00:00:46.139 - 00:03:42.240

Ok, ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States. Ok, ladies and gentlemen, will you please remain standing while the star spangled banner and pledge of allegiance are led by two of the members

00:03:42.250 - 00:04:05.380

of the University Board of Pepperdine University. Let's join together in singing the star spangled banner with Mr Pat Boone. And then let's remain standing as we together pledge the allegiance with another of our board members. Mr John Wayne Bill said this is not my song. It's

00:04:05.389 - 00:04:46.420

our song. Let's all sing it today like we've never sung it before. Where can you see by the dawn's early light? What so only we and the twilight last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars us, us by all one part we watch who were so

00:04:47.970 - 00:05:45.179

gly streaming and that uh uh and uh light light off like was still there? Oh, say, does that star spangled? He had we for the land that all the and on? Oh uh thank you b this flag, that flag there. You ought to ask him on

00:05:45.190 - 00:06:13.170

to look at that flag. Well, we look at this flag, please. I pledge allegiance, the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Now, you may be seated, please,

00:06:25.529 - 00:06:49.109

as you know, as you know, we are gathered here for the dedication of one of the magnificent facilities on the new Malibu campus of Pepperdine University, the Leonard Kay Firestone Field House to begin our ceremony of dedication. We are pleased to present our own a cappella

00:06:49.119 - 00:07:27.230

chorus from Sever College, which is the Liberal Arts undergraduate college at the heart of Pepperdine University around which the graduate and professional schools of the university are clustered. Our chorus is under the direction of Lawrence E mccomas. Have a, uh, oh, we have and God the

00:07:27.350 - 00:09:07.919

night with a life from I, oh, I, um, I never, or therapy. No, to allow that. No, it's all you need to breath. And, ok. Um, where from? I know that. Uh, I from? Oh, I, ok.

00:09:40.099 - 00:12:36.890

All, all time. Ok. Oh, I do. Ok. Really? And the right on the side? Ok. Yeah. Mhm. Although we hadn't known we would until now we have, this is our fourth year to

00:12:36.900 - 00:12:53.929

open the campus here in Malibu. And they, a special song, a theme song has been developing really spontaneously among the students as the spiritual anthem of this campus. And I'm going to ask while they probably haven't practiced it this morning for the group to do that

00:12:53.940 - 00:15:03.460

one as one final number. Mhm. Ok. We. Ok. Um, ok. Ok. All and ok. Now we know that we have been while

00:15:03.469 - 00:15:24.130

Pepperdine University now enrolls 8000 students on several campuses. The heart of the university is here at Malibu. It is here on these beautiful 650 acres that the university's future growth will be concentrated. Last April, the first school to be named under the Pepperdine University umbrella was

00:15:24.140 - 00:15:48.960

dedicated as sever college. Sever college is the undergraduate liberal arts core around which the university's graduate and professional schools are clustered. The university's original campus in Los Angeles is now a thriving College of Urban Affairs. Enrolling several 1000 students. Pepperdine's campus in Heidelberg, Germany offers students

00:15:48.969 - 00:16:09.489

an opportunity to study for a year in a European atmosphere just as sever college has been officially dedicated in coming years. Pepperdine will name its other academic components which comprise the university, the School of Law, the School of Business and Management, the graduate school, the school

00:16:09.500 - 00:16:30.159

of education, the next school to be headquartered here at Malibu will be the School of Law, fully accredited by both the California State Bar and the American Bar Association. The law school now located in Anaheim will move to Malibu in 1977. But in so far as

00:16:30.169 - 00:16:51.729

student life is concerned, there isn't a more popular nor more radiantly vital facility throughout the University than the Firestone Field House. It is the hub of student activity as the center of the university's intercollegiate athletic program. The Firestone Field House is for Pepperdine, what the Pauley

00:16:51.739 - 00:17:22.680

pavilion is for UCL A and now that John Wooden has retired, we're going after that national basketball championship. Our volleyball team also based in Firestone Field House won the 1975 United States volleyball Association championship last season. In addition, tennis, baseball, golf, swimming and water polo teams

