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
$404 Mil
Raised to Date
20,076
Donors
85,185
Gifts
Campaign Strategies
Complete a $500 million comprehensive giving campaign to drive Chapman’s overall success.
Strengthen alumni, parent, and volunteer engagement across all departments and disciplines.
Increase endowment giving with the goal of a $2 billion endowment by 2037.
Bolster development support for all 11 Chapman schools and colleges.
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.
Investing Beyond the Deal: Perry Schonfeld’s Deep Commitment to Chapman Real Estate
Longtime MSRE supporter, faculty member and industry leader invests in students. The post
May 27, 2025
Building Better Leaders — and a Stronger Nation
Mark Chapin Johnson ’05 has worn many hats at Chapman University: alumnus, parent, professor, trustee — and, perhaps most notably, visionary philanthropist. His latest gift of $40,000 to Chapma
May 19, 2025
Hunting for “Montysaurus”: Donor’s Gift Brings Real Dinosaur Excavation to Chapman Students
Jamie Montgomery’s latest gift to Chapman’s Dino Lab fuels student discovery and hands-on research. The post
May 5, 2025
Dhont Family Foundation Gift Inspires New Era of Innovation at Chapman’s Dodge College
As one of the premier film and media arts colleges in the world, Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts is filled with individuals dedicated to using their creative minds to te
April 23, 2025
Double Alumnus Sam Mirejovsky ’11 (JD ’14) Pays It Forward to Future Law Students
Alongside his business partner, Ashley Watkins (JD ’14), Mirejovsky supported the renovation of the Fowler Law student center, creating the Sam & Ash Student Lounge and Rocky Recreation Room
April 7, 2025
Mols Family Doubles Commitment to Endowed Scholarship for Instrumental Music
The endowed scholarship supports community college transfer students, ensuring even more transfer students can pursue their musical ambitions. The post
April 3, 2025
Chapman’s Phonathon: A Passionate Team Powering Giving Day and Honing Their Communication Skills
As Chapman University gears up for Giving Day on April 10, one group of students is working behind the scenes to rally support—the dedicated students at Phonathon. Each day, this enthusiastic tea
March 31, 2025
Webster O’Grady Family Champions Excellence at Chapman University With Inspired $1 Million Gift
Chapman University has long been defined by its commitment to academic excellence, arts and cultural enrichment, and entrepreneurial spirit. Today, that legacy is further strengthened by the genero
March 24, 2025
Celebrating the Impact of the President’s Circle
Chapman University held its annual President’s Circle breakfast, an opportunity to thank generous donors for their contributions to the Chapman Fund. The post
March 17, 2025
Ally Lentz ’13 and the Swenson Family Foundation: A Legacy of Giving to Support Chapman Students
A $41,000 gift to the Women of Chapman Student Hardship Assistance Fund will provide critical assistance to students experiencing unforeseen challenges. The post
March 4, 2025
Chapman Ready for ‘Spectacular Future,’ Says President Struppa in Final State of the University Address
The annual event included updates on the university’s academic and financial strength and a review of the ongoing comprehensive campaign from President-elect Matt Parlow. The post
March 3, 2025
Transformational $1.85 Million Gift from Samueli Foundation Inspires a Bold Vision for Civil Discourse at Chapman
In an era of growing political polarization and digital misinformation, the Samueli Foundation has made a visionary $1.85 million investment in the future of civil discourse at Chapman University.
February 17, 2025
38th Annual Christmas at The Ritz Raises Over $305,000 for Chapman University
Women of Chapman, a vibrant group of philanthropic-minded women strongly dedicated to a program of service to Chapman University, hosted their 38th Annual Christmas at The Ritz event on Dec. 14, 20
February 11, 2025
Chapman University Exceeds $400 Million Milestone in Historic Campaign
When President Daniele C. Struppa stood before a packed audience at the State of the University two years ago to announce Chapman University’s most ambitious public fundraising initiative yet
January 13, 2025
Empowering Tomorrow’s Stars: Alumna Molly Mahoney ’02 Gives Back to CoPA
Her generous $50,000 endowed scholarship allows undergraduate students to shine. The post
December 12, 2024
Alumnus Alex Hayden Donates $5 Million to Establish Chapman University’s School of Real Estate
The new school will house the master’s in real estate program and related courses, with the aspiration of growing Chapman’s real estate offerings. The post
December 4, 2024
From Alum to Panther Parent, Mark ’82 Pays it Forward
“Philanthropy is simply a way to pay it forward,” he shared. “Someone did that for me, and I hope to do the same for today’s students so they can carry it forward to the next generation.”
November 27, 2024
From Research in Africa to Semester at Sea, Kate ’23 Embodies the Chapman Experience
Receiving the Chapman Fund’s Provost Scholarship brought her dream within reach, making it possible to participate in Semester at Sea, conduct research abroad, and form lasting connections to gui
November 26, 2024
Apgar Foundation Grant Expands Smith Institute’s Summer Scholars Program
The Summer Scholars program allows students to immerse themselves in an intellectually stimulating, five-week experience, embracing the academic ideal of “living the life of the mind.”
November 26, 2024
Lifelong Learning and Adventure Inspire Karen ’72 to Keep Exploring
“My time at Chapman set the stage for my life,” she shared. “The education opened career doors for me just as women were beginning to enter the workforce in a meaningful way.” The po
November 25, 2024
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.
