Inspire
The Campaign For
Chapman University
Join Chapman in its ambitious goal to raise $500 million, and become a partner in influencing the trajectory of a top university, its research and the lives of its students.
Campaign Highlights
$500 Mil
Fundraising Goal
$386 Mil
Raised to Date
17,965
Donors
74,909
Donations
Driven By
Chapman is uniquely positioned to transform lives by providing paths to social mobility, energizing health delivery in the region, and conducting breakthrough research to solve critical issues on a global scale. Our donors power the momentum of a world-class university to inspire real change that ensures the success of Chapman for generations.
Town & Gown Scholar Bernadine Cortina ’24 Named Chapman Woman of Distinction
At an awards ceremony on March 27 at the Fish Interfaith Center, Chapman University’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion hosted the second-annual Women of Distinction Awards. Graduati
April 12, 2024
Chapman Physician Assistant Program Receives $5 Million to Serve Under-Resourced Communities in Orange County
At its April 4 board meeting, CalOptima approved the recipients for the first round of CalOptima Health Workforce Development Fund grants, with Chapman University among the recipients. “Cal
April 5, 2024
Giving Day 2024 Aims to Surpass 1,000 Gifts and Celebrates Dr. Jim Doti’s 50 Years
On Thursday, April 18, Chapman University will hold its sixth annual Giving Day, a 24-hour online fundraising event that rallies the Chapman Family together to support our students, faculty and cam
March 28, 2024
Fowlers Honored at Event Marking 10-Year Anniversary of Law School’s Naming
Dale E. Fowler is given Chapman's highest honor, the C.C. Chapman award. The post
March 14, 2024
Underserved Students Given Pathway to Career as Physician Assistant With Gift From the Ronald M. Simon Family Foundation
Simon Scholar students at Chapman University will continue advancing the health care needs of Orange County with support from the Simon Family Foundation. The post
February 29, 2024
$1 Million Gift from Donald and Deedee Sodaro to Name the South Wing of the Hilbert Museum
As the Hilbert Museum of California Art enjoys its grand expansion opening on Feb. 23, one wing of the museum now has a new name: Thanks to a $1 million gift, the Donald E. and Felicity Sodaro Sout
February 22, 2024
Chapman Fund President’s Circle Breakfast Celebrates Donor Generosity
During Chapman University’s Parent Spring Summit on Feb. 9, President Daniele C. Struppa, Ph.D., welcomed members of the Chapman Fund’s President’s Circle to the annual President’s Circle B
February 19, 2024
First-Gen Student Mariel ’27 Wants to be the First Reporter Live from the Moon
Chapman University first-generation student Mariel ’27 found her passion for journalism during a high school class. Once she joined her school newspaper, it solidified her love of it, and she kne
February 19, 2024
Mamie ’78 and Adam Maywhort Increase Legacy Gift by $1 Million to Support Campus Infrastructure and Improvements
Mamie Yong Maywhort ’78 started her philanthropic journey with a $25 gift to Chapman University soon after she graduated. She and her husband, Adam, have been consistent donors ever since.
