Pepperdine University Announced the Winners of the 7th Annual George Awards
Presented in Santa Monica, California, the awards recognize a select number of students, alumni, faculty, and corporate partners who exemplify integrity, stewardship, courage, and compassion, while enriching the business world through their superior skills and entrepreneurial spirit.
“The legacy and dedication of George Graziadio is carried on through the fine individuals who are receiving 2015 George Awards,” said Rick R. Marrs, provost of Pepperdine University. “Just as his life and good works stand as a testament to what can be achieved when vision and compassion are fueled by enthusiasm and hard work, we are inspired by the example set by our newest honorees, and are proud that they are members of our Pepperdine family.”
Robert is the Executive Director of the Global Entrepreneurship Institute. He is a world renown expert in the field of entrepreneurial capitalism. He is a strategist, innovative thought leader, public speaker, creative educator, and prolific author. He has written or edited more than a dozen books on entrepreneurship. His books are required reading at Harvard, Stanford, Babson, UCLA, USC, Caltech, DePaul, and many more leading universities and colleges around the world.
Founded in 1996, the Global Entrepreneurship Institute is a non-profit that educates and supports entrepreneurs around the world. Its mission is to spread wealth creation by encouraging entrepreneurship and sharing knowledge to those who educate and support entrepreneurs. It also facilitates introductions to investors, professional service providers, and other entrepreneurs. Using his exclusive Roadmap to Entrepreneurial Success he has helped entrepreneurs raise over $100 million. Robert earned his MBA from Pepperdine in 1996.
Robert received two prestigious awards from Pepperdine University for his work as a social entrepreneur leading the Global Entrepreneurship Institute.
– George Pepperdine Waves of Service Award
Honorees exemplify legacy, entrepreneurial spirit of Pepperdine University founder George Pepperdine. In 1909 George Pepperdine, then 23 years old and a newlywed, founded Western Auto Supply Company, a specialty retail chain of stores that supplied automobile parts and accessories, with an initial investment of five dollars. Serving a nation just beginning its love affair with the automobile, Western Auto grew at an exponential rate and eventually operated approximately 1,200 stores across the United States. In 1937, George Pepperdine created and endowed his namesake institution to provide the best education possible, led by administrators and mentors who support Christian principles. The Waves of Service Awards is presented to a community leader for outstanding acts of sacrificial giving.
– George L. Graziadio Community Service Award
The Community Service Award is presented to a member of the Graziadio School of Business and Management family for displaying unwavering dedication to community service. Founded in 1969, the Business School is part of an academic tradition that shapes values-centered leaders. George L. Graziadio was a Pepperdine University benefactor and Imperial Bancorp founder.
University founder George Pepperdine and business school benefactor George L. Graziadio, Jr., both turned their own stories into models for success that endure throughout the university’s rich academic programs. Their commitment to experiential learning, entrepreneurship, ethics, and global mindedness continue to guide and inspire students.
“I am honored and excited to be a winner at the prestigious 7th Annual George Awards ceremony,” said Robert. He added, “George Pepperdine envisioned an institution that would transform students’ lives so that they would, in turn, impact culture. I am proud to continue his great entrepreneurial legacy. Through the years we have educated and supported over 250,000 entrepreneurs around the world.”
