Pepperdine University has announced the establishment of the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Endowed Faculty Fellows Program at the Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. The program is funded through a $1 million endowment from Faustino Bernadett and his wife Martha, a member of Pepperdine's Board of Regents, and includes $50,000 in annual support during the pledge period to launch the fellowship immediately.
The permanent endowment is expected to 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. This investment represents a significant commitment to the future of business education at a time when ethical leadership and principled decision-making are increasingly critical in global commerce.
The Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program will support Pepperdine Graziadio in developing principled business leaders prepared to lead family enterprises, launch new ventures, or apply ethical and entrepreneurial approaches across industries. Faculty fellows will pursue research in specific areas including family enterprise and succession planning, innovation and entrepreneurial leadership, and ethical decision-making in business. Research insights will be integrated directly into the classroom, helping students strengthen their ethical reasoning, entrepreneurial mindset, and business acumen.
Dean Deborah Crown expressed gratitude for the Bernadetts' enduring partnership and impact on the school, stating that their support ensures faculty continue to inspire innovation, integrity, and purpose in the next generation of leaders. The program reflects Dr. Faustino "Tino" Bernadett's vision and Pepperdine's mission to prepare leaders of purpose, service, and integrity who will leave a lasting, positive impact on society.
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 emphasizes the vital interconnection between responsibility, ethics, business acumen, and entrepreneurial opportunity. Pepperdine Graziadio affirms that true success in business extends beyond financial achievement and requires a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.
This endowment comes from a family with a distinguished legacy of success, service, and ethical leadership in the medical field. Faustino Bernadett, a retired physician dedicated to serving underserved communities, has been recognized as one of the nation's most important Hispanic philanthropists. The Bernadett family's philanthropy extends through various organizations including The Molina Foundation, where Dr. Bernadett serves as Vice-President. Additional information about the program can be found at https://bschool.pepperdine.edu/newsroom/articles/martha-and-faustino-bernadett-endowed-faculty-fellows-program.htm and details about Bernadett family philanthropy are available at http://www.drfaustinobernadett.com.
