Eileen ’73 (MA ’76) and Ole Mols have been part of the Chapman Family for five decades. Eileen began her academic journey as a music major at a community college, where she then transferred to Chapman College (as it was known then). At Chapman, she auditioned for and received a music scholarship, ultimately pursuing a degree in speech and hearing disorders while continuing her passion for performance. A talented multi-instrumentalist—piano, violin, tuba, guitar and flute—Eileen joined the college symphony and orchestra and received individual instruction from a master teacher.
That experience shaped her lifelong belief in the power of scholarships.
The Mols’ giving to Chapman began in 1982 with a modest $5 donation. Over the years, their generosity grew, culminating in the creation of the Mols Endowed Scholarship in Instrumental Music in 2019. This scholarship supports undergraduate transfer students from community colleges pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music, with a preference for those studying string performance at the Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music.
“As my decision to attend Chapman was instrumentally inspired by receiving a music scholarship, I wanted to give the same opportunity to deserving transfer students in instrumental music,” Eileen shared.
In 2024, the Mols doubled their commitment to the scholarship, ensuring even more transfer students can pursue their musical ambitions.
“The continuation of our scholarship gift in perpetuity means that many more deserving transfer students will be able to achieve their goals of a successful career,” Eileen said.
The Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music, housed within Chapman’s College of Performing Arts (CoPA), offers an outstanding curriculum within a liberal arts environment. Students receive personalized instruction from master artists and gain hands-on experience performing in venues ranging from intimate studio spaces to state-of-the-art theaters like the Musco Center for the Arts. This comprehensive training prepares them for diverse and vibrant careers in the music industry.
Although Ole did not attend Chapman, his long career in the community college system shaped his commitment to helping transfer students succeed.
“My experience at community colleges has shown me that money is often tight in education. When students transfer from a low-tuition college to a higher-tuition university, they need extra financial support to focus on their studies,” he explained.
Through their endowed scholarship, the Mols hope to ease that transition, allowing students to focus on refining their craft and preparing for careers in music.
Giving back to Chapman has been a constant in the Mols’ lives for 38 years. In addition to their endowed scholarship, they have supported the Chapman Fund and various other scholarships.
Eileen’s connection to Chapman deepened even further when she attended her 50th reunion in 2023, reuniting with long-time friends and reminiscing about her time at Chapman College.
“Attending my 50th reunion was a wonderful experience—I reestablished friendships with great classmates, a fantastic roommate and my sweet sorority sister,” she shared. “It brought back so many memories of Chapman College before it became the larger Chapman University we see today.”
Thanks to the Mols’ generosity, more community college transfer students will have the opportunity to hone their musical talents and launch successful careers in the performing arts.
If Eileen and Ole’s story inspires you, consider making a gift to Chapman today to support future musicians.
