For Rachel Berns ’24, one PDF changed everything.
As a high school senior, she dreamed of attending Chapman University. When she opened her admissions portal and saw that she received a Presidential Scholarship, her dream became a reality. That award, which is funded by generous Chapman Fund donors, opened the door to four unforgettable years of learning, leadership, and lifelong connection.
“My favorite thing about Chapman was always the people,” Rachel shared. “To celebrate peers and be celebrated back is a type of reciprocal investment that’s irreplicable.”
From dancing in sold-out Memorial Hall to serving as Student Government Association President, Rachel immersed herself in the vibrant campus community that shaped her confidence and purpose.
That confidence only deepened after President Emeritus Daniele Struppa invited her to guest lecture in his “Italian Cooking: History and Geography” course, an opportunity that grew from her summer research on food and culture in Italy.
“It gave me a lot more belief in myself as a scholar,” she said. “That experience eventually inspired my Honors capstone project on food as a political tool.”
When Rachel’s career path took an unexpected turn after graduation, the Chapman Family was right there. Faculty and alumni reached out through their networks, offering guidance and reassurance as she transitioned from a clinical doctorate program to pursuing a PhD.
“Chapman’s investment in me didn’t stop at Commencement,” Rachel said. “I knew I still had its people backing me every step of the way.”
That support inspired her to give back through the Chapman Fund, and it is one of the reasons why she advocates that alumni pay it forward, too.
“It took a village to get me here,” she reflected. “My village just happened to consist of generous humans I’d never met.”
As a student, Rachel attended a few events where she got to meet some of the university’s most involved donors. After giving a speech about her Chapman Experience, several attendees were excited to learn more about her future plans.
“They were so invested in my success, and they’d never met me before,” Rachel remembers. ”I was shown immense selflessness by all the people in the room, and I knew that I wanted to emulate that as an alum. I hope my gifts help another student open their financial aid package and cry a few happy tears.”
Today, Rachel mentors students through the Panther Network, performs in her former dance team’s alumni show, and gives back what she can.
“We’ve all benefitted from someone who wanted to support Chapman students,” she said. “Now it’s our turn to be part of someone else’s ‘Why Chapman?’ story.”
You can help empower future Panthers like Rachel by supporting the Chapman Fund today.
