As far as Matt Parlow is concerned, the most important part of his job as the new president of Chapman University is the students. That’s why, on a recent Monday afternoon, he could be found relaxing in Attallah Piazza, connecting with an enthusiastic crowd of young people eager to say hi.
Of course, it’s possible that it wasn’t President Parlow that the students were there to meet. Parlow’s dog, Maisy, a 3-year old “havapoo” (a havanese and poodle mix), accompanied him on his lunchtime outing. Friendly and energetic, Maisy was an irresistible draw, and it was obvious the pooch was enjoying the attention as students stopped by to meet her.
For many students who may be missing family pets, the opportunity to spend time with a dog is not to be missed. “I read about it in the newsletter a few weeks ago and marked it in my calendar,” said one student as she scratched behind Maisy’s fuzzy brown ears. It was hard to tell who was happier.
While petting Maisy, students chatted with Parlow about how their school year is going so far and how much they’re liking Chapman. A few students asked where he was from, how long he’s been at Chapman, and how being president has been so far. Parlow had only positive things to say about his beginnings as president and gave everyone a hearty wish of encouragement on their studies when they departed.
Parlow plans to make “Maisy Mondays” a tradition, providing students with an opportunity to get some face-time with Chapman’s “top dog” — whether that means President Parlow or Maisy is up to you to decide! The next Maisy Mondays will be noon to 1:30 p.m. on Oct. 27 and Nov. 17, then noon to 1 p.m. on Dec. 8.
