Robert HitchcockDuring the college admissions process, college-bound students across the country experience a range of emotions as they prepare for the life-changing news about their decision. At Chapman University, this moment has been marked by an annual tradition: celebrating the very first student admitted to the incoming class.
In December, as Early Action and Early Decision notifications began rolling out, Chapman’s admissions team surprised Darian Veres, a senior at Northwood High School in Irvine, as the first admitted student for the Class of 2030.
A Campus Surprise: First Admit Student Learns He’s In
Joined by his parents, Darian was brought to campus under the impression that he was meeting with faculty for a final round of interviews for admission. Instead, he was greeted by Pete the Panther, cheering students, his brother, Sebastion, a current student at Chapman, and Nicole Arvanaghi, assistant director of admissions, who delivered the words he never expected to hear, “Congratulations, you are our first admitted student of the year.”
The timing couldn’t have been more meaningful, an early acceptance just before the holidays, giving Darian and his family a reason to celebrate together and look ahead with joy.
For Darian, who plans to major in English and dreams of becoming a professor or English teacher, the surprise was both overwhelming and affirming.
“For me, it’s just a really shocking experience, but it’s also a blessing,” he shared. “Inside, I’m crying happy tears. My heart is beating a million miles a minute.”
A Family Milestone: Brothers Continue Their Journey Together
Darian had long felt drawn to Chapman, first through the stories his older brother shared, and later through his own campus visit, where he felt an immediate connection with professors and the community. “It felt like a big family,” he said, a feeling that ultimately solidified his decision.
That sense of family runs deep for the Veres household. Darian’s brother, Sebastian, is now in his second year studying business administration with an emphasis in finance. A proud first-generation college student, Sebastian described the moment as the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. “Elementary, middle school, high school, football—we always did things together,” he said. “So for me to do college with him as well is amazing.”
Sebastian’s Chapman experience has been nothing short of exceptional, especially the personalized support he’s received from professors, something he knows his younger brother can look forward to as well. “Chapman is a family,” he said.
That sentiment was echoed by their parents, Adrian and Daniela Veres, who immigrated to Orange County 23 years ago. Seeing Darian named Chapman’s first admit of the year was a moment of immense pride. “For us, it’s an honor, it’s a privilege,” they shared. “We really enjoyed this moment. We’re really happy.”
They emphasized how important it was for their children to attend a university that feels like home, a place where students are known, supported, and celebrated. “We couldn’t be more excited,” they added.
Early Action and Early Decision at Chapman
As Arvanaghi explained, “Our Early Action and Early Decision students apply by November 1 and hear back by mid-December, which gives them more time to make their decision and get excited about Chapman.” She added that these applicants demonstrate strong initiative and passion, signaling an early commitment to Chapman, and gives them the opportunity to begin imagining their future at the university sooner.
For Darian and the Veres family, that future is already beginning to take shape, rooted in connection, opportunity, and the unmistakable feeling of belonging. And for Chapman University, this time of year serves as a joyful reminder that acceptance letters aren’t just correspondence: they’re milestones marked, dreams realized, and families welcomed home.
Your Panther Journey Starts Here
Once you’re accepted to Chapman University, your Panther journey is just beginning. Our admissions team is here to guide you every step of the way, from confirming your spot to experiencing campus life firsthand.
Next steps for admitted students:
- Accept your offer
- Check your application status
- Sign up for an Admitted Student Tour
- Take a Virtual Tour
- Attend Preview Day
- Experience Panther for a Day
Learn more by visiting us at Undergraduate Admissions.
