Leonardo Eifert’s ’13 Memory Lives On At Chapman in a chess tournament and scholarship fundraising campaign
June 4, 2016
Leonardo with his father, Dr. Georg Eifert, at his graduation ceremony in May 2014.
On December 5, 2015, Chapman alumnus Leonardo Eifert ’13 passed away due to post-surgery complications. Leonardo was a beloved mathematics major and physics minor who was well known about campus for his friendliness, compassion for others, and patience. We like to imagine that he is teaching and learning somewhere else now, with access to answers and deep insights that we can only dream about. He was the son of Dr. Georg H. Eifert, an emeritus professor of psychology and former associate dean of Schmid College of Science and Technology, and his wife Diana. In true Chapman spirit, people from across the university and beyond have come together to celebrate his passion for life.
Since the age of seven Leonardo enjoyed playing chess with his friends, professors and family. He was a member of the math department’s chess club while he was a student at Chapman and beat the renowned physics professor Yakir Aharonov twice! On May 11, Leonardo’s close friend and psychology major Milad Khosravi ’16 organized the Leonardo Eifert Chess Tournament in his honor. Over 20 of his friends came together to participate in the tournament, many sharing fond memories of playing with Leonardo. It was a great way to remember him.
Milad Khosravi ’16 organized a Chess Tournament May 11, 2016 in Leonardo’s honor.
With the generosity of the Chapman community, faculty, staff, and The Eifert family and friends, Schmid College of Science and Technology is currently raising funds to create the Leonardo Eifert Scholarship for Imaginative Applications of Mathematics endowed scholarship. Leo’s drawing creatively illustrates how far ranging and limitless his interest were. We want to ensure that other imaginative students will be supported by a scholarship in Leonardo’s name. If you are interested in contributing or if you would like more information, please contact Lauren Lee at lkenney@chapman.edu or 714-289-2032.
You can make a contribution in memory of Leonardo Eifert online or by making a check payable to Chapman University with ‘Leonardo Eifert’ written in the notes section and mailing to: Chapman University, Gift Recorder, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866.
