Pepperdine Alumni

06/02/2026

Today’s alumni spotlight celebrates Ryan Dusick (MA ’21), the founding drummer of Maroon 5 and two-time Grammy winner whose journey from global rock stardom to becoming a licensed therapist, reflects his commitment to helping others through mental health advocacy.

After achieving worldwide success with Maroon 5, Ryan chose to step away from the band in 2006 as he faced anxiety, depression, and addiction. “Leaving the band forced me to confront everything I had been avoiding,” he shares.

Through his recovery, he found a calling in serving others. This led Ryan to Pepperdine's Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), where in 2021, he earned his Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. Today he is a licensed therapist, author, speaker, and mental health advocate. This journey is documented in his memoir, "Harder to Breathe: A Memoir of Making Maroon 5, Losing It All, and Finding Recovery."

We are incredibly proud to spotlight Ryan as part of our "For Greater Purpose" campaign, and we cannot wait to see the ways he continues to make waves in mental health advocacy.

06/01/2026

05/29/2026

Forever grateful to have this home away from home 🏠💙

05/28/2026

A look back at an unforgettable celebration for a one-of-a-kind professor and a Pepperdine treasure—Cathy Thomas Grant's final "Cast Party" on Saturday, May 16 in Malibu.

The evening was filled with laughter, reflection, and heartfelt tears as alumni and the Pepperdine community came together to celebrate Cathy’s extraordinary legacy. Her unwavering dedication and tireless work have shaped generations of students—not only as actors, singers, and performers, but as better human beings.

A beautiful tribute to a remarkable career, and a lasting impact that will continue to echo through every stage, rehearsal room, and heart she has touched.

Thank you to all the alumni, faculty, staff, and friends who helped us celebrate Cathy. A special thank you to all the alumni who took part in the tribute performances and to Matt Logan (‘00) and Jordan Jarvis (‘09) for producing the tribute in honor of Cathy.

05/26/2026

Pepperdine University is saddened to announce the passing of Lou Drobnick (MBA '91), former senior vice chancellor, who died on May 17, 2026. A fundraising professional and passionate philanthropist, Drobnick spent much of his life volunteering in the community, serving as divisional president for the United States Professional Tennis Association; president of the Optimist Club of Malibu; board chair for the Malibu Chamber of Commerce; and a board member for the Salvation Army.

"Lou was an invaluable leader in both the Pepperdine and Malibu communities, unwavering in his dedication to strengthening the institution and city he loved and called home for so many years," said Sara Young Jackson ('74), chancellor of Pepperdine University. "Through his generous spirit, bold leadership, and steadfast commitment to service, he helped guide countless important initiatives at Pepperdine. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him."

Drobnick was a dedicated leader and beloved community member, who provided four decades—from 1982 to 2022—of service to Pepperdine University. He began his tenure as director of the Crest Associates and retired as the senior vice chancellor of University Advancement. Over the course of his career, he was instrumental in numerous fundraising efforts, securing major gifts such as the Daniel and Luciana Forge gift and the Gulls Way gift that funded the creation of the Drescher campus.

“Lou embodied Pepperdine’s mission of ‘For Greater Purpose’ through a life defined by service,” shared Heidi Bernard (’85), director of community engagement, who worked alongside Drobnick for much of her Pepperdine career. “He made a profound impact on the University as both a skilled development professional and a deeply caring person who took the time to mentor colleagues, build lifelong friendships, and serve his beloved Malibu community. I join the many people whose lives he touched in saying how grateful I am to have known him and for all that he did for us.”

Sentiments may be sent to the family care of: The Drobnick Family/Care of Pepperdine Alumni Affairs, 24255 Pacific Coast Hwy., Malibu, CA, 90263-4348.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4wMK87z

05/26/2026

Rudabeh Shahbazi's ('04) path to finding her purpose led her from the Pepperdine Graphic to the anchor desk at CBS News.

Rudabeh's journey in journalism began with a last-minute favor for a friend who needed help writing an editorial for the Graphic. This piece sparked a passion for journalism that would go on to shape her life's calling. Through late nights in the newsroom, mentorship from Pepperdine's professors, and a deep commitment to empathy and service, she discovered that storytelling is about far more than headlines; it's about the people behind them.

Rudabeh shares, "You can be the richest, smartest, most educated, privileged person in the world, but without a sense of service and a greater purpose, what’s the point? Are you really fulfilled?"

From our classrooms to reporting stories that impact lives around the world, Shahbazi’s story is a powerful reminder that purpose can take root in the most unexpected ways. 🧡💙

Read more of Rudabeh's incredible story here: http://bit.ly/4dGorxt

05/22/2026

Thank you to our alumni and friends for helping us celebrate the Class of 2026! Welcome to the Pepperdine alumni family! 🎓🌊

05/19/2026

Each year, the George Awards recognize exceptional members of the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School community who exemplify integrity, stewardship, courage, and compassion.

Today, we celebrate Rodrigo Gonzalez (MBA '11) and Gene Eidelman (MBA '19, PKE 142), who received this year’s distinguished George Awards for their exemplary service and leadership.

Rodrigo, founder and managing partner of DEODATE, received the Outstanding Alumni Award. As a leader in real estate strategy and corporate advisory, he has guided corporations, private equity groups, and governments on nearly $5.5 billion in real estate engagements across North America. Under his leadership, DEODATE has grown into one of the largest real estate-focused management consulting firms in the Western United States. Rodrigo also prioritizes service through his role as President of the Our Lady Queen of Angels Housing Alliance, driving impact across both business and community sectors.

Gene was honored with the Waves of Service Alumni Award for making a meaningful impact through innovation and service. As co-founder of Azure Printed Homes, he is transforming the housing industry with a faster, cost-effective, and sustainable 3D-printing construction process. Following the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, Azure has been actively supporting homeowners in rebuilding efforts—providing rapid-deploy housing solutions, feasibility studies, and scalable construction strategies designed to help families return home faster while improving long-term resilience.

Congratulations to Gene and Rodrigo for their continued leadership and the lasting impact they are making across industries and communities.

05/15/2026

🌊 Alumni, Waves Weekend at Pepperdine University returns October 9–11, 2026. Last year, hundreds of students, alumni, families, and friends came together for an unforgettable three-day celebration filled with community, connection, and Waves spirit. From the energy of Blue and Orange Madness Carnival to special reunion gatherings, it was a weekend to remember.

This year’s celebration continues that tradition with exciting events and opportunities to reconnect, including the Buenos Aires Grand Reunion honoring the Pepperdine International Program.

Get ready to return to Malibu for a weekend celebrating the Pepperdine community.

Learn more about Waves Weekend 2026: https://bit.ly/4tLCp7i

05/12/2026

We are proud to spotlight Kristin Banta (’94), founder and creative director of Kristin Banta Events, Inc., and recipient of the Designer of the Year Award at the CaterSource + The Special Event ACE Gala Awards. She was also honored with the Steve Kemble Leadership Award for her creativity, leadership, and impact on the future of the events industry.

A leader in immersive experiential design, Banta is known for creating bold, transportive event experiences that push creative boundaries while delivering flawless ex*****on.

Banta shared, “Remain open to all educational opportunities available to you. While you may feel your direction is predetermined, new interests and inspiration cultivated through your academic experiences can lead to unexpected paths—guiding you toward a profession you may never have imagined you would excel in.”

Congratulations, Kristin Banta! Your creativity and leadership continue to inspire the next generation of creators.