Paul Folino, a prolific Chapman University supporter and Orange County entrepreneur and philanthropist, passed away Oct. 14, 2023. He was 75.
“Mr. Folino’s contributions have left an indelible mark on our institution, most notably through his generous support of the Folino Theater, which has enriched the lives of countless students, faculty and community members,” Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa said.
As a member of the original Xerox Corporation team, Folino contributed to the launch of Ethernet networking products in the 1970s. He was president and chief operating officer of Thomas-Conrad Corporation and then president and CEO of tech company Emulex, which he led to becoming Orange County’s top- performing public stock in the 1990s.
Folino was named Orange County Co-Entrepreneur of the Year in technology in 1999 and Orange County Director of the Year for high-growth technology in 2000.
In 2006, the Los Angeles Times honored him as “one of the top 100 most influential” people in Southern California. He served on the boards of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, Orange County High School of the Arts, Commercial Bank of California and Microsemi Corporation.
The Folino Theater, a cornerstone of Chapman’s No. 4-ranked Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, opened in August 2006 as part of Marion Knott Studios.
Equipped with state-of-the-art Kinoton 35mm projectors, a Barco 2K digital projector and Dolby Digital surround sound, the Folino Theater has been the backdrop for student, classic and foreign film screenings. Many actors, directors and filmmakers have shared their insights and experiences with Chapman students in the theater during master classes and other events.
“Paul Folino was a man of boundless generosity, not just to Dodge College but to many other institutions too. He was truly foundational to the creation of our film school,” said Dodge College Dean Stephen Galloway.“I’m so glad his name will live on in our gorgeous theater.”
