Imagine being an undergraduate student who uncovers a dinosaur fossil in the field. That extraordinary moment—where discovery meets hands-on learning—is exactly what donor Jamie Montgomery is making possible through his latest gift to Chapman University’s Dino Lab.
“I love Jack. And I love dinosaurs,” Montgomery said with a grin, referring to renowned paleontologist Jack Horner, who leads the initiative. “If you find a new species, it can be named after you. The first one will be a ‘Struppasaurus’ (after Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa). And the second will be a ‘Montysaurus.’ So we’ve got work to do.”
Horner, a Presidential Fellow at Chapman since 2016 and scientific consultant for Steven Spielberg’s “Jurassic Park” films, has made groundbreaking discoveries throughout his career, including finding the first dinosaur eggs in the western hemisphere and the world’s first dinosaur embryos.
This isn’t the first time Chapman students have had the opportunity to join Horner in the field. Previous expeditions have taken Chapman undergraduates to fossil-rich sites in Montana, where they’ve contributed to significant discoveries while gaining invaluable hands-on experience. These earlier digs have already demonstrated the transformative impact such experiences can have on students’ academic and professional development.
Thanks to Montgomery’s latest generosity, students wil continue to have the opportunity to learn directly from this legendary paleontologist.
“Jamie’s most generous gift will allow Chapman students to engage in the collection, preparation, research and display of two dinosaur specimens—a T. rex and a Triceratops—being brought to Orange County over the next couple of years,” Horner explained. “Our students will be involved in every aspect of this project!”
Dr. Michael Ibba, Dean of the Schmid College of Science and Technology, echoes Horner’s enthusiasm for the gift, sharing, “We are honored to offer our students the chance to gain unique, life-changing experiences excavating fossils in the field.”
For Montgomery, the value goes far beyond the specimens themselves. It’s about creating transformative experiences that ignite students’ passion for scientific discovery.
“It’s incredible to see the enthusiasm,” Montgomery explains. “They’re learning, excited and doing something totally new. And maybe one of them, down the line, will say: ‘When I’m in a position to give back, I want to do what Jamie did.’ That’s the idea—you pay it forward.”
Montgomery’s relationship with Chapman began over a decade ago when he visited campus with his daughter, Skye, who later graduated from the university and now serves on Chapman’s Board of Governors. Though the family had no previous connection to Chapman, they quickly developed a deep appreciation for the institution.
“Chapman is intentional: From the faculty to the staff, you feel it—there’s a level of professionalism and warmth that sets Chapman apart,” Montgomery said.
Over the years, Montgomery has become a key champion for Chapman. He was instrumental in bringing Horner to the university after inviting him to speak at a campus conference. His support has extended to securing the lead gift for the Keck Center for Science and Engineering and funding a year-long transition program for Chapman Afghan alumni in crisis, among other initiatives.
With this latest gift supporting dinosaur excavation, Montgomery hopes to instill in students the same wonder and curiosity that has driven Horner’s remarkable career.
“These students will go on to great things and look back on this as a formative experience,” Montgomery concluded. “Jack will inspire them.”
Feeling inspired by Montgomery’s gift? Take action and dig in with a contribution to Chapman today.
