佩珀代因大学’s Step Forward Day is a beloved tradition dating back to 1988 when two 西维尔大学 students recognized a community need for volunteers and organized an annual day of service with their peers. The longstanding event initially began with small acts of service, such as residential home repairs and local beautification projects but has grown to partnerships with renowned organizations and nonprofits.

Each year the event attracts hundreds of students, faculty, and staff from across Pepperdine’s five schools, as well as alumni chapters around the world, and inspires them to engage in a wide range of service projects both around the country and internationally. 其影响是巨大的； during this one day, the Pepperdine community serves a collective 3,000 hours—an equivalent of one-and-a-half years of work by one person—and benefits numerous organizations and communities.

学生们为1989年的“前进日”在一所高中画画

Held annually in September, Step Forward Day instills values of service and community responsibility, setting the tone for the coming school year. The event is currently organized by the 社区参与及服务 branch of the 属灵生活中心 and represents Pepperdine’s broader faith mission by enabling participants to put their faith into action. According to Christin Shatzer Román (’03), director of 社区 Engagement and Service, this event introduces Pepperdine community members to the spiritual value of service.

“By participating in this Pepperdine tradition, we can all respond to Christ's call to serve our neighbors,” says Shatzer Román. Tasked with overseeing the event and its programming for the past three years, Shatzer Román has witnessed first hand the influence this initiative has had on students and its continued growth year over year. “Step Forward Day continues to grow in impact and participation because it unifies our community and engages a variety of community members, such as employees, graduate students, Pepperdine 体育运动, and members of Greek life for a common goal.”

Brad Dudley, associate dean of Student Affairs and frequent participant in Step Forward Day, believes the true value of the day is bringing together Waves from different backgrounds and interests to serve a shared purpose. "At Pepperdine, our community’s collective effort brings about real change,” says Dudley. “Whether it’s students, faculty, staff, or groups like residence halls, athletic teams, classes, clubs, and organizations, when we unite in service, we make a meaningful impact. Step Forward Day is a yearly reminder that service isn’t just a one-day commitment but a call to serve each and every day."

今年，校园事工将领导一个“前进日”小组。 Falon Barton ('15, MA '18), University Church of Christ campus minister, looks forward to seeing students bond with one another, practice loving their neighbors, and connect with Christ in a new and profound way.

两个学生在为1990年的“前进日”清理海滩

“I love the opportunity to meet and to see students work together to serve our city,” says Barton. “I am grateful that Step Forward Day allows me to experience a small corner of the greater Los Angeles area where a diverse range of community members are doing incredible work, embodying the justice and compassion of God's kingdom. 学生 frequently express how deeply they are influenced by meeting the leaders of these organizations and nonprofits, who carry out essential work with humility and grace. 我也从他们身上学到了宝贵的经验。”

Step Forward Day began as a way for students to join together and give back to their community, but it has grown to mean so much more for the students involved. By participating in this event, students have the opportunity to go beyond the classroom and into the community, where they can apply their skills, compassion, and teamwork to make a tangible difference.

Nicholas Yi, a student worker for 社区参与及服务, has volunteered on Step Forward Day since his sophomore year and now, as a staff member, he leads participants through their projects and helps them reflect on their experience. According to Yi, this day not only fosters a sense of civic responsibility but also helps students develop a deeper understanding of social issues in the world around them.

"There's something truly special about volunteering and realizing that your efforts can make a real difference,” shares Yi. “Whether it's through service or by becoming more aware of what's happening in your community, there's a transformative power in giving back. I know this experience has motivated both myself and others to continue engaging in service activities even after college."

While it is unknown when alumni began participating regularly with Step Forward Day, it’s likely they have been present in some capacity since the event began over 35 years ago. Each year Pepperdine’s 校友事务 partners with approximately 100 alumni chapter leaders in 20 regional chapters across the United States. From Los Angeles to Washington, DC, these alumni chapter leaders connect with Pepperdine mission-aligned organizations to identify needs and create hands-on service projects. Paralleling the students, hundreds of alumni join together to serve their communities, demonstrating that the Pepperdine missional pillar of “service” is a lifelong calling.

学生们在为2016年“前进日”做清洁工作

Rebecca Brueckmann, director of 校友事务, believes it's important for alumni to participate in the event because it embodies the vision George Pepperdine had for the University. “According to Pepperdine's vision 华体会体育ment, George Pepperdine dreamed of a university that would deeply influence its students, equipping them to make an impact on society. Step Forward Day embodies this vision by uniting alumni who are inspired by their shared Christian education and motivated by a moral obligation to serve others.”

Megan (Souleles) Hostetler (’08), who served as the director of 校友事务 from 2017 to 2022, believes that Step Forward Day has continued to be an important presence on campus due to its connection to the University’s mission and values. “The close tie to the mission and the continuous success of the projects throughout the years makes Step Forward Day important to the University and its constituents,” she says. “Service is the greatest unifying factor throughout the larger Pepperdine community, making the event very rewarding.”

The number of organizations that work with Pepperdine on Step Forward Day varies each year, but generally involves dozens of community partners, including nonprofit organizations, schools, shelters, environmental groups, and other service-oriented institutions. This year Pepperdine has partnered with more than 20 organizations and is anticipating nearly 1,000 volunteers.

学生们正在为2023年“迈步前进”日包装物品

Traditionally held on one day, this year’s event will have projects and service opportunities expanding to multiple days. Step Forward Day will be held on Saturday, September 7, with additional opportunities for employee teams and graduate students to serve on Thursday, September 5, and Friday, September 6. Pepperdine’s Greek life community has regularly participated in this annual event and will also have an additional opportunity to volunteer from Wednesday, September 11, through Friday, September, 13, 2024.

学生, faculty, and staff can sign up to volunteer for Step Forward Day on the 社区参与及服务网页. 校友 can find a multitude of projects near them on the 校友奋进日网站.