Step Forward Day Makes History with Participation Across Pepperdine

For the first time in the event's history, programs and community members from all Pepperdine schools joined together to participate in Step Forward Day, the University's annual tradition of service. Organized by Community Engagement and Service in the Hub for Spiritual Life, this day brings together students, faculty, staff, and campus organizations from across Pepperdine to serve local communities and make a lasting impact.

Pepperdine received special recognition from Councilwoman Traci Park

A Historic University-Wide Effort

Across every campus and department, members of the Waves community stepped up to lend a helping hand. The Citizens Climate Lobby鈥攁 student organization at the School of Public Policy鈥攋oined forces at the It's Bigger Than Us beach cleanup at Venice Fishing Pier, receiving special recognition and an official proclamation from councilwoman Traci Park of the 11^th District. Caruso School of Law's Christian Legal Society served at Thrive Grove, supporting formerly unhoused individuals transitioning into housing. The Graziadio Business of Beauty student organization collaborated with the College of Health Science at the Calabasas campus to assemble pamper kits for Claris Health to be distributed to low-income new mothers. 

Seaver College faculty, staff, and students led and participated in more than 29 distinct service projects throughout the region, while various Seaver student clubs and student-led ministries partnered on numerous project sites鈥攊ncluding Alpha Tau Omega fraternity members setting up the annual Ride to the Flags community event. Additionally, Graduate School of Education and Psychology faculty and staff, alongside staff from the Irvine campus, packaged essential hygiene kits for St. Joseph's Center, while University Church of Christ, Waves Church, Pepperdine Libraries, and Athletics鈥攊ncluding men's and women's cross country, men's volleyball, and women's beach volleyball鈥攎obilized volunteers for various community initiatives.

Step Forward Day through the years

Impact by the Numbers

The collective dedication of volunteers across the University resulted in extraordinary support for local communities and agencies. Volunteers crafted 16 handmade, no-sew blankets for ICU patients at a local hospital and assembled nearly 1,000 hygiene kits for unhoused neighbors. They also made 200 pet toys from recycled materials for shelter animals across Ventura and Los Angeles counties, constructed 200 activity kits for young hospital patients, and prepared 2,100 Kids Cafe food bags at Food Share in Ventura County. 

Participants packed more than 200 backpacks with essential school supplies for K鈥�12 students experiencing homelessness through School on Wheels, while WAVES WORSHIP performed a live coffeehouse set, shared lunch, and played games with senior residents at Many Mansions Rancho Sierra.

Heart for Service and Community Connection

Reflecting on the deeper personal connections built during the day, Jadyn Gaertner ('23), associate director of worship ministry in the Hub for Spiritual Life, shared, "I am always humbled to see the Spirit of God moving through our team on these service projects. This year we were able to have an open mic talent show with low-income residents at Many Mansions. We came in as strangers and left as friends, laughing, teasing, sharing stories, relating to one another, and hoping to see each other again soon."

For Seaver College senior Janeen Kamara, Step Forward Day was an early introduction to service that inspired her to become more deeply involved in the Pepperdine community. A sociology major with a minor in social work, Kamara鈥檚 academic and professional interests are grounded in the biblical principle of loving others, a value she has put into practice through her involvement in Step Forward Day since her first year. From assembling hygiene kits as a first-year student to coordinating University-wide projects鈥攊ncluding a rock-painting event with senior adults at Los Angeles Jewish Health and a devotional dance program with Normandy Church of Christ鈥攕ervice has become a defining part of her college experience.

"Community engagement gave me purpose outside academics, where I'm using gifts I may not be able to use in a classroom to help others," Kamara shared. "Step Forward Day is important because it broadens your perspective鈥攊t reminds you that everyone has meaning and value. Academics are important, but opportunities like this offer a different kind of education, one where you can learn more about your community, meet new people, and make a meaningful difference through service.鈥�

Step Forward Day is just one reflection of Pepperdine's year-round commitment to service. Community Engagement and Service in the Hub for Spiritual Life hosts weekly service opportunities open to all University employees and students across every school. To explore upcoming opportunities, visit the Community Engagement and Service Calendar.