More than 120 Chapman alumni, representing fields from clinical practice to biotech entrepreneurship, health law to hospital administration, came together for the annual Alumni in Healthcare Reception. Held in Orange County, it was an evening filled with connection, reflection and a shared sense of purpose.
Senior students were invited to attend and network with alumni, an opportunity for those interested in health care careers to learn more about the diverse paths available to them. Many left with fresh insights and a clearer sense of their next steps.
A Community of Problem-Solvers
Dr. Michael Ibba, Executive Vice President, Provost, and Chief Academic Officer, spoke not just as an administrator, but also as a scientist and a colleague in the fight for better health outcomes.
“My background is in microbiology and biochemistry, so I am not just here as a representative of the university but as someone who is personally invested in the work you are all doing,” he said.
Provost Ibba described Chapman as a community defined by its willingness to come together across disciplines, whether in the labs of the Keck Center, the clinics and research spaces at the Rinker Health Science Campus, or in the collaborative events that bring thinkers from across the region together.
“Health care is something everyone needs, so it makes sense that we convene people from all over to address societal needs,” he said, pointing to a recent interdisciplinary symposium during President Matt Parlow’s inauguration week featuring the California Surgeon General and Chapman faculty from psychology, sociology, pediatrics, and population health. “This is the Chapman way. Part of my vision as provost is to put systems in place to be really innovative in how we bring people together and make real progress.”
Investing in the Future of Orange County Health
Provost Ibba highlighted the university’s accelerating focus on healthcare programs and community impact.
“Our Rinker Health Science Campus has been going strong in Irvine for a dozen years now, and the Campus Center that opened two years ago has really elevated the campus,” he noted.
He also emphasized Chapman’s growing list of programs that lift Orange County communities:
- The Simon Scholars Physician Assistant Program, providing full-tuition scholarships to local students who commit to serving medically lower-served Orange County communities after graduation.
- The CalOptima Health Workforce Development Fund, a $5 million grant supporting highly qualified students preparing to return as healthcare professionals in disadvantaged Orange County neighborhoods.
And he spoke passionately about emerging academic programs, expanded research opportunities, and cutting-edge work happening across Schmid College, Crean College, Fowler School of Engineering, the School of Pharmacy, and interdisciplinary teams university-wide.
“Our students have incredible opportunities to put their education into action, from cutting-edge labs to community partnerships that emphasize experiential learning. Chapman is on an exciting upward trajectory, and our students and alumni are making a positive impact on the world,” he shared.
Alumni Voices: Partnership, Purpose, and Giving Back
For many of the alumni gathered, this event was more than a reunion; it was a reminder of why they chose healthcare in the first place. Throughout the night, alumni shared stories of how their Chapman experience continues to shape their careers and why they feel called to give back.
For Ally Lentz ’13, Senior Associate Director of Donor Experience at CHOC Foundation — one of Chapman’s Top Employers — and member of Chapman’s Board of Governors, the connection between Chapman and children’s health in Orange County has been a defining part of her professional journey.
“The connection between Chapman and CHOC, part of Rady Children’s Health, goes back many, many years now,” Lentz said. “To see the partnership continue to grow in the most beautiful ways, especially since graduating from Chapman and starting my career at CHOC almost 13 years ago, is a true gift. Both organizations are intricately connected from collaborations, research, programs, internships, alumni and so much more. I am honored to be affiliated with each and thrilled to see what is to come as the next decade goes by!”
Their stories echoed a common theme: Chapman alumni don’t just work in healthcare; they elevate it.
