Your Chapman University Newsletter for August 25, 2026
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Feature

A Warm Welcome for Chapman’s Newest Panthers

Chapman welcomed its newest Panthers and their families with five days of Orientation activities, resources, and traditions. As students experienced Convocation, Candle Lighting, and other Chapman traditions for the first time, Orientation Coordinator Isabel Gomez ’27 spent her last first week helping them find their footing and begin building connections.

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President Parlow Looks Ahead to a New Academic Year

As his second year as president begins, Matt Parlow reflects on Chapman’s momentum and shares his commitment to advancing student success, academic excellence, and the continued growth of the Chapman community.

Thom Davis Named Interim Chief Financial Officer

Thom Davis, a 30-year veteran of higher education finance and administration, has been appointed Interim Chief Financial Officer effective Aug. 31. Thom most recently served as vice chancellor for finance and administration at Central Texas College, and before that he spent 10 years in the California State University system. He will serve in the role as Chapman carries out a national search for its next CFO.

Plan Ahead for Student Accommodations

As a new academic year kicks off, faculty are encouraged to ask students to communicate any and all anticipated accommodation needs well in advance, including those related to disabilities and religious observances. The Fish Interfaith Center provides a calendar of observances that may affect the academic schedule.

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Happenings section graphic
Chapman Open House
Future Panthers Get a Taste of Campus Life
Saturday, Sept. 26, Orange Campus

Chapman will welcome prospective first-year and transfer students and their families to the Orange Campus for Open House. Faculty and staff will help showcase the Chapman experience as guests explore academic programs, campus resources, and facilities.

Chapman Homecoming
Chapman Family Homecoming
Friday, Oct. 2 and Saturday, Oct. 3, Orange Campus

Faculty and staff get early registration for Chapman Family Homecoming, Oct. 2-3. Sit in on a master class, catch the tailgate, or cheer on the Panthers at the football game.

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Chapman Mortar Board
Chapman Senior Honor Society Earns Three National Honors

Chapman’s chapter of Mortar Board, a national honor society for college seniors, received three national honors for scholarship, leadership, and service. Rowan Eiselman ’26 was one of only two members nationwide awarded the Starlington Prize for Extraordinary Mortar Board Membership.
 

Summer Symposium
59 Student Researchers Showcase Their Work at Summer Symposium

Fifty-nine Chapman undergraduate researchers presented their summer research at Schmid College’s Summer 2026 Research Symposium. Their faculty-mentored work spanned disciplines including chemistry, biology, health science, and psychology, with some students contributing to upcoming research papers.
 

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Give Blood, Save Lives at Campus Blood Drive
Thursday, Sept. 3, 10 a.m., Argyros Forum 119AB

Argyros Forum
Chapman will host an American Red Cross blood drive. A single donation can help save more than one life. Schedule an appointment at redcrossblood.org using code CU.
 
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