00:17:22.689 - 00:17:43.310

all use the fieldhouse facilities just on the other side of the field house is our beautiful New Olympic swimming pool. Firestone Fieldhouse also provides the setting for student intramural and recreational activities and is the site for regular assemblies, lectures and concerts. It is a truly beautiful

00:17:43.319 - 00:17:59.400

arena from the inside looking out as well as from the outside, looking in and I know you will want to inspect it more closely after our adjournment. The person who has made this building possible has been a member of the Pepperdine University Board for two decades,

00:18:00.130 - 00:18:19.229

an athlete himself, he was captain of the Princeton University Polo team, but he is also one of the most gentle and generous, one of the most selfless and tireless workers in the cause of American higher education. In addition to his service at Pepperdine University, he is

00:18:19.239 - 00:18:36.189

a member of the board of trustees of the University of Southern California and for several years served as the chairman of that board. Many youth religious and civic organizations have benefited from his philanthropy and especially the Boy Scouts of America where he serves as a member

00:18:36.199 - 00:18:57.520

of the National Executive Board. He has benefited the deafness Research Foundation has been President of the World Affairs Council. As you know, he now serves his nation and officially represents all of us as the United States ambassador to Belgium. Today we salute him and honor the

00:18:57.530 - 00:19:22.699

nation to which he ministers on our behalf by flying the flag of Belgium on the west most standard in front of Firestone Field House. Those of us who know Leonard K Firestone as just Lynn admire him most for his character, a deeply devoted family man, a

00:19:22.709 - 00:20:06.969

warm caring and very real person. It is my pleasure to present and to ask you to join me in expressing appreciation to ambassador Leonard K Firestone. Mr President, Doctor Bowski, ladies and gentlemen, this is a day of deep

00:20:06.979 - 00:20:31.189

gratification for Mrs Firestone and me, I first became associated with Pepperdine as a member of the President's Board in 1955. At that time, Pepperdine was a relatively unknown college of several 100 students located on a small 33 acre campus in South central Los Angeles. That campus

00:20:31.199 - 00:20:56.670

of course is still an integral part of this fine university. No cause with which I have been associated during these past 20 years has had more dramatic progress. In fact, the transformation of Little Pepperdine College into today's Pepperdine University is nothing short of spectacular. Pepperdine's progress

00:20:56.680 - 00:21:19.380

has been due largely to the ideals for which it stands Mr George Pepperdine, the humble Christian man who founded the school was dedicated to helping needy students. Continuing in this tradition today, thousands of young people who otherwise could not afford a college education, received scholarships. I

00:21:19.390 - 00:21:41.140

remember very clearly that afternoon in June of 1971. Well, when I met with Dr Bowski, Doctor Young and we agreed upon the plans for the Field House. From that moment, this project has given me great joy and fulfillment. I am deeply moved as I think of

00:21:41.150 - 00:22:07.900

the thousands of young people who across the years will benefit from this facility. Next year. As we celebrate our bicentennial, Pepperdine celebrates her 40th anniversary as universities go. Pepperdine is still very young and I am certain that our greatest years lie ahead in the history of

00:22:07.910 - 00:22:29.680

America. Independent Colleges and universities like Pepperdine have played an indispensable role. Our nation has no greater challenge than to keep these institutions free and vital. I commend all of you who are working for the future of Pepperdine University and wish for you the very best in

00:22:29.689 - 00:22:56.180

the years to come. Thank you very much. Hey, here with me. Just a they right. Thank you, Mr Firestone. One of those who has literally devoted years of his life to the advancement of Pepperdine University and to the creation of sever college will officially accept the

00:22:56.189 - 00:23:25.540

gift of this beautiful building on behalf of the University board. Ladies and gentlemen, I am pleased to present Mr Richard C sever, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Hydro Corporations. Stay a minute, President Ford, Doctor Bowski, Ambassador Firestone, ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of

00:23:25.550 - 00:23:47.390

the governing boards of Pepperdine University, I am honored to accept the gift of this handsome and capacious building and to express the gratitude of the whole university community to the man who made it possible for generations to come. It will bless the lives of countless young

