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
$484.5 Mil
Raised to Date
21,373
Donors
91,596
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.
One Day. Endless Possibilities.
On April 30, the Chapman community will come together for Giving Day — a 24-hour online fundraising event where every gift to the Chapman Fund will directly fuel student success. T
April 27, 2026
Chapman University Receives $25.5 Million Gift from Christine Cross
It started with a desire to give back and a conversation in a valet line. More than a decade later, that encounter has become one of the most significant philanthropic partnerships in Cha
March 3, 2026
Chapman and Marymount Education Foundation Formalize $2.625 Million Scholarship Partnership
A $2.625 million commitment from the Marymount Education Foundation is opening new pathways to higher education for Southern California students. The gift establishes the Marymount Scholars Program
February 19, 2026
A Gift Rooted in Critical Thinking, Curiosity, and a Life Changed at Chapman
Photos by Andrew Castro What began as a casual lunch invitation at Chapman University ultimately transformed a life, and now, through a philanthropic gift from Chapman Trustee and Professor Mark Ch
February 3, 2026
39th Annual Christmas at The Ritz Event Raises Nearly $300,000 for Chapman University
Women of Chapman’s signature holiday fundraiser continues nearly four decades-long tradition of supporting student success and campus development. The post
January 12, 2026
Dedication Ceremony Honors Alumnus Alex Hayden ’95 in Recognition of Chapman’s Real Estate School
Chapman University officially dedicated the Alexander E. Hayden School of Real Estate, honoring alumnus Alex Hayden ’95 and his pivotal role in bringing the school to life. The Dec. 11 ceremony c
January 6, 2026
How the Inspire Campaign Continues to Shape Chapman’s Future
Discover how philanthropy is driving impact and contributing to academic excellence on campus. The post
December 10, 2025
From Campus Leader to Future Scholar, Rachel ’24 Keeps Choosing Chapman
After four incredible years, the former SGA President advocates for alumni to pay it forward. The post
December 2, 2025
Brought Together by Chapman: Steve ’85 and Kathy ’84
From chance encounters to lifelong connections, the duo continues to pay forward the Chapman generosity that changed their lives. The post
December 2, 2025
A Chapman Story That Comes Full Circle: Paula ’94
From student journalist to proud parent, Paula Yakubik ’94 continues giving back to the university that shaped her life. The post
December 2, 2025
The Heart of Chapman Lives on for Steven ’15
Chapman’s spirit of care continues to inspire his leadership, philanthropy, and pride as an alum. The post
December 2, 2025
Chapman Staff and Faculty Say “I’M IN!” for Annual Giving Campaign
Chapman University’s faculty and staff are showing their Panther pride in a big way—by giving back to the university, they help make it extraordinary. Their gifts during the annual I’M IN! Gi
November 10, 2025
Finding Home at Chapman: Grace ’26
When Grace ’26 left her small hometown in Ohio to become a Chapman University Panther, she knew she was embarking on a new adventure. What she didn’t realize was how quickly she would find
November 4, 2025
Chapman University Mathematics Assistant Professor Dr. Polona Durcik Awarded $35,000 from the Simons Foundation to Advance Global Research in Harmonic Analysis
Some of the most groundbreaking ideas in mathematics emerge when people with different perspectives come together. Chapman University Assistant Professor of Mathematics Dr. Polona Durcik is prepari
October 27, 2025
From Surf Club to Study Abroad: Thiesen’s ‘27 Chapman Experience
A Business Administration and Spanish double major, Thiesen's path to Chapman was made possible by generous donors to the Chapman Fund. The post
September 26, 2025
Chapman University Partners with Marymount Education Foundation to Expand Access and Support for Students
Chapman’s new Executive Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer, Jessica Berger, has been busy in her first few weeks on the job, focusing squarely on building relationships, serving student
September 23, 2025
Valor Partners $25,000 Scholarship Supports Education for Veterans’ Families
Chapman University has been awarded $25,000 annually for the next five years to support students receiving benefits under the Chapter 35 Dependent Education Assistance (DEA) program. The funding co
September 2, 2025
Inspiring Impact: Chapman University’s Campaign Surpasses $404 Million
When Chapman University publicly launched Inspire: The Campaign for Chapman University, it set forth an ambitious goal to raise $500 million by 2028 and significantly expand its endowment by 2037.
August 13, 2025
Women of Chapman Fundraises for Student Filmmakers at Stars of Tomorrow Gala
On May 8, Chapman University’s philanthropic support group, Women of Chapman, hosted the inaugural Stars of Tomorrow gala at the Port Theater in Corona del Mar, celebrating five Dodge College of
June 16, 2025
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
Education & Remembrance
Preserving Holocaust Education
Chapman University receives $3 million endowment from the Samueli Foundation to preserve the Holocaust Art & Writing Contest in the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education. This transformative endowment permanently sustains a nationally recognized program that engages students through art and writing, ensuring future generations connect with Holocaust history in deeply personal and meaningful ways.
The Holocaust Art & Writing Contest began in 2000.
About 7,000 students participate annually in the contest with representation from many states and other countries.
Civil Discourse
Championing Free Speech
The Fletcher Jones Foundation’s $1 million grant establishes an endowed chair dedicated to advancing scholarship and dialogue on free speech, advancing Chapman’s commitment to open discourse and intellectual freedom. At a time when free speech on college campuses faces unprecedented challenges, this chair positions Chapman as a national leader in fostering constructive dialogue across ideological divides and cultivating a campus culture where diverse perspectives are welcomed and rigorously examined.
Professor of Communication Vikki Katz, Ph.D. was named the inaugural chair in free speech.
Professor Katz’s research on the intersection of free speech, civil discourse and equitable access to civic engagement opportunities, addressing how the digital divide and technology engagement impact both young people’s and adults’ ability to fully participate in civic life.
