Our Spotlight focuses on Kristi and Joel Wilbur, who were introduced to Town & Gown during Parent Weekend of daughter Ava Charboneau’s freshman year at Chapman. Kristi and Joel saw this to be an excellent opportunity for connection, education, and support – of Ava and her decision to attend Chapman for undergraduate study; for themselves with Lunch at the Forum when they could attend (they were living in Seattle at that time); and of giving back to the school who gave so much for Ava to be able to attend.

The family discovered Chapman during the round of campuses they visited with Ava through her latter high school years. From their first day in Orange, on campus and off, it was clear to them that this was an amazing community, university, and city – all working together to support the needs of the students…just what Kristi and Joel wanted for their daughter. Their growing connection to Chapman was one of the reasons they decided, as a family, to move from Seattle to Los Angeles at the end of Ava’s freshman year – July 4, 2018. While the pandemic has vastly reduced the amount of time they have spent in Orange County over the past few years, they have seen and appreciate a growth of diversity in culture and across all demographics for greater equality on the campus and in the community.

Kristi, Ava Charboneau and Joel

Catching a Dodgers game with daughter Ava

Joel was raised in a Navy family, living in ten states and three countries while growing up. He is an architect, Senior Project Manager, Principal, and CASp working with the DLR Group in the Los Angeles office. Kristi was raised in Eugene, Oregon, and moved to the Seattle area as a young adult. She owns her own business, which primarily provides marketing, bookkeeping, and property management support to small companies. The Wilburs have four adult children, all on their own and (until recently) all out of college. Now, however, Ava is back on the Rinker Campus after being accepted into the Chapman PA program, and we welcome her back!

Kristi and Joel enjoy time with friends and family, having new adventures or savoring old favorites. They love finding great restaurants and neighborhood spots for unique bites, cocktails, and experiences. Kristi says they like to explore and would define themselves as curious about life. Joel, an art lover, is a gifted painter and has also done some sculpting. Kristi is a book lover, but her real passions are kindness and service. “We are still finding our way into serving our new community here in LA but hold dear, and travel back to, Seattle to continue to support the longstanding volunteer efforts we have been part of there, primarily with our church. We are in our 5th year living in Chinatown in downtown LA, and the location is ideal for learning and enjoying our new home. We have no car and have found that by exploring the city on foot, we have come to know the area more intimately than many we meet who have lived here their entire lives. We welcome all of you from T&G to come to LA and adventure with us!” Town & Gown is so happy to have you, Kristi and Joel among our members and greatly appreciate your support.

LAFC Game

After LAFC won the MLS Championship. The Wilburs and the soccer team established themselves in Los Angeles the same year!