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.
“People often equate philanthropy to writing big checks, but that is not true at all,” Mamie said. “It is not the gift amount, but the giving itself that matters.”
Building on their love of Chapman and history of giving, the Maywhorts have increased their legacy gift to the university by $1 million, with funds earmarked for the Elliott Alumni House, Leatherby Libraries Endowment, Business and Economics Endowment, Engineering Endowment and Science and Technology Endowment.
“Mamie and Adam’s generosity to Chapman is so heartwarming and shows how gifts of any size matter both in the present and future,” said Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa, Ph.D.
“With my first $25 gift, I had a lifelong goal of someday paying Chapman back for the scholarships I received,” Mamie continued. “I couldn’t have completed my education without the support of others, and it is my hope that every Chapman alumnus will reflect on the support they received to set their own goal for paying it forward.”
Part of the Maywhort’s legacy gift is to be used for maintenance and capital improvements to the Elliott Alumni House in respect and appreciation for their friendship with Patricia A. Elliott ’60 (MA ’74) and Thomas C. Elliott ’60, whom the house was named in honor of in 2011.
The remaining funds will be divided equally to establish four endowments:
- The Adam and Mamie Maywhort ’78 Leatherby Libraries Endowment to support infrastructure, capital improvements and equipment for the Leatherby Libraries.
- The Adam and Mamie Maywhort ’78 Business and Economics Endowment to support infrastructure, capital improvements and equipment for the Argyros College of Business and Economics.
- The Adam and Mamie Maywhort ’78 Engineering Endowment to support the infrastructure, capital improvements and equipment for the Fowler School of Engineering.
- The Adam and Mamie Maywhort ’78 Science and Technology Endowment to support infrastructure, capital improvements and equipment for the Schmid College of Science and Technology.
“Ever since she was a student at Chapman, Mamie realized the importance of alumni paying it forward,” said Matt Parlow, executive vice president and chief advancement officer. “Mamie and Adam are wonderful examples that people don’t have to start with a major gift to make a major impact.”
Mamie graduated from Chapman with a bachelor’s degree in business and economics in 1978 — where President Emeritus Jim Doti was her professor — and worked in private and non-profit sectors for over 40 years. In 2005, she started Homefront America, a non-profit, all-volunteer military outreach and support organization serving active-duty service members and their families from all military branches. Her steadfast devotion and commitment to supporting America’s military families earned her the prestigious United States President’s Volunteer Service Award (Gold Level) in 2019, 2020 and 2021. In 2022, she was awarded The United States President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for her lifelong commitment to building a stronger nation through volunteer service.
“I’ve always strived to participate and do what I can in the moment,” Mamie said. “When you help others, you’re a part of something bigger. Over the course of your life, small gestures multiply.”
Adam, a former U.S. Coast Guardsman, worked in the commercial construction industry for over 27 years and has been working with the Irvine Ranch Conservancy for the past 18 years, currently positioned as Director of Planning & Infrastructure. The couple first started dating in high school and have been married for more than 45 years.
“We are grateful to the Maywhorts for their generous legacy gift, which includes the establishment of four endowments,” said Gabe Cagwin, Ph.D., vice president of development. “The endowments will continue to grow and, over time, impact Chapman students in perpetuity.”
Beyond leaving a legacy gift, the Maywhorts have donated to the Chapman Fund and various campaigns throughout the years. If Chapman inspires you and you want to pay it forward like the Maywhorts, learn more about how to support Chapman or donate today.
