Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology announced on May 5 that Yakov Smirnoff and Margaret Moodian have been selected as this year’s Distinguished Alumnus honorees. Smirnoff will represent the Education Division, while Moodian will be honored by the Psychology Division.
The recognition highlights their personal and professional achievements, reflecting Pepperdine’s mission through service, leadership, and purpose. Farzin Madjidi, dean of GSEP, said, “The GSEP community is delighted to welcome back these distinguished and accomplished alumni. Yakov and Margaret are deeply respected in their fields and embody the character, purpose, and leadership that reflect Pepperdine’s mission and inspire our students to reach beyond what they thought possible.”
Smirnoff is known for his career as a comedian, stage performer, educator, and owner of the Yakov Theatre in Branson, Missouri. He has entertained over six million people during his three-decade career at the venue. His performances have included appearances for four US presidents as well as roles alongside Robin Williams, Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, and Jack Nicholson. Arriving in the United States from the Soviet Union in 1977 inspired his signature act focused on celebrating the American Dream with his catchphrase “What a country!” In addition to comedy work on television shows such as The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Jimmy Fallon’s version of The Tonight Show later on—he has also taught courses at Missouri State University and Drury University.
Smirnoff earned a bachelor’s degree from Odessa Pedagogical University before receiving a master’s degree in psychology from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006. He completed his doctorate in organizational leadership at Pepperdine GSEP in 2019. “It’s a tremendous honor to be acknowledged by the University,” shared Smirnoff. “My mother…is looking down from heaven…I can hear her say ‘I guess you can do both! I’m proud of you son!'”
Margaret Moodian has spent more than ten years supporting adult learners through her work in higher education leadership roles focused on competency-based programs aligned with workforce needs. She was appointed by Orange County supervisor Katrina Foley to serve on the Orange County Historical Commission; she also serves on several boards including Journey School (Aliso Viejo), Chapman University Town & Gown board; Makapo Aquatics Project for individuals with disabilities.
Moodian holds multiple honors including Pepperdine’s 40 Under 40 recognition—the Women Making a Difference Award—and certificates presented by state senator Catherine Blakespear along with congressperson Mike Levin among others. Having experienced foster care herself growing up—she now serves foster youth both professionally (as an advocate) and personally (as a foster parent). She earned her bachelor’s degree from Chapman University before completing both master’s (2008) and doctoral degrees (2011) at Pepperdine GSEP.
Moodian credits her time at Pepperdine for shaping her commitment: “I am grateful to receive this honor…it means so much because it’s a reminder of how far I have come since graduating from Pepperdine 15 years ago,” said Moodian.