Chapman University is the institution it is today because of the lasting impact of every member of the Chapman Family. As we say goodbye to cherished members of our community, let’s pause to honor the lives they led and the difference they made. Because once you’re part of the Chapman Family, you’re a part of it, always.
John Snyder
John joined Chapman in 1995, beginning his career at IS&T, then spending time at the Dodge College of Film & Media Arts and Panther Productions before returning to IS&T in 2016. John had a reputation for excellent customer service and was known as a kind and caring person by his colleagues.
John had many interests outside of his work. He was an electric car aficionado and could often be seen commuting in the vintage 1970 VW bug that he had converted to an electric car. In addition, he had a love of animals, especially dogs.
John also volunteered with a funeral escort service. It was something he was very passionate about and took pride in. He felt strongly about helping grieving families that way, ensuring their loved ones were honored with dignity and respect.
John is survived by his loving wife Andrea, his two children, Serena and Joey, his stepsons, Joshua and Jeffery Saich, and countless friends.
Richard McCarter
Richard was a two-sport athlete and a member of the Chapman Athletics Hall of Fame. As a pitcher and outfielder, he earned the Hertzog Trophy as Chapman’s most valuable player twice in 1956 and 1957. In ‘56, the Panthers went 14-7-1 due in part to Richard’s 5-2 record on the mound and team-best .372 average at the plate. He was nominated for Orange County Player of the Year.
Richard was also a three-year letter winner on the Chapman basketball team, which reached the NCAA Regional playoffs in 1957 and the national championships in 1958. He set a school record for field goal percentage during the ‘57-58 season as a senior.
Richard is survived by his son David McCarter, his daughters Kelly Marietta and Karen McCarter, his six grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.
William (Bill) Gould
Bill earned a BA in Music and a Masters of Music Education from what was then known as Chapman College. He used his Chapman education to teach junior high and high school choirs in California for many years. He then spent several years as the choir director at East High School. He took his students on several national and international tours and made productions and recordings of the music they created. He was beloved by his students. Many of his former students called him their “beloved Mr. Gould.”
Bill left the field of education for a while and began working in business for about 12 years. However, he discovered that he missed teaching so returned to education in 1990 by receiving a special education certificate to teach the severely intellectually handicapped in junior high and high school, which he did until his retirement.
Bill is survived by his wife, three children, 16 grandchildren and many close family friends.
Robert Dickison
A Legacy Society member, Robert generously included a gift for Chapman in his estate to create an endowed scholarship for music students. After completing his bachelor’s at Linfield College, Robert was drafted and served fourteen months in the Korean war. He then earned his master’s degree from Oregon State and came to California in 1954, where he worked as a chemist at Shell Oil for 38 years. He is survived by three children, four nephews and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.
