Pepperdine Athletics Celebrates Historic Fundraising Year in 2025-26
9/10/2026 9:00:00 AM | General, Featured
MALIBU, Calif. — Pepperdine Athletics announced another historic fundraising year, with 2025-26 marking the highest total donor count in the department's history, along with the highest total in funds received, and the second-highest total in funds committed toward athletics.
During the fiscal year, supporters committed over $17.2 million to Athletics and adjacent campus initiatives, including $7.2 million directly supporting Athletics programs and nearly $10 million for The Mountain.
"This remarkable generosity reflects the confidence our community has in Pepperdine Athletics and in the student-athletes who compete at the highest levels," said Pepperdine president Jim Gash. "We are deeply grateful for every donor who is investing in their pursuit of excellence, their formation as people of character, and their opportunity to use their God-given gifts For Greater Purpose."
A record total of 1,688 donors supported the Waves during the year, including a record 751 first-time donors, representing a 19% increase in total donors from the 2024-25 fiscal year with a 37% increase in first-time donors.Â
"An extraordinary year of fundraising is ultimately about something much bigger than a number," said Director of Athletics Tanner Gardner. "It is about the belief our alumni, parents, friends and supporters have in Pepperdine Athletics and in the transformational experience we provide our student-athletes."
The department also set a record with $3.7 million raised in current-use funds, representing a 118% increase from 2024-25. That total included over $1.1 million raised for the Waves Excellence Fund, while fundraising for women's athletics increased 152% from last year. Endowment fundraising also continued to grow, increasing 18% from this past year and eclipsing $1 million for the second consecutive year.
Pepperdine Athletics has seen significant growth in funds received over the past five fiscal years, rising from approximately $1.6 million in 2021-22 to $5.8 million in 2025-26.
The historic fundraising year was highlighted by transformational gifts and continued investment in facility upgrades and student-athlete well-being. The new golf clubhouse opened earlier this month, while The Mountain at Mullin Park is scheduled to open in December as the new home of the Pepperdine basketball and volleyball.
"This record-setting year reflects the strength of our community and the momentum we are building together," added Gardner. "From transformational gifts and investments in The Mountain, our Golf Clubhouse and student-athlete well-being, our supporters continue to elevate what is possible for the Waves. We are incredibly grateful for their generosity and excited about what it means for the future of Pepperdine Athletics."Â
Several major gifts helped drive the year's success, including 25 gifts of $100,000 or more and three gifts exceeding $1 million. The Estate of Dave Holden contributed nearly $375,000 to the Marv Dunphy Endowed Volleyball Fund and Nina Matthies Endowed Fund for Beach Volleyball. Robert and Tisha Walton committed $1 million to The Mountain, the golf clubhouse, and the Waves Excellence Fund. The Zeile family committed $1 million to support student-athlete nutrition and establish an endowed scholarship for women's soccer. The Estate of Lewis Lazarus provided a $425,000 legacy gift benefiting The Mountain and Waves Excellence Fund.Â
The year also featured a record-breaking Waves Give Day in April, generating a department-record $1,479,705 from 1,156 donors, which included 416 first-time donors.
The Waves' fundraising success comes during a year in which Pepperdine Athletics reclaimed the Division I-AAA Athletic Directors Association All-Sports Trophy for the sixth time in department history. The Waves also captured the West Coast Conference Commissioner's Cup and Women's All-Sports Award, along with claiming six conference championships, the department's most since 2004-05.
The fiscal year was also highlighted by unprecedented success in the classroom, with the department achieving a record-breaking 3.37 GPA in 2025-26.
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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