California legislators introduced a bill to close looting loopholes that could increase charges to a felony after the public’s growing concerns.
Pepperdine’s mascot, Willie the Wave, comes from a long history of trial and error. Willie is a culmination of ideas throughout Pepp’s history.
Photos by Jade Gonzalez | Life & Arts Staff Writer
Design by Betsy Burrow | Creative Director
Feb. 22
Women’s Tennis vs. California Pepperdine’s Women’s tennis team will play No. 18 California on Saturday, Feb. 22, at noon at the Ralphs-Straus Tennis Center.
Feb. 25
Waves Market
The Waves Market is back Tuesday, Feb. 25, beginning at 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., on Main. Come support local businesses selling a variety of foods and artisan goods.
Feb. 27
Alumni Panel: Careers Beyond the Courtroom
In honor of Black History Month, the Office of Diversity and Belonging is hosting an alumni panel Thursday, Feb. 27, at 12:30 p.m., in Caruso Classroom D.
March 11
Larry Donnell Kimmons Memorial Lecture
Pepperdine Libraries and the Office for Community Belonging kick off the series with Tia Brown McNair in the Surfboard Room at 1:30 p.m.
Good News: Finding joy in the little things
Alicia Dofelmier Assistant News Editor
If there’s one lesson I’m going to take away from the past couple months, it’s that finding joy in the little things can make life a whole lot easier to manage.
From ending last semester with the Franklin Fire to beginning this semester on Zoom, we’ve had our challenges. But, its taught me that life’s smallest moments are oftentimes the ones that can bring me the most happiness.
For example, when my suitemates, Carmen Baldridge and Katie Bain, and I evacuated from Franklin, we played upbeat pop songs to keep our spirits up. While Franklin was terrifying, singing “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan at the top of our lungs is a memory I will always hold on to.
Additionally, even though starting the semester on Zoom meant we had to wait longer to meet our teachers and see our friends again, it enabled me to spend more time at home with my parents.
After having gone abroad last year to Switzerland and missing out on a lot of special events and holidays, it was nice being able to spend that extra week at home with them. While that may not be a huge life event, it was a moment where I found a bright spot.
More recent examples include attending ReelStories
and attending the Student Programming Board’s event, “Love at First Chapter.”
I had been looking forward to ReelStories for a while after missing it last year, and it was so much fun. Being able to dress up and take pictures on the red carpet with all my friends was a great way to end January.
Then, in early February, attending Love at First Chapter with Carmen and Katie was an amazing way to start off the month. Plus, our other suitemate, Kyla Randle, is part of the Board and helped put on the event, so not only did we get to enjoy the event, but we also got to support her.
While all of these events may not be my most life-changing experiences,
“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.”
they are prime examples of finding joy in the little things. From experiencing fires to mudslides, the end of last semester going into this semester has been rough, but it’s the little things and the little moments that bring me joy. They remind me that despite life sometimes being tough, there are so many more things to enjoy.
alicia.dofelmier@pepperdine.edu
Email: peppgraphicmedia@gmail.com
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Phone: (310) 506-4311
Address:
From left to right: juniors Katie Bain, Carmen Baldridge, Alicia Dofelmier and Kyla Randle smile at the Board event, “Love at First Chapter,” at Mullin Town Square on Feb. 8. We enjoyed getting to spend time together and find new books to read.
Photo courtesy of Alicia Dofelmier
LASD increases efforts to deter looting
Rachel Flynn Senior Reporter
In the wake of the SoCal fires, residents express their concerns over looters taking advantage of their already delicate state.
Jefferson Wagner, two-time Malibu Mayor and owner of Zuma Jays, said looters took advantage of his shop in the midst of the Franklin Fire which sparked Dec. 9. Sgt. Christopher Soderlund, 16year LASD veteran, said the Lost Hills/Malibu Department is doing all they can to deter unwanted visitors.
“We are trying to cover all the bases and make sure that the place is locked down and people can feel safe that their homes and their belongings are safe,” Soderlund said.
Jefferson Wagner’s Zuma Jay Surf Shop
When the power went out across Malibu on Dec. 9, Wagner said he left his 50-year-old surf shop to defend his home from the impending fire. It was during this time that Wagner said the local looters took advantage of his shop that was left in the dark.
Southern California Edison shut off the power, which included the circuits that run along Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), affecting the homes and businesses along the route, Wagner said.
“When the circuits are off, the burglars and the looters know that there’s no power and there’s no lights on the streets, so it’s very convenient because everything is left very dark,” Wagner said.
Wagner said the looters who stole from him knew he had a battery-powered back up alarm that lasted 10 hours. With the public safety power shutoff lasting four days in December, looters had ample time to wait for the alarm to die out. However, the looters didn’t stop there––they also robbed Wagner’s neighbor.
“At the same time they were burglarizing this, they tried to burglarize the dispensary upstairs by breaking in their metal door,” Wagner said. “All those pry marks are on their door as well as they were on mine.”
Wagner said he isn’t a stranger to recent suspicious activity in Malibu with the combination of working late at the surf shop and helping the National Guard at what is referred to by authorities and locals as “Checkpoint Charlie,” near Malibu Pier.
“What we’ve found in the last two weeks is a lot of people are using the mean high tide line as an access way to the homes from the beach,” Wagner said.
The sheriffs can identify trespassers from PCH, but looters were finding their way
onto properties using beach access without being caught.
“Yesterday, [Feb. 7] I saw a police helicopter going up and down the beach very slowly, so they finally caught on,” Wagner said.
The residents that he’s spoken to, who live past the National Guard checkpoint, are the most concerned about looters, Wagner said. These residents have limited access to the area.
“That’s when they’re most concerned is at night and [looters] coming up from the beach,” Wagner said.
Residents Share Concerns
Wagner spoke during public comment at the City of Malibu Palisades Fire Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 25. The meeting lasted nearly five hours with officiant Malibu Mayor Doug Stewart. The rest of Malibu’s city council members were present along with L.A. County Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, State Senator Bill Allen, Assemblywoman Jaqui Irwin, Congressman Brad Sherman and Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Capt. Jennifer Seetoo.
Dean Jenkins spoke of the remnants he stumbled upon from a trespasser once he returned to his burned property.
“My home burned completely to the ground January 8,” Jenkins told the panel of officials. “This Wednesday, [Jan. 22] I returned home for the third time since it burned, and I walked around the only standing wall on our property and I was greeted by a makeshift bed.”
Jenkins said he also found trash, half-eaten food, human feces and bottles of urine that were not there days prior.
“Someone has clearly set up camp on my property, and I can only imagine this person was remaining within the roadblocks not just to stay but to possibly loot whatever is left of the homes along La Costa Beach,” Jenkins said.
PCH isn’t open yet, but the looters still found their way on to burned properties, despite the PCH closures, Jenkins said. He asked the panel what will happen months from now when no one is living there to prevent looters from stealing.
Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department Initiative
Soderlund is a 16-year LASD veteran who has been assigned to the Malibu/Lost Hills Station for four years. He said he defines looting as burglary during a natural disaster where looters go into damaged homes and take whatever is left.
The department is proactively patrolling PCH using LAPD and highway patrol to prevent looters from trespassing, Soderlund said. However, the number of
deputies patrolling at the onset of the fires has dramatically decreased from 100 to 20-25 per shift. These deputies are in charge of overseeing checkpoints, closures and looter suppression, Soderlund said.
“We’re managing it effectively, and we’re doing a good job at it,” Soderlund said. Sgt. Christopher Soderlund talks about how the Malibu/ Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department is stopping looters. Malibu/Lost Hills station is the first in the county to use UAV drones.
Detectives are patrolling in unmarked vehicles, regular unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone flights take place each shift, deputies on motorcycles are patrolling back canyon roads and helicopters are monitoring from an aerial perspective.
“Our station, Malibu/Lost Hills station, is the first station in the county that uses drones,” Soderlund said. “We are actually using those for looters suppression missions to identify people who are coming in.”
The drones cover more distance in a shorter amount of time than deputies can do in their cars, Soderlund said. The drones are also helping local deputies respond to calls of suspicious persons’ activity, which has resulted in several successful missions, Soderlund said.
The department is encouraging those driving along PCH to avoid taking pictures and posting on social media. This can invite looters into evacuation areas, Soderlund said.
“We’re trying to deter people from stopping, from taking pictures, from you know look-
ing at somebody else’s misfortune for their own gain,” Soderlund said.
Wagner’s Advice
Wagner advises residents to keep all valuables out of sight. Wagner said he’s bringing his generator inside every night after some of Sun Belt’s generators, which are responsible for running traffic signals and lights during a power outage, were stolen.
Leave a different time each day, come back a different time each day. So if some burglar or looter is watching your property, they can’t depend on you.
Jefferson Wagner Zuma Jay’s Owner
“When you see how modified their use of them, they’re really caged in, the wheels off, you can’t wheel them away, chains, I mean they’re ready for pilfering,” Wagner said.
Wagner’s advice for residents and travelers, when PCH opens, is to avoid being predictable.
“Don’t be so perfect on a time schedule,” Wagner said. “Leave a different time each day, come back a different time each day. So if some burglar or looter is watching your property, they can’t depend on you.”
Looters will choose homes based on predictability, so when residents are able to change up their routines just enough, they can avoid becoming a target, Wagner said.
