Last fall, more than 120 healthcare professionals registered to attend Chapman University’s inaugural Alumni in Healthcare Reception, which took place in Irvine, Calif. Alumni attendees came from dozens of majors and fields within the healthcare industry, including frontline clinical care, research and development and essential administrative roles, such as finance, human resources and marketing.
The event was a celebration of the university’s growing momentum in the healthcare space. Advancing healthcare is one of the pillars of Chapman’s current strategic plan, with an emphasis on expanding graduate training in healthcare fields to meet the growing needs of the community.
During the event, alumni were introduced to the many opportunities available to support Chapman students and alumni as they plan for careers in healthcare. Experienced alumni can serve a vital role in shaping the future of healthcare, from serving on boards and speaking in classes and panels, to mentoring, hiring, job shadowing and more.
Beyond the excitement of reconnecting at the alumni event, many graduates have found meaningful ways to stay involved long after the celebration ends. From mentoring to creating new opportunities, these alumni are making a lasting impact on the next generation of students.
Jessie Ginsburg (MS ’13): Advocacy and Innovation in Speech Therapy
As a speech-language pathologist and founder of Pediatric Therapy Playhouse, Jessie Ginsburg (MS ’13) is nationally recognized for her neurodiversity-affirming approach to supporting autistic children. Her Los Angeles-based clinic has been named one of the city’s best by “Expertise” every year since 2016.
Her passion for the field was sparked while working with an eight-year-old boy recovering from facial reanimation surgery.
“Seeing a child who wanted so badly to connect with others changed everything for me,” she said.
That turning point led her to Chapman’s MS in Communication Sciences and Disorders program at Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, where unique courses in autism and augmentative communication provided hands-on experiences that shaped her career path.
Encouraged by faculty mentors to follow her entrepreneurial instincts, Ginsburg launched her private practice shortly after graduation and now hires Chapman grads regularly, praising their preparation and professionalism.
“Having just one person believe in me made all the difference,” she said. “I try to do the same for others—especially the families and kids we serve.”
Caitlin Calhoun (Pharm.D ’21, BS ’12): Research And Mentorship
As a staff scientist at CHOC Children’s and recipient of the 2024 Miltenyi Biotec Immunology Innovator Award, Caitlin Calhoun (Pharm.D. ’21, BS ’12) is at the forefront of pediatric cancer research. Her work focuses on improving outcomes for children with high-risk leukemias through biomarker discoveries and the advancement of cell and gene therapies. She finds purpose in her ability to contribute both at the lab bench and in the clinical setting, helping to translate emerging science into real-world treatments for patients in need.
Calhoun’s connection to Chapman runs deep. As a first-generation college student, she found transformative support in faculty-mentored research opportunities beginning in her freshman year.
“I was fortunate to join Dr. Jason Kelley’s lab early on, and later Dr. Rowland-Goldsmith’s pancreatic cancer research team,” she said. “That experience completely changed the trajectory of my life. Chapman embraced my non-traditional path and made me feel that thinking differently could be a powerful strength.”
Today, Calhoun continues to invest in the next generation of healthcare leaders. Whether it’s through mentoring students, speaking to aspiring researchers or serving as a role model for first-gen students, she is committed to giving back.
“So many people believed in me and helped me grow,” she said. “Now I feel a deep responsibility to do the same for others—to help them see what’s possible and move forward with confidence.”
Learn how your time and expertise can have a lasting impact on the next generation of Panthers.
