MALIBU, Calif. – Pepperdine Athletics proudly announces a record-setting fundraising year in the 2024-25 fiscal year, marking the highest totals in both dollars raised and number of donors in the department's history.
 
Over 1,400 donors contributed just under $10 million in support of Pepperdine student-athletes during the fiscal year, setting a new standard for fundraising in the athletic department. This achievement is marked by a 196% increase in total dollars ($9.85 million received) from the 2022-23 academic year and 69% increase from 2023-24. In addition, commitments exceeded $10 million for the third time in department history. The 1,417 total donors, including over 550 first-time donors, was also an increase of over 11% from the previous year's mark.
 
"We are deeply grateful to the many Waves supporters whose generosity set a new record of nearly $10 million raised for Pepperdine Athletics this year," said Tanner Gardner, Director of Athletics. "This milestone reflects the strength of our community and the confidence our donors have in our student-athletes, coaches, and programs. Their support allows us to enhance training resources, upgrade facilities, and create opportunities for our student-athletes to thrive athletically, academically, and spiritually. It is an inspiring reminder of what we can accomplish together as we pursue a bold vision for championship athletics rooted in Christian values, academic excellence, and community."
 
The record year was driven by significant growth across all fundraising categories, including an 82% increase in capital and endowment fundraising and a 13% increase in current-use giving. The total number of gifts totaled 2,307 accumulating in the $9.85 million raised.
 
Major gifts were instrumental to this historic mark, with 35 gifts of over $100,000 and two gifts of over $1 million contributing to the fundraising success.
 
The fourth annual Waves Give Day marked another fundraising milestone this past year, raising $760,996 across 1,057 total donors. This number surpassed the original goal by over $200,000 to directly benefit all 17 athletic programs at Pepperdine. Waves Give Day is an annual 24-hour fundraising event that began in 2022.
 
This fiscal year comes on the heels of the House Settlement where Pepperdine committed to Waves Excellence, a new initiative focused solely on funding Pepperdine's investment in student-athletes through this settlement.
 
This success in 2024-25 comes alongside having recorded the highest-ever department-wide GPA among all student-athletes in the classroom while the Waves reached six NCAA postseason tournaments and won five conference championships.
 
To support more record breaking success, Waves fans can make a gift here or contact Jared Green, Associate AD of Development (jared.d.green@pepperdine.edu) to discuss transformational giving opportunities. 
 
ABOUT PEPPERDINE ATHLETICS
Pepperdine University boasts one of the most successful athletic programs in the country for a school of its size. The Waves have claimed 10 NCAA Division I team championships and 26 team or individual national championships in their history. Located in scenic Malibu, California, the university overlooks a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Pepperdine is a Christian university committed to the highest standards of academic excellence and Christian values, where students are strengthened for lives of purpose, service, and leadership.
 
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