When Thiesen ’27 opens his planner, there’s hardly a blank space. Between serving as president of the Chapman Surf Club, sitting on the executive board of the Chapman Real Estate Association, engaging with our alumni and parents through Phonathon, and now studying abroad in Madrid, he’s constantly in motion.
Originally from Southern California, Thiesen grew up in North Carolina and always felt a pull to return west. “Orange County felt like home,” he said. “After studying abroad in high school, I knew I wanted a college that challenged and inspired me, one where I could grow academically and personally.”
Chapman University became that place.
A Business Administration major with an emphasis in Real Estate and a second major in Spanish, Thiesen is charting an ambitious course across multiple disciplines. Thanks to the Dean’s Scholarship he received, his path to Chapman was made possible by generous donors to the Chapman Fund.
“When I opened my acceptance letter and saw the scholarship, I was shocked and incredibly grateful,” Thiesen said. “It was the offer that made college possible for me.”
Since arriving on campus, Thiesen has made the most of his Chapman Experience. As Surf Club president, he organized lessons, beach cleanups, and community events. In the Real Estate Association, he helped coordinate networking and career-building events with top industry professionals. And in his role with Phonathon, he connected with alumni and parents about what makes Chapman so special—building communication skills he knows will serve him well in his future career.
“I’m surrounded by peers who are talented, driven, and uplifting,” Thiesen said. “The community here inspires me every day to show up as my best self.”
Chapman’s impact extends beyond the classroom. His favorite place on campus is Attallah Piazza, where energy and connection are always present. He has also found inspiration studying on the terraces of the Keck Center, creating designs in the Makerspace, and sharing meals and ideas with professors who go above and beyond.
One Peace Studies elective course during his first semester was a turning point. Led by Dr. James Brown, the course challenged students to explore identity and global justice. Dr. Brown even invited authors they read in class to speak on campus and hosted dinner discussions at his home.
“It was the kind of experience that reminded me how unique this community really is,” Thiesen said.
Now studying abroad in Madrid, Thiesen is applying what he’s learned at Chapman in real time—refining his Spanish, immersing himself in a new culture, and building a broader global perspective.
When he looks ahead, he feels confident thanks to the education, experiences, and connections he’s built at Chapman—many of which are enhanced by the Chapman Fund.
“Every course I’ve taken will apply to both my life and my career,” he said. “And the support I’ve received—through scholarships, professors, and peers—has made all the difference.”
Gifts to the Chapman Fund make Thiesen’s experience possible. Be part of the journey today and support scholarships and extraordinary experiences for current and future Panthers.
