President Struppa welcomed representatives from 100 organizations to the 2023 State of the University address, honoring them for their status as “Top Employers” and thanking them for their continuing commitment to “Think Chapman First.”

Representing a diverse range of industries from across the country, Chapman’s Top Employers are honored each year for the strength of their partnerships with the university, through their consistent, active participation in recruiting efforts, as well as for hiring a notable percentage of their workforce from among Chapman graduates. Included among the organizations honored were international giants such as Experian, Netflix and Walmart, as well as local mainstays such as Edwards Lifesciences, Children’s Hospital of Orange County and the City of Orange.

Mayor Dan Slater was on hand to accept the honor on behalf of the City of Orange. “We’re excited when we can add talented Chapman graduates to our staff,” said Slater. “I look forward to a continued productive working relationship with Chapman University.”

A special reception for Top Employers was held following the State of the University address, where Jennifer Kim, assistant vice president of Career and Professional Development at Chapman, thanked those present once again.

“We’re honored to have a strong relationship with Chapman University and we pride ourselves in providing jobs to alumni who wish to develop their careers in the performing arts,” said Jennifer Backhaus, founder and artistic director of Backhausedance. The nonprofit, currently celebrating 20 years in the City of Orange, was also honored as a Top Employer for 2023, and like other local organizations, has benefited from Chapman’s close ties with the community.