About us

Founded in 1969, the Graziadio Business School at Pepperdine University is dedicated to shaping leaders who will contribute to the betterment of business practice. This intention is embodied in our mission, our founder's and benefactor's points of view, and our daily commitment to hallmarks of entrepreneurship, integrity and academic excellence.

Business education has existed at Pepperdine University since 1969, developing values-centered leaders and advancing responsible business practice through education that is entrepreneurial in spirit, ethical in focus, and global in orientation. ASPIRE 2025 honors the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School heritage and sets out a strong path to follow into the next seven years and beyond.

Inspired by our Christian values and commitment to academic excellence, we seek to:

Foster transformational learning,
Create applied knowledge, and
Equip our students to lead lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

Our Values
Today - Not Tomorrow

George Graziadio was frequently heard saying this phrase and we believe it holds true for us. He reminds us in a world of constant opportunity and disruptive potential to hold an action bias (carpe diem) and to deliver on the good that is within our influence today and not to wait for more favorable or comfortable conditions.

Integrity Always

We aspire to live and model lives that are guided by a deep integrity that holds strong even when forces that try to compromise good challenge us.

Courage with Compassion

We believe that facing the challenges that lie before us will require deep courage, and we aspire to be models of fearlessness coupled with compassion that honor the dignity of each person.

Pioneering Spirit

Embracing the changes that we face in our daily lives and in the future will tap the enduring spirit of adventure, curiosity, and openness that has guided us in each new chapter of our existence. We aspire to live boldly and lean into new adventures with hopefulness.