A small stand encouraging attendees to reflect; the tags below the text are meant to be written on and tied to a flag that is part of the Waves of Flags display. Jennifer Seetoo, a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Commander, said that law enforcement and first responders who were around during 9/11 remember the sense of wanting to do more. Photos by Griffin Pilcher.
On the morning of Sept. 11, 2026, Pepperdine students, faculty, staff, and guests honored those who lost their lives on 9/11.
Pepperdine hosted its annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony, featuring a keynote address by honoree Chris Fields, a retired Oklahoma City Fire Department (OKCFD) Major. Introductions by Eric Leshinsky, director of Student Veteran Affairs and U.S. Air Force veteran, and Lauren Consentino, chief development officer for Advancement, and remarks from University President Jim Gash.
“Tragedy may test us, but it does not have to define us,” Fields said. “Faith gives us strength, community gives us hope and service gives us purpose.”
Executive Vice President Phil Phillips presided over the ceremony and said that 25 years ago, on Sept. 11, Americans stepped into a world different from the one we knew.
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