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alumna Molly Mahoney

Empowering Tomorrow’s Stars: Alumna Molly Mahoney ’02 Gives Back to CoPA Her generous $50,000 endowed scholarship allows undergraduate students to shine.

Her generous $50,000 endowed scholarship allows undergraduate students to shine.

As a proud alumna and lifelong advocate for the performing arts, Molly Mahoney ’02 credits Chapman University’s College of Performing Arts (CoPA) with shaping her journey from performer to business strategist. The lessons she learned, the faculty support she received, and the unforgettable Chapman Experience inspired Mahoney to make a transformational gift to her alma mater.

In honor of recently retired CoPA Dean Giulio Ongaro, Mahoney generously donated $50,000 to establish The Performers’ Promise Fund. This endowed scholarship supports undergraduate CoPA students, empowering them to excel on stages worldwide and make meaningful impacts across industries.

“This gift is created in honor of my dear friend Giulio Ongaro, who deeply understands the value of combining artistic training with business and career coaching,” Mahoney shared. “I wanted to honor his career and give back to the place that helped shape my own journey.”

Ongaro, who retired in May 2024 after 10 years of service, was instrumental in advancing CoPA’s mission, coinciding with the grand opening of the Musco Center for the Arts during his tenure.

“Molly is an outstanding individual, and I love her dedication to Chapman and CoPA,” Ongaro stated. “When I found out about the endowed scholarship, it was particularly meaningful to me, as it came from someone I have great respect and affection for.”

Mahoney’s career spans 20 years as a stage performer from New York to Las Vegas before founding her business, The Prepared Performer. Her company helps clients create authentic video content, leverage organic social media strategies and grow their businesses with innovative tools.

In addition to her roles as a social content strategist, marketing consultant, performer and mom, Mahoney has returned to Chapman to mentor CoPA students, sharing her strategies for leveraging social media and business tools to achieve success in the performing arts.

“Supporting the next generation of performers is a privilege,” Mahoney said. “Empowering them with both artistic tools and business strategies will set them up for success. The arts have the power to transform lives, and I hope this gift inspires others to see the value in supporting performers as they strive to create an impact.”

Reflecting on her undergraduate experience, Mahoney expressed gratitude for the solid foundation Chapman provided. Rigorous performance training, personal mentorship and collaborative productions helped her confidently enter the world.

“The moments of deep reflection and personal growth shaped who I am today and played a significant role in my decision to give back,” she shared.

The Performers’ Promise Fund ensures CoPA students will develop their craft and prepare for broader, impactful careers.

“It’s about more than just performing—it’s about clarity, confidence and joy,” Mahoney explained. “My hope is that students see themselves as changemakers, capable of influencing any field they step into.”

If you are inspired by Mahoney’s vision to shape the future of the performing arts, support CoPA students today by contributing to The Performers’ Promise Fund.

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