Neighbors of Chapman | Chapman Blogs

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 […]

Chapman University will finance the installation of a new traffic signal at the entrance of the Anderson parking structure on Walnut Ave

Community, Construction, Students

New Traffic Signal Installation on Walnut Avenue

By James Gerrard / December 4, 2024

At a city council meeting on Nov. 12, the City of Orange approved the installation of a traffic signal at

A sustainability plan produced by Chapman students can help the City of Orange preserve its natural resources and high quality of life.

Community, Students

Students Help City of Orange Promote Sustainability Practices

By James Gerrard / October 7, 2024

Students from Chapman’s Schmid College of Science and Technology had the opportunity to produce a sustainability plan for the City

Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Student Housing, Students

Good Neighbor Policy Leads to Reduced Disturbance Calls

By James Gerrard / August 7, 2024

Chapman University’s Office of Community Relations has been hard at work ensuring that campus-area neighborhoods stay quiet and pleasant. Thanks to a strong

Community, Events, Neighbor-to-Neighbor, Students, Updates

The Chapman Impact

By James Gerrard / August 7, 2024

Chapman University is proud to call the City of Orange home. We are committed to being a valuable partner and

Valeria Delgado '24, Rep. Lou Correa and Chapman University Director for Hispanic/ Latinx Achievement Gabriela Castaneda, Ed.D., in Washington, D.C

Community, Events, Students

Local Student Represents Community at State of the Union

By James Gerrard / June 27, 2024

Valeria Delgado ’24 went from rubbing shoulders with members of Congress to catching up on her coursework in the span

Kenia Hernandez Cueto (Ph.D. ’17) speaks at Friendly Center’s 100th birthday celebration on April 8, which was honored as Friendly Center Day by the City of Orange.

Alumni, Community, Events, Students, Updates

Chapman Alumna Comes Full Circle as Friendly Center CEO

By James Gerrard / June 27, 2024

A cornerstone of the Orange community since 1924, Friendly Center is celebrating its 100th year of service by looking forward

Community, Events

Chapman hosts City of Orange leaders for Mayor's State of the City Address

By OCHSTU37 Alina Sheeran / December 14, 2022

On October 7, City of Orange leaders gathered in Chapman’s Musco Center for the Arts for Mayor Mark A. Murphy’s

Community, Construction, Updates

Hilbert Museum renovation will offer increased community space and local programs

By OCHSTU37 Alina Sheeran / June 9, 2022

The Hilbert Museum of California Art, one of Orange County’s most popular art destinations, will begin renovations that will add

Community, Neighbor-to-Neighbor

Old Towne Preservation Association Funds Chapman Student Intern at City of Orange

By OCHSTU37 Alina Sheeran / March 7, 2022

Caroline Gardner, who will graduate with a degree in history from Chapman University this spring, is currently working as a

Community

Local Government Stays "In the Sunshine" Thanks to Chapman Students

By OCHSTU37 Alina Sheeran / December 15, 2020

Chapman student employees lend a hand with the City of Orange\’s service channels

Updates

Update on the Specific Plan Amendment 7 Approval Process

By OCHSTU37 Alina Sheeran / February 20, 2020

More details on the Specific Plan Amendment 7