New Bill Proposal
Assemblymembers Jesse Gabriel, Jacqui Irwin and Blanca Pacheco announced Assembly Bill 469 on Feb. 10. The adoption of this bill would crack down on looters and emergency personal impersonators during wildfires and other emergencies, according to the L.A. County District Attorney’s Office statement. The bill would make looting a felony and an increased possible prison time, according to NBC L.A.
Photo by Rachel Flynn | Senior Reporter
As residents share concerns over looters taking advantage of burned properties, the LASD and lawmakers are working to deter looting. Lawmakers introduced a bill Feb. 10 that, if passed, would make wildfire looting a felony.
Climate fellowship funds research
Alicia Stadler Guest Contributor
The deadline for the Chris and Amy Doran Climate Fellowship is March 25.
Established in 2021 by Pepperdine professor Chris Doran, an alumni, donor and faculty member and his wife, Amy, the Chris and Amy Doran Climate Fellowship provides financial and academic support for students committed to educating the Seaver College community on the impact of anthropogenic climate change.
The fellowship, awarding a $7,500 scholarship to one rising junior or senior each year, was born from the Dorans’ personal experiences with philanthropy, according to the Chris and Amy Doran Climate Fellowship website.
“My wife and I had a close friend who passed away from ovarian cancer, and we started a scholarship in her honor,” Doran said.
Jaydn Lucey, a senior Sustainability minor and founder of the Pepperdine University chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, said that the fellowship is a needed investment for the campus.
“I think it’s a great reinvestment in our campus,” Lucey said.
Unlike classic eco-friendly
initiatives emphasizing the natural sciences, the fellowship embraces an interdisciplinary approach, Doran said.
“We wanted to create space for research on sustainability, food systems, energy consumption and other aspects of environmental responsibility,” Doran said.
Ella Vanevery, a first-year Sports Medicine major and Pepperdine Nursing Program aspirant, said she thinks Pepperdine should be doing more to encourage building sustainable habits on campus.
“I feel they could do more things to improve by encouraging more recycling programs and beach cleanups,” Vanevery said.
The fellowship requires applicants to propose an academically rigorous project accessible to a non-specialist audience. Successful applicants must commit to community education and collaboration with faculty mentors. Fellows participate in the University’s annual Climate Calling conference and present their findings to the Seaver College community each spring.
The inaugural fellowship was awarded in 2022 to Mallory Finley, an Economics major and Sustainability minor, who focused on revitalizing Pepperdine’s community
garden to focus on education.
“My project revolves around revitalizing the community garden from its past use to be used as a place to promote education surrounding gardening practices, food empowerment and food justice,” Finley said.
While the fellowship is helping shape student-led environmental initiatives, Doran said he has concerns about the university’s reluctance to institutionalize climate action.
“Many universities our size use student research to inform
sustainability policies, but Pepperdine has been resistant to making data readily available,” Doran said.
Lucey has also said she has frustrations with the University’s lack of transparency.
“The institution doesn’t even recognize climate change as an issue,” Lucey said.
The Dorans said they hope to see increased funding and broader engagement from the Seaver College community as the fellowship progresses.
“Our initial funding is
reaching full investment, but I’d love to see more resources allocated to support additional fellows,” Doran said.
Despite challenges, the fellowship continues to attract students passionate about climate advocacy. Doran encouraged prospective applicants to design feasible projects that will be impactful beyond their tenure.
alicia.stadler@pepperdine.edu
Fires and storms disrupt local schools
Claire Everbach Guest Contributor
The ongoing aftermath of wildfires, power outages and road closures continues to disrupt daily life for students and teachers at Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District (SMMUSD).
All SMMUSD schools are back in-person, but school leaders say students and teachers remain displaced, and the effects of the fires are present in the classroom.
“If you don’t feel safe, there is absolutely no way you can retain any kind of information because you’re in survival mode,” said Claudia Bautista-Nicholas, president of the Santa Monica Malibu Classroom Teachers Association.
Impact on Students and Learning
Malibu native Marni Kamins lost her home in the Franklin Fire in December.
Kamins’ nine-year-old daughter attends Webster Elementary in Malibu and was out of school from Dec. 9 until Jan. 6, she said.
Kamins said the online learning offered was minimal — an hour-long call for attendance and a few videos for students to watch. But Karmins said what made online learning a real difficulty for her daughter was eye issues.
Malibu High School Principal Adam Almeida said their campus was also impacted by the Franklin and Palisades fires, with 14 in-person days canceled and two days of online instruction between December and January.
In preparation for future wildfires,
Almeida said the school is working on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to allow for virtual extended school days if in-person classes are canceled.
Even with online options, Almeida said this does not guarantee students will be able to attend school.
“The challenge is, when we’re dealing with power outages, a large part of our community doesn’t have Wi-Fi,” Almeida said.
With the constant threat of wildfires and power outages, Almeida said the school is exploring the use of generators.
Challenges for Teachers
However, even with generators, there are other complications.
“With so many roads closed, you can’t mobilize many people that quickly,” Bautista-Nicholas said.
In a survey conducted by Bautista-Nicholas at the Feb. 6 SMMUSD meeting, 46% of the district’s teachers reported driving an extra 30 to 50 miles per day, nearly doubling their normal commute time.
Amidst these long commutes, Bautista-Nicholas said many teachers are coping with stress and personal loss.
“I had 27 teachers that either lost their homes or were displaced longer than two weeks,” Bautista-Nicholas said.
Despite these challenges, teachers remain deeply committed to their students.
“They are so committed to the kids
Fog hovers over Webster Elementary after nearly two months of winter break, virtual learning and canceled classes. The school returned to in-person classes Jan. 27.
– their passion for their kids is unreal,” Bautista-Nicholas said.
Support for Students
Webster Elementary is offering mental health services to students through the Boys & Girls Club of Malibu. However, Kamins said this is not what younger children need.
“What they really need is play time with their friends,” Kamins said.
“My kid is in third grade, and they don’t want to talk about their feelings,” Kamins said. “I might even think it’s
harmful to be sending my kid to some strange adult to talk about their feelings.”
Malibu High is providing resources for their students to help them process trauma from the fires, including counselors, therapy dogs and even therapy horses.
“For the most part, school is a safe haven for everybody, and we want to continue to provide that safe haven,” Almeida said.
Photo by Lucian Himes | Former Graphic Photo Editor
Students present research on climate change at the 2023 Climate Calling conference. The Climate Calling conference began in 2016.
Photo courtesy of Claire Everbach | Guest Contributor
PERSPECTIVES
Staff Editorial: Waves support waves in hardship
tory-making Women’s Tennis squad.
Editor’s Note: PGM staff members decide on the topic of a staff ed together. The staff as a whole provides opinions and content included in this staff ed to provide thoughts about and shed light on solutions for happenings at Pepperdine.
One of the most common phrases used throughout our Pepperdine experience is “Family," as often mentioned by students, faculty and staff.
We hear it at the Well as we gather together to worship. We hear it in our major upper-division classes as we study for our upcoming midterms with our small class size. The Graphic hears it here in the newsroom, as we work tirelessly to produce daily, engaging content for the community.
We are all in this together, and a key component of this family is school spirit. As Waves, as a family, we must support each other in all our endeavors.
When we hear school spirit, our minds can often immediately jump to SEC football. All too often, it seems that as Pepperdine students we check out when called to engage in “school spirit” due to our lack of a football team.
However, football is not the only engaging college sport. Here at Pepperdine, we have our Men's Water Polo team, who have earned their No. 2 spot in the West Coast Conference rankings. We get the unique opportunity to cheer on such a groundbreaking, his-
We can rally in Firestone Fieldhouse and continue to support our star-studded Men's Volleyball team. We can join the Women's Swim/Dive team in the pool as they continue their winning season. We can bring the energy as our baseball team
THE PGM STAFF
Managing Editor Gabrielle Salgado
Associate Editor Tony Gleason
Special Edition Editor Eliot Cox
Currents Editor Kylie Kowalski
Pixel Editor
Shalom Montgomery
DEI Editor
Ana Paula Ruiz
Advertising Team
Advertising Director:
Sales
opens its season.
We are what we put in. If we claim to want school spirit, we must first be the spirit.
While sports are important, let us not forget about Pepperdine’s Fine Arts Program. Our Theatre and Music department churns out many plays, musicals and concerts for all to enjoy.
These productions and performances take months to prepare and perfect, so attending is not only celebrating their hard work but also commending their dedication and discipline in their craft.
Whether you decide to attend a performance at Smothers Theatre or a concert, taking the time to appreciate the arts adds another dimension to school spirit.
With these events in mind, don’t forget that students receive many discounts from other shops in the Malibu area. Alongside this are discounts for movie theaters and amusement parks such as Disneyland.
Building school spirit here at Pepperdine doesn't require a football team, it requires us as the student body coming together to support our athletes, artists and local stores. Whether you decide to storm the stands, enjoy a recital or stop by Howdy’s in the Country Mart, each small action contributes to Pepperdine's morale and helps foster a greater sense of unity within our small school.
With midterms approaching, we are tempted to hunker down in the library and grind our hearts out. However, the Graphic proposes an alternative: Show up and show out.
