A Presidential Display to Remember Display Celebrates the Doti Years

June 21, 2016

Last September
, it was announced that President Jim Doti would be stepping down after twenty-five years, promoting Chancellor Daniele Struppa to the new president of the university. Doti will continue to be on campus, returning to his position as a full-time economics professor. Saying goodbye, Chapman University and the Leatherby Libraries are happy to present to the community a full display on the first floor of the building, highlighting achievements and advancements to the university during Doti’s time as president. This display tells the story of the Doti Years and the man whose leadership, vision and dedication made it all possible.

The first board captures President Doti’s beginnings, while the second details the milestones in his career. The third showcases the many unique talents and passions of the president. These include and are not limited to: being an equestrian, pianist, cyclist, marathon man, children’s book author, chef, mountaineer, chicken farmer and an economist.

The next few panels work their way through the 5-year strategic plans of the Doti years, celebrating some of Chapman’s greatest achievements during Doti’s tenure. The fourth board mentions Chapman University’s increase in selectivity among incoming students, the long list of
Cheverton Award recipients
and the four winners of the James L. Doti Outstanding Graduate Student Award. The fifth promotes the achievements in national accreditation, and the soaring academic excellence at Chapman. The display also mentions the improvements made physically to Chapman’s campus, as displayed on the sixth board.

Furthermore, what would a university be without the skilled and dedicated staff and faculty? The display series makes sure to highlight our fantastic team of professors and deans, as well as referencing Nobel Laureate Vernon L. Smith, and National Medal of Science Recipient, Yakir Aharonov; both who were on-campus professors. The display additionally illustrates the various Chapman University boards, the strong and gracious community of donors, athletics, alumni, staff and administration, and scientific achievements made on campus.

While we are sad to see President Doti step down, we are thankful for his endless contributions to the university and are excited to see what Struppa will bring in the future. What better way to express gratitude than with this brilliant and visual thank you.