” With the season postponed indefinitely, however, there is a cloud of uncertainty that players and coaches have to battle against. “This time it’s a little harder because we obviously don’t have a date,” Watson said. “You just have to keep going, you know? There’s not really a goal, I guess, which makes things harder.” Each program is fighting back in different ways. The women’s basketball program, led by Head Coach Kristen Dowling, came up with a slogan for this season — “Thrive in the Wait.” “We say ‘Thrive in the Wait’ because we don’t know how long this is going to go,” Dowling said. “This is not a normal circumstance for anybody, but we’re going to make the best of it. I’m going to make the best of it, and as a team, we’re going to choose to make the best of this time for however long it goes for.” Even if the team is unable to get on the basketball court as much as usual, they are thriving in other areas. “We’ve done better in the classroom,” Dowling said. “We’re more focused because I think this whole thing has given us a new perspective and an attitude of gratefulness for what we have.” Dowling’s vision echoes a concerted effort by Pepperdine coaches to transform a summer period that is traditionally focused on physical fitness into one that emphasizes connection and thoughtful discussion. “For the past month, we’ve been talking about anything the girls want to bring to the table,” Wong said. Wong broke his team up into groups and let them present a video they found on a subject of their choosing. Topics ranged widely from mental health to diversity and inclusion to joy, allowing the team to “stir up more conversation about experiences and how we can become more empathetic toward each other,” Wong said. “It’s been awesome,” Wong said. “We can’t get as much strength and conditioning, so it’s been cool for our team to dive into some areas that we wouldn’t normally have the time to. That’s the silver lining for us.” While Zoom has to be an integral part of team bonding in the era of COVID-19, athletes and coaches are still supportive of safe ways to connect for real. “We’ve encouraged, when done in a safe way and when-

ever possible, to play, whether it’s six-on-six or two-ontwo,” Wong said. “It’s just a good way to keep using their muscles and not forget how to play volleyball.” Watson got much-needed “touches on the ball” by playing indoor pickup games at her local YMCA in the San Diego area, but she is now grateful to have moved into an off-campus Malibu apartment with a few of her teammates. “Being here actually is really helpful,” Watson said. “Pretty much our whole team is here because a lot of us live off-campus; it’s just the freshmen who aren’t here. So we all work out together every day, and that helps a lot.” Dowling said she looks forward to resuming events on campus and credited University leadership for establishing clear guidelines for how and when that can happen. “Our athletic department has done a phenomenal job of putting together a returnto-play protocol,” Dowling said. “Before we can start ramping up basketball, we need to go through that, and we’ll adjust accordingly.” Whenever college sports return, the season is guaranteed to be unpredictable. “Everybody’s in the same boat, so it’s about who wants it most,” Ferrari said. “I know me and my guys are hungry. It’s an even playing field at this point.” While every athlete hopes to put this offseason in the rearview mirror by returning to competition, this summer will leave a lasting mark on everybody involved. “It was weird having to transition from normal life to masks, social distancing and isolation,” Watson said. “I took a summer class online for the first time, which was different. I couldn’t live in my apartment I was paying rent for, which was frustrating. And then, not being able to train with a gym or a field. It’s been a memorable time.” In an Aug. 21 email to student-athletes, Athletic Director Steve Potts announced that student-athletes who have been granted exceptions to live on campus could begin to use Pepperdine athletic facilities starting Aug. 24. The campus remains closed to anyone living off-campus. “When the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (LACDPH) allows us to reopen the campus, those student-athletes residing off-campus will be allowed to return,” according to the email. “We are looking forward to that day with great anticipation.” PA X T O N . RI T CH E Y @P E P P E RD I N E . E D U

