Staci Dumoski
When I gave my inaugural address as Chapman University president nine years ago, I talked about the parallels between education and one of my favorite hobbies, mountain climbing. On the mountain, perpetual movement is key to making progress, and educators must convey to students the importance of intellectual mobility as a means of personal growth.
Curiosity has been a constant in my life—a gift, given to me by education—and as I prepare to retire as Chapman president in September, I feel like the whole world is opening up to me. I am returning to the mathematics faculty, learning a new language, and planning to climb more mountains, all because I still have the same drive to learn and grow that I had as a teenager.
Within this Chapman Magazine issue, you’ll see that the university’s commitment to creativity and intellectual curiosity is driving transformational growth. This trend began before I arrived at Chapman, and I can guarantee that it will continue long after my administration ends. I cannot wait to watch the momentum continue under President-elect Matt Parlow with the support of the extended Chapman Family that is continuously climbing to new heights for our students.
You’ll learn about a true treasure of Chapman, the Center for American War Letters. Presidential Fellow Andrew Carroll’s global search for war letters will be featured in the upcoming documentary “Behind the Lines,” directed by Chapman Professor John Benitz.
Then you will dive into the fascinating life of Donna Ford Attallah and her memoir, “Learning to Give and Share—A Life of Paying It Forward.” Donna graduated from Chapman in 1961, taught kindergarten and first grade in Southern California for 40 years and became one of the university’s most generous benefactors.
Finally, learn about one of the most exciting new initiatives at Chapman, the Institute for Quantum Studies, and the historic Killefer School renovation that is now a hub for groundbreaking discoveries.
At Chapman, we are fortunate that we have as much to look back and be proud of as we do to look forward to. I am very excited for this next chapter for both of us.
Daniele C. Struppa
President, Chapman University
