Last week alumni from across the decades came back to campus for the annual Orientation Candle Lighting Ceremony to welcome the Class of 2020 to our Chapman Family. Prior to the ceremony, alumni gathered for a reception in the Leatherby Libraries’ Allred Entrada where they were greeted and welcomed back to their alma mater by Charlene Baldwin, dean of the Leatherby Libraries, and Brady Hogan ’92 (MBA ’14), director of alumni engagement.

Below are a few examples of the moments that were shared that night. We can’t wait to hear about the memories this timeless tradition will create next year! If you’re interested in participating in the 2017 Candle Lighting Ceremony, keep an eye out for information next summer. (Make sure to keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss out on special alumni invitations and events.)

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Laura Steinfeld ’89 remembers her orientation at Chapman like it was yesterday. “I was asked to speak on behalf of the freshman class, at the opening convocation in Memorial Hall. I’ll never forget the honor and the fear of making that speech. It was the beginning of four amazing years. I am so grateful Alyssa has the chance to be a part of the Chapman experience.”

Laura ’89 lit her daughter Alyssa’s ’20 candle along with her other daughter and alumna, Amanda Steinfeld ’14.

Alumna Kelly Woodward ’11 was eager to participate in this year’s Candle Lighting Ceremony because she was able to share the experience with her sister Megan ’20 who is an incoming freshman.