The West Coast Conference fell in line with many other conferences Aug. 8, postponing the fall sports season due to COVID-19. This left many Pepperdine athletes little time to readjust to the late announcement. The University is not allowing student-athletes to live on campus unless they provide reasons that grant a hardship exemption. The student-athletes not living on campus are setting their own training schedules to stay in shape and get a head start to the adjusted fall season. “I’m really grateful to be in town with so many of my teammates,” junior cross country runner Key Pearson said. “We’re going to do a lot of mock races and training together to get ready for the spring.” For Pepperdine Cross Country and Track and Field, the fall postponement is different for them compared to other teams. Many of the cross country runners also participate in the track season in the spring. None of the WCC teams would be able to facilitate a cross country and track season at the same time, causing Pepperdine Cross Country to shift focus fully to track unless the NCAA places its cross country championships in the spring. Pearson, a cross country captain, said that hearing the announcement was heartbreaking. “Even though I knew it was coming, it was really hard to process,” Pearson said. “After dedicating my summer to getting better, it was put to a stop automatically. I was super unmotivated and didn’t stick to our training schedule. I took a couple of days to reflect on what I was going to do next.” Pearson said that her outlook changed when she moved back to Malibu. Over half of the men’s and women’s rosters found living arrangements in Malibu. Although no official team meetings can be held, Pearson said the team is taking advantage of its time together. “We’re running one to two times per day,” Pearson said. “Groups who don’t live together are social distancing too. Everyone has a running buddy or someone whom they’re in regular contact with, so while we meet at the same spot and talk about where we’re going to go, we’re doing it in the safest way possible.” Pearson said that despite the cross country season being lost to the postponement, the team still has goals in mind.

“We’re continuing as if there were a season,” Pearson said. “We’re still going to push each other and have some fast times this year.” Another Pepperdine student-athlete living off campus is senior center Coleman Carpenter of Men’s Water Polo. As a member of the defending Golden Coast Conference champions, he and the rest of the team would regularly be competing in an annual summer tournament comprised of all six conference teams. The conference, which operates outside the WCC, postponed the water polo season in July. With much of the team living in the area, Carpenter said he and his teammates found a way to train on their own. “We found this pool at an Agoura Hills country club,” Carpenter said. “There’s a $5 fee for non-members, and they’ve been great about letting us be there.” Before the WCC officially postponed fall sports to the spring, Sport Administration professor and former Pepperdine Director of Athletics John Watson voiced his concern about not having the facilities capable of housing two full-season lineups at one time. Carpenter said being one of two aquatic sports at Pepperdine would not have a huge effect on the team’s scheduling. “Water Polo and Women’s Swim and Dive do a lot of stuff in the offseason and are normally really good about splitting pool time,” Carpenter said. “We’ve heard from the coaches that spring sports will get priority, but we’re not too worried abouour games being changed around that much.” Carpenter said his hope for the spring season is that the team can go about the return safely and efficiently. “We need to make sure to follow all protocols in front of us,” Carpenter said. “It can look easy to rush back into it whenever we get the green light, but a lot goes into a daily Division I sports regiment, so we’ll have to stay cautious.” A Pepperdine team that isn’t benefitting from the majority of the team living in the Malibu area is Women’s Volleyball. Senior outside hitter and captain Shannon Scully said traditionally, not being able to live on campus wouldn’t significantly impact the team, but this season is an outlier. “Usually, it’s about 50/50 from players who live on campus to players who do not,” Scully said. “This year, only four players, including myself, had a spot lined

Courtesy of Key pearson Staying Focused | Cross County runner Key Pearson trains at home in Washington during the pandemic. up going into the summer. It will be good whenever they’re allowed back, but as of right now, the entire team is at home.” Scully said COVID-19 protocols could change the majority of practices. “Once we’re allowed to come back to campus, we’ll get tested then be quarantined for three to five days,” Scully said. “After the results, we’ll jump into conditioning and weightlifting. They’ll also group us by who we live with for workouts, meaning the entire team won’t work out together for weeks.” Scully said her biggest concern heading into the spring season could sacrifice a postseason berth. “What makes me most nervous is that all it takes is one person on our team to test positive,” Scully said. “And when that happens, the whole team will have to forfeit 14 days’ worth of games, which would be about four. That would hurt any team that’s serious about the NCAA Tournament.” When the team resumes volleyball activities, the Athletic Department will have scheduling decisions to make regarding the two indoor volleyball and two basketball teams. To avoid moving their practice back, the team has discussed practicing at Malibu High School. Scully said she hopes the spring season pans out, as it could be her last time wearing a Pepperdine uniform. “While I have thought about redshirting and getting my master’s at Pepperdine, nothing is for sure,” Scully said. “If I do end up playing this year, I would hate for it to be affected by so much uncertainty.”

