Robert Hitchcock
The Chapman University campus was buzzing with excitement on October 26 as more than 2,200 guests, including more than 800 prospective students and their families and friends, arrived for the annual 2025 Fall Open House. The event brought together high school and transfer students from 21 states and two countries, all eager to explore what it means to become part of the Chapman community.
A Warm Chapman Welcome
Visitors spent the day touring the beautiful Orange campus, meeting faculty members, and engaging with current students who shared firsthand what makes Chapman’s academic and campus life so dynamic. From sessions on admissions, financial aid, and student life panels to guided tours and photo stops with Pete the Panther, there was something for everyone.
2025 Fall Open House.
In his first Open House since becoming President in September, Matt Parlow kicked off the day with a warm welcome, sharing his excitement for the next generation of Panthers and the possibilities that await them at Chapman.
“Chapman is a place where people come and they feel part of something bigger than themselves. They truly feel like they’re part of this dynamic, special, growing community that finds individuality for everybody and each personalized path in how they craft their education and craft the kind of opportunities, whether those immediate opportunities lead them to grad or professional school or towards the launching of their careers.”
and families.
Exploring Academics, the Campus and Opportunities
Throughout the day, guests filled Memorial Hall lawn, the Attallah Piazza, and academic buildings across campus, getting a true sense of Chapman’s close-knit and collaborative spirit. Parents and students alike remarked on the welcoming atmosphere and personal connections that sets the university apart.
schools and programs.
Student Voices: Why Chapman Feels Like Home
at Dodge College.
Timothy Lindenfelser, a high school junior from Dana Point, Calif., who is interested in cinematography at Dodge College, said, “I’m really getting into the idea that Chapman has so much teamwork and stuff that you can do with just so many other people. You can learn and work with a crew that you might continue working with later in your career.”
Jack Patterson, a high school senior from Eastvale, Calif., who is interested in business, said, “I just, I really like the layout of the campus. I really like the living situation. The dorms were pretty big. I was also surprised that business is like the number one major here. So that was a huge plus for me.”
Jack’s mom, Lori Patterson, mentioned, “I like how the campus is laid out. It feels, like everything’s near each other. I was surprised how big the dorm rooms were too, and I like the dining hall we ate at. I thought the food choices were excellent, kind of gave us a glimpse into how living here would be.”
Breezy Mulan, a high school senior from Santa Clarita, Calif., is interested in video production, said, “I could absolutely see myself on this campus. I’ve been literally everywhere, every corner of this campus, and it all just seems super safe to me and it really feels like my home. So I’m really looking forward to my admission and seeing if I get in or not. But it’s definitely one of my top choices, so I would love to be here and experience the program hands-on.”
Bruce Gillies, Breezy’s dad, added, “Well, the campus is gorgeous. I mean, it’s just sitting here in a little oasis, a little Shangri La, so it’s very beautiful.”
Shevalonica Sastro, a transfer student from Los Angeles said, “I would say what has surprised me the most is the environment, because I am not really familiar with most of the private schools yet in the U.S., and the environment and the vibe that everybody is giving is really welcoming and it’s really nice. I feel really welcomed. Usually people are really, like, not really comfortable of saying like, “oh, I’m a transfer student or anything,” but I feel really welcome and I feel really comfortable to be able to see that out loud.”
during the 2025 Fall Open House.
Charlotte Lewis, a high school junior from Tustin, Calif., added “I’ve always known I want to do marketing, but I never thought about the PR side of marketing until after talking with counselors and learning how the marketing team collaborates with the rest of Dodge College. I think it’s really interesting and it opened my mind.”
Charting the Path Ahead
The Fall Open House is one of Chapman’s largest annual events for prospective students, offering an inside look at academic programs, campus resources, and student life opportunities. It offers a fresh experience even for those who had already visited campus or taken a tour, providing unique opportunities to explore specific areas and connect with people they wouldn’t typically meet on a standard campus visit. For many visitors, it marks the beginning of an exciting journey toward becoming a Panther.
There are plenty of ways to experience all that Chapman has to offer. Join us for a campus tour, attend an upcoming admission event, or connect with your admission counselor to learn more about how to become part of our Panther community.
More Voices, Same Spirit: Students Share Their First Impressions
Prospective students were impressed by Chapman’s residence halls, dining options and student life.
‘I am surprised about all the sports, everything you guys have, the stadium and the pool, that kind of surprised me. I liked everything about it. I liked seeing all the different types of people here, meeting the president and the talk, that was really cool – that family vibe of it all.” – Elizabeth Lacy, High School Senior, Encinitas, Calif.
“I thought it was wonderful. I loved the campus. The presentations were all amazing, and amazing tours. I was surprised how the campus feels small but big enough that you could walk across it and find somewhere new, and there’s tons of amazing art across campus, I was very surprised about that.” – Jake Taylor, High School Senior, Lafayette, Colo.
“It was incredible. I’ve been really excited about Chapman and this kind of solidified it for me. A big thing for me is a connection to professors and so like talking to and meeting all the professors and the students, the community just stood out so much.” – Rayna Bluestein, High School Senior, San Diego, Calif.
