Faustino Bernadett Officially Appointed to Pepperdine University Board

Faustino Bernadett

Faustino Bernadett is beginning a new chapter in his long-standing relationship with Pepperdine University after officially joining the Pepperdine University Board on June 24, 2026. His new role reflects his continued dedication to higher education, thoughtful leadership, community service, and creating opportunities for future generations.

As a member of the University Board, Dr. Faustino Bernadett brings years of professional and philanthropic experience to a university with which he and his wife, Martha Molina Bernadett, have shared a meaningful connection. His involvement with Pepperdine has included supporting business education and leadership development, making his new board position a natural extension of his commitment to the university.

The Pepperdine University Board includes leaders from a variety of professional, business, and civic backgrounds who provide insight and guidance on matters that help shape the university’s future. Faustino “Tino” Bernadett now joins this group, bringing his own perspective and experience to Pepperdine’s continued growth and mission.

A Longstanding Connection to Pepperdine University

Faustino Bernadett’s connection to Pepperdine University has developed over many years through his family’s support of education and leadership development.

Together with his wife, Dr. Martha Molina Bernadett, Faustino has supported Pepperdine Graziadio Business School and its mission to prepare principled business leaders. Their involvement reflects a shared belief that education can create opportunities not only for individuals, but also for families, businesses, and communities.

One of the most significant examples of their commitment is the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Endowed Faculty Fellows Program at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School. Established through a $2 million commitment from the Bernadetts and Pepperdine University, the program supports faculty excellence in teaching, research, and thought leadership.

The program has a particular focus on areas including entrepreneurship, ethics, family business, career development, and research that can influence business education and society. By supporting faculty, the Bernadetts are helping create opportunities for research and teaching that can benefit students and future business leaders.

For Faustino Bernadett, this emphasis on education is closely connected to his broader approach to leadership and philanthropy. His professional career and community involvement have consistently reflected the importance of preparing people to make thoughtful decisions, serve others, and create lasting impact.

Faustino Bernadett and Martha Bernadett: A Shared Commitment to Education

Faustino’s appointment to the Pepperdine University Board also adds another dimension to the work he and Martha have pursued together.

Martha Molina Bernadett has already served as a member of the Pepperdine University Board and has been recognized by Pepperdine Graziadio Business School as a Distinguished Alumnus. Pepperdine notes that the values of the university inspired Martha and Faustino to establish their endowed faculty program at Graziadio.

Their shared involvement with Pepperdine demonstrates how their professional and philanthropic interests intersect. Both have placed education, leadership development, and service at the center of many of their efforts.

Rather than viewing philanthropy simply as financial support, the Bernadetts have focused on creating programs and opportunities that can continue making an impact over time. Their work with Pepperdine is one example of that philosophy.

Supporting Future Leaders

Faustino Bernadett’s appointment to the Pepperdine University Board comes at a time when the university continues to emphasize principled leadership and meaningful contributions to society.

Through the Bernadett Faculty Fellows Program, Faustino and Martha have helped support faculty whose work can influence the classroom, business research, and the development of future leaders. The initiative specifically encourages work involving entrepreneurship, ethics, family business, and career readiness.

These areas are particularly relevant to Faustino Bernadett’s own interests. His experience in medicine, business, leadership, and philanthropy has given him a broad perspective on the importance of education and responsible decision-making.

His new role on the Pepperdine University Board provides another opportunity to contribute that perspective and support the university as it prepares students and graduates to lead with purpose.

A Broader Legacy of Service

Faustino Bernadett’s involvement with Pepperdine is part of a much broader history of philanthropy and public service.

Alongside Martha, Faustino helped establish The Molina Foundation in 2004. The national nonprofit focuses on reducing disparities in access to education and health. Their work through the foundation has included partnerships with schools and community organizations and efforts to expand access to books, educational resources, and programs for children and families.

The Bernadetts have also supported educational and healthcare initiatives through organizations including UCSF and other community and philanthropic institutions. Faustino’s philanthropic work includes the establishment of the Faustino and Martha Molina Bernadett Presidential Chair for Education at the UCSF School of Medicine, as well as support for scholarships and other educational programs.

Across these efforts, education remains a consistent theme.

For Faustino Bernadett, investing in education means investing in people and in the future. Whether through university programs, faculty support, scholarships, literacy initiatives, or community organizations, his work reflects a belief that access to education can help create stronger individuals and communities.

Looking Ahead

Joining the Pepperdine University Board represents a natural continuation of Faustino Bernadett’s relationship with the university.

His involvement with Pepperdine has already included significant support for business education through the Drs. Martha and Faustino Bernadett Endowed Faculty Fellows Program.

Now, as a member of the University Board, Faustino can contribute his experience and perspective in an expanded leadership role.

For Faustino Bernadett, this new responsibility is another opportunity to support an institution focused on education, leadership, service, and preparing students for the future.

His journey with Pepperdine reflects a broader philosophy that has shaped much of his professional and philanthropic work: success carries a responsibility to give back, support others, and help create opportunities for the next generation.

As Faustino Bernadett begins his service on the Pepperdine University Board, his commitment to education and leadership continues to grow, adding a new chapter to a longstanding legacy of service and philanthropy.