Inspired by a lifetime of gratitude and a deeply cherished connection to his alma mater, Rick Mueller ’76 and his wife, Bonnie, transformed their enduring affection for Chapman University into a meaningful legacy of support.
Rick joined the Marine Corps as a young man during the Vietnam War. The Marine Corps sent him to flight school to become a pilot and an officer. To be an officer, though, meant you had to have a college degree.
Rick didn’t have one. Enter Chapman College.
Rick was able to receive a free education, an enormous help to him, and a precursor to resources provided now to active duty and veteran students who benefit from financial assistance and advising services at Chapman University.
“He was amazed,” Bonnie recalls about Rick’s time at Chapman. “He didn’t do well in high school but succeeded at Chapman.”
Rick enjoyed taking classes from President Emeritus Jim Doti, longtime Chapman Emerita Professor Lynne Pierson Doti, and the late Emeritus Professor Don Booth. Rick graduated with honors and, by then, the war was winding down, so he was never deployed. After graduation, Rick went on to start his own business and became a successful financial advisor.
Grateful for his education, Rick wanted to show his appreciation to his alma mater and did so for over 40 years.
“As a business school graduate, Rick wanted to help move the university forward,” said David Moore, assistant vice president of legacy planning. “He did so throughout the years by donating to the Chapman Fund, scholarships, the library, athletics and more.”
Over time, Rick and Bonnie established the Richard and Bonnie Mueller Endowed Fellowship in Business, which supports high-performing graduate students in the Argyros College of Business and Economics. The fellowship is funded using charitable gifts from their Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
Although Rick passed away in April 2024, Bonnie continues contributing to the fund directly from the IRA to grow the endowment and support additional business students with tuition and fees. Knowing it would be important to Rick, she expects to honor his legacy annually through this support.
“I hope students can graduate without debt, get a job, and advance because of the wonderful education they received at Chapman,” Bonnie shared.
Mindful of Chapman’s goals as they relate to the university’s strategic plan, Our Path to Greatness, along with Argyros College’s strategic plans to become a top 50 business school, the Mueller Endowed Fellowship in Business weaves the family’s commitment to education and success into the fabric of Chapman’s evolution. Additionally, contributing to Chapman’s endowment supports its overall growth, a vital component of Chapman’s comprehensive campaign, Inspire: The Campaign for Chapman University.
“Over four decades, the family’s generosity has honored Rick’s transformative journey at Chapman and laid a foundation for future generations to build their dreams,” Moore concluded.
If the Muellers inspire you with their commitment to Chapman’s future, learn how to make a positive difference or donate today to leave your own mark on future generations.