AUSTIN.HAL L @PEPPER DINE.EDU

ali levens | staff writer Making a Splash | Men’s water polo player Coleman Carpenter celebrates during a game in the 2019 season.

P E P P E R DINE GR A P HIC M E DIA | S PORTS | A U G U S T 27 , 20 20

Pepp golfers respond in tournament after COVID-19 ends dream season aust in hall staf f w r i te r One month after Pepperdine Men’s Golf earned the No. 1 ranking in the NCAA, the West Coast Conference canceled spring sports entirely. With nearly three months of golf yet to be played, Pepperdine’s national title hopes were forgotten, at least for the 2019–2020 season. The season that could have been also resulted in Pepperdine’s only National Player of the Year, Sahith Theegala, exhausting his final year of eligibility early and turning pro. Despite the golf season’s cancellation, a whopping seven Waves — the most by any school in the NCAA — qualified for the U.S. Amateur Tournament on Aug. 10. Out of the seven, three players made it past the initial round of cuts and into match play. Redshirt senior and all-conference performer Clay Feagler, senior Joey Vrzich and sophomore William Mouw all made it past the initial 200 cuts. The Pac-12 had three golfers total compete in match play. “You go into the round expecting that it’s gonna be a long day,” Feagler said. “At the same time, you can’t complain or get frustrated. I just tried to keep the ball in front of me.” Vrzich is a transfer student from the University of Nevada, Reno. In his debut season as a Wave, he averaged 70.83 strokes per round with three top-three finishes. After the stroke play on the first day of the tournament that determines individual seeding, Vrzich was in a seven-way tie for 11th place with a score of 4 under. Feagler joined

him in the sizable tie and Mouw wasn’t far behind at 1 under. While he played well enough to qualify for the second round during stroke play, Vrzich said he could not improve his play during the round of 64. “In stroke play, I didn’t do great, didn’t do terrible,” Vrzich said. “I was OK where I ended up in the rankings. But in match play, I just didn’t play to my potential. My tee time was in the afternoon, and I had been up since 7:30 a.m. I went into the round tired — got burnt out too fast. I had a little comeback, but it wasn’t good enough.” He lost to University of Notre Dame senior Davis Lamb by two strokes. Vrzich said he’s aiming to control his energy more throughout multiple rounds this season for Pepperdine. Perhaps the most predictable performance from a Wave at the tournament was Mouw. Coming off his freshman season, Mouw was a GCAA/PING All-American with a 69.96 scoring average, behind only Theegala on the Pepperdine leaderboard. He won both his round of 64 and round of 32 matchups by three strokes. Mouw said he felt that despite his score, he and Feagler were at a bit of a disadvantage. The tournament takes place at a massive resort in Bandon, Oregon, with a multitude of courses. Each player competes on two different courses — Bandon Dunes and Bandon Trails — throughout every stage. Dunes is a wide-open course, with little tree-line and multiple holes on the front and back nine close to the shore of the Pacific Ocean, resulting in the wind affect-

