Cristine HallWhen Chapman University was ready to launch its next big fundraising campaign in February 2023, it needed a name bold enough to match its ambitions.
University leaders settled on one word: Inspire.
Three years later, that choice has proven to be prophetic. Inspired by Chapman’s mission to deliver a first-class, personalized education, alumni, parents, and friends have helped the university reach a milestone that once seemed years away.
This year, Chapman’s endowment reached $1 billion for the first time, more than tripling from $300 million just a decade ago. Nearly 80% of the gifts received during the 2025–26 effort supported endowed funds, which means they are invested permanently, with returns distributed each year. Unlike one-time gifts, endowed funds produce benefits that will be felt for generations.
Chapman’s $1 billion endowment creates lasting support for students, with endowed gifts generating resources for scholarships, academic programs, and student success year after year.
Chapman also recorded its strongest fundraising year ever, raising $72.4 million in gifts, a 38% increase over the previous fiscal year. Alumni participation grew significantly, reflecting a deepening connection across the Chapman Family. Giving Day engaged more than 1,200 donors, while support from parents and friends remained strong, underscoring their confidence in the university’s mission.
That support has accelerated the Inspire campaign, the largest fundraising initiative in Chapman’s history. Launched with a goal of raising $500 million by 2028, the campaign has already generated $485 million as of August 2026. The university is on track to meet its goal of elevating the endowment to $2 billion by 2038.
The milestone comes at a time when many universities face budget pressures and uncertainty. At Chapman, philanthropy has continued to grow. Since Inspire began, nearly 22,000 donors have made more than 92,000 gifts, demonstrating support that extends far beyond transformational contributions. That is Panther Pride on a scale we have never seen before.
“When we lean into who we are and what makes Chapman special, our community responds,” said President Matt Parlow. “That is what this record represents, and it is a continuation of the excellence we have been building together for a long time.”
BUILDING ON MOMENTUM
Chapman’s fundraising success has continued through a period of leadership transition, as a new generation of leaders builds on the foundation established over the past decade. It is atypical for a university to reach such impressive fundraising totals during a year of presidential transition and during a year of University Advancement transition.
At the 2026 State of the University in February, Chapman celebrated its $1 billion endowment milestone, and student achievement was a recurring theme throughout. Parlow highlighted numerous examples of students from a range of disciplines excelling in national competitions and board exams, while Mike Ibba, who became executive vice president, provost, and chief academic officer in October 2025, emphasized the university’s commitment to experiential learning.
“Our success in what we do is because we really do put students first,” Ibba said.
That student-centered mission has also propelled the Inspire campaign. Parlow credited Executive Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer Jessica Berger with accelerating the campaign’s remarkable pace during its final years.
“Jessica Berger is leading the close of the Inspire campaign in a way that defies the typical trajectory,” Parlow said. “Her ability to build genuine relationships with our alumni, parents, and friends in a short time is remarkable, and this record is a direct reflection of her effort and sincerity.”
Berger said the record-setting fundraising year “is a powerful testament to our community’s extraordinary commitment to Chapman’s future, their belief in our mission, and their confidence in President Matt Parlow’s vision for the university.”
HOW THE FUNDS ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE
The Inspire campaign is built around three priorities: expanding access for students, advancing academic excellence, and strengthening the university for future generations. Some gifts transform individual lives through scholarships that remove financial barriers. Others support faculty, research, and academic innovation through endowed chairs and program support across Chapman’s schools and colleges. Still others invest in initiatives that strengthen the university’s long-term impact, from civil discourse to student success.
The breadth of that support was on display at the State of the University. Parlow opened his address by announcing a $10 million gift from parents of a Chapman graduate, made just hours earlier to support the Fowler School of Engineering. Moments later, he shared news of a $25.5 million commitment from Christine E. Cross, whose philanthropy has helped transform student scholarships and the performing arts. Her latest gift brought her total support for Chapman to more than $35.5 million.
This year’s philanthropy reached every corner of the university. The Stan Lucas Trust committed $3.8 million to expand free enterprise and entrepreneurship programs. The Marymount Education Foundation contributed $2.625 million to establish a new scholars program. First Congregational Church of Santa Ana gave $2 million to support student housing.
Other gifts strengthened academic excellence and student opportunity, led by governing board members. Mark Chapin Johnson ’05 committed a gift to establish an endowed chair in applied critical thinking. Scott Chapman created an endowed chair in physics. And Brad and Kim Cohen expanded support for student success initiatives.
