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.
Janet Hilbert
Janet and her husband, Trustee Mark Hilbert, have been longtime supporters of the university, notably founding the Hilbert Museum of California Art. The Hilbert family’s relationship with Chapman University began with a shared commitment to bringing attention to the rich history of the California Scene Painting movement and to making art accessible to all. Janet is survived by Mark, their children and grandchildren.
Steeve Kay
As an influential executive, dedicated philanthropist and cherished member of the President’s Cabinet, Steeve’s legacy is deeply interwoven with the fabric of the university. Steeve and his wife, Helen, were significant supporters of the Argyros College of Business and Economics, where they championed the establishment of an idea incubator for faculty, student and alumni research projects. Steeve is survived by his wife, three children, his children’s spouses and three grandchildren.
Harry Hamilton
Harry was named Chapman’s first provost in 1990. He held that position for a decade before returning to the classroom as a professor of meteorological sciences. He was instrumental in the accreditation of the Dale E. Fowler School of Law, the creation of the film and television school now known as Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and the acquisition of the university’s physical therapy program.
Eileen Jankowski
Over a 25-year career at Chapman, Eileen served as a faculty senator, secretary of communication and records, governance council member and chair of the FFC advisory committee, as judge for various student awards, and she was the faculty advisor for the Gamma Beta Phi Honor Society and the Delta Tau Delta Fraternity. In 2012, Eileen moved from full-time teaching into an administrative role as the director of Fellowships and Scholar Programs, leading Chapman to achieve the distinction of becoming a “Fulbright Outstanding University” ranking.
Mike Ferguson
Mike joined Chapman University in September of 2006 as manager of Network Operations and later became IS&T’s infrastructure architect. Mike led the design and implementation of numerous critical systems across the university, including a robust fiber network, wireless expansions, video surveillance and physical access control. Mike is survived by his wife Opel, son Kyle, two brothers and his mother.
Barbara Tye
Barbara’s tenure at Chapman University spanned from 1983 to 2008, during which she served as the inaugural dean of the School of Education (1989-1993) and later as a professor until her retirement. She continued teaching part-time in the MA and Ph.D. programs until 2016. Barbara is survived by her two brothers, Ian and Craig; three step-children, Steve, Debbie and Michael; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter and her beloved partner, Elizabeth Boardman.
Ned Eckert
Ned was inducted into the Chapman Athletics Hall of Fame in 1984. Ned was a two-time All-West Region selection and continued to be a part of the basketball program as a coach after graduating. He is survived by his wife, daughter, son-in-law and three grandchildren.