00:23:47.400 - 00:24:13.709

men and women in the development of their bodies and minds. At the standing at the entrance of this fine building is a plaque which reads which dedicates the building and commemorates this occasion. Today, the university has prepared a reduced replica of that plaque for presentation to

00:24:13.719 - 00:24:48.739

ambassador and Mrs Firestone for their home uh ambassador, the donor of the building which some of the students lovingly referred to as the Fieldstone firehouse that, that, that you know at, at I am honored on behalf of the university board to present this replica plaque to

00:24:48.750 - 00:25:26.099

you which reads as follows Firestone fieldhouse provided by the generosity of Leonard K. Firestone dedicated by Gerald R Ford 38 president of the United States, September 2019 75. Now, ladies and gentlemen, as we initiate an official academic proceeding of Pepperdine University, we are asking one of

00:25:26.109 - 00:25:52.369

our board members who has provided historic assistance to this university, Mr Richard M Scaife of Pittsburgh to present a candidate for the honorary doctorate of laws degree and two of our board members from Ventura, Ventura County. Mr Fritz Hunt singer, senior German born, came to this

00:25:52.380 - 00:26:10.489

country in the 19 twenties through Ellis Island without a penny and now head of one of the world's great companies and his son who is the president of that company, Mr Fritz R Hunt singer, Junior and a personal friend of President Ford to assist with the

00:26:10.500 - 00:26:44.579

official doctoral hood. Gentlemen, will you please escort to the podium, the honorable Gerald R Ford, president of the United States? Yep, you are on the other side present that you came. Ok, President Bowski, it gives me great pleasure on behalf of the governing boards, the students,

00:26:44.670 - 00:27:16.989

the faculty, the staff and all members of Pepperdine University community throughout all these 40 years of our history to present as a candidate for the Doctor of Laws degree, the honorable Gerald R Ford, president of the United States. Thank you, Mr Scaf Gerald R. Ford because

00:27:17.000 - 00:27:33.180

of the achievements of your life, which include graduation with distinction from the University of Michigan and from the Yale University School of Law, as well as service as a member of the staff at Yale University because of your 25 years of public service as a member

00:27:33.189 - 00:27:51.189

of the United States Congress and for almost a decade, the minority leader in the House of Representatives. And because of your leadership as vice president and now as president of the United States, you have helped to lead the nation from confusion to renewed confidence in its

00:27:51.199 - 00:28:19.449

institutions and in itself. And because while discharging these grave responsibilities, you have remained humble, preserved, personal integrity and have been genuinely dependent upon prayer and upon the providence of God. And because throughout all of these years, you have been a loyal and deeply devoted husband and

00:28:19.459 - 00:28:44.910

father, providing a high example that the home is the basic building block of all civilizations. I do therefore, on behalf of Pepperdine University confer the Doctor of Laws Degree with all of the rights and privileges and duties thereto appertaining. Thank you very much. Right. Thank you,

00:29:03.750 - 00:29:55.150

ladies and gentlemen, the president of the United States. Very very. Thank you very, very much, Doctor Bill Bowski, ambassador and Mrs Firestone, distinguished academic delegates, special guest. Ladies and gentlemen, today, you have conferred upon me the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws and granted me the

00:29:55.160 - 00:30:22.270

status of an honorary alumnus of Pepperdine University. Obviously, these honors are very deeply appreciated and I'm equally grateful for the especially warm welcome here in southern California. Actually, I've been looking forward to visiting the campus here at Malibu. As some of you may know, I like

00:30:22.280 - 00:30:48.880

skiing and swimming and here in Malibu. Uh one of the big things is surfing, which combines a little of both skiing when you do it right and swimming when you do it wrong. But I never realized how popular surfing really is until just before the program,

00:30:48.890 - 00:31:17.449

when I asked President Bill Bowski, how many minutes he wanted me to speak? And Bill just said, Mr President Hang 10 last May when my wife Betty, uh returned from her trip to this beautiful state. She gave me a very enthusiastic report on her visit to

00:31:17.459 - 00:31:44.010

Pepperdine's inner city, Los Angeles campus and Pepperdine's rapid growth from a small college in Southwest Los Angeles to a multi campus university has been a success story in the best Hollywood tradition. I'm impressed with your distinguished faculty, with your dynamic student body and with your balanced