February 15, 2024
Doy B. Henley School of Management to Launch in Chapman’s Argyros College
The gift will help propel Argyros College toward earning a top 50 business school ranking. The post
February 9, 2024
$3 Million Surprise Gift Endows Chairs in Math, Philosophy and Physics
Three Chapman University professors were surprised on Jan. 31 with endowed chairs in the Doctor of Science in Math, Philosophy and Physics (MPP) program. The chairs are supported by a $3 mill
February 1, 2024
$2.5 Million Gift Supports Math, Philosophy and Physics Doctoral Fellowships
Two Chapman University parents are supporting students in a unique program in perpetuity. On Jan. 31, the $2.5 million Anne and Chris Flowers Family Endowed Doctoral Fellowship was announced during
February 1, 2024
Town & Gown’s Lunch at the Forum Series Supports Chapman Students with Scholarships and Academic Advancements
For over half a century, the philanthropic support group Town & Gown has provided generous support to Chapman University. Currently, there are over 230 members and 27 board members. The member
January 22, 2024
Ayres Hotels $25,000 Inspiring Gift Benefits Chapman Students
Chapman University’s unique approach to higher education revolves around providing a personalized experience for each student, creating an environment that nurtures personal growth and develo
January 18, 2024
Three Fully Supported Scholarships Presented to Incoming Students at Star-Studded Women in Entertainment Event
At The Hollywood Reporter’s (THR) star-studded Women in Entertainment (WIE) event at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Dec. 7, three incoming Chapman University students were presented with fully su
December 18, 2023
$1 Million Legacy Gift from Chapman Alumnus to Benefit Students Pursuing Biomedical Careers
If you were a Chapman University student between 1970 and 2016, you may have taken a science class from Dr. Virginia Carson. During her 45 years at Chapman, Carson wore many hats, including profess
December 18, 2023
37th Annual Christmas at the Ritz Raises $300,000 for Chapman University
On Dec. 2, Women of Chapman, a vibrant group of philanthropic-minded women strongly dedicated to a program of service to Chapman University, hosted their 37th Annual Christmas at the Ritz event, wh
December 15, 2023
President Emeritus Jim Doti Surprised with Gift of Endowed Chair at Chapman’s Economic Forecast
Chapman University Board of Trustees member Rick Muth (MBA ’81) has channeled the economic knowledge he gained from Chapman into a successful business. Now, he is using that success to support bu
December 15, 2023
Argyros College Leads in Innovation with Shah Family’s Major Gift
A gift from The Shah Happiness Foundation will fund the Shah Family Endowed Chair in Innovativeness within Chapman University’s George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics. This phila
December 6, 2023
Blending Business, Language and Leadership: Bradley’s Chapman Journey
Bradley ’23 exemplifies a student who is making the most of their Chapman Experience. As a double major, Bradley credits Chapman’s promise of a personalized education with his ability to blend
November 30, 2023
Global Impact
Breakthrough Research Offers Game-Changing Potential for Global Food Security
“We can now predict 100% of food crashes and recoveries three to six months ahead of time. This is going to save lives,” says Chapman University Presidential Fellow Joshua B. Fisher
The scientific advance may allow nations, the UN and humanitarian aid organizations to more efficiently direct resources to areas of drought and famine before those regions tip into full-blown crisis.
The researchers have received outreach from a number of actors who support humanitarian interventions, including the World Bank.
The model not only predicted every food crisis, but also the length and magnitude of each one.
Treatment Innovation
Chapman Pharmacy Professors Lead Way in Precision Medicine
Pharmacogenomics – a part of precision medicine– uses a test that sequences a person’s genes to better customize medications for maximum impact and safety.
By looking at the DNA, the researchers can see who might be a good candidate for a certain drug versus not.
Their method uses DNA tests that “contain the equivalent of millions of tests in one,” the researchers say.
Technological Breakthrough
New Supercomputer Puts Chapman at the Cutting Edge of AI Research
The new computer system is the first community-operated supercomputer in the nation.
8 quadrillion
The new computer system is capable of performing 8 quadrillion calculations per second.
The computer cluster was donated by Nvidia Corp. to advance the goal of preparing more students from underserved communities and to help ensure that the region’s tech workforce is ready to thrive at the cutting edge of AI advances.
The project is due to Chapman’s participation in the CEO Leadership Alliance of Orange County, a working group that includes executives at some of the most influential high-tech companies in Orange County.
Inspiring Generations
Crean College Students Teach Medical Skills to High School Students
Physician Assistant students provide much-needed medical training to high school students earning medical certificates.
“Our students are learning, the Chapman students are practicing their teaching skills and get to share their passion and knowledge with the next generation, and our whole community benefits. I think that’s what I love most about our program is bringing our community together.”
