Gerald A. Sheppard

Sheppard, Gerald A.
Malibu, Calif., May 15, 2002 - Prominent Los Angeles attorney, Gerald A. Sheppard, member of the Pepperdine University Board and long-time supporter of the university, died at his home in Glendale, May 13, following a lengthy illness. Sheppard was, for many years, a partner with the Los Angeles firm of Shield & Smith and more recently, served "of counsel" with the firm of Holley & Galen. In addition to his participation on the University Board, dating back to 1978, he was a statesman for the School of Public Policy and a recipient of the honorary Doctor of Laws degree from the school. He was also a member of the Board of Visitors of the School of Law and the Graziadio School of Business and Management. Sheppard was formerly a clinical assistant professor at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Dentistry, an assistant professor of jurisprudence at Loma Linda University's School of Dentistry, and a lecturer at the UCLA Dental School and for the American and California Dental Associations. He authored numerous essays on the legal aspects of dentistry and regularly contributed to dental periodicals. He earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees at USC. His career included memberships in Los Angeles County, State of California, and American Bar Associations and he was admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court. He was president of the Board of Trustees of the Americanism Educational League, an organization dating back to 1927 whose goal is to inform and educate all citizens, especially students, about their liberties and responsibilities as Americans. For many years, Sheppard was chairman of the Committee of Endorsement for Pepperdine's Youth Citizenship Seminar in collaboration with the Pilgrim Foundation, of which he also served as president. He was a member of the George Pepperdine Society and a Pepperdine Associates volunteer committee chairman during the Challenged to Lead Campaign. Sheppard was for many years on the board of trustees of the First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. He was a founding board member for the Seaver Pilgrim School and past chairman of the Freedom Club of Los Angeles. Sheppard is survived by his wife, Margaret (Maggie), of Glendale, California; daughters, Alesen Sheppard, of La Crescenta; and Catherine Campbell, of Irvine; son-in-law, John B. T. Campbell, III; and grandsons, Taylor and Logan Campbell. The family has asked, in lieu of flowers, that contributions be made to the Youth Citizenship Seminar at Pepperdine and/or the Americanism Educational League. The memorial service has been scheduled for 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, May 21 at the First Congregational Church, 540 South Commonwealth Ave., Los Angeles, 90020.