00:31:44.020 - 00:32:31.729

budget of $35 million. Then again, I'm coming from Washington. I'm impressed with a balanced budget of any size. Let me also add a very special word of praise for your president. Doctor Bill Danowski builds great, great capacity. Bill's great, great capacity for leadership has been a

00:32:31.739 - 00:33:04.260

guiding force in Pepperdine's phenomenal progress and pursuit of excellence. He is the man most responsible for this Malibu miracle campus. It represents a testament to his skill, his diligence and I congratulate you personally, Bill. Today we gather to dedicate this most impressive structure. The Firestone Field

00:33:04.270 - 00:33:37.430

House made possible by the generosity and the commitment of two of my very good friends, Leonard and Nicky Firestone. I join with all of you in saluting these two outstanding Americans and admiring this fine building, their proud gift to Pepperdine University as Doctor Bill Bowski was

00:33:37.439 - 00:34:00.359

reeling off all of the athletic accomplishments of um Pepperdine's teams on the competitive field of athletics. I thought to myself, there wasn't one single sport where I could qualify for the first team even 50 years ago. So I thank you for the opportunity to participate in

00:34:00.530 - 00:34:29.050

this ceremony because of my personal interest in competitive athletics. But also because Firestone fieldhouse stands as a splendid centerpiece for this superb campus. It symbolizes the vitality, the exuberance and the strength, the Pepperdine students. Indeed the students throughout this country. Pepperdine University is a symbol itself.

00:34:29.908 - 00:34:56.448

It is an outstanding example of those voluntarily supported institutions which have contributed so much to America's greatness and to our country's progress. Such great universities as Paris, Oxford and Padua dating back to the middle ages have a rich heritage as institutions of independent education. America proudly

00:34:56.458 - 00:35:24.060

celebrates its 2/100 birthday next year, but we would have to reach back still another century to mark the founding of Harvard College in Massachusetts Bay colony or William and Mary in Virginia or Saint John's College in Maryland. 13 other great American universities were founded before the

00:35:24.070 - 00:35:52.709

American revolution and all share in the distinguished traditions of private higher education, independent schools in the United States. Exemplify the commitment of their benefactors to the American free enterprise system and in a sense to freedom itself, you know, and I know that it is the vitality

00:35:52.719 - 00:36:21.699

and the competition of free enterprise that made America great. It is the wealth of free enterprise. It is the wealth of the free enterprise that has done so much to help underdeveloped nations throughout the world and it is free enterprise that in the long run will

00:36:21.709 - 00:36:53.090

do the most for the underdeveloped nations of the world and the disadvantaged people throughout this great world. It is the strength of the free enterprise that has given the greatest challenge to communism and statism and every other dogma which would crush individual freedom. The independent colleges

00:36:53.100 - 00:37:20.439

and universities have played a very major role in America's history. They represent a sound investment in America's future. Thanks to the vision and dedication and commitment of private citizens and organizations, there are now more than 1500 independent colleges and universities in America with a combined enrollment

00:37:20.449 - 00:37:46.389

of more than 2 million fortunate students. Today is in the past, these institutions serve as a great reservoir of national leadership in the arts, in the science, in law, medicine, religion and in the business as well as in government. 24 presidents of the United States were

00:37:46.399 - 00:38:14.889

educated in private colleges and universities in our country. As were 287 members of the Congress senators, representatives serving in the present Congress today, more than 40% of the board chairman and president of the nation's 100 largest corporations. Today, we're educated at independent institutions. The number of

00:38:14.899 - 00:38:43.620

outstanding writers, mu musicians, judges, teachers, physicians, scientists, ministers and scholars produced by these institutions is almost beyond counting my own background as Dr Bowski indicated, included two experiences in higher education, one at the University of Michigan and the other at Yale University Law School, one public,

00:38:44.419 - 00:39:16.840

the other private, I value what I learned from both and I am all for an open marketplace for ideas and learning experiences, private institutions both compliment on the one hand and compete on the other with public education in America and millions of Americans have enjoyed the

