On April 30, the Chapman community will come together for Giving Day — a 24-hour online fundraising event where every gift to the Chapman Fund will directly fuel student success. This year, your gift to the Chapman Fund can support general scholarships, scholarships within a college or school that means the most to you, Chapman Athletics in honor of a team or coach, or the area of greatest need. Your gift provides the resources for students to pursue research, build faculty mentorships, and chase dream careers. 

Here, we highlight five students who are a testament to what becomes possible when our community invests in its own. Help us reach our goal of 1,000 gifts on April 30. 

Harper | Fowler School of Law 

Harper grew up in Idaho, a state with just one law school. Chapman wasn’t on his radar until a Scholars Weekend visit changed everything. “I felt not just accepted at Chapman, but wanted,” he recalls. That personal investment translated into a global career. Through the mentorship of Professor Lan Cao, Harper landed a position at a global law firm in Thailand this summer—the first American the firm has ever hired. 

“Something that I wouldn’t have been able to get practically anywhere else.” 

Mirabella | Schmid College of Science and Technology 

Mirabella arrived at Chapman unsure of her path, but a research symposium during her first week planted a seed. Today, she conducts novel research on a non-addictive morphine derivative. Her mentor, Matthew Gartner, Ph.D., even tailored his teaching to her style: “He talked me through thermodynamics as if I was baking a cookie—and that was the best score I ever got on a general chemistry exam.” Now, after shadowing physicians through an alumni-connected internship, Mirabella is set on becoming a pediatric physician. 

“So many students and I have been able to do research we never thought would be imaginable as undergrads.” 

Brent | Dodge College of Film and Media Arts 

Growing up in Massachusetts, Brent almost didn’t bother applying to the West Coast; a career in entertainment felt out of reach. But at Dodge, he’s touched every part of the process—from working countless production roles on student films to meeting art directors on the Warner Bros. lot. Chapman turned an unlikely dream into a viable career path. 

“I’ve always been a storyteller. … The opportunities here I would never be able to pursue anywhere else in the country.” 

Valeria | Attallah College of Educational Studies 

A first-generation student from Santa Ana, Valeria plans to return to her community as a teacher—and she’s bringing Chapman’s sense of possibility with her. Through the Promising Futures program, she saw her own story reflected in the eyes of local high schoolers.  

“The fact that I get to go back into the community and be this very real example of somebody that went to Chapman—that is so exciting.” 

Jenna | Women’s Soccer 

Jenna grew up in the Bay Area kicking a ball around with her childhood best friend. When Jana walked onto the Chapman team freshman year, she found that same friend waiting, a teammate again after years apart. It made Chapman feel like home, and that spirit has defined her four years as a Panther. A three-time All-SCIAC honoree and two-year team captain, she leads not with a title but with energy. She is the first to lift her team when doubt creeps in. 

“I have grown so much as a student, player and person.”

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Giving Day is Thursday, April 30 — but you don’t have to wait. Give today and help make the next Chapman story possible.