Student mariachi band from Handy Elementary

Student mariachi band from Handy Elementary

Well over 200 people gathered this afternoon on Chapman University’s Memorial Lawn to celebrate the official dedication of the newly named Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies. Following the annual State of the University address by President Daniele Struppa, the dedication and ribbon cutting also marked the reopening of the recently renovated historic Reeves Hall.

VIP guests from the City of Orange, Orange Unified School District, Orange County Department of Education, Old Towne Preservation Association, and Chapman Board Trustees and Governors joined the Chapman community to mark the occasion.

After a special performance by the student mariachi band from Handy Elementary, speakers at the ceremony included Attallah College’s Dean Margaret Grogan and alumna and lecturer Anat Herzog, OUSD Superintendent Dr. Gunn Marie Hansen, President Struppa, and our very own Donna Ford Attallah. Each speaker shared their special memories of the college and hopes for the college’s continued success.

All attendees were then welcomed into Reeves Hall for a special Open House, hosted by Attallah College’s faculty, staff, and students.

Attallah College faculty with Donna Ford Attallah

Attallah College faculty with Donna Ford Attallah

Attallah College faculty and staff at Reeves Hall Open House

Attallah College faculty and staff at Reeves Hall Open House