An Oral History Project

Pepperdine University GSEP invites all alumni, faculty, and staff to participate in the creation of an oral history publication that unites Pepperdine University GSEP alumni, faculty, and staff across generations. The project is an opportunity to gather stories and collect memories that bring the Pepperdine University GSEP experience to life. We are interested in your reflections and tributes, and we hope that this endeavor will preserve Pepperdine University GSEP's history for generations to come.

Your Story

What Pepperdine University GSEP story will you tell? What memory is most special? It can be serious or lighthearted, a heart-felt tribute or with a bit of humor. The experiences of Pepperdine University GSEP alumni, faculty, and staff are unique, and variety is welcomed.

What made you choose GSEP?
Did a professor or staff member have a profound impact on your life?
Have college connections developed into lifelong relationships?
How has GSEP impacted your career success, relationships and/or life after graduation?
When you think back on your time at GSEP, what makes you smile?

PCI Partnership

Pepperdine University GSEP has partnered with Publishing Concepts (PCI) to gain access to its experienced, trained staff. PCI associates will listen to your stories and assemble information into a publication. To help you stay connected to Pepperdine University GSEP, PCI will also verify and update contact information if you have moved or recently lost touch. Please note that we have only shared your contact information with PCI in conjunction with this project. We have NOT sold your personal information or otherwise used it for outside marketing purposes.

Cost

There is NO cost to share your story, and we invite all alumni, faculty, and staff to participate. If interested, you will have an opportunity to give a donation to GSEP and/or purchase the publication as a hardbound book or digital collection, as well as any other items, if you so choose, but there is NO obligation to do so.

Participation

PCI will contact Pepperdine University GSEP alumni, faculty, and staff directly through postcards and emails to encourage participation. The final publication will be delivered in physical book and digital formats in October 2022 to those who purchased the publication.

postcard example

FAQs

I received an email/postcard/phone call from a company asking for my personal information and a story about Pepperdine University GSEP. Is this a legitimate project or is it a scam?

It's legit! We have partnered with PCI (also known as Publishing Concepts) to produce an Oral History Publication for Pepperdine University GSEP. PCI is a family owned business based in Dallas, TX that has published directories for educational institutions, fraternities, sororities, and military organizations across the nation for almost 100 years. This project allows Pepperdine University GSEP to hear about your personal experiences and explain how Pepperdine University GSEP has helped shape your lives.

Does Pepperdine University GSEP benefit from this at all?

Yes, in a few different ways:

Updated Information – allows us to effectively communicate with and engage alumni, faculty, and staff
Legacy – preserves the history of our school
Pride – showing support and love for our school

How do I know my information will only be used for Oral History Project purposes?

PCI is committed to protecting your information. The names, addresses and information provided to PCI for the publication of the Oral History Project will be held confidential by PCI, except to the extent that they are utilized in, or in the preparation of, the Oral History Project and except as required by court order or law. Upon completion of the project, PCI will redact PII (Personal Identifiable information) from any and all electronic files that we have supplied or were produced by PCI in connection with the production of the Oral History Project.

I would like to verify or update my information and share a story. How may I do this?

If you have received a postcard or an email with a telephone number, you may call the number to speak with a dedicated representative for the Oral History Project. The representative will verify all the information we have on file for you, make any updates where needed, then ask you to share your story about your time at Pepperdine University GSEP. Your story will be recorded and the sound clip provided to Pepperdine University GSEP at the conclusion of the project.
If you have received an email with an embedded link, you may go to the online site to review your information and submit a story.

Can I choose what information prints in the publication?

When you call to update your information, you can tell the representative if you prefer any of your information be excluded. You can also communicate your preferences to PCI's customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 / customerservice@publishingconcepts.com or to the Alumni Office directly.

I updated my information but need some more time to think about what experience to share.

You can call back at any time to share your story.

I shared a story and the representative said I could send some photos. How do I do this?

You will receive an email with a link to upload up to two photos (black and white or color) plus captions.

If you have also purchased a book but do not have an email address on file, you will be sent a photo mailer to send physical photos in to be printed (note: photos will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope).

Can anyone purchase a book?

The Pepperdine University GSEP Oral History Publication is available for sale only to the Pepperdine University GSEP community members who have participated in the project.

When will I receive my book?

The total duration of the Oral History Project is about 12 months. Since we began the project in October 2021, the books will be distributed in October 2022.

I ordered a book / package over the phone and would like to cancel my order. How do I do this?

Contact PCI's customer service helpdesk at 1-800-982-1590 and they will take care of this for you.