00:39:16.850 - 00:39:45.080

diversity of benefits. This dual system has produced. I believe that every American who has a desire to learn should be given the chance to learn. And today California's independent fouryear colleges and universities have an outstanding record of providing such great opportunity. They have enrolled, for example,

00:39:45.090 - 00:40:17.419

a higher percentage of black students than any public sector of higher education in this state. Further independent four year colleges rank very high in the percentage of Mexican Americans enrolled and they provide more students with more scholarships than any public sec segment of California education. They

00:40:17.429 - 00:40:46.520

have proven this point which we should emphasize, they have proven by their own example that the road to quality higher education need not be a narrow one traveled only by a select few. As Aristotle said centuries ago, all who have mediated on the art of governing

00:40:47.540 - 00:41:11.709

the art of governing mankind have been convinced that the fate of political communities depends upon the education of youth. But today, one segment of America's educational capacity is in serious trouble. The institutions of private education in the United States are being battered and buffeted in ways

00:41:11.719 - 00:41:50.590

that may ultimately jeopardize their survival. We should remember and never forget that the term private education is misleading because these institutions though privately endowed serve important public functions and add a great savings to the American taxpayer. We should remember that this is something that is too

00:41:50.600 - 00:42:19.280

often forgotten. California for for example, now counts about 100 independent colleges and universities within its great borders. It is estimated that these institutions carry 30% of the state's post-secondary education workload each year. They provide with almost no cost to the taxpayer more than $1 billion in

00:42:19.290 - 00:42:47.560

educational research and related services in California alone, in return these institutions and their students receive less than 3% of the total state funds spent for higher education in California. It is through the support of alumni and friends such as Leonard, Firestone, Margaret Martin Brock, Frank Sr

00:42:48.040 - 00:43:26.409

and so many others who have helped Pepperdine build this magnificent campus that independent education survives and grows in California and throughout the United States and we thank them all for it. California's independent schools have amassed $2.5 billion in capital assets and endowments each year. They attract

00:43:26.419 - 00:43:54.689

an additional $400 million from private nongovernmental sources. If these institutions should suddenly close, shifting the burden from private donors to public taxpayers, the tax load would be heavy indeed, American taxpayers and America as a whole would suffer the consequences. We must not allow this to happen.

00:43:55.909 - 00:44:31.590

Please stop your machine at this point and turn the cassette over. In recent years, the Congress has considered a number of proposals which would discourage private charitable contributions to these institutions. Fortunately, most have been rejected thus far. But there is a certain persistence in these proposals

00:44:33.250 - 00:45:05.600

which must be constantly monitored and rebuffed today. Let me repeat what I have said to many educators who have visited me in Washington. I approve support and encourage the principle of voluntary giving to help finance higher education. And I will oppose any legislative proposals which discourage

00:45:05.610 - 00:45:40.929

such support, including those which would limit charitable tax deductions, disallow the full value of appreciated assets or exclude a state tax deduction, the Firestone Field House and literally thousands of other facilities which grace independent college campuses across America testify vividly and in concrete ways to the

00:45:40.939 - 00:46:02.760

wisdom of those existing tax policy. These facilities will be built either with private capital or with taxpayers' money, but they must and they will be built and I will do all that I can on a personal basis to encourage the use of private funds for the

00:46:02.770 - 00:46:35.969

public good. Today, we have all been a part of a proud and fulfilling moment in Pepperdine's history, students, faculty, friends and community have all joined together in this celebration of this achievement. It's a good feeling and one that should be experienced as often as possible. Bill

00:46:35.979 - 00:47:03.540

is that a good suggestion? Ha in some circles, it is considered very smart and very in to be cynical and somewhat disdainful of the basic motivations that have inspired and sustained mankind throughout the centuries. A love of family, a love of country, a love of labor,

00:47:03.550 - 00:47:36.360

a love of learning, a love of God. These values are not outdated and from the spirit that I feel is here today. I'm sure that all of you agree most wholeheartedly. I know from my many conversations with Bill Bowski and others that this is the spirit

