Pepperdine University Mourns the Passing of Life Regent Joe Rokus (’76)
Pepperdine University is saddened to announce the passing of Life Regent and alumnus B. Joseph Rokus.
Joe was a devoted member of the Pepperdine community for nearly 50 years alongside his wife, Tari (’76). In 1991 he became the first Seaver College alumnus appointed to the Pepperdine Board of Regents, a milestone that marked the beginning of decades of dedicated service. Throughout his tenure, Joe contributed to eight board committees and held key roles as assistant secretary and vice chair. He was honored as a Life Regent in 2019.
Joe was a member of the first freshman class to attend Pepperdine’s Malibu campus in 1972. He was the recipient of the Pepperdine President’s Scholarship, one of only three ever awarded to a Pepperdine student. Joe graduated cum laude from Pepperdine with a bachelor of science in business administration and went on to earn his MBA from the University of Southern California in 1979. In recognition of his lifetime of achievement and distinction, Seaver College named him a Distinguished Alumnus in 1997.
Joe and Tari’s generosity to Pepperdine has included major gifts to the School of Public Policy’s Davenport Institute for Public Engagement and Civic Leadership, Church of Christ scholarships, Harbor, men’s volleyball, women’s soccer, and the Youth Leadership Initiative. They received the Distinguished Christian Service Award in 2001 from Pepperdine.
Joe demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout his career, notably as CEO of Sustainable Packaging Partners, LLC, and as chair and CEO of Reid Plastics. He also lent his expertise to the broader industry, serving on the Board of Directors of the International Bottled Water Association and as a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. In recognition of his contributions, Joe was inducted into the Beverage World Hall of Fame in 2000.
A devoted elder at the Sierra Madre Church of Christ, Joe also played an active role in nurturing the next generation through youth Bible studies and classes.
Joe is survived by his wife, Tari, and their children, Jamie (’06), Katie (’08), Kristen (’11), Stephen, and Jennifer.
In honor of Joe’s unwavering commitment to faith, scholarship, and service, his family is establishing the Joe Rokus Endowed Scholarship at Pepperdine. Contributions honoring Joe’s commitment to leadership and service will fuel transformative opportunities for Church of Christ students and strengthen the University’s mission.
A celebration of Joe’s life will be held on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 1:30 PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church at 1757 N. Lake Avenue in Pasadena, California.