Giuseppe Nespoli, MSOD ‘17

Two Tales of a City

The school year begins. You get to know your roommate and stay up late nights getting to know each other. In the first week, you volunteer at a local non-profit with classmates. You break bread with faculty who genuinely care about you. You travel abroad in your second year discovering new cultures. You are called to serve a higher purpose during your entire time as a student. Where are you?

There are two possibilities inside the world of Pepperdine University. I am describing Seaver College and the MSOD program at Graziadio School. Memories of being in lectures and class discussions followed by a bonfire on the beach. It didn't matter if I was in Malibu or Pajaro Dunes. I can still feel the warmth of the fire under the night sky. And I can feel the warmth of my friends around me and in my heart.

As I prepare to walk across the graduation stage again, I reflect on my entire educational experience at Pepperdine. In undergrad at Seaver College, I built lifelong friendships and explored my vocation. I learned how others in history changed the world. More than a decade later, I entered the MSOD program where I made more lifelong friends and affirmed my vocation. I realized that I could change the world.

The places I’ve gone and the stories I’ve told shape my future. Seaver College and the MSOD program at Graziadio School will always be tales I tell of my life’s journey. Pepperdine educated my heart and mind to get me to where I am today. Where are you?

About the Author

Giuseppe “Joey” Nespoli graduated from Seaver College in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. He will earn a Master of Science in Organization Development in August 2017 from Graziadio School. Over the 10 years, he has served in various roles at Pepperdine, most recently as adjunct professor at Seaver College. Giuseppe utilizes his OD skills to design traditional and innovative techniques, creating a collaborative space to empower students to learn.