WHEN WE LEAN INTO WHO WE ARE AND WHAT MAKES CHAPMAN SPECIAL, OUR COMMUNITY RESPONDS. THAT IS WHAT THIS RECORD REPRESENTS, AND IT IS A CONTINUATION OF THE EXCELLENCE WE HAVE BEEN BUILDING TOGETHER FOR A LONG TIME.
President Matt Parlow
Alumni and parents also invested in the next generation of Panthers. Richlyn and Robert ’00 (MA ’02) Evins committed $1.6 million to support first-generation students. Parents Miaad and Albert Bushala gave $1 million to career initiatives at Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. Another alumna, who graduated in the 1970s and chose to remain anonymous, contributed $4.2 million for student scholarships.
Together, these gifts tell a broader story. Thousands of alumni, parents, foundations, corporations, and friends are investing in the people, programs, and ideas that will shape Chapman’s future for decades to come.
GIVING BACK TO STUDENTS
GIVING BACK TO STUDENTSThrough her family’s foundation, Cross and her husband, Lon, have provided full scholarships to Chapman students for more than a decade, supporting their education from undergraduate study through graduate school. Cross sees her role as extending beyond philanthropy; she considers herself a mentor and lifelong champion for her scholars.
“I want to help highly motivated young people with financial need who deserve every opportunity to achieve their dreams,” Cross said. “Education changes lives, not just through what you learn in the classroom but through the relationships you build, the confidence you gain, and the doors that open. If I can remove financial barriers and provide support along the way, I consider that one of the greatest privileges of my life.”
Fiona Bumgarner ’26, who graduated with a bachelor of fine arts in graphic design, said Cross’s scholarship allowed her to leave two of her three jobs, giving her more time to focus on her studies and creative work. Along the way, Cross also became a mentor, offering everything from recipes to interview advice.
“I think the most significant lesson I’ve learned from her is that as much as being self-made is important and impressive, it is impossible to get where we are without help,” Bumgarner said. “She’s taught me that if you are able, you should help others because that help compounds and leaves a generational impact.”
A REPUTATION ON THE RISE
Beyond philanthropic giving, Chapman is also reaching new heights in other ways. At the State of the University address, Parlow highlighted the university’s best-ever U.S. News & World Report ranking, national honors earned by students and alumni, and the hands-on learning opportunities that continue to distinguish a Chapman education. Ibba pointed to strong graduation and retention rates, competitive first salaries, and experiential learning as evidence that putting students first continues to produce results.
The university also celebrated the partnerships helping students launch successful careers. Longtime partner Bank of America joined university leaders on stage to discuss its century- long presence in Orange County and its enduring relationship with Chapman, from philanthropy to workforce development. During the event, Chapman also recognized 100 of its top employer partners — from Disney and Deloitte to Goldman Sachs and Rady Children’s Health, formerly known as CHOC — organizations that continue to recruit Chapman graduates because of their preparation, work ethic, and real-world experience.
Together, these milestones tell a broader story. As Chapman invests in students, research, and academic excellence, its growing reputation continues to attract philanthropic support, strengthen industry partnerships, and create new opportunities for future generations of Panthers.
Gifts Making a Lasting Impact
$35.5 Million – Christine E. Cross
In 2026, Cross directed $20 million to need-based scholarships — the largest scholarship gift in Chapman’s history — and $5.5 million to summer music camps. Combined with a $10 million pledge made more than a decade ago, her support for Chapman now exceeds $35.5 million.
$10 Million – Panther Parents
A gift from parents of a Chapman graduate supports leadership and expands experiential learning at the Fowler School of Engineering, giving students opportunities to put classroom knowledge into practice.
$4.2 Million – Anonymous alumna
Inspired by her 50-year reunion, an alumna who graduated in the 1970s gave $4.2 million to student scholarships, expanding access to a Chapman education.
$3.8 Million – Stan Lucas Trust
The trust’s commitment expands programs in free enterprise and entrepreneurship, giving students more opportunities to develop ideas, gain practical experience, and prepare for careers in business.
$2.625 Million – Marymount Education Foundation
The gift established the Marymount Scholars Program, which will provide scholarships, faculty mentorship, academic support, and career preparation for 40 Southern California students beginning in fall 2026.
