Neighbors of Chapman | Chapman Blogs

Giving Back This Thanksgiving: Local Organizations Hosting Food Drives You Can Donate To

By Ada Carpenter / November 20, 2025

As the holidays approach, non-profit organizations located in the City of Orange, such as the Friendly Center and The Hub […]

Community, Events, Students

Three Local Organizations Being Honored By Chapman University’s PEPP Program

By Valery Pivaral-Bran / November 19, 2025

The Panther Experiential Project (PEPP) is a unique program at Chapman University, where students assume the role of grant-makers. They

Community Relations and Hilbert Museum dressed as Ariel and Prince Eric from the Little Mermaid

Community, Events

Old Towne Tradition Brings “Treats in the Streets” Back to Orange

By Malena Gordon / November 3, 2025

Calling all witches, superheroes, pumpkins, pirates, and the families who love them! The streets of Old Towne Orange were once

Community, Events, Updates

Chapman University Sponsors the Second Annual Celebration of Schools

By Valery Pivaral-Bran / October 20, 2025

Chapman University sponsored the Orange Unified School District’s second annual Celebration of Schools event on Wednesday, October 15, at Villa

Community, Updates

Celebrating Partnership: Chapman Community Relations Receives The HUB OC’s Highest Honor

By Valery Pivaral-Bran / October 20, 2025

On September 9, 2025, Chapman University’s Office of Community Relations received The HUB OC’s Gratitude Award, the organization’s highest recognition

President Daniele C. Struppa addresses guests at the dedication of the Daniele C. Struppa Research Park

Community, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Updates

Chapman University Creates New Hub for Innovation at Killefer School Site

By Malena Gordon / October 20, 2025

Chapman University has officially opened the Daniele C. Struppa Research Park, marking a milestone in the university’s role as a

OUSD Superintendent of Schools Rachel Monárrez accepts donation from Interim Dean Kendall Harris

Community, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Updates

Chapman University Donates 20 Advanced 3D Printers to OUSD

By Malena Gordon / October 20, 2025

Chapman University’s Fowler School of Engineering has donated 20 advanced 3D printers to the Orange Unified School District (OUSD), helping

Nikki Patino ’17 is a familiar face at the weekly Farmers & Artisans Market in Old Towne Orange, where she is the market manager

Alumni, Community, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Updates

A Champion of Community and Sustainability at Orange Home Grown

By Malena Gordon / May 21, 2025

Nikki Patino, a passionate Chapman University alumna from the class of 2017, has made a significant impact on the Orange

Each class participating in the PEPP program must reach a consensus about which of the nonprofit organizations they have researched will receive a donation

Community, Neighbor-to-Neighbor

Learn By Giving: Classroom Experience Turns Students into Local Philanthropists

By Malena Gordon / May 21, 2025

Since its launch in 2019, the Panther Experiential Philanthropy Project (PEPP) has given over $60,000 to local nonprofit organizations while

REGISTRATION FOR MOST PROGRAMS BEGINS IN APRIL.

Community, Neighbor-to-Neighbor

Summer Opportunities for High Schoolers

By Malena Gordon / April 3, 2025

Summer learning opportunities at Chapman University offer high school students a chance to expand their knowledge, develop new skills and

Assistant Professor Jorge Rodriguez grew up in Santa Ana, but it wasn’t until he returned to Orange County to teach at Attallah College of Educational Studies that he learned about the significant role that the local community played in the history of school desegregation. Now, he has incorporated that history into his courses by leading students in his classes on a community walk focusing on the geographic histories of Orange and its impact on educators and community organizers. Students learn about the local landmark case Mendez v. Westminster, the desegregation histories in Orange County and tour historical landmarks within the Cypress Street Barrio Neighborhood, including the Cypress Street Schoolhouse and the Lydia D. Killefer School. “What better way to expose students to this concept of making the familiar strange than to actually walk the neighborhood that they walk on the way to school?” says Rodriguez, noting that students get to experience not just coming to Chapman, but actually living within an environment that has historical significance. “But not just any historical significance... the birthplace of desegregation is right there.” Participants regularly list the neighborhood walks as a highlight for the course, says Rodriguez. “They say, I can't not see this neighborhood as a historical landmark or see the value in this neighborhood. Because of the history and the legacy that exists here, I now see my campus from a different light.”

Alumni, Community, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Students

Local History Makes Impact on Chapman Students

By Natalie Papazian / February 6, 2025

Assistant Professor Jorge Rodriguez grew up in Santa Ana, but it wasn’t until he returned to Orange County to teach

President Emeritus Jim Doti at the 47th annual Economic Forecast

Community, Events, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Updates

Jim Doti Hosts 47th Annual Economic Forecast

By Malena Gordon / February 6, 2025

Californians can expect a slight increase in job growth, according to Chapman University economists. During the presentation of the 47th