It is more than just packing out Firestone or Smothers. It’s supporting our fellow group member in religion class, our lab partner in Organic Chemistry and our fellow resident in Seaside.
Pepperdine is family. After all, we all chose to be a part of this community, by showing up and supporting one another, we can bridge the gap between simply being students and family, united in spirit and pride.
Graphic Staff
Art by Sarah Rietz | Art Editor
Graphic Staff
Opinion: Students need accessible contraception
Cassandra Barron Perspectives Staff Writer
Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
In a particularly challenging socio-political and cultural context surrounding reproductive rights in the United States and the globe, it is important to address the contraception issue at Pepperdine and students’ rights to basic health care.
On Nov. 5, my roommates and I sat on our couch eating butternut squash soup when the Associated Press announced President Donald Trump had won the 2024 presidential election.
Oddly enough, I was not surprised that he won after becoming accustomed to the conservative and rightwing politics at Pepperdine for the past three-and-a-half years. In times of distress and uncertainty, I am always
led back to activism and education. Personally I think these are the most empowering tools an individual can utilize.
I am aware that I do not have the ability to completely fundamentally change the larger systems in which I exist, especially in the United States. However, I do think that making communal change is one of the best and most effective ways of making lasting and important impacts.
I want to explore Pepperdine’s policies surrounding contraception access. Students at Pepperdine have a right to access basic health care.
Despite the Sexual Policy and administration’s efforts to prevent sex from occurring in the residence halls, students still engage in sexual relationships on campus.
The University must make contraception such as condoms and various forms of birth control accessible to all students on campus.
On Feb. 17, I went to the Student
Health Center and asked what kinds of contraception they offer. A receptionist informed me that they offer the Depo-Provera shot and the birth control pill by appointment only.
These options place the responsibility of birth control and contraception on female students. A lack of condoms or other forms of protection also excludes students from having access to items that protect against STIs.
Regardless of whether or not the institution wants to admit that their students engage in pre-marital sexual activity, the University should still provide more accessible contraception options.
Under a restrictive presidential administration, with anxieties about
reproductive care access looming over students’ heads, Pepperdine must provide students with accessible forms of contraception and birth control.
Regardless of the Sexual Policy, if Pepperdine wants to foster the safety and well-being of its students, the University will consider implementing more birth control and contraception access programs on campus. Students should have access to condoms in the restrooms, the campus bookstore, the Student Health Center or through their residential advisors or halls.
Opinion: Science deserves better in TV
Alyssa Johnson Perspectives Editor
Transparency Item: The Perspectives section of the Graphic is comprised of articles based on opinion. This is the opinion and perspective of the writer.
Last semester, I had to enroll in an Advanced Screenwriting class for my Creative Writing minor. I typically take classes that involve writing prose, and I consider prose to be my strong suit, but I figured I would try something different while I had the opportunity.
As long as I was working in an unfamiliar medium, I thought I would also try writing a different story. Instead of doing something realistic or dramatic, I decided to write a children’s science fiction story.
I occasionally read science fiction and I have always enjoyed watching movies from the genre, and one of the most fun, albeit challenging, elements of it was doing the proper research. I ended up Googling how robots are made, the parts of a spaceship and tardigrades, or “water bears,” small animals that can survive in space.
Though my research was not very in-depth, it made the writing process much easier, and the professor of this class made it clear that research is often imperative to good storytelling. Research could spark inspiration and provide workable grounds for believable characters and plots.
It surprises me, then, that so many popular TV
shows and movies are notorious for representing inaccurate science.
Shows like “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Criminal Minds” and “Bones” are also well-known for overdramatizing various professions, often throwing in blatant inaccuracies.
I do think that movies and TV are sometimes benefited by a level of unrealistic drama or conflict, and fiction is by no means beholden to reality. I am not even particularly bothered when I read about the wrong science in these shows.
However, I also think that portraying a host of scientific inaccuracies is not necessary to tell a compelling story, and in certain cases, it can be detrimental to the story.
Fiction can be a very helpful tool to convey useful information to audiences. If an author can communicate science in an engaging and comprehensible way, public knowledge on a variety of topics could improve at least somewhat.
Health science and psychological research are particularly salient, especially since they are often used for writing without consideration of real people. Several films and TV shows have purported inaccurate representations of mental disorders for the sake of drama.
Especially in a time where misinformation is rampant online, I think writers could be helpful voices for combating it.
Of course, I do not expect writers to represent these topics perfectly every time, and sometimes it
is necessary to change details for the sake of storytelling. Ultimately, however, many of the common inaccuracies are unnecessary, and if artists have the opportunity to spread knowledge and understanding, I see no reason why they should not.
Art by Cara Tang | Assistant Art Editor cassandra.barron@pepperdine.edu
Art by Cara Tang | Assistant Art Editor
LIFE & ARTS
Spring fashion blooms with the season
Bohuen Tong Life & Arts Staff Writer
Spring fashion is all about fresh starts, and with a new season comes a new wave of style. As emerging trends take shape, new approaches to personal style also develop.
“This spring I think we are moving away from simple, and towards unique,” junior Mary Papillion said. “Carrie Bradshaw is the blueprint — taking risks is so chic.”
Whether it is embracing personal aesthetics, experimenting with different trends or practicing more sustainable shopping habits, students said the upcoming spring season opens an opportunity to embrace or redefine individuality in fashion.
What Students are Wearing This Spring
As the temperature begins to rise, there are many ways to transition into spring fashion.
Junior Sofia Llorca said the key to incorporating new elements with the change of season is balance and layering colors, textures and accessories in an intentional way.
“This spring, I am leaning towards more neutral pieces with unexpected pops of color — recently, it’s been deep espresso and bone white,” Llorca said. “Sheer layering has been something I have been experimenting with as of late, as I’m learning to add dimension to more of my outfits.”
Llorca said the right accessories can tie an outfit together and enhance its cohesion and overall aesthetic.
“I always reach for a chunky statement necklace or a handbag to pull everything together — something bold but with an organic shape to contrast the
softer fabrics,” Llorca said.
Junior Jace Evans shared his predictions for what he thinks will be the go-to shoes and wardrobe staples this spring.
“I definitely feel like we will see a shift in shoes — I think a pair of black loafers will take over the sneakers,” Evans said.
“I also think jorts are still in.”
Junior Mary Papillion said she expects to layer and combine different tones and fabrics.
“I am a denim and leather enthusiast — can you tell I am from the South?” Papillion said. “In addition to my sturdy, structured denim and leathers, I love layer-able clothing — anything light and breezy.”
Trend Watch
Different trends are predicted to emerge and make appearances as wardrobes get a seasonal refresh.
Students said they anticipate seeing inspiration from past decades along with new aesthetics to influence this spring’s fashion choices.
“The 90s influence is not going anywhere, but I think we will see a fusion of 1930s elegance and 1960s boho chic making a resurgence,” Llorca said. “We’re stepping into an era where fashion is looked at in a free-spirited and dramatically refined manner — it’s become a mix of escapism and effortless luxury.”
Senior Jordan Paran said she also sees the boho chic aesthetics gaining popularity.
“I believe that the clean girl and boho chic trends will be major this spring,” Paran said. “I moreso see it as a combination or merging with fringe, sequins and sheer tops.”
Evans said he is interested in dressing with the Americana style that he has seen fashion
also gravitating toward recently.
“I definitely see more of a Western look becoming more popular,” Evans said. “A lot of long sleeve button-ups, plaid situations with rolled up sleeves and Levi’s with a cowboy boot-esque.”
On the other hand, Papillion said she believes fashion should move beyond fleeting trends, focusing instead on timeless pieces that reflect personal style and longevity.
“My hopes are that people are moving away from trends and favoring fabrics, silhouettes and colors that suit them,” Papillion said. “I hope that the clothes I am buying this year can be worn ten years from now.”
Spring Sustainability
As spring arrives, many are considering not just the clothing trends themselves but also where their clothing is coming from.
Students said that although trends can be tempting to follow, they also want to approach new purchases with a mindful, long-term perspective.
“I think places like Shein, Temu and TikTok Shop are all out in 2025 — they do not support sustainability,” Evans said. “Sustainability is important because it makes fashion and ideas around one’s appearance accessible and promotes inclusivity to everybody.”
Students said they are more focused on pieces that feel authentic and have lasting value, both ethically and physically.
“There is a big difference between wearing clothing and collecting pieces that tell a story,” Llorca said. “Personally, I would instead invest in pieces that feel like me rather than chase micro trends that
will only last for a couple of months.”
Papillion said a more intentional approach to shopping encourages a unique and individualistic way of curating a wardrobe.
“Supporting small and sustainable brands will almost always lead you to have more unique and personal pieces in your closet,” Papillion said.
By prioritizing quality pieces over fast fashion, students said they are able to consciously participate in trends while staying true to their personal style.
Spring Break Style
With spring comes the highly-awaited spring break. For many with a fashion-forward mind, what to wear on vacation can be just as exciting as the destination itself.
Students said they are planning their spring break wardrobe to have a touch of personal style blended with the culture of their vacation spot.
“I am going to Mexico — my outfits will be all about embracing that tropical, breezy and fresco vibe,” Llorca said. “Lightweight linen sets, fun cover-ups and long dresses that move effortlessly.”
