Alumni Celebrate Faculty Retirements and Legacies  These faculty members made a lasting impact on Chapman students, from creating unforgettable learning experiences to helping students find their voice. 

This year, Chapman alumni gathered to honor three extraordinary faculty whose careers shaped student lives and the university’s identity. Through celebrations, stories, and giving, their legacies will continue to inspire curiosity for generations.

Fredric Caporaso, Ph.D. — Inspiring Discovery Through Travel

For 43 years, food science professor Fredric Caporaso, Ph.D., created unforgettable learning experiences for thousands of Chapman students. Many alumni credit Professor Caporaso with sparking their passion for food science and guiding them toward their careers.

“He taught my first-ever intro to food science course in undergrad, and I’ve been hooked ever since,” shared Sabrina Wildermuth ’12 (MS ’16), now the Nutrition & Regulatory Compliance Director at Thrive Market.

Rhondi Shigemura-Webster (MS ’90), Executive Vice President of Product Development for Food Tech Solutions, reflected on social media, “Meeting you sparked my food science adventures. Thank you for your true educational support that has encouraged, supported, and sparked so many careers and successes, including mine.”

One of Professor Caporaso’s most lasting contributions was the travel course Darwin and the Galápagos. To honor him, alumni and supporters launched the Galápagos Islands Travel Fund, ensuring future students will share in the transformative course he created.

Michael Fahy, Ph.D. — Building Chapman’s Digital Future

For 36 years, Michael Fahy, Ph.D., paired teaching with innovation to bring Chapman into the digital age. From campus-wide networks to email systems and web servers, his leadership built the foundation students and faculty still rely on today.

As associate dean and chief technology officer for the Fowler School of Engineering, Fahy taught more than two dozen courses, advised Chapman’s Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, and created events to spotlight student work.

At his retirement gathering, alumni filled the room with gratitude.

“He changed my direction, and I ended up being a software engineer,” said Travis Hummel ’12.

Monique Lam ’19 echoed that sentiment, noting that his encouragement helped her secure an internship at CHOC and launch her career.

And for James Jones ’03, the impact was even broader: “Your teaching shaped me and countless others to become who we are today. We are forever grateful and in your debt.”

Stephen Coker, D.M.A. — The Heart of Music at Chapman

Since 2009, Stephen Coker, D.M.A., has led choral activities at the Hall-Musco Conservatory as director and associate professor of music. He shaped student voices, guided ensembles, and built lifelong friendships through music. Coker’s arrangements became staples at Chapman’s most beloved performances, and his presence left a lasting mark on the community.

“What an amazing conductor, and even better person,” shared Mona Asadi ’22. Another alumna, Makayla Flocken ’24, called him the “heart and soul of music at Chapman.”

At his retirement event, alumni returned to sing, celebrate, and honor the community Coker nurtured through music. Alumni also created an Instagram account to spread the word and collect memories from fellow Panthers.

Carrying Their Impact Forward

Alumni voices made clear that these professors’ legacies live on in every student they taught and every career they shaped. To continue their impact, consider giving to Chapman in their name. Contributions to funds, departments or programs will carry their influence forward for years to come. Visit chapman.edu/give to make a donation.