Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
January 28, 2026
Pepperdine Launches $1M Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program for Ethical Business Leaders
TLDR
- Pepperdine University's new $1 million Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program offers a strategic advantage by funding research on family enterprise, innovation, and ethical leadership for future business leaders.
- The Bernadett endowment provides $50,000 annually to support up to four Pepperdine faculty fellows who research family business, entrepreneurship, and ethics, integrating findings into classroom teaching.
- This Pepperdine program fosters ethical business education and principled leadership, preparing students to make positive contributions to their organizations and communities for a better tomorrow.
- A retired physician's $1 million gift creates a Pepperdine faculty fellowship program focused on family business succession and ethical entrepreneurship, blending medical philanthropy with business education.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it represents a significant investment in developing ethical business leadership at a time when corporate scandals and short-term profit motives have eroded public trust. The Bernadett Fellows Program addresses critical gaps in business education by funding research in family enterprise succession, ethical decision-making, and entrepreneurial leadership—areas essential for sustainable business practices. For students, this means access to cutting-edge research integrated directly into their education, preparing them to navigate complex ethical dilemmas in their careers. For the business community, it signals a growing institutional commitment to developing leaders who prioritize purpose alongside profit. The program's focus on family business succession is particularly relevant as trillions of dollars in family-owned assets transition to new generations globally. By supporting faculty research in these areas, Pepperdine is contributing to a broader movement toward stakeholder capitalism and responsible business practices that benefit society beyond shareholders.
Summary
Pepperdine University has announced a transformative $1 million gift establishing the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Endowed Faculty Fellows Program at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. This significant endowment, created by Dr. Faustino Bernadett and his wife Martha, a Pepperdine Board of Regents member, honors the Bernadett family's legacy of success, service, and ethical leadership in medicine. The gift includes immediate annual support of $50,000 during the pledge period, allowing the fellowship to launch right away while the permanent endowment is established, which will eventually generate approximately $50,000 annually to support up to four faculty fellows each year.
The core mission of the Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program is to advance faculty research in critical areas that strengthen student learning and support ethical business practices. Faculty fellows will pursue groundbreaking research in family enterprise and succession planning, innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, and ethical decision-making in business. These research insights will be directly integrated into classroom teaching, helping students develop stronger ethical reasoning, entrepreneurial mindsets, and business acumen. The program specifically aims to develop principled business leaders prepared to lead family enterprises, launch new ventures, or apply ethical and entrepreneurial approaches across various industries.
Dean Deborah Crown expressed profound gratitude for the Bernadetts' extraordinary generosity and belief in business education's power to transform lives. Beyond research and education, the Bernadett Faculty Fellows will engage with business leaders, alumni, and community partners, expanding 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 who create lasting positive societal impact. Those interested can learn more about this initiative through the Pepperdine Graziadio newsroom and explore the broader context of Bernadett family philanthropy. The program embodies Pepperdine Graziadio's commitment to developing leaders who understand that true business success extends beyond financial achievement to making meaningful contributions to organizations and communities.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by 24-7 Press Release. Read the original source here, Pepperdine Launches $1M Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program for Ethical Business Leaders
