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THE PEPPERDINE GR APHIC
Volume LI | Issue 3 | October 14, 2022 | pepperdine-graphic.com | follow us @peppgraphic
HUB SPARKS CONTROVERSY AT PEPPERDINE
Abby Wilt Managing Editor It has been over a year since the Hub for Spiritual Life officially launched at Pepperdine — and as the Hub continues to change its structure and programs,
members of the Pepperdine community said they are concerned about changes in positions and programming. Since this summer, three previous chaplains — Sara Barton, Rachel Collins and Shaya Aguilar — have all transitioned out of the Hub and into other departments on campus. Danny De-
Walt, vice president and chief of staff, is leading the Hub, as the Hub hires new additions for its team. Barton previously led the Hub as University Chaplain and associate vice president of Spiritual Life, according to the August 2021 staff announcement on Pepperdine’s website, and now is still University Chap-
lain, but in the Office of the Provost. “Never have I experienced the environmental stress that I’ve experienced the last couple months,” Robinson said. The changes have sparked concern from some community members over
See HUB | A4 & A5
Remembering Conner Budge: An optimist who always had a smile
WHAT’S AHEAD NEWS
Sam Torre News Editor Abby Wilt Managing Editor
A7 Pepperdine
community members discuss violence in Armenia
An optimist and a student with the biggest smile — this was Conner Budge. Conner died unexpectedly Sept. 24, and members of the Pepperdine community shared memories of him as they mourn his loss. Conner was a senior at Seaver College studying Creative Writing, and he was expected to graduate in spring 2023. The Hub for Spiritual Life hosted a memorial at Elkins Auditorium on campus Oct. 8, to celebrate and honor Conner’s life. “He was a caring soul, a creative spirit, a gentle person who loved people and who is loved and returned by many,” Conner’s father Michael Budge said. Conner grew up in North Hollywood with his brother Ian and his parents — Michael and Karen. Ian said he looked up
He really was a great person, and I enjoyed spending so much time with him. He definitely made a huge impact on my life. And being around him made me aspire to be a better man and a better friend. Jacob Seals Pepperdine Senior
THE WAVES REPORT
A10 A guide to voting in the upcoming election
PERSPECTIVES A12
Sara Barton responds to the Graphic’s reporting on the Hub in a letter to the editor
A13
Two staff members discuss their thoughts on pumpkin flavoring
Conner (second from right) poses with his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers on the Malibu Pier. Conner was a member of Sig Ep since his first year at Pepperdine. to his brother and wanted to be just like him. “He was always there for me [Ian] for any activity or problem,” Michael said, on behalf of Ian at the memorial. “His advice is precious and I [Ian] loved how much he cared for me [Ian]. He was the best man I’ve [Ian’s] ever known.” Conner was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and worked at Geoffrey’s in Malibu. His friends described him as a selfless friend and a caring person. “He always lit up the room and made conversations more enjoyable,” senior Jacob Seals said. “It seemed that Conner lived life freely. He always had a very positive outlook on all situations.” Seals said he met Conner in their firstyear housing at Fifield. The two went on to join Sig Ep together their first year at Pepperdine. “He really was a great person,” Seals said. “And I enjoyed spending so much time with him. He definitely made a huge impact on my life. And being around him made me aspire to be a better man and a
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better friend.” Seals said every conversation with Conner was enjoyable, and he always noticed Conner living life with an optimistic spirit. “It became very apparent how charismatic he was,” Seals said. “His personality was truly something that I admired.” Matthew Harvill, Conner’s friend and roommate at Drescher, said he knew Conner since their first-year Italian class, but they grew a deeper relationship this year. The class was over Zoom in spring 2020, and Harvill said Conner would email him after class to go over lessons. Conner was easy to talk to over Zoom, and when on campus, would always take the time to say ‘hi.’ Harvill said Conner was a listener — always putting hours of his day aside to simply listen to his friends and family. “He was an amazing listener,” Harvill said. “No matter what we as roommates were going through or what Conner was going through himself — he always made time to listen and to talk to his roommates
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LIFE AND ARTS B1
Pepperdine community is invited to explore the art exhibit
B7
Experts and students advocate to end animal testing
SPORTS B11
Find out why Pepperdine doesn’t have a football team
B14
How Linsanity is inspiring Asian Americans throughout the country
See Conner | A3
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