The Pepperdine Graziadio Business School has established the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Endowed Faculty Fellows Program through a $1 million endowment from the Bernadett family. The gift includes $50,000 in annual support during the pledge period, enabling the fellowship to launch immediately while the permanent endowment is established. Once fully funded, the endowment will generate approximately $50,000 annually to support up to four faculty fellows each year.
The program honors the Bernadett family's legacy of success, service, and ethical leadership in the medical field. Martha Bernadett serves on Pepperdine's Board of Regents, and the couple's philanthropic vision aligns with the business school's mission to develop principled leaders. The Bernadett name will be permanently associated with advancing faculty research that strengthens student learning, supports ethical business practices, and contributes to the continued excellence of the Graziadio School.
Faculty fellows selected for the program will pursue research in three key areas: family enterprise and succession planning, innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, and ethical decision-making in business. These research insights will be integrated directly into classroom instruction, helping students strengthen their ethical reasoning, entrepreneurial mindset, and business acumen. This approach prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities, whether they lead family enterprises, launch new ventures, or apply ethical approaches across industries.
Dean Deborah Crown expressed gratitude for the Bernadetts' partnership, stating their support ensures faculty continue to inspire innovation, integrity, and purpose in the next generation of leaders. Beyond research and education, the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Faculty Fellows will engage with business leaders, alumni, and community partners, helping expand Graziadio's network in entrepreneurship and family business. This reflects Dr. Faustino "Tino" Bernadett's vision and Pepperdine's mission to prepare leaders of purpose, service, and integrity who leave a lasting positive impact on society.
The establishment of this endowed program represents a significant investment in business education with implications for both academic research and practical business leadership. By funding faculty research in critical areas like family business succession and ethical decision-making, the program addresses real-world challenges facing organizations today. The integration of this research into curriculum means students gain access to cutting-edge insights that prepare them for leadership roles in an increasingly complex business environment.
For the business education sector, such endowed fellowships demonstrate how philanthropic partnerships can advance academic excellence while maintaining focus on practical application. The program's emphasis on ethical leadership comes at a time when businesses face growing scrutiny regarding their social impact and governance practices. By supporting research and teaching in this area, the Bernadett Fellows Program contributes to developing business leaders who prioritize both financial success and positive societal contribution.
Additional information about Pepperdine Graziadio Business School is available at https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/articles/martha-and-faustino-bernadett-endowed-faculty-fellows-program.htm, while details about Bernadett family philanthropy can be found at http://www.drfaustinobernadett.com.
