Renowned legal scholar Erwin Chemerinsky and Chapman Professor Vikki Katz will lead a conversation on campus free speech and civil discourse at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9, in Chapman University’s Argyros Forum 209, 386 N. Center St. in Orange.
The discussion is part of a weeklong series of events commemorating the inauguration of Matt Parlow as Chapman’s 14th president, held from Monday, Oct. 6, to Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Chemerinsky, dean of the UC Berkeley School of Law, and Katz, Chapman’s Fletcher Jones Foundation Endowed Chair in Free Speech, will explore pressing issues surrounding dialogue and speech on college campuses at a time when the U.S. is grappling with deepening political divisions.
This timely event builds on the recent launch of the Or Initiative, which seeks to equip young people with tools to engage thoughtfully on contentious issues using evidence-based, innovative approaches. Katz is leading the initiative, supported by a $1.85 million gift from the Samueli Foundation.
The Or Initiative’s first programs, designed for middle and high school students, will focus on developing strong digital research skills and fostering civil discourse rooted in empathy and respect. Over time, the initiative aims to serve as a national model for transforming dialogue across all age groups.
The free event is open to the Chapman community and the public, but registration is required. To reserve a seat, visit https://tickets.chapman.edu/Online/seatSelect.asp.
Due to space constraints, some inauguration events, including the investiture ceremony, will require tickets. Others will be open to the public, with livestream options available for those unable to attend in person.
Free parking is offered for all ticketed events, subject to availability. Attendees may register for free parking by following the parking link on individual event pages, accessible through RSVP links in the event listings below. Short-term permits are also available for purchase on-site.
Be sure to check out the full slate of inauguration events taking place across campus:
Monday, Oct. 6
Breakfast with Community Leaders
Local civic and community leaders will gather for a breakfast with President Matt Parlow, offering an opportunity to connect with him at the start of his presidency.
An Evening with Nadia Murad in Conversation with Chapman Dean Jennifer Keene
7 p.m. | Musco Center for the Arts
Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Chapman Presidential Fellow Nadia Murad, who survived captivity under ISIS, will share her story of resilience and her vision for building peace through our shared humanity. She will be joined in conversation by Chapman Dean Jennifer Keene.
RSVP to this event.
Wednesday, Oct. 8
Panel on Adverse Childhood Experiences with Keynote from California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos
2–2:30 p.m. Reception | 2:30–4:15 p.m. Panel and Keynote | Campus Center at Rinker Great Room (9401 Jeronimo Road, Irvine, CA 92618)
A panel of leading experts—Laura Glynn (Chapman), Dan Cooper (UC Irvine), Michael Weiss (CHOC), and Pete Simi (Chapman)—will explore the impact of adverse childhood experiences on health and society. The discussion will be moderated by Kelli Fuery, Chapman Faculty Senate president, and will conclude with a keynote address by California Surgeon General Dr. Diana Ramos.
Thursday, Oct. 9
Chapman Faculty Mixer
1:30–3:30 p.m. | Marvin W. Meyer Faculty Athenaeum
Faculty are invited to a casual gathering to connect with one another and President Matt Parlow.
Friday, Oct. 10
Interfaith Service
10 a.m. | Fish Interfaith Center
Religious leaders from across the region will join the Chapman community in a service of reflection and unity, honoring the tradition of marking a new presidency with interfaith prayer.
RSVP to this event.
All-Campus and Community Picnic
11:30 a.m. | Attallah Piazza
Students, faculty, staff, alumni and community members are invited to gather for a celebratory picnic featuring lunch, refreshments and Chapman giveaways.
RSVP to this event.
Investiture Ceremony
3 p.m. | Musco Center for the Arts
The official installation of Matthew J. Parlow as Chapman University’s 14th president will take place in Musco Center, followed by a reception on the Aitken Arts Plaza.
Tuesday, Oct. 14
Palmer Luckey in Conversation with President Matt Parlow on Leadership in Business
Inventor and entrepreneur Palmer Luckey—best known as the founder of Oculus VR and creator of the Oculus Rift virtual reality headset—will join President Parlow for a conversation on innovation and leadership in business.
