How the Inspire Campaign Continues to Shape Chapman’s Future Discover how philanthropy is driving impact and contributing to academic excellence on campus.

Philanthropy is the force that drives every aspect of our campus. Every gift we receive, regardless of size, has directly benefited our students and shaped Chapman into what it is today. For that reason, we launched the Inspire Campaign, an exciting initiative with the goal to raise $500 million by 2028 and increase endowment giving to $2 billion by 2037. As a result of the tremendous generosity of our donors and alumni, we have already reached an impressive $420 million, and the endowment has grown to more than $900 million.

Here are some of our donors paving the way:

Valor Partners $25,000 Scholarship Supports Education for Veterans’ Families

Chapman University has been awarded $25,000 annually for the next five years to support students receiving benefits under the Chapter 35 Dependent Education Assistance program. The funding comes from Valor Partners, a foundation focused on expanding educational opportunities for military and veteran families. The grant is made possible through the Gary Sinise Foundation, which serves America’s veterans, first responders, and their families. With additional dedicated support from Chapman, the annual amount provided to Chapter 35 students through the Valor Partners partnership will be $50,000.

“The incredible growth of VA students at Chapman showcases that the Chapman military-connected population is thriving here,” said Stephen Leader, Director of Chapman’s Veterans Resource Center. “This partnership will allow more Chapter 35 students to pursue their dreams at Chapman by providing the necessary funds to close the financial gap to attend our nationally-ranked institution.”

Women of Chapman Gala Celebrates Student Filmmakers

On May 8, 2025, the Women of Chapman hosted their inaugural Stars of Tomorrow gala, raising $52,000 for student thesis films through the Women of Chapman Endowed Student Filmmaker Fund. This fund, established over 12 years ago by the Women of Chapman, helps offset the significant costs of student film production, which can range from $20,000 to $60,000 per film. The endowment has grown to over $2 million to date, with more than $1 million awarded to students.

Founded in 1971, Women of Chapman have donated over $9 million to university programs and scholarships at Chapman University.

Mark Chapin Johnson’s Gift Cultivates Future Leaders at Chapman

Mark Chapin Johnson ’05, a dedicated alumnus, trustee and philanthropist, donated a $40,000 gift to Chapman University’s War and Society Scholarship Fund. This generous donation will cover the tuition for a U.S. State Department officer to pursue a graduate degree through Wilkinson College’s Master of Arts in War, Diplomacy, and Society program starting in Fall 2026.

Johnson’s long-standing support for over a decade has been instrumental in attracting experienced professionals to Chapman. This gift helps mid-level career diplomats gain leadership skills and advance their education. Inspired by his own transformative journey at Chapman, Johnson sees his gift as a way to make a difference in people’s lives and contribute to building a stronger nation through mentorship and education. This investment seeks to foster more knowledgeable and effective leaders, ultimately
strengthening our national service.

Donor’s Gift Brings Real Dinosaur Excavation to Chapman Students

Jamie Montgomery donated a generous gift to Chapman University’s Dino Lab, directly funding student discovery and hands-on research in paleontology. The funds are dedicated to helping students engage in the collection, preparation, research and display of two dinosaur specimens: a T. rex and Triceratops. This support provides Chapman students with experiences in real-world paleontological work. They’ll learn directly from legendary paleontologist and Chapman Presidential Fellow Jack Horner, who is leading the initiative. Montgomery hopes to instill a sense of philanthropy in students, encouraging them to pay it forward and give generously to future generations. The gift also seeks to foster a passion for scientific inquiry and inspire future careers in the field.

Looking Ahead

Momentum surrounding the Inspire Campaign continues to build, fueled by the powerful support of our community. We invite you to join us in reaching our $500M goal and help Chapman University remain a place of lifelong learning for generations to come. To become a partner in influencing the trajectory of a top university, visit inspire.chapman.edu.