Meet the 2016 selection committee

Without the seven-person, multi-school, multidisciplinary selection committee, this process would not have been possible. The committee worked diligently to read through all 276 nominations and narrow the list down to the 40 selected honorees. Each committee member shared what they enjoyed most about being part of the inaugural 40 under 40 campaign.  

Selection committee members:

Richard T Herko, PhD

Assistant Professor of Strategy
Graziadio School of Business and Management

As for the process, I enjoyed every part of it. The opportunity to get to know these fascinating people (both the nominees and those selected) through their profiles and through the nominating comments was amazing. Congratulations to all. It was also great to be reminded about how much Pepperdine means to so many people. For many Waves, this was a transitional place before moving on to a bigger adventure and to know they look back on their time here with such fondness and want to remain a part of what has been created here is very special.

Karina Herold

Senior Associate Director of Athletics
Pepperdine Athletics

Being a part of the selection committee reminded me what an incredible impact Pepperdine has on the world. Our graduates have made incredible contributions to a wide range of industries and social programs that positively influence the way people conduct business with and serve each other. GO WAVES!

Vanessa Jahn ('99)

Cultural Attaché
Graduate School of Education and Psychology

Being afforded the opportunity to review the host of nominations was yet another reminder of the diverse communities our Pepperdine Waves serve and the many ways our university has prepared them for the road ahead. Each alumni nomination is like a string in a tapestry, unique in its way, but painting a unified picture of Pepperdine's mission to live lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

Shannon Phillips

Assistant Dean for Admissions, Student Information and Financial Services
School of Law

I am familiar with the success of our Law School graduates, but is was such a pleasure to learn of the accomplishments of graduates from the other schools within Pepperdine.

Marla Pontrelli

Associate Director & Industry Specialist
Seaver College Career Center

What I liked about being part of the selection committee: It was an privilege to read through the diverse range of success stories, and how alumni are living out the Pepperdine spirit in their personal and professional lives.

Michael Sprague ('04, MS '16)

Senior Director
Pepperdine Alumni Affairs

I truly enjoyed reading the submissions. The passion that friends, family, and coworkers showed for the alumni they nominated was really inspiring. Pepperdine alumni are doing some amazing things in the world and it was challenging to keep our list to just 40.

Ashley Trim (MPP '09)

Executive Director
Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, School of Public Policy

Seeing how diverse the contributions are that Pepperdine Alumni are making in this world. I think people have different definitions for concepts like "purpose" and "leadership," but however you defined those, you would find perfect examples within the list of submissions, including many that didn't make the final list.

For questions about the process or more information about the campaign, please email social@pepperdine.edu