ing a multitude of shots. Trails has far more terrain and slopes, offering many Douglas fir and whites oak trees that help with the high winds. He and Feagler’s tee times were the disadvantages, Mouw said. “In Bandon Dunes, you want to tee off anytime between 7 a.m. and 11,” Mouw said. “In the morning, the wind will vary from three miles per hour to 15, so you can play a round and really take advantage of that. I teed off at 1:30, and he teed off at 2:45, and we were both going against 35-plus mile-per-hour winds. And we shot par, both of us.” Mouw advanced the furthest out of all Pepperdine Waves, swinging his way to the round of 16. He matched up against Louisiana State University senior Philip Barbaree, and despite a strong performance, he was outshot on 11 of the 18 holes. Mouw said it was a learning experience he’ll take with him if he returns to Bandon. “On those courses especially, if you get good bounces, that’s huge,” Mouw said. “[Barbaree] is a great player, and we both did really solid. In the end, he got a couple more bounces than I did, and I wasn’t far off. That’s how it goes sometimes, and I’m keeping that in mind for next summer.” Feagler, in his fifth year at Pepperdine, qualified for the tournament for the third time. The team captain said he was proud to see seven of Pepperdine’s 10 golfers at the tournament. “Having so many Pepperdine guys there says a lot about our team,” Feagler said. “We’ve got great depth, and the three of us

courtesy of pepperdine athletics Bring Home the Bacon | Pepperdine senior Joey Vrzich celebrates his victory at the 109th California Amateur Championship at Torrey Pines Golf Club on Aug. 1. Vrzich was one of seven Waves to compete at the U.S. Amateur Tournament the following week. that got to match play know that you can’t go out there with low effort.You play 36 holes, and the only thing on your mind is to make the cut. And when match play starts — anything can happen.” Feagler cruised past the round of 64 before being paired against All-SEC player Sam Bennett from Texas A&M University. “It was one of those days where your opponent is on fire,” Feagler said. “He was feeling it, no question.” Bennett finished with a fourstroke lead, and for the second time at Bandon, Feagler lost in the round of 32. Feagler said he enjoyed his time at the tournament, regardless. “I still had a great time out there,” Feagler said. “It was a blast to be back on the course to compete and feel things out after some

downtime. When the season was canned, a lot of time goes by without seeing the team. But we all enjoyed it, and it was great seeing everyone out there, playing some practice rounds. Just good times.” Looking to the 2020–2021 season, Feagler said the team is poised for another historic year, but even so, the team is approaching it with caution. “The expectation is to go out there and play quality golf and see what happens,” Feagler said. “We’re more than capable, but we’re still gonna have some competition. Arizona State is going to be really good, and Texas A&M will be right there with them. Golf is such a hard thing to predict, but whoever is playing the best at the right time can win it all.” AUSTIN.HAL L @PEPPER DINE.EDU

Senior Waves explain return to Malibu tay lo r gat her staf f w r i ter As senior student-athletes announced they would return to Pepperdine post-graduation, a domino effect began. At least 10 Waves decided to come back to Malibu after seeing their peers make the same decision. After Ashley Lahey — the nation’s top collegiate tennis player in 2019–2020 — announced April 8 she would return for a fifth year, other Waves across spring sports followed suit, electing to use another season of eligibility rather than allow their Pepp careers to end on the sour note of COVID-19. “I love the Pepperdine community and my coaches and teammates,” Lahey wrote in an email. “Being at Pepperdine helps me grow as a student, tennis player and person, so when I was offered another year of eligibility, I gladly accepted.” In addition to Adrian Oetzbach, Noah Dyer and the five Waves profiled in the Aug. 14 article, the Graphic caught up with three more of these returners. Ashley Lahey, Women’s Tennis Lahey led the pack of Wave athletes who would return for another season after COVID-19 cut multiple spring season sports short. Since making the decision to return for another season, Lahey wrote that she spent the first month of quarantine resting. Since then, she wrote that she has been training almost full time. “I love tennis, and training makes me happy,” La-

