Five Chapman alumni returned to campus this commencement season to share hard earned wisdom, heartfelt encouragement and lessons shaped by their own journeys after graduation. Speaking across multiple ceremonies and celebrations, the alumni reminded the Class of 2026 that success rarely follows a straight path and that authenticity, resilience and community matter along the way.

At Friday night’s University Commencement Ceremony, Stranger Things creators Matt ’07 & Ross ’07 Duffer proudly delivered what they called “the nerdiest commencement speech of all time.” Reflecting on their path from Dodge College students to Emmy winning creators at Netflix, the brothers compared life after graduation to a Dungeons & Dragons monster manual for life, full of unexpected twists, failures and monsters to overcome. Their message encouraged graduates to keep reaching even after rejection, trust your gut over the “safe” path, and never flatten what makes you unique.

Matt & Ross Duffer
“Your individuality is the most valuable thing you will ever own.”
Matt ’07 & Ross ’07 Duffer

For graduates of Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences, keynote speaker Dr. Emily Frisch ’16 (MA ’17) offered a powerful reminder that setbacks are often part of the path forward. Now a fertility fellow at Stanford, Frisch reflected on moments in her own journey that did not go according to plan and reminded graduates that failure is just a redirect.

Dr. Emily Frisch '16 (MA '17)
“The retakes, the waitlist letters, the unexpected detours aren’t footnotes to your story. They are your story.”
Dr. Emily Frisch ’16 (MA ’17)

At the School of Communication ceremony, alumna Ally Lentz ’13 gave the Class of ’26 a framework to carry forward: always HOPE. Using the acronym as a guide for life after Chapman, she encouraged students to be a Helping hand, keep an Open mindset, Protect their “why,” and Envision the future they want to create. Her message emphasized balance, fulfillment and defining success beyond a job title.

Ally Lentz '13
“Work is what you do, but it’s not WHO you are. Work hard, but live harder.”
Ally Lentz ’13

College of Performing Arts graduates heard from alumna and faculty member Jenny Backhaus ’94, who reminded the performing arts graduates that a life in the arts takes a marathon mindset. She encouraged them to drop the unnecessary tension, stay rooted in your values, and build your community.

Jenny Backhaus '94
“Artists aren’t just needed. They’re essential.”
Jenny Backhaus ’94

Together, the alumni speakers represented careers in entertainment, healthcare, communications and the performing arts, but their messages shared a common thread: trust yourself, embrace the unexpected and continue building community wherever life takes you next.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. 🐾