On April 30, the Chapman community showed up and then some. Giving Day brought together alumni, parents, faculty, staff, and friends for 24 hours of giving that surpassed its goal of 1,000 gifts.  

The number tells one story, but our students tell a better one. Every day brings the privilege of watching Chapman students do extraordinary things. Giving Day is the moment the entire Chapman Family gets to be part of making those moments possible by opening doors, fueling discovery, and changing the trajectory of students’ lives. 

Here are four students whose Chapman journeys reflect what that generosity makes possible. 

Aleks | Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences

Aleks arrived at Chapman unsure of what to study. Through faculty who guided him in office hours and beyond, he found his way at Chapman by creating his own major and pursuing independent research on a topic close to his own community and heart.

“The Wilkinson faculty definitely helped me figure out who I am, my own identity, and what I want to be in the future.”

Laura | Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences 

Laura came to Crean with a passion for healthcare and a drive to make the most of every opportunity. As a research assistant at the Rinker Campus, her work has taken her to academic conferences and sharpened her path toward becoming a physician assistant. 

“My scholarship is what ultimately allowed me to come to Chapman and make my dream come true and to be a part of this really passionate community of students, faculty, and staff that support me academically and beyond.” 

Natalie | Fowler School of Engineering

Natalie is a computer science student who has embraced hands-on learning at every turn from competing in her first game jam for game development to contributing to clubs like Girls Who Code. Her scholarship gave her the space to focus, get involved, and now she is pursuing a master’s degree. 

“Having received a scholarship has been incredibly helpful. It’s allowed me to really take advantage of everything that Chapman and Fowler have to offer.” 

Ruthie | School of Communication 

Ruthie has approached her Chapman experience with one goal: to make the most of every opportunity available to her. She studied abroad in London to pursue her dream of working in entertainment publicity and returned to campus as the incoming president of the School of Communication Student Advisory Board. 

“I just want to take advantage of everything humanly possible because I feel so grateful to be here.”  

Their stories are different. The thread connecting them is Chapman and the community that supported their futures. 

To everyone who gave, shared, and cheered Chapman students on April 30: thank you! You are the reason the next Chapman story is already being written.