While some are packing for warm, beachy destinations, others are preparing for cooler climates that call for a different approach to spring style.
“I am going to Ireland where it feels more of a city and colder vibe, so I plan to go for more of a knitted-sweater, leather jacket vibe with some Docs or boots and Levi’s,” Evans said.
Each person’s unique style influences how they adapt to similar temperatures, making all fashion a reflection of individuality.
“I am going to Paris — I am so excited,” Papillion said. “Last time I was there I bought a fur coat and so I will definitely be bringing back my fur coat, big navy trench, Canadian tuxedo, my silk scarves and my silk dresses and set. I honestly live for cold weather, because you get to wear more clothes.”
As the seasons shift, so does the way students express their style. Whether it is sticking to classic staples, experimenting with new trends or prioritizing conscious shopping, spring is a time to redefine personal style with authenticity and purpose.
bohuen.tong@pepperdine.edu
Photo courtesy of Mary Papillion Junior Mary Papillion combines her pair of jorts with a white top and cowboy boots in June. She said light neutrals paired with dark denim are her go-tos.
Photo courtesy of Jace Evans
Junior Jace Evans wears a spring outfit in Mallorca, Spain on March 13, 2024. He said along with jorts, button-ups will have their moment this season.
Keepin’ Malibu caffeinated
Alexa McGlathery Life & Arts Staff Writer
College students need coffee.
With long lectures, all-nighters and 8 a.m. classes, Seaver undergraduates can be spotted crowding the Starbucks line every morning.
While Seaver’s campus is home to convenient coffee options such as Starbucks and Waves Cafe, there are numerous off-campus spots nearby that not only serve delicious beverages, but also provide student discounts.
“I enjoy going off campus with friends to grab a drink,” junior IMC major Grace Mouw said.
Alfred Coffee
Alfred Coffee, located in the Malibu Country Mart, is a popular spot for Pepperdine students.
Since opening their first coffee shop in 2013, Alfred has attracted a devoted following with bold café designs and innovative drinks — most notably, their world-famous iced vanilla latte.
The iced vanilla latte blends rich espresso and smooth vanilla syrup for a balanced, creamy and sweet coffee experience.
Arden Walter, first-year Political Science and English major, said she gets the vanilla latte with sugar-free vanilla and almond milk.
“I love Alfred,” Walter said. “Their coffee is not too sweet and they don’t overdo it on the syrup, Alfred’s coffee is, like, smooth and it’s a dark enough roast to where I can taste it with the syrup.”
As a double major, Walter said she relies heavily on caffeine to maintain her busy schedule in and out of class. On average, she drinks two to three
cups of coffee a day.
“If I don’t have coffee, I can’t focus or get through the night writing papers,” Walter said. “When I have a paper due, I have a large intake of coffee.”
Walter said she finds herself at the Country Mart often to get her favorite drink at Alfred and hang out with friends amid her busy schedule.
Blue Bottle
Blue Bottle, located in the Malibu Park at Cross Creek, is known for its focus on coffee quality, sustainability, and craftsmanship.
Blue Bottle originated in Oakland, California in 2002 and has since expanded to over 100 locations worldwide, according to Nestlé Global.
“I love that there’s a Blue Bottle near campus because I go to one all the time back home in San Diego,” first-year Biology major Lolly Arvizu said. “I like having a local California business to get coffee from.”
Blue Bottle is most well-known for its “New Orleans-Style Iced Coffee,” which is a cold brew coffee blend with chicory, according to The Harvard Crimson.
Unlike Walter, Arvizu drinks coffee simply for the enjoyment of having a beverage and does not rely on it to get through her studies. Her go-to order is an iced sweet latte with oat milk.
Broad Street Coffee Co
Local Malibu company
Broad Street Coffee Co. serves up more than just an average cup-of-joe. Broad Street has coffee, pastries, soft serve ice cream and speciality drinks, such as their french toast latte.
Broad Street Coffee is owned by the team behind Broad
Street Oyster Co., a renowned seafood restaurant with multiple locations on PCH, including one in Malibu.
Luke Bailey, first-year Business Administration major and member of the Men’s Golf Team, is new to drinking coffee and said he is eager to try Broad Street.
Bailey said he started drinking iced coffee once or twice a week to stay awake throughout his busy days.
“Morning lifts at 6:30 a.m. make me need to have something to keep me going throughout the rest of my day,” Bailey said. “I need to be paying attention in my early morning classes –– [coffee] helps me think and pay more attention.”
Le Café de la Plage
Taking inspiration from French culture, Le Café de la Plage is home to a vast assortment of pastries and coffee.
Nestled in Point Dume Village, Le Café de la Plage offers a quiet study space just a short drive from Pepperdine, where guests can savor their coffee on a heated patio accompanied
by the soothing melodies of French music.
Le Café de la Plage also has their own clothing brand, which they sell inside the café. Their motto “Only Good Vibes” can be seen on sweatshirts, hats, coffee mugs and other merchandise.
Their signature drink is their lavender honey latte, according to Yelp.
Homemade Coffee
Although Malibu is home to several coffee shops, many students turn to their personal coffee makers to brew their own signature roasts.
“I have my own Keurig where I make my own coffee in the morning,” first-year Psychology major Brett Blackburn said.
In the Pepperdine Code of Conduct, pod-style coffee makers are permitted in dorms and can offer busy students a convenient and cost-effective solution for their daily caffeine needs. Furthermore, Malibu prices often drive students away from going to their favorite coffee shops.
“Going off campus for co-
ffee can get really expensive,” Blackburn said.
A standard pod-style coffee maker can cost as low as $39.99 on Amazon, which can make it an affordable investment compared to the recurring expense of purchasing coffee off-campus.
As a result, many students said they opt for the convenience of brewing their own coffee, allowing them to save money while still enjoying their daily caffeine fix.
Brewing Choices
Whether students prefer the rich, handcrafted brews of Malibu’s local cafés or the convenience of a dorm-room Keurig, coffee remains an essential part of campus life.
From trendy coffeehouse favorites to budget-friendly homemade cups, students can find several options for fueling long study sessions, early morning classes and social outings –– one cup at a time.
alexa.mcglathery@pepperdine.edu
Photos by Alexa McGlathery | Life & Arts Staff Writer
Alfred Coffee is open for customers in the Malibu Country Mart on Feb. 11. The shop has changed their menu with the seasons, most recently adding their new strawberry matcha.
Broad Street Coffee sits between Sephora and Viba Alma Mater in the Malibu Country Mart on Feb.
In uncertainty, Latinx students seek community
Gabrielle Salgado Managing Editor
Following President Donald Trump’s implementation of his new immigration policies, Latinx students are coming together to support one another during a time of uncertainty.
Since taking office, Trump has issued a mass deportation plan that targets all undocumented immigrants regardless of their criminal record, according to ABC News. Under this plan, ICE has arrested over 11,000 undocumented immigrants. These mass deportation efforts have become known as ICE raids.
Some Latinx students are feeling apprehension from recent ICE raids and expressed concerns over racial profiling.
“I know that I have my legal status and I’m confident in my position here in the States, but there is that constant fear of can someone just come up to me and start questioning me based on the color of my skin?” said senior Hailey Ponchione, who identifies as Mexican-Italian.
Social Media Spreads Awareness
Ponchione said social media has been her main source for information since the ICE
raids began in January.
“I see a lot of it on social media, which is how a lot of people our age get news,” Ponchione said. “And I swear, like, every other Instagram story I see is about the ICE raids.”
The Latinx Student Alliance (LSA) is using their platform to educate students about their rights. LSA President Sofia Reyes said the identity-based club is using their social media platforms to share information about immigration rights.
However, sophomore Adrianne Mercado, who identifies as Mexican-American, said she wishes Pepperdine would post more information on social media.
“I think in terms of Pepperdine specifically, it could definitely be a lot greater, because I do think there is a significant amount of students that may not be aware of what’s going on,” Mercado said.
Mercado said she encourages students who are not aware of the current immigration policies and ICE raids to take the first step in educating themselves.
“I think it’s important that they [students] do have to take the action of taking the first step of reading one article or seeing one social media post, just to simply understand the big effect that this is happen-
ing, not only in our community but our nation,” Mercado said. Building Community
Throughout this time of uncertainty, the Latinx student body is building community to ease anxiety, whether it be for their own safety or for the safety of others.
During LSA’s general meeting Feb. 6, Reyes shared slides detailing immigration rights and what to do if one encounters an immigration officer or law enforcement.
“With the influx of ICE raids that have been happening this last month or so, as per order of the Trump administration, a lot of people have been living in fear, and a lot of people don’t really know what to do or what rights you have as a person when it comes to them. So a lot of the resources center on that,” Reyes said.
Accessing Resources
LSA is planning on creating a Linktree as well as a newsletter with resources for students, Reyes said. The identity-based organization is also hoping to partner with different departments on campus to share information more broadly.
The Graphic contacted the Student Care Team, Counsel-
ing Center and the Office of International Student Services (OISS). The Student Care Team did not respond. Staff members of OISS are working on initiatives to support students but were not available for an interview, OISS wrote in a Feb. 6 email to the Graphic. The Counseling Center provided a statement, encouraging students to make an appointment. Reyes said she encourages students to lean into commu-
nities they feel safe in and have an open dialogue.
