In honor of seven decades of marriage, and their courage to defend traditional family values, Art and Lois Linkletter were presented with the inaugural Friend of the Family award by Pepperdine University’s Center for the Family, an institute that promotes healthy relationships and strengthens families.

At a recent event, a blend of fundraiser, luncheon and fashion show, Pepperdine University President Andrew Benton presented the Linkletters with the award.

The Linkletters have exemplified a strong and enduring marriage, encouraged positive parenting and grandparenting, mastered the delicate and demanding balance of home and family amid public careers, and served as volunteers and leaders in childand family-focused organizations.

For these reasons, the couple models what it is to be “friends of the family.”

John Brady from Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s office also attended to present the couple with certificates from the mayor’s office.

The Linkletters are founding members of the Center for the Family advisory board, and Art is a Pepperdine University regent. The center’s auxiliary, the Friends of the Family League, sponsored the event at the Beverly Hills Hotel.