Endowed Memorial Scholarship Created to Honor SPP Alumna Susannah Hanson (MPP ’12)

In remembrance of the life of cherished alumna Susannah Hanson (MPP ’12), the Pepperdine School of Public Policy is pleased to announce the creation of the Susannah Hanson Memorial Endowed Scholarship. 

Established through the visionary generosity of Terry and Kalli Giles, longtime friends of Pepperdine University, this gift will contribute significantly to the development of future policy leaders who share Susannah’s passion for public service.

The Hanson family’s ties to the School of Public Policy run deep. In addition to Susannah’s time as a student, her father, Dr. Victor Davis Hanson, served as the inaugural Terry Giles and Kalli O’Malley Distinguished Visiting Professor and currently serves as a senior fellow. 

"I’m delighted and honored to see Susannah recognized in this way," commented Dr. Hanson. "She very much enjoyed her time at SPP and found it life-changing. As a frequent visiting faculty member at SPP and Susannah’s father, I’m doubly glad to see that this scholarship will support future students in the program, and I am sure Susannah would have enthusiastically agreed."

The $250,000 endowment extends the reach of the school’s educational mission, empowering skilled and passionate students to carry forward Susannah’s legacy. Terry Giles noted the importance of this connection, stating, "Kalli and I have been honored to have Dr. Hanson serve as our inaugural Giles-O’Malley Distinguished Visiting Professor. We’re grateful to have the opportunity to fund this scholarship memorializing Susannah’s legacy and supporting future SPP students."

Reflecting Susannah’s deep love for her family and their homestead in Selma, California, the scholarship will prioritize students from California or those with a specific interest in California policy issues.

"This is a particularly special scholarship at SPP as it memorializes a wonderful relationship between the school and the Hanson family," added Pete Peterson, Dean of the School of Public Policy. "Susannah had an incredible impact here as a student, and I’m so appreciative that her memory will continue to bless future SPP students."