Jeffrey Howard
Chapman’s new Executive Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer, Jessica Berger, has been busy in her first few weeks on the job, focusing squarely on building relationships, serving students, and continuing the university’s momentum. On Sept. 19, she announced a new partnership with the Marymount Education Foundation, an organization dedicated to carrying forward the legacy of Marymount California University by supporting students with financial resources for higher education through its flagship Marymount Scholars Program. The Ranchos Palos Verdes-based university closed its doors in 2022. At that time, the foundation was formed to continue its mission of creating positive change by awarding college scholarships and supporting educational initiatives that promote access, degree attainment, and a community of learners.
“This is a partnership rooted in shared values that put student success at the forefront of every academic journey,” noted Berger. “Both Chapman and the Marymount Education Foundation believe in nurturing talent, character, and leadership in ways that positively impact families, communities, and even regional economies. This partnership ensures a pathway for talented students in the years to come.”
The collaboration reflects Chapman’s ongoing commitment to providing a personalized education that fosters both academic achievement and personal growth in a supportive, close-knit environment.
Continuing the Marymount Legacy at Chapman
The Marymount Scholars Program goes beyond financial aid to provide mentorship, personal support, and a sense of community for students, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds. Many of the students who participate in the program are the first in their families to attend college. The program emphasizes the whole student, supporting not only academic success but also personal development and a sense of belonging.
At Chapman, these students will find a community that is ready to celebrate and support their individual journeys to higher education. As components of the Chapman Promising Futures Program, students will receive professional development and graduate school preparation workshops, service-learning activities, community-building events, and peer/faculty/staff mentoring opportunities, among other activities.
“Intentional partnerships like this one ensure that the legacy of Marymount California University lives on,” said Robyn Jones, executive director, Marymount Education Foundation. “Chapman’s commitment to personalized education and to welcoming students of all backgrounds reflects the very values that define the Marymount Scholars Program. We are confident that students here will feel known, supported, and empowered to succeed.”
Chapman joins three other institutions, Cal Lutheran University, La Sierra University, and Mount Saint Mary’s University, as a partner in the Marymount Scholars Program.
Shared Vision for Student Success
For Chapman, the partnership is not only about expanding access but also about reinforcing the university’s role in advancing opportunity through higher education. Since 2022, more than 225 new scholarships have been established, helping students cover the cost of tuition, books, housing, and other essentials. Approximately 86% of Chapman undergraduates receive some form of financial support, including merit-based scholarships, institutional aid, federal and state grants, work-study, student loans, and external awards.
“The Marymount Education Foundation is a powerful force in transforming the lives of students, families, and communities for the betterment of society, and has earned praise for being a model focused on successful student outcomes,” noted Chapman President Matt Parlow. “We are proud to partner with the foundation and thrilled to welcome our first cohort of scholars to Chapman next year. We look forward to growing the number of participating students for many years to come.”
Through this partnership, Chapman will be able to extend new resources and support to students who view education as a vehicle for change, ensuring that the transformative power of a Chapman education is within reach for more students than ever before.
