Arnold Schwarzenegger Inspires Students at Chapman University The former California Governor and Hollywood star talked about his film career and his time in politics, while encouraging students to have a strong vision for their future.

Former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger spoke with students at Chapman University, delivering an inspirational message about achieving their goals. The Oct. 28 event was part of the Argyros Distinguished Lecture series, a program that invites business leaders to share career insights with students.

In a conversation with Dodge College of Film and Media Arts Dean Stephen Galloway, Schwarzenegger talked about his decision to come to the United States, his years in Hollywood, and his career in politics.

Central to Schwarzenegger’s message to students was the importance of having a clear vision for their future.

“I think a lot of people hate their jobs because they don’t really think ahead of time what they want to do,” he said. When young people ask him for the secret to his success, he answers, “No matter what you do in life, it doesn’t matter what it is, the secret is to have a very clear vision. Where do you want to go?”

“I wanted to be a bodybuilding champion,” he said. “I had to have a very clear vision of what I would look like on that stage, being a champion bodybuilder. And then every set, every exercise that you do makes it exciting because every set you do gets you one step closer to that vision.”

He added, “There’s no secret formula. The key thing is to … just work your butt off and have a very clear vision and then go after it. And don’t listen to the naysayers.”

Schwarzenegger also emphasized the fact that he wouldn’t be where he was if not for the help of others along the way.

“I always say I’m not a self-made man. I have been created by a lot of people because when you recognize that, then you also recognize the fact that, okay, so many people helped you, therefore now it’s your turn to help other people,” he said.

The governor shared his deep appreciation for the opportunities he has had since moving to the United States. “No matter what I accomplished in my life, if it’s in bodybuilding, or if it is in show business, or in business, making the money and becoming governor, and a beautiful family… all of this stuff would have never have happened anywhere else but in America. So I have to say thank you to America for giving me all of that and giving me all these opportunities.”

He also expressed optimism for the country’s future despite the current political strife and encouraged students to make their voices heard by voting. “This country is very resilient and it’s very strong. And I think that we are going to come out of this whole… I think the key thing is that we protect our democracy no matter what the cost is.”

At the opening of the evening event at Musco Center for the Arts, Chapman University President Matt Parlow presented the first award of his presidency, honoring Julianne Argyros and Ambassador George Argyros with the C.C. Chapman Distinguished Service Award. This is the highest honor that the university can bestow, and has been given only 10 times in the last 46 years, to honor those who have shown extraordinary service and dedication to the university.

President Parlow briefly summarized the many contributions of time and resources by the Argyros family, noting, “Simply put, and there’s no clearer way to say, this Chapman University wouldn’t be what it is today and what it will be in the future without Julianne and George Argyros.”

The award was accepted by their daughter, Lisa Argyros, who currently serves on the Board of Trustees.