00:47:36.370 - 00:48:03.409

of Pepperdine University, its founder, its faculty and its students. It's a wonderful worthy spirit, a spirit to which Daniel Webster gave expression. When he wrote. If we work upon marble, it will perish. If we work upon brass time will efface it. If we rear temples, they

00:48:03.419 - 00:48:31.820

will crumble into dust. But if we work upon men's immortal minds, if we imbue them with high principles, with the just fear of God in love of their fellow men, we engrave on those tablets. Something which no time can efface and which will brighten to all

00:48:31.830 - 00:49:23.540

eternity. Thank you for letting me share this thought with you. Stepping aside, Mr President Grace. See you. Yeah. Now, ladies and gentlemen, I know there are other speeches you would like to hear from John Wayne and others who are present today,

00:49:23.550 - 00:49:39.439

but it's a little warm. However, the day would not be complete if I failed to formally introduce one or two persons who are with us today. Will you please join me in showing our appreciation to the First lady of the land? Mrs Gerald R. Ford. Mrs

00:49:39.449 - 00:50:35.699

Ford. I'm also pleased to present Mrs Leonard K Firestone. Mrs Firestone. It is my great privilege to present the wife of the founder of this institution, Mrs Helen Pepperdine, Mrs Pepperdine. Yeah. All right here she is.

00:50:46.280 - 00:51:02.979

And I am pleased to present one of the truly pure hearts of all the world and one of the great patriots of 200 years of American history without whom none of this would have happened today, Mrs Frank Roger Seaver, Mrs Seaver Charles, bring the receive her

00:51:03.000 - 00:51:34.389

out. Earlier today, President Ford visited our beautiful president's home up on the top of the hill where Mrs Bowski and I live with our four sons and three dogs and 22 trustees and 8000 students and more faculty members than are always welcome. Now, it is officially

00:51:34.399 - 00:52:08.590

named the Brock House made possible through the generosity of Mrs Margaret Martin Brock. Will you please stand Mrs Brock? You? She's here right right here. Ar I appreciated President Ford's reference to the man who was most responsible for the growth of this institution, but there is

00:52:08.600 - 00:52:29.169

one who is the senior administrator in the State of California in all institutions, both public and private for our longest tenure of service and we appreciate very much the foundation upon which we have been able to build here. Will you join me in showing appreciation to

00:52:29.179 - 00:53:12.000

Missy M Noble? Young? Now, ladies and gentlemen, the secret service tells me that the president's security demands that President Ford be allowed to depart just prior to the adjournment of the general audience. We are asking you to remain seated

00:53:12.010 - 00:53:29.699

for the dedicatory prayer to be worded by one of the trustees of the University. Mr Ruel Emmons of Austin, Texas and then remain seated for the academic recessional. We are so grateful you've come, we appreciate and need your friendship and the continuing cause of independent higher

00:53:29.709 - 00:53:45.620

Christian education. We hope you will stay to visit the campus. We have 650 acres. You can take a swim in the Olympic Pool if you're warm, be sure you go up to the, to the plazas of sever college to visit the Liberal Arts College, which we've

00:53:45.629 - 00:54:14.330

completed there and we hope you can send us some good students and we invite your partnership in the years and in the decades to come now for the dedicatory prayer and then the processional. And we're asking you to please be seated at this time. Almighty God

00:54:15.469 - 00:54:45.590

mover in the destiny of nations and controller of the destiny of this one. We ask thy guidance upon our affairs that the course of this nation may be holy and righteous and we ask especially on this day as this gathering dedicates a facility to the develop

00:54:45.699 - 00:55:20.110

development of physical fitness that we may be conscious of the welfare of mankind, the health and the well being physically, as well as the spiritual maturity and well being of the nation bless the president of the United States in the tremendous task. That is his bless

00:55:20.120 - 00:55:49.469

those who shape the policies of this nation that they may be in harmony with thy will. And in keeping with our desire to be a land of liberty and a home and haven of unfortunate and suffering people. May the things we do to develop mentally, physically

00:55:49.479 - 00:56:01.280

and spiritually. This nation make it strong. This we pray in the name of Jesus whom we call Savior. Amen.