Chapman University Welcomes Navy Sailors and Marines to the Hilbert Museum During LA Fleet Week Chapman University welcomed more than 100 Navy sailors and Marines as part of a special City of Orange neighborhood activation celebrating the nation’s sea services.

Chapman University had the honor of playing a small but meaningful role in LA Fleet Week 2025, as more than 100 active-duty Navy sailors and Marines visited the City of Orange last week and spent part of their day at our very own Hilbert Museum of California Art. 

Orange is one of just two Southern California cities selected to host special “neighborhood activations” during LA Fleet Week, the annual Memorial Day celebration of our nation’s Sea Services. After a formal welcome on the steps of City Hall and breakfast hosted by the Orange Elks Lodge, the service members arrived on the Orange campus to experience the beauty and storytelling found in California Scene painting. 

They were welcomed personally by Mark Hilbert, founder of the museum, who shared his passion for California art and spoke with the sailors and Marines about the collection, its history, and its connection to everyday life in the Golden State. For many of our guests, it was a rare opportunity to hear directly from a museum founder and collector, making the experience all the more memorable.

Chapman is also proud to support a growing veteran population as a part of our student body. The university offers personalized guidance to help veterans, active-duty service members, and their families navigate their educational benefits, transition into campus life, and connect with a supportive community. Chapman also participates fully in the Yellow Ribbon Program, helping ensure that tuition costs are covered for eligible students. Through dedicated services and a strong sense of community, Chapman is committed to helping those who have served succeed in their academic journey. 

We’re grateful to Mark Hilbert and the entire Hilbert Museum team for making our service men and women feel so welcome and for providing them with such a meaningful experience.  We’re proud that Chapman could help celebrate LA Fleet Week’s special milestone, the 250th anniversaries of both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, by sharing a bit of our heart, our hospitality, and our art.