hey wrote. “I don’t see it as something that I need to do but rather something I want to do.” While teammate Jessica Failla has played in several tournaments since spring season ended, Lahey wrote that she hasn’t had the opportunity to compete since leaving school, including the professional tournaments she was eligible to play. To fulfill the NCAA academic requirement for eligibility, Lahey will not be taking classes in the fall but plans to continue her academic career in the spring. “I just need to take Humanities 3 when I come back in the spring, but I will likely also take [Organic Chemistry] 2, as some medical schools require it,” Lahey wrote. Lahey wrote that the West Coast Conference fall season postponement worries her to a certain degree but that she is ready to accept what the future has in store for her tennis career. “I’m ready to move on if the season gets canceled,” Lahey wrote. “I’m just as excited by the prospect of going out into the ‘real world’ and wearing my metaphorical Pepperdine jersey as I am about going back and competing for my school for one more semester. Whatever happens, I will be at peace with it. I would love another season, but it’s not the end of the world if I don’t get it.” Justin Lutes, Baseball For fifth-year senior Justin Lutes, ending his baseball career because of the pandemic was not an option. Echoing teammate Mi-

file photos Coming Back Swinging | (left) Ashley Lahey strikes a forehand at the Ralphs-Straus Tennis Center. Though Lahey took leave of absence from Pepperdine this semester, she will be back in the spring to compete for a national title in singles and with her team. (right) Fifth-year senior Joshua McCarthy follows through with an iron. McCarthy is another Pepp golfer and graduate who decided to return to Malibu to use an additional year of eligibility. chael Mahony’s sentiments, Lutes said his decision to come back was not only grounded in earning his degree but continuing the team’s momentum. “We had something special last year,” Lutes said. “The fact that we weren’t able to see that through kind of bothered me, and I really wanted to see what could have been.” Lutes said the team’s chemistry last season has been special compared to his experience in previous seasons. He said that through his return, he hopes to inspire the younger players and continue the special bond the team had last spring. “I feel like this [last] year, everybody pulled on the same side of the rope,” Lutes said. “We all pushed for each other, and we wanted each other to succeed. We just felt that if everyone bought into the program and wanted to make each other better and create positive energy, we would develop a culture that’s beneficial for everyone.”

The drastic end to the fall season did not deter Lutes from continuing to train as if he were in season. “I try to follow the same regime we had during the season,” Lutes said. “I’ve been trying to work out five to six times a week and try to maintain a proper diet while I’m out here [in Las Vegas].” While Lutes aspires to go to the draft after playing collegiate baseball, he said he ultimately wants to see the team succeed during his time as a Wave. “The only thing I wake up and truly care about, especially for this program, is to see them win, because they gave me such a big opportunity,” Lutes said. “I feel that they took a chance on me when others probably wouldn’t have, and the fact that I’m even able to go to this school today still makes me tear up about it every now and then.” Joshua McCarthy, Men’s Golf Fifth-year senior Joshua

McCarthy is ranked ninth in Waves’ Golf scoring average history with no intention of slowing down. For the first time in Pepperdine’s history, both Golfstat and Golfweek/Bushnell polls ranked the Waves No. 1 in 2020. The Waves looked to continue their winning streak until their season was cut short in early March. Once the NCAA announced athletes were allowed to compete for another season, McCarthy said he took on a double major in Sports Administration and Communication to remain eligible to compete as a Wave one last time. “I want to play professional golf, and it made a lot of sense having that extra year to come back, play golf and also finish getting my degree,” McCarthy said. As one of the only three Waves to play in three NCAA Championships, McCarthy said he’s optimistic he will be able to compete in a fourth. “I think our goal is to win a national championship,” McCarthy said. “I think it’s

been a real goal ever since we got that No. 1 ranking last year.” New protocols such as reducing touchpoints, keeping scorekeeping online and filling out tournament information on cellphones has allowed McCarthy to continue to compete throughout the summer. “It’s pretty weird to be in a competition and be on your phone,” McCarthy said. McCarthy said he hopes playing another collegiate season will allow him to get more exposure to play professionally after graduating. “There’s a college ranking that they started this year called the PGA Tour University,” McCarthy said. “It’s kind of like a draft, if you will, into the professional levels of golf, and top 15 get sort of priority into the next level. I’d love to be [in] the top 15 graduating seniors.”

TAYL OR .GATHER @PEPPER DINE.EDU