Waves Weekend

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Established in 2010, Waves Weekend was created when Alumni Affairs and Student Activities combined several annual Pepperdine events into one unified celebration for the entire University community. During Waves Weekend, Pepperdine鈥檚 Malibu campus comes alive with a full lineup of events for students, families, alumni, and friends, including; Madness Village, a fun and festive carnival-like experience featuring a Ferris wheel, carnival games, food trucks, and the Family and Alumni picnic, a time when the full Pepperdine community comes together, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.

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Waves Weekend 2026

October 9鈥�11, 2026

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Waves Weekend 2025 welcomed alumni, students, families, and friends back to campus October 3 to 5, 2025, for an unforgettable celebration of community, tradition, and school spirit. Throughout the weekend, the campus came alive with high-energy events, meaningful connections, and the vibrant excitement only Waves can bring.

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Registration Details

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Students

We encourage current students to take part in one of Pepperdine鈥檚 most beloved campus traditions.

Family and Friends

Family members and friends, reunite with your Pepperdine students as you enjoy a weekend of fun, campus festivities.

Alumni

We welcome home all Pepperdine alumni and look forward to reconnecting with you and creating new memories with you and your families.

Faculty and Staff

We invite faculty and staff to enjoy Waves Weekend with students, alumni, and the Pepperdine community!

Faculty and staff receive complimentary registration, along with **four听additional complimentary faculty/staff registrations**.

Faculty and staff are welcome to register and pay for additional guests.听

Madness Village & Blue and Orange Madness Ticket

We鈥檝e added a special ticket to registration to allow the Pepperdine community to purchase a ticket for ONLY 听this event during the weekend. Ticketholders will receive a wristband at check-in and will be required to show it at the entrance to Madness Village.

Pepperdine International Programs | Buenos Aires Grand Reunion

In celebration of the anniversary of the Buenos Aires program, Pepperdine will host the Buenos Aires Grand Reunion at the Brock House on Saturday, October 10, 2026. We are delighted to have Sister Vero as a special guest at the reunion, where alumni will have the opportunity to reconnect with her and celebrate the lasting impact of the partnership with the Monasterio de la Epifan铆a. Buenos Aires program alumni, faculty, staff, and friends are invited 听to return 鈥渉ome鈥� to reminisce and reconnect with their former classmates. We have also added a special ticket option to registration for guests who would like to attend this event ONLY during the weekend. Entry to the Buenos Aires Grand Reunion is free.

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Annual Activities

Willie the Wave with students — Blue and Orange Madness and Madness Village

The Pepperdine community comes together in a festival-like atmosphere to celebrate Pepperdine and the fall sports teams.

people sitting at Alumni Park — Family and Alumni Picnic

Relax on Alumni Park in the family and student tent with student entertainment. The Alumni tent is where you鈥檒l catch up with alumni from across all graduating years, all while overlooking the breathtaking ocean views.

people sitting and talking around a conference table — Student and Alumni Networking

Build lasting connections and expand your professional network at academic department events. Come back to campus and sit in on a class or be a guest speaker in conjunction with a department event.

Hung Le and alumni guest — Divisional Back to School Days

Join academic divisions for a day of reconnecting with your faculty members and meeting students in the program. Engage with current students through panels, networking opportunities, and divisional receptions.

people worshiping in Stauffer Chapel — Worship Services

Attend meaningful services at the weekly University Church of Christ and Waves Church services, and a special Worship Service during Waves Weekend.

people around the picnic table — Meet and Greets for Families of Current Students

Get to know other families and feel part of the Waves community. Enjoy events like a Legacy Family event, the Family and Alumni Picnic, and Church services.

two people on an amusement ride — And Much More!

Don't miss out on the fun, fellowship, and exciting activities throughout the weekend. Waves Weekend is designed to show off our Pepperdine pride and celebrate alumni who paved the way.

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Look Back at Waves Weekend 2025

Madness Village

Madness Village at Waves Weekend

The Student Programming Board hosts an annual carnival in the Firestone Fieldhouse parking lot for all students and Waves Weekend guests.听

Family Picnic

Family Picnic at Waves Weekend

Families and alumni gather on Alumni Park to enjoy a Saturday picnic with lawn games and food trucks.

Alumni Reunion and Award Presentation

Alumni honored at Waves Weekend Alumni Banquet

The Alumni Banquet brought Waves together to celebrate shared memories and lasting connections. Henning Strauss (鈥�01), CEO of Engelbert Strauss, Inc., was announced as the 2025鈥�2026 Seaver College Distinguished Alumnus, and Rob Balucas (鈥�99), Chief Creator and Founder of Catalyst, received the inaugural Wave of Resilience Award.

The weekend was a meaningful celebration of community, achievement, and the enduring spirit of Pepperdine.

Florence Alumni Grand Reunion

Guests gather with Elizabeth Whatley at Florence Grand Reunion

The Florence Grand Reunion brought together over 300 alumni and friends for a joyful celebration of 40 years of the Pepperdine Florence Program. From Elizabeth Whatley鈥檚 heartfelt remarks to shared stories and laughter, the weekend reminded us of the lasting impact of the Florence experience. Special thanks to Elizabeth Whatley for her inspiring leadership and dedication to the spirit of la dolce vita that continues to unite our community.

We鈥檙e excited to continue the Florence celebration in Summer 2026 with the Pepperdine International Travel trip to Florence鈥�!

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