Staci DumoskiA nail-biting victory on the gridiron capped Chapman University’s 2024 Homecoming celebrations. The two-day event saw Chapman Family members including alumni, students, faculty, parents and families, and community members return to campus for a slate of activities that included master classes, tours, open houses, reunions, parties and, of course, football!
Attendance this year reached an all-time high, with many events selling out weeks in advance. The weekend’s biggest attractions were the annual Chapman Family Tailgate Extravaganza in Attallah Piazza and the Homecoming football game against the Cal Lutheran Kingsmen.
During the Tailgate, friends and families mingled while enjoying live entertainment from Chapman student performers. Food and beverages were sponsored by various schools, colleges and university departments, and family-friendly activities included coloring pages, prize wheels and photos with Chapman’s beloved mascot, Pete the Panther.
“One of the best things about Chapman that I have observed over the years is our sense of community and support for our fellow Panthers,” said Eric Hall ’25, SGA President, during a brief address to the crowd. “This is what makes Chapman University a home. A place where each of us can expect to find support and celebration of what each of us contributes to this community. Looking around tonight, I could not be more grateful for my Chapman family.”
Following the Tailgate, crowds swarmed into Ernie Chapman Stadium to cheer for Chapman’s football team as they took the field against Cal Lutheran. The Panthers held a 21-7 lead at halftime but did not score in the second half until sophomore kicker Jax Hudson nailed a 26-yard field goal in the final two minutes of the game. The defensive team successfully held off the Kingsmen’s final drive and the Panthers finished the game with a 24-20 win.
During halftime, alumni from the 1994 Panther football team were welcomed to the field, to celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the relaunch of Chapman’s football program.
Earlier in the day, master classes with Chapman experts drew standing-room-only crowds. This year’s classes included longtime favorites “Walt Disney and Charles Darwin” and “The Movies, the Moguls and Me” (with Dodge College Dean Stephen Galloway) along with new offerings such as “Everything you need to Know About AI,” “Self-Care Strategies in a Busy World,” and “Gene Therapy in Pediatric Neurology,” with alumnus Adam Kalawi ’14, MD.
This year’s special Homecoming events included the induction of the Class of 1974 into the 50 Year Club, along with a reunion reception and dinner for all alumni who have celebrated their “golden anniversary,” having graduated from Chapman 50 years or more ago.
On Saturday, alumni had the chance to reconnect with favorite professors during the Alumni and Faculty Reunion Luncheon, while the Community Day Party sponsored by the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion welcomed all affinity-group members to a special DJ’d party on Performer’s Court near Musco Center for the Arts.
