Staci DumoskiBeing a part of the Chapman Alumni community brings many benefits, but one of the most valuable is the powerful connection between Panthers of every generation.
No matter when you graduated, no matter where your path in life might lead, you can always depend on the support of the Chapman alumni community.
The Office of Alumni Engagement knows how cherished these alumni relationships are and is committed to helping build a strong network that offers resources, experiences and volunteer opportunities that will help you stay connected not just to Chapman, but to each other.
“With an invigorated staff and new strategic vision for alumni engagement, we are focused on creating deeper, more meaningful, lifelong relationships with our alumni,” said Nidhi Vogt, associate vice president of engagement and volunteerism.
With a renewed focus on building and strengthening community (near and far), the alumni engagement team is taking a multi-faceted approach, providing opportunities to connect and engage. From regional networks and in-person events around the country to a brand-new career networking platform, there are more ways to connect with Panthers than ever before.
The office continues to expand ways alumni can get involved, such as mentoring, mock interviews, speaking on panels and much more.“We recognize that alumni want to contribute their time and talent in different ways,” said Vogt. “We want to get to know you, hear your stories, backgrounds, career paths and understand how you want to volunteer your time.”
Chapman on the Road Highlights
The Chapman Family’s signature networking series for alumni and families of current students kicked off in New York City in May at Cornelius Restaurant in the iconic Grand Central Station. The event saw an impressive turnout, with nearly 100 attendees, including alumni and parents in the tri-state area, and students and faculty participating in the Walk on Wall Street course. It marked a significant milestone as the first Chapman University event in New York following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The evening started with remarks from Vogt and Henrik Cronqvist, dean of Argyros College of Business and Economics. Their presence underscored the university’s commitment to fostering connections and engaging with its extensive alumni network.
“I’m proud to be a Chapman graduate because I’m seeing the investment the university is making through alumni networking; the work that Chapman is pouring back into the school, like diversity and inclusion, is also really cool,” said Ivy Chiou ’14, who was delighted to discover the vibrant Chapman community in the tri-state area.
In August, Chapman Family members in the Pacific Northwest gathered for an evening of connection and camaraderie at a cocktail reception in the Seattle home of David and Danielle Limp, proud parents of Dylan ’26 and Duncan ’26. Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa shared the latest updates about
the university’s inspiring momentum, including a rise in national rankings, a new strategic plan and the university’s future.
President Struppa was also in attendance in November, when Chapman on the Road visited the Bay Area.“I really value the opportunity to connect with the Chapman Family at these events,” he said.
“Building a community that reaches beyond our campuses is important work, and it’s exciting to see our alumni and families coming together to support one another and learn from one another.”
Find out when Chapman on the Road will visit your area.
Panther Network Builds Professional Connections
What if there was a place where you could get to know other Chapman alumni and students who are looking to build their professional network? A place where you could find a mentor — or be a mentor! — and really connect with other Panthers who share your background, goals and ambitions? And what if all this was something you could find easily, whenever you needed it?
If that sounds like a place you’ve been looking for, then it’s time to check out The Panther Network, the new online networking community just for Chapman alumni and students. The offices of Alumni Engagement and Career and Professional Development have collaborated to create a secure, supportive environment that will help you get more out of your professional life.
The Panther Network is not just another social media platform. It’s an exclusive community where you’ll find many free resources designed to help you get ahead in your career, including:
- Alumni Directory: Reconnect with old classmates and find new connections with direct messaging and voice-call capabilities.
- Mentoring Program: Take a step further and offer to be a mentor or be mentored, as you develop a deeper relationship with a fellow Panther.
- Groups: Connect with others with whom you share a common interest, industry or general location. Exchange ideas, plan events and communicate through dedicated discussion boards.
- Career Pathways: Learn more about career possibilities, what options are available to you and how to best prepare.
- Resources: Access articles and videos to refine your skills and knowledge of the workplace, professional development and more.
The Panther Network is free to join and use. To learn more, visit thepanthernetwork.chapman.edu.
Regional Networks Transform Neighbors Into Communities
Have you ever wished you could create a bit of the Chapman experience for yourself? Even if you’re not a current student, our regional networks are here to make that possible.
Chapman’s regional networks are designed to build and foster community, offering support and opportunities to engage with other members of the Chapman Family. Members of a network receive special communications throughout the year that include invitations to both in-person and hybrid events as well as virtual volunteer opportunities and resources to promote lifelong learning.
Jessi Rickmers ’08 is a volunteer with the Seattle area network and is helping to organize quarterly events in Washington. She hopes creating a strong Chapman presence in the state will improve networking opportunities and help bolster the reputation of the university.
Rickmers encourages other Panthers to get involved with regional networks in their own area.“I think we should be really proud of going to Chapman,” she said, “It was so small before, but now it’s getting better and better known each year.”
Find out how to connect with the regional network in your area.