“It can feel really limiting sometimes at a place like Pepperdine when things like this happen, because it doesn’t really feel like there’s space to be active and speak about social issues such as this. But the only way that people face the problems that we have are if you talk about it,” Reyes said.
gabrielle.salgado@pepperdine.edu
Students react to Oscar nominations
Henry Adams Life & Arts Assistant Editor
The 97th Academy Awards are just around the corner, and the nominations are spurring praise and controversy among Pepperdine students.
“Emilia Pérez” led the pack with 13 nominations, the most for any foreign film in Oscar history, sparking intense controversy over its representation of Mexican culture and the transgender community, as well as its overall production quality.
Best Picture
The 2025 Best Picture nominees are as follows: “Anora,” “The Brutalist,” “A Complete Unknown,” “Conclave,” “Dune: Part Two,” “Emilia Pérez,” “I’m Still Here,” “Nickel Boys,” “The Substance” and “Wicked.”
Junior English major Judah Fullman said he hopes “Dune: Part Two” wins.
“I kept going to the theater, I kept seeing new things,” Fullman said. “But nothing in my mind got better than ‘Dune: Part Two.’”
Junior Screen Arts major Thomas Chang was also a fan of the movie.
“That movie was firing on all cylinders,” Chang said. “Like, cinematography is beautiful, visual effects, good.”
Fullman and senior Screen Arts major Hailey Ponchione both said they saw and enjoyed “Wicked.”
“It’s a little bloated, but it is admittedly incredibly impressive on a technical scale,” Fullman said.
Fullman also watched “Anora” and
“The Brutalist,” but said he didn’t enjoy them and prefers non-indie films.
“Emilia Pérez”
“Emelia Pérez”’s Best Picture nomination was hotly contested, both between Fullman, Ponchione and Chang and between moviegoers voicing their opinions on social media.
Ponchione said she didn’t agree with the film being nominated.
“It sucks that something that’s this popular is only popular because of, like, who you know and whoever you are, but not because it’s a good film that accurately represents the community you’re trying to portray,” Ponchione said.
Fullman said he did not enjoy the
musical aspect of “Emelia Pérez.”
“I don’t think the musical numbers add anything, and I think they’re pretty terribly done, especially with the counterpoint of ‘Wicked,’” Fullman said.
Best Animated Feature
On a more positive note, Chang said he thought there were many well-deserved Animated Feature Film nominees. This year, “Flow,” “Inside Out 2,” “Memoir of a Snail,” “Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl” and “The Wild Robot” were nominated.
“‘Inside Out 2,’ that was one of the only movies that made me, like, cry in the theater,” Chang said. “One of the most relatable, like, third acts.”
Chang also liked “Flow,” the first Latvian film to be nominated for an Academy Award. The film is also nominated for International Feature Film.
“They made just the story about survivability and, like, lasting through change, with no words,” Chang said. “And the main character is a cat, and I liked it a lot.”
Despite strong contenders, though, Chang said his pick for Animated Feature Film was “The Wild Robot.”
“But, I don’t know, it’s hard for me to say I like one over the other,” Chang said. “Those three movies are so solid and they’re, like, some of my favorites that came out in general this year.”
Snubs
Although “Challengers” had four Golden Globe nominations and a win for Best Original Score, it failed to pick up any Oscar nominations. Fullman said he believed it deserved a nomination for Music (Original Score), Directing and Cinematography.
Fullman also said “Nosferatu” was snubbed for Best Picture and Directing.
“Robert Eggers not getting any shoutout for directorial talents at all for Nosferatu feels like a crime,” Fullman said. “I think that was a serious missed opportunity.”
The 97th Academy Awards ceremony will take place March 2 at 4 p.m. Late-night talk show host and Conan O’Brien will host the event this year.
Photo by Jade Gonzalez | Life & Arts Staff Writer Protesters on Olvera Street in Los Angeles hold signs fighting for immigration rights Feb. 2. Sophomore Adrianne Mercado said she knows some students who attended recent protests.
Art by Sarah Rietz | Art Editor
Pepp senior climbs photo ladder
Amanda Monahan Life & Arts Editor
What started as taking photos after school on an iPad turned into countless sponsorships and photoshoots for senior IMC major Charis Cheung.
With over 58,000 followers on Instagram, Cheung continues to climb the ladder each year in the world of photography. As she has developed her own style of photography, she has booked more clients and done work with large companies like Fujifilm and Canon.
“She’s an extremely hard worker and a prime example of what all people should be doing in college,” Alex Paloglou, senior IMC major and Cheung’s boyfriend of three years, said. “It should be, you know, focusing on school or going and pursuing higher education, but also working on your passion on the side to see where it can lead.”
Starting Out
When Cheung was in middle school, she said she found photography to be a fun way for her to express herself while also spending time with friends. She described this era as “the Tumblr phase,” when apps and sites such as Instagram and Tumblr were gaining popularity.
“I always thought I was somewhat good at it just visually and composition-wise,” Cheung said. “I’m super bad at camera terminology — I feel like I never fully studied it; I kind of just figured it out on my own.”
After spending years taking photos of her friends, Cheung
said she realized she had a deep love for photography and bought her first camera in eighth grade. she began to use it as a way to meet new people, asking classmates she had never spoken to to model for her.
Tonalli Garcia-Rodriguez, one of Cheung’s best friends from her hometown, said she remembers the endless photoshoots she and Cheung would do in middle school.
“It was an opportunity to hang out with one another and be creative,” Garcia-Rodriguez said. “I appreciate it so much now, because it’s so sweet to look back on.”
As she took more photos, Cheung started posting her work on her Instagram page, where others soon discovered her photos and eventually began hiring her as a photographer. She remembers the COVID-19 pandemic as the time when her account really skyrocketed and her ideal clients began hiring her.
“My ideal client is someone who wants to hire me for my specific creativity and my work and giving me the full creative direction,” Cheung said. “I feel like my photography is more creative-heavy versus, like, just taking a pretty photo. So when people started hiring me because they wanted me to create the concept or because they really valued my style, that’s when I feel like I found my work.”
Sponsorships
As Cheung’s portfolio grew with her Instagram followers, brands began reaching out to her for sponsorships. Out of all the sponsorships she has done
thus far, she said her trip to Japan with Fujifilm in February 2024 particularly stands out.
“They [Fujifilm] sent me to Japan for a week with only five other content creators, and everything was paid for,” Cheung said. “I really felt like, you know when you see influencers on brand deals and stuff, it felt like that. I was like, ‘This is kind of crazy.’”
The goal of the trip was to let Cheung and the other photographers use the new Fujifilm X100vi camera before it was released, Cheung said. Each day, the group would explore Tokyo and take photos, and just before the end of the trip, the photographers met the people behind designing the camera to learn about the process.
Aside from her trip with Fujifilm, Cheung has partnered with several other companies through sponsorships such as Canon, Adobe Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop and DJI.
Cheung said her next sponsorships work will be with RayBan for their new Meta Glasses and Casetify, which is coming out with a travel campaign for its new luggage line.
“It’s also very unique, because I’m a photographer, and so the brands that reach out to me are a little bit more niche to photographers,” Cheung said. “I think, like in the photographer community, there’s not that many content creators also, so that’s why I think it’s working out for me more than if I were to be a lifestyle influencer.”
Other Work
However, Cheung’s work extends beyond sponsorships. In January 2023, Cheung took a photo for a cosmetic company which was featured on a billboard in Los Angeles and in March 2023, Business Insider wrote an article about her.
In January, Cheung worked with actress and music artist Audrey Huynh to shoot pro-
motional photos for a new album Huynh was working on. Later on, Vogue Singapore wrote an article about the rising actress, and used Cheung’s photo as the featured image.
“I really admire her creative ability and her ability to stretch the boundaries of her creative work,” Paloglou said. “She never does the same photoshoot twice whether it’s for clients or models or whoever she’s shooting, she’s always making new ideas.”
Cheung said as she racked in more and more sponsorships, everything started to feel real. She was getting large paychecks from big companies, had an LLC and started paying taxes — all while still being a student.
Finding Balance
Growing up in LA, Cheung said she got used to the variety of locations she could use for her photoshoots. However, moving to Malibu for school, she said the beach and mountains, though beautiful, got old after only so many shoots, leading her to experience creative blocks.
“It is hard to stay in this mindset of creativity all the time when you’re a student,” Cheung said. “I guess the hardest part for me isn’t necessarily balancing time, but I feel being in college made me just have a lot of creative blocks.”
As with any college student, Cheung said her busy schedule has a huge affect on her growth as a photographer.
“It’s funny, because a lot of my friends, like in the summer, they’ll always say, ‘Oh my gosh you’re going off and you’re posting so much,’” Cheung said. “And I was like, ‘This is what I would be doing if I wasn’t in school, right?’”
Looking Forward
With graduation in the coming months, a big question, which Cheung said has been
on her mind since she first got into college, has been approaching her — whether she would want to pursue photography full-time or not.
Cheung said she feels torn between entering the corporate world or continuing her photography journey, but her growth thus far serves as a push factor in being a full-time photographer and creative director.
“A part of me also feels like the fact that I’ve been able to accomplish this much while being a student, I can’t even imagine if I wasn’t a student how much more I could accomplish,” Cheung said.
