Culminating in a nine-year effort called “Campaign for Pepperdine: Changing Lives,” Pepperdine University has raised $470 million as part of a massive fundraising campaign.
Nearly 50,000 donors made contributions, according to the university, half of whom were first-time donors.
Of the total amount raised, more than $140 million is said to be going to financial aid and scholarships. A “silent” portion of the campaign began in August 2005 and publicly launched in May 2011 with a goal of $450 million.
“What made this campaign particularly extraordinary is that it occurred during difficult national economic times, and during a corresponding downward trend in philanthropic support,” said Pepperdine President Andrew Benton. “Despite those challenges, dedicated alumni and friends generously donated millions of dollars to Pepperdine, allowing the university to realize its vision, dreams, and goals of meeting the needs of its students.”
Other funding allocations include spiritual programs, outreach initiatives, programming for the arts, athletic facility upgrades, a law school renovation, a Payson Library renovation and more support for international programs. Pepperdine also hopes to make its Center for Entertainment, Media and Culture one of the top 25 cinema and arts programs on the globe.