MALIBU, CA, January 28, 2026 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Pepperdine University is proud to announce the establishment of the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Endowed Faculty Fellows Program at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, honoring the Bernadett family's distinguished legacy of success, service, and ethical leadership in the medical field.

Through a $1 million endowment, Faustino Bernadett and his wife, Martha, a member of Pepperdine's Board of Regents, have made a meaningful investment in the future of business education. The gift includes $50,000 in annual support during the pledge period, enabling the fellowship to launch immediately while the endowment is established.

The permanent endowment will generate approximately $50,000 annually, supporting up to four faculty fellows each year. The Bernadett name will be associated with advancing faculty research that strengthens student learning, supports ethical business practices, and contributes to the continued excellence of the Graziadio School.

Advancing Faculty Development and Research

The Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program will support Pepperdine Graziadio in developing principled business leaders who are prepared to lead family enterprises, launch new ventures, or apply ethical and entrepreneurial approaches across industries. Faculty fellows will pursue research in areas such as:

• Family enterprise and succession planning
• Innovation and entrepreneurial leadership
• Ethical decision-making in business

Research insights will be integrated into the classroom, helping students strengthen their ethical reasoning, entrepreneurial mindset, and business acumen, preparing them to make meaningful contributions to their organizations and communities.

Dean Deborah Crown expressed her gratitude for the Bernadetts' enduring partnership and impact on the school:

"We are deeply grateful to Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett for their extraordinary generosity and belief in the power of business education to transform lives. Their support ensures that our faculty continue to inspire innovation, integrity, and purpose in the next generation of leaders."

A Shared Commitment to Service and Leadership

In addition to advancing 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. The program reflects Dr. Faustino "Tino" Bernadett's vision and Pepperdine's mission to prepare leaders of purpose, service, and integrity, individuals who will leave a lasting, positive impact on society.

At Pepperdine Graziadio they affirm that "true success in business extends beyond financial achievement requires a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. Their curricular and curricular programs emphasize the vital interconnection between responsibility, ethics, business, acumen, or entrepreneurial efforts and opportunity."

About Pepperdine Graziadio Business School
Pepperdine Graziadio Business School prepares leaders of purpose, service, and integrity. Its academic and experiential programs emphasize responsibility, ethics, entrepreneurship, and opportunity, equipping students to create meaningful impact in their organizations and communities.

Learn More:
Pepperdine Graziadio: https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/articles/martha-and-faustino-bernadett-endowed-faculty-fellows-program.htm
Bernadett Family Philanthropy: www.drfaustinobernadett.com

Faustino Bernadett, MD is a retired physician. He is dedicated to the underserved. Dr. Bernadett takes pride in his civic resume. He is the Vice-President of The Molina Foundation. He served on the UCSF Foundation board of overseers and has served several terms as a commissioner of the Hospitals and Healthcare Delivery Commission of Los Angeles County. He is also a former Smithsonian Latino Center and St. Mary Medical Center Foundation board member. In addition, he is a member of the Osler Society. Some consider Dr. Bernadett to be the most important Hispanic philanthropist in the nation. Few match his giving, dedication, and selflessness.

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