With heartfelt tributes, star-powered speeches, and an emotional full-circle moment, Chapman University’s 2025 Commencement Weekend honored the achievements of more than 2,600 graduating students from 11 schools and colleges.
During the university’s main commencement ceremony on Friday evening under the lights of Wilson Field, two-time Academy Award winner Hilary Swank delivered a moving keynote address. Drawing from her personal journey — from humble beginnings to the Oscars — Swank encouraged graduates to lead with authenticity, compassion, and courage.
“It doesn’t matter what your career path is,” said Swank. “It could be wildly creative or methodically linear. There’s a language in there that will allow you to connect with people, to improve lives beyond your own; unearth it, and become fluent. It will change your perspective on your career when you need it most, and if practice to fluency, it will change your life and the lives around you.”
Swank was also presented with an honorary Doctor of the Arts degree in recognition of her artistic achievements and philanthropic work with The Hilaroo Foundation.
The ceremony was equally momentous for Chapman President Daniele C. Struppa, who gave his final Commencement address. He will step down in September after 19 years of transformative leadership.
“We are here to honor the hard work and the tenacity that brought you to this moment, to toast your future and incredible achievements to come,” Struppa told students. “But it’s a chapter in your lifelong journey to learning, and as you look towards the future, a future that may not yet be clear, please know that you are ready to face the challenge.”
On Saturday evening, inspiration continued as Oscar-winning actor Troy Kotsur addressed graduates at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Deaf since birth, Kotsur communicated passionately about perseverance, representation, and the power of storytelling. Known for his Academy Award-winning role in CODA, Kotsur’s message reflected his belief in pushing boundaries and remaining true to oneself.
“As I stand here tonight and I look into the young eyes of this amazing audience I see sparks – sparks burning, sparks of flame. Our creative energy feeds off one another. Keep it up everybody, feed our collective creative fire.”
Other keynote speakers included Thomas A. Delaney, associate justice of the California Court of Appeal, for the Fowler School of Law; Libby Adams, chief advocacy officer and co-founder of Alteryx, Inc., for the Argyros College of Business and Economics; Tiffany Le and Ponthea Zahraii, undergraduate and graduate representatives, for the Fowler School of Engineering; students Holland Hatch and Ghana Tirpude for Schmid College of Science and Technology; Tracy Walder (MA ’07) for Attallah College of Humanities and Social Sciences; Bart Asner, advisor to the Crean College Leadership Council for the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences; Kyle Whatnall of Selkirk Sport for the School of Communication; award-winning actor, director and educator Michael Nehring for the College of Performing Arts; and student Amala Rajagopal for Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.
Perhaps the most touching moment of the weekend came during the Attallah College of Educational Studies ceremony, where graduating senior Kaitlyn Ambriz Holl crossed the stage. She received her diploma from President Emeritus Jim Doti and Trustee Doy Henley, who nearly 20 years earlier, helped establish a scholarship in her name after her father, Orange City Councilman Steve Ambriz, was tragically killed in a car accident.
Just three years old when her father passed, Holl grew up with the support of the Chapman community and local leaders, always showing a dedication to service and education. Now pursuing her master’s in education, she works with underserved students in the same community her father once served.
“I’m extremely proud,” Doti said after the ceremony. “The fact that this has happened makes me proud, not just as an individual, but as a member of the Chapman University community. I didn’t make it happen; it’s the community that made it happen. It makes me proud to be part of the Chapman team and family.”
From celebrity speeches to deeply personal triumphs, Commencement Weekend 2025 was a celebration of not only academic achievement but the human spirit. Chapman University once again proved it’s not just preparing students for careers — it’s preparing them for lives of impact.
