Heroes' Garden

A Public Sanctuary High Above Pepperdine University

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Located at one of the highest points on the Malibu campus, the Thomas E. Burnett, Jr., Heroes Garden stands as an outdoor chapel, a place of honor, reflection, and, especially, remembrance. It is meant to inspire feelings of peace and calm in a turbulent world. Find the Garden across from Villa Graziadio Business Center.

Dedicated to Graziadio Business School alumnus Thomas E. Burnett, Jr. (MBA '95), was among those aboard the fourth hijacked jetliner on the September 11th 2001, United Flight 93, which crashed into a field in Pennsylvania. Burnett and other passengers attempted to regain control of the aircraft from the hijackers to prevent them from flying it into their intended target of the Capitol Building in Washington, DC. This heroic act saved countless lives. Heroes Garden was designed to honor Burnett's sacrifice and the sacrifice of so many on that day.

As you step into the garden, you're immediately greeted by a sense of tranquility. Lush greenery envelops the space, creating a cocoon of peace and serenity. The sound of trickling water from the nearby fountain adds to the ambiance, inviting visitors to pause and reflect.

Stone walls, grassy mounds, trees, and native plant life separate this quiet, reflective space from the busy world. A narrow channel of water, the Stream of Conflict, runs from the fountain down the length of the walkway ahead, crossing the path three times. Boulders along the way are inscribed with six quotations that invite reflection as visitors proceed down the garden walk.

The Hero's Garden serves as more than just a physical space; it's a living testament to the values of courage, compassion, and selflessness. It's a place where memories are cherished, and legacies are celebrated for generations to come. In a world often fraught with challenges, the Hero's Garden stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, acts of heroism can light the way forward.

Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA310.506.4000