Whichever realm Cheung decides to step into, she said she has always kept one thing in mind, even before she grew her portfolio as a photographer or owned her first camera: There is always room to grow.
“I would never even have thought I’d ever be on Vogue or getting sponsored by RayBans,” Cheung said. “Like these are crazy things that, I would be like shocked when I was young.”
Garcia-Rodriguez said that although she never expected their middle school impromptu photoshoots to grow into what Cheung is doing today, she is not surprised at how far Cheung’s creativity and “go-getter” attitude has taken her.
“I just feel so lucky to have a friend, a fellow woman, who’s their own entrepreneur and so set on their goals and determined to do them no matter what,” Garcia-Rodriguez said.
Photos courtesy of Charis Cheung
Senior IMC major Charis Cheung poses during a photoshoot in Los Angeles in June. Cheung said although she’s usually behind the camera, she did a “trade-off” photoshoot with photographer Alec Weeks.
Cheung directs models Ava Carbonara, Jordan Delgado and Saskia Curry in a photoshoot at Cheung’s local elementary school in Los Angeles July 2023. Cheung did this photoshoot as part of a sponsorship with Canon.
New look Waves: Baseball season preview
Justin Rodriguez Sports Editor
Spring sports are finally here!
Coming along with the spring season, Pepperdine Baseball gears up to get its 2025 season started. With 23 lower level students, 18 upper level students and an all new coaching staff, Waves Baseball has seen much change but is looking to get back on track to Pepperdine Waves’ winning past.
“The vision is to get back to what Pepperdine Baseball was and what it has been, and that is a championship-level program,” Head Coach Tyler LaTorre said. “Culture doesn’t change overnight, but we’re slowly starting to change that.”
Pepperdine hasn’t had a winning record since the shortened 2020 season and is recently coming off a 15-38 2024 season. This rough stretch marked the end of an era for Waves Baseball as former Head Coach Rick Hirtensteiner concluded his 26-year coaching tenure with Pepperdine, serving nine as head coach, according to Pepperdine Athletics.
On June 14, Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner announced LaTorre as the next skipper, marking the dawn of a new era for Waves Baseball.
In his first year at the helm, LaTorre said the beginning of this era is a rebuilding process for the program, starting with a new look to the coaching staff.
New Look Coaching Staff
LaTorre brought in Logan Robbins, hitting coach and recruiting coordinator, and Dane Stankiewicz, assistant coach and fielding coordinator. Stankiewicz is also the son of Andy Stankiewicz, Waves alum and former MLB professional.
“Our coaching staff care, and they’re passionate about baseball, but they’re more passionate about people, and that was important to me,” LaTorre said. “As a head coach, we want our coaching staff to just be an extension of us as head coaches, and that’s what I did.”
The club retained Pitching Coach Cameron Rowland, who has a history with LaTorre at San Francisco State University. Rowland took over as the team’s pitching coach following LaTorre’s decision to take another role. Due to this past, LaTorre said he trusts Rowland’s ability to develop pitchers while also noting how Rowland’s own growth as a coach has been noticeable.
“His passion, his drive on player development, is something that allowed me to keep him on the staff,” LaTorre said.
That same player development has already made its way to the roster, as both veterans and rookies have said the
coaching staff alone has helped pave the way for team growth.
Freshman infielder Danny Cook said from the hitting side, Robbins ensures each hitter has a dedicated hitting plan, methodically building one around the style of hitter you are.
“He sees what we can improve on but also sees our strengths and helps us utilize those strengths,” Cook said.
And when it comes to LaTorre, Cook said his perspective on the game is something he hasn’t ever seen from a coach before.
All the coaches are great at seeing the game, but he [LaTorre] sees the game from a different perspective, from a catcher’s point of view.
Danny Cook
Baseball Infielder
A Plethora of Experience Alongside a Young Roster
The team is very young, with 23 lower level students leading the charge. However, the coaching staff and players said they also have many returners whose experience will pay dividends moving forward.
“We have a lot of returning players and a lot of older returning players,” senior infielder Justin Rubin said. “We have a really hungry group that is eager to show what they can do.”
Rubin is one of these returners. He battled through injuries last season, but to LaTorre, his presence alone will help the program’s future.
“Pepperdine, in the past,
has always had that shortstop in the middle of the field, and I think Justin Rubin has a lot to prove, not only to himself and to his teammates, but to the whole country,” LaTorre said. “I’m looking forward to having him back in the lineup after he battled injury last year.”
Alongside Rubin, the team welcomes back all but one Wave from the 2023 roster: right-handed pitcher Nick Bonn. Losing Bonn was a massive blow to the pitching outlook coming into the season, but LaTorre noted redshirt junior Tommy Scavone and graduate Matthew Boyer as two pitchers who are key to their staff moving forward.
“You’ve got those two guys that are coming back with me having my pitching background as a pitching coach,” LaTorre said. “I want to hopefully help them, guide them to be better pitchers.”
In addition, LaTorre has prioritized instilling a leadership mentality into the veterans and the freshmen. He says this mentality is important to building a dependable group of teammates.
“I’ve had a lot of conversations with the other guys of the group, and I don’t do team captains; team captains is something that isn’t in my philosophy,” LaTorre said. “The entire team needs to be team leaders in their own right, and they need to be authentic to themselves.”
Season Outlook
It is no secret that Pepperdine is entering a new chapter in its program, and the coaching staff and players know the beginning will be a rebuilding process. However, the players said they have the dedication toward putting in the hard work to potentially surprise everyone this season.
“A big thing for us is we will not be able to out-talent our opponents, but we can outbeat them in the things you can control, in our preparation,” Rubin said.
The freshman and sophomores on the roster have already noticed this dedication to hard work, and Cook said it will set up Pepperdine’s program moving forward.
“What stands out to me is our work ethic,” Cook said. “We have a couple of really good, hard-working guys that just want to get better and that has the mindset that they want to do anything that it takes to win. Young guys that have that mentality, getting the information and knowledge from these older guys is going to be a great setup for a great program building forward.”
So far, the team has survived fall ball and officially opened their 2025 season Feb. 14, against the University of Utah at Eddy D. Field Stadium, dropping the matchup 1-3 in extras.
However, in their short pre season stint, LaTorre said he has learned much about this team.
“They have a little bit of a chip on their shoulder,” LaTorre said. “We have returners who probably came here with high aspirations of being a part
of Pepperdine and the winning tradition, and obviously, it hasn’t gone the way they had hoped. They have a little bit of a sour taste in their mouth of how it has gone, and they want to be a part of that change.”
LaTorre said that change may not happen at the College World Series in Omaha, but in the culture that this current set of Waves are setting the standard for, future Waves will likely follow in their footsteps.
On top of this, LaTorre and his Waves will focus on upholding a winning mentality as they navigate the toughness of a college baseball season. He said he will always be on guard for instances of the previous culture creeping back in, especially when the team hits a rough patch.
“College baseball is really hard, especially out here on the West Coast,” LaTorre said. “We have a really tough schedule, and even though there may be a loss on the scoreboard, allowing our guys to understand and know that we may have lost on the scoreboard, but walking down into the clubhouse the next day, we still have an opportunity to win today.”
Let’s Go Waves!
As the Waves approach the beginning of the season, the team said fan support will help power them through a new era of Pepperdine Baseball.
“If people can see the progress we’re making, they’ll want to come out to more games,” Cook said. “No one wants to watch a bad team, so we’ll let the playing speak for itself, but fans are definitely a big part because we like playing in front of people.”
Pepperdine Baseball standing along the railing as they await the first pitch of the 2025 season opener against the University of Utah on Feb. 14, at Eddy D. Field Stadium. The Waves dropped the opener 1-3 in extras.
Photos by Kasten Grimm | Staff Photographer Waves middle infielders senior Julian Nunez (#7) and senior Justin Rubin (#12) huddle with their team during a matchup against Utah on Feb. 14, at Eddy D. Field Stadium. LaTorre said Pepperdine is notorious for having a strong middle infield presence, noting Nunez and Rubin as key players in the season moving forward.
Roland to Willie: Waves through the years
Nick Charkhedian Assistant Sports Editor
Pepperdine’s mascot Willie the Wave comes from a long history of trial and error at Pepperdine. The mascot we see today is a culmination of ideas throughout Pepperdine’s history.
When faced with the task of making a mascot for a school who calls themselves the Waves, one could only think of so many options.
Pepperdine’s current edition is Willie the Wave. Since the beginning of Pepperdine Athletics, the school was known as the Waves, but the mascot who represented the Waves has a long history of switching between characters.
Sam Perrin, a Pepperdine historian also known as the Ghost of George Pepperdine, has done extensive research on the costumed representative of Pepperdine’s mascot.
“The thing I love about all the iterations of Willie is that they showcase how decades of students combined creativity and commitment to school spirit,” Perrin wrote.
The modern version we have of Willie draws influence from the earliest form of the Pepperdine mascot, Roland the Wave, a cartoon drawing submitted by a student.
Around the same time, Pepperdine had an unofficial mascot during football games, Joe the Pelican. Joe wasn’t your typical mascot; he was a live bird. Joe the Pelican was present at school football games but wasn’t kept around due to the bird being too expensive to maintain.
