Prayer Service for Our Grieving Community

Posted on October 18, 2023, 4:07 PM

Thursday, October 19, 2023
10 AM
Firestone Fieldhouse

As our Pepperdine family continues to grieve the loss of young lives, all faculty, staff, students, and community members are invited to gather together for prayer and reflection. In light of yesterday’s tragic events that occurred on Pacific Coast Highway, the “Prayer for Our World” service will not meet as previously scheduled. Instead, all are welcome to pray for the Pepperdine community in the Firestone Fieldhouse. All Seaver College classes will be canceled from 10 to 11 AM on Thursday, October 19, to support students who wish to participate. Those who are unable to participate in person may join the event via Zoom.

Join us as we come together in a spirit of comfort, compassion, and care as we lift up in prayer the families and friends of those we have lost and unite as a community to call upon our loving God for peace and comfort in this difficult time. President Jim Gash, provost Jay Brewster, and vice president for student affairs Connie Horton will address the community as we immerse ourselves in prayer and scripture to seek God’s presence to bring healing to our community. Members of the Hub for Spiritual Life, Office of the Chaplain, Counseling Center, and Student Care Team will be available to provide counseling and pastoral care to all who need support at this difficult time.

A Message from President Jim Gash

Posted on October 18, 2023, 1:09 PM

Dear Pepperdine family,

No day is more devastating to a tightly knit university community than the day that forces us to come together in grief and sorrow. Earlier today, we learned that four precious lives who brought joy and light to our campus were taken from us suddenly, tragically, and incomprehensibly. Indeed, one of the greatest mysteries of life is when and why our time on this earth is cut short. In such times, we hold firm to our faith in the  God who sustains and nourishes us even when—and especially when—we experience life’s most significant losses.

As a parent, the loss of a child is an unimaginable tragedy. No words can appropriately convey the depth of my sympathy to the families who are living through a reality no parent would ever want to endure. You are not alone. Pepperdine stands with you as you traverse these challenging waters.

To the students who loved, lived with, and were in community with the departed members of our Pepperdine family, my heart is broken with yours. I join you in your grief as we process this profound loss.

To the faculty and staff members who mentored and loved these students throughout their academic journeys both inside and outside the classroom, I offer prayers of comfort, support, and gratitude.

When the weight of grief feels insurmountable and we find ourselves walking in a dark valley, my hope is that we experience the comfort and presence of our God who promises to walk with us and give us strength. As we walk this path together, I pray we gain strength and comfort from one another. In the embrace of our community, we also pray for the fortitude to navigate this painful journey knowing that we are not alone. 

In the days ahead, we will come together in meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the lives of the remarkable individuals lost to this unthinkable tragedy. We will harness the strength found in the bonds of friendship and the community that unites us. And we will take comfort in the Lord who provides us with the supernatural strength and peace required to carry on. I know that God holds Pepperdine in his healing and loving arms and protects our community as we grieve and honor these dear loved ones. 

With a heavy heart,

Jim Gash 

PCH Reopened

Posted on October 18, 2023, 10:59 AM

Pacific Coast Highway has reopened.

For the most up-to-date information on roads near Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, please call the Road Conditions Hotline at 310.506.7623 (ROAD). Greater Los Angeles road conditions can be viewed online at www.sigalert.com.  

Fatal Accident on Pacific Coast Highway Update 10:45 AM | Community Spiritual Life Support 

Posted on October 18, 2023, 10:45 AM Updated on October 18, 2023, 10:39 AM

The University continues to actively address the circumstances surrounding the fatal accident that occurred on Pacific Coast Highway Tuesday evening. While we understand there are names circulating on social media and in our community, Pepperdine does not share names without official confirmation, which we do not yet have from local authorities. 

As our community begins to navigate the profound grief and loss of yesterday’s tragic events, the Hub for Spiritual Life will provide the community opportunities for communal prayer and reflection.

• Stauffer Chapel will be open today, October 18, from noon to 8 PM and then after The Well. Stauffer Chapel will also be open tomorrow, October 19, from 10 AM to 1 PM, where the University Chaplain and Hub for Spiritual Life staff will be available to provide ministerial care to all who need spiritual support at this time.
• The Well, which will proceed as scheduled this evening at 8 PM at the Amphitheater, will hold a special night of prayer and worship. All are welcome to pray, reflect, mourn, and share fellowship with one another.
• A Prayer for Our Community service is planned for tomorrow, Thursday, October 19, at 10 AM at Stauffer Chapel will offer a time of reflection and prayer for our grieving community.
• The Green Lecture will be held at 7 PM tonight and will be moved from Stauffer Chapel to the Surfboard Room on the second floor of the Payson Library.

All are welcome to gather to find solace in the company of one another and to draw strength from our shared faith. May our faith, our prayers, and our love for one another uplift and support us during these difficult times.