Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Establishes $1 Million Endowed Faculty Fellows Program

Pepperdine University announced the establishment of the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Endowed Faculty Fellows Program at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, honoring the Bernadett family's legacy of success, service, and ethical leadership in the medical field. Through a $1 million endowment, Faustino Bernadett and his wife, Martha, a member of Pepperdine's Board of Regents, have made a meaningful investment in the future of business education. The gift includes $50,000 in annual support during the pledge period, enabling the fellowship to launch immediately while the endowment is established.

The permanent endowment will generate approximately $50,000 annually, supporting up to four faculty fellows each year. The Bernadett name will be associated with advancing faculty research that strengthens student learning, supports ethical business practices, and contributes to the continued excellence of the Graziadio School. The Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program will support Pepperdine Graziadio in developing principled business leaders who are prepared to lead family enterprises, launch new ventures, or apply ethical and entrepreneurial approaches across industries.

Faculty fellows will pursue research in areas such as family enterprise and succession planning, innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, and ethical decision-making in business. Research insights will be integrated into the classroom, helping students strengthen their ethical reasoning, entrepreneurial mindset, and business acumen, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities. Dean Deborah Crown expressed her gratitude for the Bernadetts' enduring partnership and impact on the school, stating their support ensures that faculty continue to inspire innovation, integrity, and purpose in the next generation of leaders.

In addition to advancing research and education, the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Faculty Fellows will engage with business leaders, alumni, and community partners, helping expand Graziadio's network in entrepreneurship and family business. The program reflects Dr. Faustino "Tino" Bernadett's vision and Pepperdine's mission to prepare leaders of purpose, service, and integrity, individuals who will leave a lasting, positive impact on society. At Pepperdine Graziadio they affirm that true success in business extends beyond financial achievement and requires a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

The establishment of this endowed program represents a significant investment in business education that prioritizes ethical leadership and practical research. By supporting faculty research in critical areas like family enterprise and ethical decision-making, the program addresses contemporary challenges in the business world. The integration of research findings into classroom instruction ensures that students receive education grounded in current scholarship and real-world applications. This initiative strengthens Pepperdine Graziadio's position as an institution committed to developing leaders who balance business acumen with social responsibility.

The program's focus on family enterprise research is particularly relevant given the importance of family-owned businesses in the global economy and the complex challenges of succession planning. Similarly, the emphasis on ethical decision-making responds to growing demands for corporate accountability and transparency across industries. The fellows program creates opportunities for faculty to pursue innovative research that can influence both academic discourse and business practice. More information about Pepperdine Graziadio Business School can be found at https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/articles/martha-and-faustino-bernadett-endowed-faculty-fellows-program.htm.