Following the era of Joe the Pelican, Pepperdine debuted the first official, costumed version of a mascot, a student who wore a papier-mâché mask that resembled Joe the Pelican. The costume drew on inspiration from Roland as well, creating the first edition of Willie.
The course of Willie the Wave over the next 44 years was complicated. Even though Willie became the mascot in 1952, the costume wasn’t set. There were updates that followed with Roland as reference.
Willie remained the mascot but was represented between a wide variety of representation over the years. Around 1979, archival pictures show Willie as a jug of water that students would carry. Just a couple year later, a student wore a cape with the image of Roland on it, according to Perrin’s article.
By 1987, Pepperdine recognized the need for a new mascot and held a design contest for a new costume concept. The school had returned to the costume design we recognize as Willie.
This version of Willie looks different from the modern-day version. Just six years later, Pepperdine called for yet another redesign, from which emerged the origin of the current Willie, according to Perrin’s article.
This new mascot, also known as Super Willie, followed a long line of shortlived mascots at Pepperdine. Three years after the introduction of Super Willie, the Waves switched to a whole different character: King Neptune, according to Perrin’s article.
The costume for King Neptune, who drew inspiration from Roman mythology, was similar to the runner-up in the contest that named Super Willie as the new mascot, according to Perrin’s article. Pepperdine welcomed their new representative, King Neptune, who sported a trident to go along with his crown. King Neptune was part of a campaign by Pepperdine’s administration to improve the school’s nationwide reputation.
From the beginning of King Neptune’s Pepperdine career, he faced frequent controversy. Opinions around campus didn’t like a pagan representative at a Christian school.
Pepperdine junior Tatyana Sevajian spoke about Pepperdine’s old mascot, King Neptune. Sevajian said she dislikes the name Willie the Wave but doesn’t dislike the look.
“I prefer [King Neptune] over Willie the Wave,” Sevajian said. “But the actual look of Willie the Wave I don’t mind. Maybe if they merge the two, that would be great.”
King Neptune stayed, but he ultimately met his demise in 2003, leaving Pepperdine without a mascot, according to Perrin’s article. That was until 2005 when Pepperdine introduced a brand new idea to the floor: the Wave Men.
The Wave Men were a group of five mascots that resembled the Power Rangers. They were almost immediately shut down, leading to the current version of Willie we see down at Firestone Fieldhouse today.
“The Wave Men debacle of 2005 shows what can go wrong when administrators try to astroturf new traditions on a student body that’s unwilling,” Perrin wrote.
The current Willie sports sunglasses, sandals and an unbuttoned Hawaiian shirt, highlighting his chiseled physique. The current ensemble completes the odd fusion and harmony of a wave and a surfer, with subtle superhero influence reminiscent of former editions.
Pepperdine junior Max Holdorf believes Pepperdine should get rid of Willie and have a new representative to represent the school.
“I think he’s kind of underwhelming, and it’s a little weird. Honestly, I don’t really like him,” Holdorf said.
Holdorf said Pepperdine should explore a sailor or navigator as the new mascot.
This version of Willie seems set, having represented Pepperdine for over 15 years and giving stability to the back and forth unrest of finding the right mascot.
As the Ghost of George Pepperdine looked back on all the editions of mascots that represented Pepperdine, the Ghost appreciates all the effort that went into the evolution of Willie the Wave.
“What makes the modern Willie such a successful mascot is that the University’s administration has embraced and polished an organic student tradition rather than trying to impose on students the traditions that they [administrators] would have chosen, which doesn’t always go so well,” Perrin wrote.
nareg.charkhedian@pepperdine.edu
Willie the Wave celebrates his birthday with cheerleaders Georgia Puckett (left) and Taylor de Bruyn (right) at a Pepperdine Men’s Basketball matchup against Loyola Marymount University on Feb. 11, at Firestone Fieldhouse. The current Willie is present at home games at Firestone Fieldhouse.
Photo courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics
Pepp Cheer breaks the cheer stereotype
Haylie Ross Sports Staff Writer
Above the pompoms, routines and smiles, there is a stigma around cheerleaders for being the stereotypical mean girl in any teen film, but that stigma isn’t one size fits all. Pepperdine Cheer is advocating against the false stereotype of what it means to be a cheerleader.
Beyond the polished routines and sparkling uniforms, Pepperdine Cheer is breaking the cheerleader stereotype and rewriting what it means to really be a cheerleader.
Senior cheerleader Georgia Puckett has been a part of the cheer team for two years and advocates to disprove the harmful stereotype of cheerleaders depicted in society.
“These women are so empowering,” Puckett said. “They don’t get enough recognition for that because of the stereotype that is so engraved in our society.”
What Is the Stereotype
Morgan Twibell, writer for the Harbinger, wrote in a 2013 article that society often portrays cheerleaders as a onesized, unintelligent mean girl, whether it stems from movies or reality TV shows.
“Everything in society nowadays really does depict a very surface-level cheerleader who only cares about how they look,” Puckett said. “Or cheering with their pom poms for their boyfriend on the football team.”
Senior cheer captain Brooke Carter references Dance Moms, a Lifetime reality dance show, saying that the reflection on dancers/cheerleaders from the show is what many believe to be the cheerleader stereotype.
“Cheer is different because it’s not what everyone thinks it is,” Carter said. “It’s a lot more supportive and friend-based and just having a good time — not trying to compete for the top of the pyramid”.
On a different side of the stereotype spectrum, there is an age-old debate on whether cheerleading is a sport or not.
Head Coach Madeline Massingill has faced this debate throughout her professional and coaching career.
“I think cheerleaders get overlooked in so many ways,” Massingill said. “I don’t think they get recognized as athletes like they should.”
Pepperdine Cheer Versus the Stereotype
Pepperdine cheerleaders
Photo courtesy of Georgia Puckett
The Pepperdine Cheer Team poses together on media day in Firestone Fieldhouse on Dec. 5. Senior cheerleader
Georgia Puckett said the team is comprised of diverse members who all create one perfect team.
and coaches alike work to create an environment that is focused on not only training athletes to be their best but also fostering and supporting the growth of amazing women.
“Pepperdine Cheer differs from society because we as a team really do try and strive to be more than just a cheerleader,” Puckett said. “It’s a beautiful thing to see the girls on the team of all majors, ages and backgrounds be on the team and be a person and a friend
before they’re a cheerleader.”
Carter said other cheerleading environments that she has been a part of have an ideal mold their cheerleaders have to fit into, but for Pepperdine Cheer, it’s the opposite.
“We have people from all different backgrounds and all different body types,” Carter said. “We’re really trying to make everyone shine their own way, whatever that may be.”
Puckett said that although they are all unique, they come
together to make something very special.
“It’s beautiful to know that we all are so different, but we all make up a perfect team,” Puckett said.
Massingill describes Pepperdine cheerleaders as being the opposite of mean girls.
She said that her cheerleaders are hardworking and determined, but her favorite characteristic that they all seem to share is their kindness.
Puzzle Pieces to Create the Perfect Picture
Puckett said their goal is to make sure to look out for the potential future Waves cheerleaders.
“It makes such a difference to see that they’re able to look at the cheerleaders and say, ‘I can do that too because I feel represented by someone who looks like me,’” Puckett said.
The diversity on the team is what makes them all work together and simultaneously learn from each other, Carter said. With cheerleaders from all over the map, they all come together to make a team built on kindness, hard work and empowerment — that is what it means to be a cheerleader.
haylie.ross@pepperdine.edu
Pepp Beach Volleyball: Attack the elements
Christine Park Sports Staff Writer
If there is a sport that has the perfect mix between a physically demanding competitiveness and an element of unexpected twists, Pepperdine Beach Volleyball could be up in the rankings.
The athletes have mastered the art of the beautiful sport while building a tight-knit, uplifting family that embodies the values of Pepperdine University. In anticipation for their upcoming season, the team has been in pursuit of the highest level of playing.
Head Coach Marcio Sicoli, senior Madison Oriskovich and sophomore Bella Avelar dive into the core foundation of the team, the tactical logistics of the game and the future of the program.
“Beach Volleyball is a lot more tactical because there’s only two people on the court,” Oriskovich said. “There’s a lot more room open. It’s finding, being an attacker, ways to gain those points but also as a defender, a way to stop those points.”
The Core Foundation of the Team: The Three F’s
Sicoli has 17 years of experience with the Waves under his belt, seven as the head coach of beach volleyball. He has led the team to many accolades, including two American Volleyball Coaches Association National Championship titles and 99 wins, with a .569 winning percentage, according to Pepperdine Athletics.
Hopefully, through his philosophy, Sicoli will continue to lead the direction of the program to the uphill trajectory he is fostering in the coming years.
“Our big focus is team
culture,” Sicoli said. “What I want is it [to be] family, friendship and faith. You can count on your teammates and your coaching staff for anything that you need. The bigger umbrella is our faith in Jesus Christ.”
Furthermore, besides developing a Christ-centered culture, Sicoli said he is also intentional with how he runs practice so the athletes can be ready for any competition.
“Most of the practice are playing time and throughout the playing time, we’re trying to solve problems,” Sicoli said. “When the opponent give us a problem, we can solve that really fast.”
Offering the perspectives of two of the athletes on the Beach Volleyball team, Oriskovich and Avelar express the impact Sicoli’s philosophy has had in their own personal experiences with the team so far.