500+
500+ high school students participated in the training event.
60+
60+ healthcare professionals participated in the program.
Alumni Impact
Infinite Paths to Peace
Rabia Asif ’22 earns Shinnyo-en Fellowship, which supports post-undergraduate Chapman University alumni interested in peacebuilding and service.
A health sciences major with a pre-med emphasis and a minor in Spanish, Asif will work at Higher Ground for the next year as she prepares to take the MCAT in preparation for applying to medical school.
Asif is launching a literacy program at Higher Ground, an Anaheim organization whose mission is to provide mentorship and opportunity to at-risk and underserved youth.
Asif volunteered with School on Wheels, a non-profit that provides 1:1 virtual tutoring for youth displaced from homes. She also served at the Lestonnac Local Free Clinic in Old Towne Orange, which provides free medical services to community members who don’t have insurance.
Addressing Community Health
Alumna Gives Chapman Students a Leg Up as They Pursue Their Dream Careers in Health Care
In her role with Schmid College, Christine Crispen ’02 is helping all science students succeed, with a special focus on those applying to medical and other health schools.
2x
The number of students identifying as first-generation in Schmid College has more than doubled from spring 2021 to 2022.
As assistant director for student success and pre-health advisor for Schmid College of Science and Technology, Crispen guides students in preparing for and applying to medical and professional health schools.
Chapman students have already benefited from the guidance of Crispen, who started working for Schmid College as a consultant during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Impact
Chapman Alumna Champions Neurodiversity in the Workplace
Tiffany (Payton) Jameson ’96 founded the boutique consultancy firm grit & flow, which guides organizations in making inclusive practices to create environments for all, but especially those who are neurodivergent (autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dysgraphia, learning differences) and disabled.
85%
Among those diagnosed with autism, there is an 85% unemployment rate, and an even higher rate for those without college degrees.
Jameson is one of the founders of the NDGiFTS Movement, an organization that supports and celebrates neurodiversity in the workplace.
Jameson’s autistic son, Jacob, will graduate with the class of 2023.
Partnering in Health
The Chapman-CHOC Connection
Separated by barely a mile, Chapman University and Children’s Health of Orange County share a collaborative culture that brings the two communities even closer together.
CHOC provides Chapman students with internship opportunities and is among the top employers of Chapman graduates.
“The opportunity to improve the care of children is at the heart of everything we do. Whether in the lab, on the floor providing care or working with data, our job is to save lives,” says Louis Ehwerhemuepha (MS ’13, Ph.D. ’15), senior data scientist at CHOC.
Sustainable Campus
Water-Wise Plants and Practices Are Growing at Chapman
By the end of this academic year, conversion to drought-tolerant landscaping is expected to save almost 485,000 gallons of water.
17,268
Square Feet
17,268 square feet of grass on the main campus in Orange will be converted to drought-tolerant landscaping.
485,000 Gallons
Estimated annual water savings.
The initiative has led to wider discussions on conservation of resources and advocating for communities affected by issues of environmental justice.
Academic Excellence
Nobel Peace Laureate Nadia Murad Appointed as Chapman University Presidential Fellow
Survivor and human rights activist was also the keynote speaker at Commencement.
1st
In 2016, Murad became the first United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for the Dignity of Survivors of Human Trafficking.
Won the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize for her advocacy for survivors of genocide and sexual violence.
“I am proud to serve as a Presidential Fellow at a university that is dedicated to seeking truth and fostering thoughtful global citizens,” said Murad.
International Collaboration
Cosmic Archaeology
For the first time in history, scientists unearth extraterrestrial culture on the international space station, led by Chapman University Professor Justin Walsh.
Researcher Justin Walsh is using archaeology’s methods of inquiry and analysis to reveal new understanding of human activity in space.
The researchers use daily photos to document material culture within the International Space Station.
“It’s a microsociety in a miniworld,” says Walsh.