Continuing its ambition to become one of the great institutions in the country, Chapman University raised nearly $60 million during the 2023-2024 fiscal year, marking one of its most successful fundraising years. Donations of all sizes were pivotal in supporting a variety of student and campus initiatives, enriching the experiences of students and faculty and helping shape Chapman’s promising future.
“I am incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support we received this past year from our Chapman Family,” said Matt Parlow, Chapman’s executive vice president and chief advancement officer. “Each gift brings us closer to achieving our goal of becoming one of the top institutions in the country.”
Some of the most impactful gifts in the past fiscal year included substantial support for:
Scholarships and fellowships:
- Parker S. Kennedy’s gift to the Fowler School of Law for student scholarships
- The Beckman Foundation endowed the Wescombe STEM Scholarship for local Orange County students in Schmid College of Science and Technology
- Anne and Chris Flowers created a doctoral fellowship for students in the new Math, Philosophy and Physics (MPP) program
- Three fully supported scholarships for women from underserved backgrounds
- Two gifts to the Master of Medical Sciences Physician Assistant Studies program, one from the Simon Family Foundation and the other from CalOptima, provided support for underserved students
Endowed professorships and chairs:
- The Rick Muth Family Chair in Economics
- The Shah Family Endowed Chair in Innovativeness
- Three named chairs in the MPP program
Naming gifts for colleges, schools, and programs:
- The Kennedy Family Endowment for Intercollegiate Athletics
- Argyros Family elevated the Argyros School to College
- The new Doy B. Henley School of Management was established
- An endowment for strategic innovation initiatives at Argyros College
Research, programs, and campus projects:
- Establishment of the Virginia Carson, Ph.D. Endowed Student Research Award for students pursuing health sciences
- The Donald E. and Felicity Sodaro South Wing of the Hilbert Museum
- Bill and Nancy Thompson advanced inclusive education at the Thompson Policy Institute
- Capital improvements and infrastructure to the Alumni House, Leatherby Libraries, business and economics, engineering, and science and technology
- Women of Chapman endowed the student hardship assistance fund
“The breadth and depth of support we received this year is truly awe-inspiring,” Parlow continued. “Our donors’ unwavering dedication to our university’s growth and prosperity is a testament to the spirit of the Chapman Family.”
This year’s success builds on the momentum of a record-setting $72 million raised during the previous fiscal year. The combined efforts of the past two years have driven the university closer to achieving the $500 million goal of the comprehensive campaign, Inspire: The Campaign for Chapman University, which has already secured over $388 million.
Many gifts received in 2023-2024 were directed toward Chapman’s endowment, reinforcing the university’s strength and long-term vision. Chapman aims to increase its endowment to $2 billion by 2037, ensuring a brighter future for generations.
Chapman is currently in the second year of its five-year strategic plan, “Our Path to Greatness,” where the comprehensive campaign plays a critical role. This strategic plan underscores the university’s commitment to growth, innovation, and excellence as Chapman continues to climb the ranks of the nation’s top educational institutions.