“Marcio keeps a really small team,” Oriskovich said. “We’re a very tight unit, makes them more kind of a well-oiled machine. He really instills in us a sense of grit to promote a goget-it mindset versus a victimized mindset.”
Oriskovich has accumulated a distinguished record as a student-athlete during her four years at Pepperdine. Her recent awards include making the West Coast Conference (WCC) First Team 2024 and WCC All-American Academic ‘Honorable Mention’ 2024, just to name a few.
Avelar, a recent sophomore transfer coming from Stetson University, will debut as a Pepperdine athlete this season.
“I love my team, I love the coaches,” Avelar said. “Our team is really a family. Say that I’m playing on the court — it’s not about me. If I win a game, I’m not winning for myself. I’m winning for the team and the program.”
As for the tactical approach to how they build the individual skills, it is all incorporated in their daily training regime.
Avelar said that three out of the five days are physically intense days, and there is a lot of conditioning work. The other two days consist of practices that reflect game time by playing against different teams of pairs.
Additionally, a section of practice is dedicated to technical skills called clinic, where players will focus on more tedious things like serving on either direction, calling for sets and running specific plays that happen in a real-time game, she said.
As much as practice can help the athletes anticipate their competition and how to take advantage of the outside elements, the sport is filled with twists that require quick decisive thinking and expecting the unexpected.
The Inner Workings of the Game: Playing with the Elements
Beach volleyball, in itself, is the sport of volleyball, whether taking place indoors or outdoors. Likewise, there’s many similarities that can be shared with playing indoor volleyball. Yet, the differences are stark as the athletes must factor in the unpredictable environment.
When delving into the means of playing through the different weather conditions, Oriskovich outlines how it affects their ability to hit the ball.
“For wind, usually [you want] to keep the ball a little closer to each other and a little lower and to run quicker plays so the other team doesn’t have a lot of time to react,” Oriskovich said.
In the rain, the ball gets really heavy, so serving and hitting aggressively with big powerful movements to have the ball drop either on the side or in front of the opponents is key, she said.
But Oriskovich said it’s all part of the fun in competing in the sport — it’s keeping a positive mindset and not letting the weather control your game.
“Like as Marcio would say, the uncontrollable control your game,” Oriskovich said. “So, control the ball and the movement of the game, but you can’t control how windy it is and just make the most of it.”
For Sicoli, as a coach, he plays a role by looking from the outside to help the players adjust to the intense competition.
“We do coaching and giving them the awareness of the environment, of the opponent on a time manner that they can make those decisions quickly,” Sicoli said.
A very crucial part he plays as the coach is matching the right players up together as pairs to guarantee the best success on the court that showcases each athletes’ individuality while complementing their skills together.
“First thing is the skill and the specialization — what they do with the volleyball,” Sicoli said. “The second thing is the chemistry with your partner that you know most of the time wins games.”
Avelar said serving is one of the main aspects of a play that determines the outcome.
“Serve is the most important — the whole point is to get the other team out of system in order to score the point off of the serve,” Avelar said.
The game in itself has a layer of complexity due to playing outdoors that the players need
to adapt to, yet all still share the same love for the sport of volleyball.
The Challenges and the Future
Pepperdine’s Beach Volleyball program, like many of the other athletic programs here at Pepperdine, has high expectations and challenges that both the coaches and players face. They strive to balance reflecting the institutional values while also playing at a Division I level.
Specifically, for the coaching staff, a challenge is the recruiting process.
“The college sports landscape is changing around the country,” Sicoli said. “It has been hard to keep up with these quick changes in terms of financial portion [and the] NCAA legislation.”
He said they lost a couple key players that felt like they didn’t fit with Pepperdine, with its small size and big faith. As the values of college sports have been evolving, he’s proud that Pepperdine didn’t change their values.
With it though comes the loss of the competitive ranking of the program, the financial level and the facilities.
However, one thing constant in the team’s pursuit for the game is winning a national championship title.
“Our biggest team goal this year is to win WCC’s,” Oriskovich said. “We were two points away from winning last year, and it was hard to go through that and just to lose it.”
Photo courtesy of Pepperdine Athletics
Head Coach Marcio Sicoli coaches the athletes during the beach volleyball season. Through Sicoli’s guidance, the athletes are able to assess the competition during crucial moments of a game and make quick, decisive adjustments.
Senior Madison Oriskovich serves the ball against Boise State University at the American Volleyball Coaches Association Fall Pairs Championship on Nov. 5. The serving technique is a crucial aspect in determining the direction of the play that athletes use to their advantage.
Photo courtesy of Madison Oriskovich
House Settlement continues forward
Tony Gleason Associate Editor & Social Media Manager
On Oct. 7, Judge Claudia Wilken granted preliminary approval to the House v. NCAA case settlement, which looks to settle three different antitrust cases against the NCAA, according to the Athletic.
The three biggest components of the House Settlement are: back paying roughly $2.8 billion to NCAA student-athletes from 2016 to Sept. 15, 2024, who weren’t able to profit off their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), allowing a revenue-sharing system where schools can directly compensate student-athletes and replacing scholarship limits with roster limits, according to Yahoo Sports.
“This is probably the biggest change that’s happened in college athletics, perhaps ever — certainly in recent history,”
Pepperdine’s Athletics Director Tanner Gardner said. “I think it, on one hand, creates a lot of opportunities, and on the other hand, it comes with challenges.”
The final hearing for the House Settlement is scheduled for April 7, according to Front Office Sports.
Pepperdine’s Involvement in the Settlement
The deadline to opt into the House Settlement is March 1, according to Bricker Graydon. Opting into the settlement doesn’t require schools to directly compensate players and increase the amount of scholarships; rather, it gives schools the option to do so if they choose or have the resources.
Gardner said Pepperdine intends to opt in to the settle-
ment, come the deadline.
“We think it’s an opportunity to strategically participate in both increasing scholarships and sharing revenue,” Gardner said. “Exactly what that looks like, we don’t know 100%, but we’ve been working closely with our coaches to think about what do you need to be competitive in this new environment.”
How much Pepperdine participates in what the settlement allows, Gardner said, depends on the amount of resources the school can generate from things such as fundraising. In Gardner’s newsletter — “From the Cress” — sent out Dec. 3,
Gardner wrote that now more than ever they need the increased investment from supporters and donors to fully participate in the settlement.
“We’re a championship athletic department fueled by Christian values, academic excellence and community,” Gardner said. “We think that’s a compelling message, a compelling value proposition and the more people that we tell about that, the more people want to support it.”
Objections to the Settlement
As of the Jan. 31 deadline, there have been 18 objections filed against the House Settlement.
The main arguments against the House Settlement include the effects of stricter roster limits, the cap on revenue sharing and the potential Title IX violations that may come with back paying athletes, according to Front Office Sports.
“Wise universities and wise leaders of conferences and the association would be planning for the possibility that this doesn’t get approved,” said Alicia Jessop, Sport Administration professor and faculty athletic representative to the NCAA.
Some of the roster changes that come with the settlement include football limited to 105 players, Men’s and Women’s Basketball limited to 15 play-
ers, baseball limited to 34 players and Women’s Soccer limited to 28 players, according to ESPN. Gardner said Pepperdine Baseball, Men’s Volleyball and Men’s Water Polo are the Pepperdine sports that will be most affected.
House and his attorneys are not asking for stricter roster limits; rather, the NCAA and the Power Four conferences are adding them as an addendum, according to Yahoo Sports.
“We’ve traded scholarship limits for roster limits, which gives schools more flexibility in how they build their teams,” Jessop said. “Because if they have the revenue available to scholarship everyone, you can hypothetically recruit a better team, but we need some competitive safeguards in place, so they’re going to limit the roster size.”
The aforementioned roster limits would also eliminate any walk-on athletes — NCAA athletes who weren’t recruited or given a scholarship. Furthermore, student-athletes who did not receive a scholarship will not be given back pay, according to ESPN.
If approved, this settlement would set up a revenue-sharing system where schools can directly compensate athletes monetarily, which would cap at $20-22 million per year, according to the National Law Review.
Jessop said some objectors have issues with revenue-shar-
ing since the $20-22 million cap repeats the same problem of illegal price fixing because that number was decided by attorneys and not collectively bargained for.
“There hasn’t been active bargaining by pure representatives for employees on what the fair wage or the fair compensation structure should be,” Jessop said. “Rather, this was an arbitrary number that was set by plaintiffs attorneys.”
Of the $2.8 billion in back pay, roughly 90% of that money is expected to go toward football and Men’s Basketball players, according to Yahoo Sports. Furthermore, only 5% is expected to go toward women’s sports as a whole, Jessop said.
As of 2023, 52% of the top 100 athletes, based on the amount of NIL deals, are women athletes, according to Marketing Brew.
“We’ve seen a lot of female athletes do really well in the NIL space,” Economon said. “And to just say, ‘You’re getting 5% of the money just because you’re a female athlete, and we don’t think you have the same value as the football or basketball players,’ seems wrong to me.”
Photo courtesy of Anna Economon
Anna Economon, University of Houston Women’s Golf redshirt senior, competes in the Chevron Collegiate Championship on Feb. 26, in Houston. Economon said the House Settlement has been a long time coming.