Intellectual Leadership
Cultivating Critical Thinking
Mark Chapin Johnson ’05 establishes a new endowed chair in honor of President Emeritus James L. Doti, strengthening Chapman’s commitment to developing the next generation of thinkers. This chair reinforces Chapman’s mission to teach students how to think, not what to think — equipping them to navigate complexity, challenge echo chambers, and participate meaningfully in a democratic society.
“Through advanced academic work, particularly in history, political science, and comparative politics, Johnson came to understand how deeply assumptions shape beliefs and how rarely those beliefs are challenged. Critical thinking, he learned, is not about having the right answers. It is about asking better questions and being willing to accept that strongly held views may be wrong.”
Learning In Action
Walk Down Wall Street
Building on their previous philanthropic leadership, the Morissette family’s $75,000 gift continues their investment in the Walk Down Wall Street program ensuring Chapman students gain invaluable hands-on financial industry experience. Their continued support elevates this signature initiative as a permanent pillar of experiential learning for students pursuing careers in finance.
This annual trip takes 20 juniors down Wall Street to explore careers in finance.
The students meet Chapman alumni working at some of the companies on Wall Street.
Creative & Academic Opportunity
Scholarships & Music Education
Christine Cross has deepened her long‑standing partnership with Chapman by committing a total of $35.5 million, including a $20 million endowed scholarship fund and $5.5 million to support summer music programs at the Hall‑Musco Conservatory of Music. Her transformational support will expand access for students pursuing their academic and artistic passions, ensuring both financial assistance and enriched opportunities in music education for generations to come.
$20 million for need‑based scholarships, the largest scholarship gift in Chapman’s history.
Unlocking Potential
Expanding Access Together
The Marymount Education Foundation’s $2.625 million commitment establishes the Marymount Scholars Program, removing financial barriers for Southern California students beginning Fall 2026. The program pairs scholarships with dedicated faculty mentors, academic support, and professional development training to guide students through college and beyond.
Chapman University and the Marymount Education Foundation share beliefs in nurturing the whole student. In addition to financial aid, Marymount Scholars will also receive dedicated faculty mentorship, targeted academic support services including tutoring and study skills workshops, and professional development training that prepares students for meaningful careers beyond graduation.
The Marymount Education Foundation also partners with Cal Lutheran University, La Sierra University, and Mount Saint Mary’s University for this initiative.
Program Innovation
Invest in Your Passions
The Masson family’s $2.5 million gift demonstrates how personal passion can fuel institutional excellence, supporting graduate student scholarships, a Math, Philosophy, and Physics fellowship, and water polo programs. By investing in areas they love, the Massons aim to inspire others to champion the programs closest to their hearts.
Pierre Masson ’12 was a Chapman water polo All-American in every season he played, and he and his wife Lisa (Horn) Masson ’12 met while both played water polo for Chapman.
Removing Barriers
Nourishing Students
A $225,000 legacy gift establishes the Rose and Frank Giannantonio Endowed Food Pantry Fund to support Chapman’s food pantry, ensuring students facing food insecurity have reliable access to nutritious meals so they can focus on their studies.
Chapman’s Panther Pantry provides food items that can be used for a week’s worth of meals during times when members of the Chapman community are experiencing food insecurity.
There is a Panther Pantry at the Orange Campus and one on the Rinker Campus to provide flexibility to students.
Student Access
Investing in Scholarships
The Blalock family’s gift establishes a $50,000 endowed scholarship to support students, providing lasting impact through perpetual funding that will help students achieve their academic dreams for generations to come.
Understanding the unique challenges first-generation students face, the Burris family’s $50,000 endowed scholarship removes financial barriers for incoming undergraduates who are the first in their families to attend college. Together, these gifts create lasting opportunity for students who bring diverse perspectives and determination to Chapman.
⅔
of Chapman’s endowment is comprised of student scholarships.
Academic Excellence
Studying American Leadership
A $2 million bequest establishes an endowment for Presidential Studies, with an additional $40,000 for immediate use. The gift advances Chapman’s leadership in deepening understanding of the American presidency and strengthening civic engagement.
Through events, conferences, and research opportunities, the Presidential Studies program aims to demonstrate civil discourse while deepening understanding of the presidency and its critical role in American governance.
Inspiring Generations
Champions of Excellence
Chapman alumna Nella Webster O’Grady and Kevin O’Grady give $1 million to support the Argyros College of Business and Economics, the Hilbert Museum of California Art, and the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics. Nella’s experience at Chapman sparked her passion for supporting the next generation of business leaders, and she is inspired by Mark Hilbert’s dedication to preserving and sharing California scene painting at the museum.
“When I was a student at Chapman, I was one of only three women in the economics and business school,” says Nella. “That experience shaped my passion for supporting the next generation of business leaders—especially women. Chapman’s business programs give students the opportunity to develop both technical skills and leadership capabilities…”
Innovation In Action
Dancing into Entrepreneurship
An anonymous $125,000 gift establishes an endowed scholarship for undergraduate dance majors and launches the Performing Arts Incubator Program to prepare dancers for their futures beyond the stage. By connecting current dancers with alumni mentors in the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship, the program fosters a cycle of mentorship and equips dancers with the skills to plan for life after their performing careers.
This program started with 20 students during Interterm 2026 and will run for 5 additional years.
Alumni returned to serve as mentors and guest judges of the students final pitches.
Future Generations
Amplifying Young Voices
Smart & Final establishes a multi-year music education and mentorship program with their $50,000 gift. Partnering with two local high schools, this program brings the transformative power of music to underserved communities and inspires the next generation of musicians
The local high school students play together with Chapman Orchestra students.
