Cerise Valenzuela MetzgerA $1 million gift from Women of Chapman aims to strengthen Chapman University’s safety net for its more than 80% of students who receive financial aid and could be just one personal crisis or unexpected bill away from needing to stall their education.
The gift supports the Women of Chapman Student Hardship Assistant Fund at Chapman University which aids students facing immediate and unexpected hardship, like expenses related to housing, food, transportation, technology, medical bills and getting home during a family crisis.
Donna Bunce, program and roster co-chair for Women of Chapman, said the organization wanted to support Chapman students “in a direct and personal way.” The board decided to help students through proceeds from Women of Chapman’s signature fundraiser, Christmas at The Ritz.
“Since 1971, Women of Chapman has brought together hundreds of extraordinary and philanthropic women with a passion for Chapman University,” said Women of Chapman President Sheri Nazaroff. “We have raised nearly $10 million in gifts designated to various programs, awards and facilities across campus. Our newest pledge, to create the Women of Chapman Student Hardship Assistance Fund, will provide financial support directly to students in need. We look forward to providing life-changing opportunities through this fund to these most vulnerable students.”
Women of Chapman previously made a $1 million endowment to support student filmmakers at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the No. 4-ranked film school in the nation.
The gift enhances the impact of Inspire: The Campaign for Chapman University. The public phase of the campaign launched in February. The campaign is one of five priorities in Chapman’s 2023-2028 strategic plan.
About Chapman University
Founded in 1861, Chapman University is a nationally ranked private university located in Southern California. Chapman is categorized by the Carnegie Classification as an R2 “high research activity” institution and offers personalized education to more than 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students. The campus has produced a Rhodes Scholar, been named a top producer of Fulbright Scholars, and hosts a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society. Based in the City of Orange, Chapman also includes the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine. In 2019, the university opened its 11th college, Dale E. and Sarah Ann Fowler School of Engineering, in its newest facility, Keck Center for Science and Engineering. Learn more about Chapman University: www.chapman.edu.
