Among the graduating Class of 2025, Ohm Patel stands out as a student who has not only embraced opportunity—but actively created it. A Business Administration major with an emphasis in Real Estate and a minor in Data Analytics, Ohm’s Chapman journey has been defined by courage, risk-taking, and a deep commitment to growth—personally, professionally, and academically.

From the Classroom to the Field

Two experiences transformed Ohm’s time at Chapman: joining the DIII Track and Field team and being accepted into the prestigious Janes Financial Residency Center.

While Ohm never imagined himself as a collegiate athlete, encouragement from friends led him to walk on to the track team. The experience quickly became a source of both discipline and community. “Being able to have a like-minded community and share the unique experience of being a collegiate level athlete has been a blessing,” he says.

His second life-shaping experience came from Janes Financial Center, where he applied classroom theory to real-world financial analysis under the mentorship of Professor Fadel Lawandy and Richard Ramirez. The program helped him bridge the gap between knowledge and application—and pushed him to become a confident, capable financial thinker.

“Throughout my time, I’ve gained confidence in my financial literacy and in going into jobs and the industry with more certainty.”

Crisis, Classrooms, and Competitions

One of Ohm’s most unforgettable moments came during Chapman’s annual Crisis Leadership Challenge, where senior business students simulate a real-time corporate crisis. Acting as C-suite executives, Ohm and his team tackled legal, financial, and PR dilemmas over 12 intensive hours—culminating in a live press conference. His team placed first out of 29.

In the classroom, Ohm credits courses like Real Estate Finance with Fadel Lawandy, Real Estate Law with David Berkowitz, and Financial Management with Jack Broughton for shaping his academic foundation. He also cites Professor Christopher Lloyd for pushing him to think beyond surface-level answers: “Some say he is tough, but it’s that same toughness he gave me that helped me grow to who I am today.”

Ohm’s favorite spot on campus? The Janes Room in Beckman Hall. It’s where late-night study sessions, Bloomberg Terminal research, and peer bonding all came together. “I consider it my home on campus,” he says.

Taking Risks, Making Moves

Whether sneaking into a university career fair or driving cross-country for an internship, Ohm’s college experience is defined by bold, unconventional choices. Each year brought a new adventure: from working 18-hour shifts at his family’s hotel to leasing apartments in Michigan, to generating leads for PNC Bank’s Atlanta office. These moments—both gritty and transformative—pushed him to grow beyond his comfort zone.

“My main goal in college was to be comfortable with the uncomfortable,” he reflects. “And I try my hardest to make sure I push myself every day.”

That mindset paid off. After graduation, Ohm will join Dominium Apartments in Dallas as an Acquisitions Analyst. Though initially rejected, he kept building connections and earned a second interview and an offer.

Mentors, Memories, and Moving Forward

While Ohm has built a long list of accomplishments, he’s quick to credit those around him—especially his peers, teammates, and mentors like Richard Ramirez, who offered steady guidance and honest advice throughout his journey. “All he wants is for everyone he knows to grow,” Ohm says. “And he’s willing to go above and beyond to make that happen.”

As he looks ahead, Ohm plans to travel, help his parents renovate their family business in San Diego, and continue growing in both his personal and professional life. For incoming students, his advice is simple:

“The worst that can happen from taking a risk is having a great story to tell. Take the risk. Never settle. And most importantly, have fun!”

For Ohm Patel, college wasn’t just about education—it was about transformation. And in every choice he made, from walking onto the track to walking into a random interview, he proved just how powerful that transformation can be.

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