The power of nature has the ability to challenge us, to connect us with ourselves and with those around us, and to save us. Whether we spend a day, a week or a few months in the wilderness, the experience touches us in unexpected ways. Encounters with the wilderness push us out of our comfort zone and encourage us to grow in ways we knew were possible and in ways we weren’t prepared for. It creates an opportunity to trust ourselves by relying on intuition and the knowledge we possess.

In preparation for Cheryl Strayed’s visit to Chapman on Tuesday, September 29, the Alumni Association and Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences have joined forces to connect with you, hear your stories and share you experiences with the Chapman Family in an effort to promote the redemptive powers of the wilderness. Use this opportunity as way to inspire your fellow alumni to venture out into nature.

Alumni share your thoughts, your experiences and your love for the wilderness. Tell us about how the wilderness has challenged you, contributed to your growth, deepened your appreciation for life or how you have been lost but found yourself in the wilderness.

Submit your story (1,600 words or less) and pictures to Jessica Schulte ’11, alumni engagement manager, at alumni@chapman.edu from now until Friday, August 14. Your story will be posted on the Chapman University Alumni Blog on Wednesday, August 19. The story with the most interactions (shares, views, comments) by Friday, September 11 will receive two reserved seats to Interstices: ReWILDing featuring Cheryl Strayed on Tuesday, September 29 at 7 p.m. and a signed copy of Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail.

There are more ways to get involved:

  • Join the Chapman University Book Club and read Wild. Share your thoughts and discuss your opinions with alumni, faculty and staff. Learn more »
  • Join students and alumni on a hike on Saturday, September 26. Thank you to UPB for coordinating this event. Stay tuned for more details.
  • Join Chapman University in welcoming Cheryl Strayed to campus on Tuesday, September 29 for the Interstices: ReWILDing event. The event starts at 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m., seating will be first come, first serve. Learn more »

Featured photo from Justin ’09 and Jessica Schulte ’11 on a trip to Joshua Tree over Memorial Day Weekend this year.