Facebook pixel Third Annual Coastal Capital Summit Unites Pepperdine’s Finance Community for Valuable Career Insights and Networking Opportunities | Newsroom | Ƶ

Ƶ

Skip to main content
Ƶ

Third Annual Coastal Capital Summit Unites Pepperdine's Finance Community for Valuable Career Insights and Networking Opportunities

Coastal Capital Summit 2025

On Saturday, September 13, 2025, Pepperdine’s finance community joined leading industry experts for the third annual Coastal Capital Summit. The student-led event welcomed hundreds of students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the University to explore emerging opportunities in the finance industry, cultivate meaningful connections, and foster professional growth within a values-driven environment. Held in Elkins Auditorium on Pepperdine’s Malibu campus, attendees took part in networking sessions, keynote addresses, fireside chats, and breakout panels that brought together diverse perspectives from across the finance world.

This year’s summit featured an impressive lineup of alumni and industry professionals spanning wealth management, commercial banking, private equity, venture capital, and investment strategy. The summit’s keynote speakers and session leaders included Seth Haye (’02), managing director at Morgan Stanley; Kevin Gordon (’19), director and senior investment strategist at Charles Schwab; Lindsay Costigan (MBA ’07), head of Western region prime finance sales at BNP Paribas; Jack Selby, managing director of Thiel Capital; and Rob Copeland, reporter at the New York Times and bestselling author. Each speaker addressed timely and impactful topics ranging from current market trends and innovative investment strategies to the ethical implications of today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.

Hung Le and Ulysse Saltiel Hung Le and Ulysse Saltiel 

Organizers, such as summit founder Ulysse Saltiel (’25) and Pepperdine’s chief investment officer Jeffrey Rohde (’10), highlighted the purpose of the event—spotlighting Pepperdine’s finance program as well as equipping students with the skills and an advanced network that will aid them as they enter the workforce.

"I think the Coastal Capital Summit demonstrates how impactful our students can be when they follow through on their ideas," shared Rohde. "It also serves as a lodestar for our alumni, letting them know that our students want to connect with you and that Pepperdine welcomes you back to campus with open arms."

Saltiel opened the event by reflecting on the summit’s growth from a student initiative to one of Pepperdine’s flagship finance events. 

“The Coastal Capital Summit has helped bridge the gap between the academic and professional worlds at Pepperdine. We have such a talented and purpose-filled student body that any firm would be remiss to not look here,” shared Saltiel. “The Pepperdine finance program is one that has uniquely been able to pursue the absolute highest standards of academic and professional excellence while staying firmly and unwaveringly rooted in its mission and Christian values.”

Following Saltiel’s opening remarks, Hung Le (’87, MA ’03), senior vice chancellor of Alumni Affairs, extended a warm welcome to Pepperdine’s alumni and corporate partners. In addition, keynote speaker Haye addressed attendees with a reflection on his inspiring journey from Pepperdine to Morgan Stanley and shared valuable insights on balancing faith with his professional career.

Costigan and Gordon opened the discussions with an engaging conversation about their career journeys and the current macroeconomic landscape, sharing insights on market trends and highlighting how Pepperdine’s mission-driven education has shaped their professional decision-making.

Kevin Gordon and Lindsay CostiganKevin Gordon and Lindsay Costigan

Copeland brought attendees into the world of high-stakes finance through a discussion of his book, The Fund: Ray Dalio, Bridgewater Associates, and The Unraveling of a Wall Street Legend. In a fireside chat with Saltiel, the author explored generational perspectives on leadership and shared lessons from decades of market experience. Selby offered a candid look at venture capital, reflecting on the early days of PayPal and Arizona’s unique Coastal/non-Coastal venture opportunities.

One of the event’s most dynamic sessions, “Investing in the Future of America: AI and Energy,” featured Dan Wright (’06), entrepreneur and business strategist, and Mike Umbro (’05), energy and finance expert. They explored the intersection of artificial intelligence and the energy sector and offered a forward-looking perspective on investing in America and sharing strategies for navigating rapidly evolving markets.

Later, attendees participated in smaller panels centered on topics such as wealth management, investment, corporate, and commercial banking, private and public markets, and real estate. These intimate panels allowed students and professionals to dive deeper into their fields of interest, exchange expertise, and engage in Q & A sessions with industry experts.

The day concluded with a thoughtful reflection on the summit’s impact, which highlighted Pepperdine’s commitment to connecting students with the finance industry and drawing on the strength of its alumni network.

Coastal Capital Summit crowd Coastal Capital Summit crowd

For Graziadio Business School student Aria Allen, a two-time attendee, the Coastal Capital Summit was a valuable experience that offered him the chance to connect with financial leaders, explore professional growth opportunities, and gain insight into the many facets of the finance industry.

“For those outside this industry, there are many flavors of finance, and events such as the Coastal Capital Summit allow students to explore its diverse offerings,” he said. “I especially loved the breakout sessions on AI and Energy. They really showed how key business decisions are made in real life. Beyond that, the event gave me a chance to grow in leadership, connect with mentors, and even reflect on my faith. It’s the kind of experience you just can’t get in the classroom."

Reflecting on the magnitude of the event, Costigan remarked on the impressive gathering and the important role the University plays in its students' lives. 

“The Coastal Capital Summit is a true reflection of Pepperdine’s unique ability to convene thought leaders, innovators, students, and alumni across generations. It was inspiring to be back on campus and engaging with the next generation of finance professionals while sharing insights with fellow industry leaders,” shared Costigan. “Events like this showcase the power of community and remind us of Pepperdine’s enduring role in preparing principled leaders for the future.”

Session leader Selby also felt the significance of this annual event and praised the student participants, stating, “It is incredibly inspiring to be in a room full of intelligent and motivated young people who came prepared to ask great questions and foster an informative dialogue for all to enjoy.”