From Small College to Prestigious University: Discover Pepperdine’s Inspiring Journey to Malibu

Pepperdine University, once known as George Pepperdine College, faced tough times before its move to Malibu in 1972. The college struggled financially and dealt with growing racial tensions amid the social upheaval of the 1960s. John Watson, a founding member of the Sport Administration Program and a 1972 alumnus, recalls how the old campus was sometimes ridiculed as “Pepperdean.”

Founded in 1937, the college grew rapidly after the G.I. Bill was enacted in 1944, boosting enrollment from 167 to nearly 2,000 students by the early 1950s. However, financial difficulties hit hard when founder George Pepperdine lost his fortune due to poor investments. This left the college scrambling for resources.

Compounding the problem, the campus was located near sites of unrest, including the Watts Riots in 1965. During these riots, the National Guard set up camp on the college grounds. Just four years later, tragedy struck when campus security shot and killed a young Black man named Larry Donnell Kimmons. These events highlighted the college’s urgent need for a safer and more stable environment.

A monumental shift came when the Adamson-Rindge family donated land in Malibu, which offered a fresh start. But the land was rugged and undeveloped, posing financial hurdles. The university turned to conservative businessmen and donors who resonated with its Christian values, leading to a notable fundraising campaign. A key supporter, Blanche Seaver, donated approximately $300 million, which was crucial for developing the new campus.

Historically, Pepperdine’s transition wasn’t without controversy. Some community members felt abandoned when the university moved from its inner-city roots to the beaches of Malibu. According to historian Sam Perrin, many who had been part of the Pepperdine community wondered whether the shift betrayed the institution’s initial mission to serve underprivileged neighborhoods.

Watson mentions an ongoing effort by Pepperdine to maintain connections with its Los Angeles community, noting that programs continue to support local schools and organizations.

In retrospect, the move to Malibu transformed Pepperdine into a prominent university with a diverse and expansive campus. Today, Pepperdine boasts a blend of strong academics and athletics, yet the conversation around its past continues to spark debate among alumni and community members alike.

This significant shift not only reshaped the university’s trajectory but also prompted broader discussions about institutional mission and community engagement.



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