Chapman University has long been defined by its commitment to academic excellence, arts and cultural enrichment, and entrepreneurial spirit. Today, that legacy is further strengthened by the generous $1 million gift from Nella Webster O’Grady and Kevin O’Grady to Inspire: The Campaign for Chapman University. Their gift will have a significant and lasting impact, benefitting the Argyros College of Business and Economics, the Hilbert Museum of California Art and the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics.
“Chapman University gave me the foundation for a successful career, and now I have the opportunity to give back in a meaningful way,” said Chapman alumna Nella Webster O’Grady. “Our gift is about empowering students, strengthening academic programs, and ensuring that Chapman continues to thrive as a leader in education, business, and the arts.”
“The Webster O’Grady family’s extraordinary generosity strengthens our ability to cultivate leadership, foster innovation and enrich the arts on our campus and in the broader community,” said Chapman University President Daniele Struppa. “Their commitment to Chapman leaves a lasting impact, empowering students and faculty to push the boundaries of discovery and creativity.”
Strengthening Business Education and Leadership
A substantial portion of the Webster O’Grady family’s gift will support the Argyros College of Business and Economics, further enhancing programs designed to prepare students for the evolving demands of the workforce. The investment will help fund initiatives that bolster leadership development, soft skills training and immersive learning experiences, including the highly regarded Leadership Crisis Challenge and the General-In-Residence program.
“The landscape of business is changing rapidly, with industries facing unprecedented disruption from artificial intelligence and shifts in workforce expectations,” said Henrik Cronqvist, dean of the Argyros College of Business and Economics. “Our goal is to equip students not only with quantitative expertise but also with the leadership and critical thinking skills necessary to navigate complex challenges. Nella and Kevin’s generosity will allow us to enhance these experiences and continue developing innovative programming that prepares our graduates for real-world success.”
Among the programs benefitting from this investment is the Leadership Crisis Challenge, a unique initiative that places students in high-pressure, real-world crisis scenarios, testing their ability to make strategic decisions under intense scrutiny from business leaders and media professionals. Additionally, the General-In-Residence program, inspired by military leadership training, provides students with direct mentorship from high-ranking military officials, offering insights into leadership, resilience and decision-making at the highest levels.
“When I was a student at Chapman, I was one of only three women in the economics and business school,” adds Webster O’Grady. “That experience shaped my passion for supporting the next generation of business leaders—especially women. Chapman’s business programs give students the opportunity to develop both technical skills and leadership capabilities, and we are proud to invest in their future.”
Supporting the Arts and Cultural Enrichment
The Hilbert Museum, renowned for its dedication to preserving and showcasing California art, will also benefit from the Webster O’Grady family’s philanthropy. Their contribution will support the continued growth of the museum, strengthening its position as a premier Orange County destination for art lovers and scholars alike.
“This gift is an investment in the power of art to inspire and educate,” said Mary Platt, director of the Hilbert Museum. “Support like this allows us to expand our exhibitions, increase outreach and bring world-class art experiences to the Chapman community and beyond. We are deeply grateful to the Webster O’Grady family for their commitment to the arts.”
In addition to supporting new exhibitions, the gift will help fund traveling art loan programs, allowing Chapman to borrow and showcase prominent works from museums across the country. It will also contribute to expanding the museum’s educational initiatives, such as docent-led tours for K-12 students and workshops for aspiring artists. Furthermore, the investment will assist in preserving the museum’s vast collection, ensuring future generations have the opportunity to engage with California’s rich artistic heritage.
“We deeply admire Mark Hilbert’s vision in creating this museum. His dedication to preserving and sharing California scene painting is remarkable, and we are honored to support a museum that brings such beauty and history to the public,” Webster O’Grady shared.
Fostering Entrepreneurship and Innovation
With a portion of their gift directed to the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, the Webster O’Gradys are further championing innovation and business creation at Chapman. This funding will help the Leatherby Center expand its reach, providing students and community entrepreneurs with hands-on experience, mentorship and access to startup resources. It will also support key initiatives such as a Spanish language entrepreneurship program, which helps Latinx business owners navigate funding and business development.
“Entrepreneurship is a critical skill, not just for business majors, but for anyone who wants to turn their ideas into reality,” Webster O’Grady emphasizes. “The Leatherby Center provides students and the community with the tools, mentorship and resources to innovate and succeed. Additionally, it fosters an environment where creativity and business acumen go hand in hand.”
Additionally, the gift will contribute to expanding the Leatherby Center’s incubator program, which provides structured mentorship and training for startups, fostering a dynamic environment where students can develop their entrepreneurial ideas into sustainable ventures. This program plays a crucial role in helping students and community entrepreneurs refine their business models, secure funding and gain the confidence needed to launch successful businesses.
“By 2034, nearly half of all jobs in the U.S. will involve contract, freelance or entrepreneurial ventures. Preparing the next generation of talent with the skills to launch and sustain businesses is critical,” said Dr. Cynthia West, director of the Leatherby Center. “The Webster O’Grady family’s generosity will directly support the development of future entrepreneurs, allowing them to learn, experiment and build confidence in a dynamic and supportive environment.”
A Lasting Legacy of Giving
The Webster O’Grady family’s philanthropic vision aligns seamlessly with Chapman University’s aims to foster innovative and creative experiences for our students and produce graduates who are prepared to lead and make meaningful contributions in their respective fields.
“Chapman University thrives because of the generosity of supporters like Nella and Kevin,” said Matt Parlow, executive vice president/chief advancement officer and president-elect. “Their gift represents a deep belief in the transformative power of education, business and the arts—and in our mission. We are excited about the impact this contribution will have for years to come.”
