MALIBU, CALIF. - Pepperdine University President Andy Benton traveled historic U.S. Route 66 during a recent 10-day journey designed to explore what people are saying along “America’s Main Street” about their nation, institutions, communities and families.

Benton, 2008 chairman of the American Council on Education, planned to stop in more than 14 cities across eight states to meet with educators, businesspeople and church and civic leaders.

During the 2,400-mile journey Benton connected with people along the “Mother Road” and invited them to speak about their values, hopes, and dreams.

Benton first fulfilled his dream of driving Route 66 from its beginning in Chicago to its end-point in Santa Monica, Calif., last year.

“My first trip ... made alone with no particular agenda, convinced me I needed to do it again the following year and have conversations with people along the timeless route about things that are timeless to them,” Benton said.

Benton chronicled his experience online at www.pepperdine.edu/route66/.