Straus Institute Holds Seaver Conflict Management Certificate Conferral Ceremony
On Friday, May 1, the Straus Institute and Seaver College came together to celebrate a remarkable group of 35 undergraduate students who earned the Certificate in Conflict Management (CCM). The reception, held at Pepperdine Caruso School of Law, marked the end of a rigorous academic journey for these graduating seniors.
The CCM program is a unique collaboration between Pepperdine’s Seaver College and the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution and Graduate Law programs. Designed to allow Seaver students to take Straus classes in negotiation, mediation and conflict resolution, the program requires them to take graduate level curriculum alongside law students, attorneys and other professionals. It provides both theoretical foundations and practical strategies in negotiation, problem-solving, and managing conflict, and cross-disciplinary competence.
Over 120 faculty, staff, families, and supporters joined to celebrate these graduates. Unique to this ceremony, after remarks from dean Lee Kats of Seaver College and dean Paul Caron from Caruso School of Law, each CCM recipient takes the stage to speak a few words of reflection.
“Thanks to what I’ve learned here,” said recipient Ashleigh Weinstock, I feel prepared to be a peacemaker in every room I walk into.”
Added recipient Richard Zamora: “It is fascinating to hear the discussion surrounding the word ‘peacemaker’ at this ceremony . . . I can only hope to follow.”
“It takes courage to be vulnerable,” said recipient Naomi Vincze, and in “the shared panic before a role play, I saw that same courage in my classmates.”
For many graduates, the program has opened doors to careers in law, public service, nonprofit leadership, and human resources. For others, it has shaped how they view leadership and interpersonal relationships, deepening their ability to engage conflict constructively wherever it arises. Several of the graduates will be continuing into the Masters in Dispute Resolution at the Straus Institute.
“We are so thankful for this cohort of students who have a vision in their hearts to address conflict and become peacemakers," stated Sarah Park, associate director of the Straus Institute, in her remarks.
As the Class of 2026 steps forward into the next chapter of their lives, the Straus and Seaver communities celebrate this cohort.
Additional information on the program may be found at Conflict Management Certification
