Our “Spotlight” faculty member in this issue is Eric Chimenti, Associate Professor of Graphic Design in the Art Department of Wilkinson College. Eric began drawing as a young child, and his parents encouraged his artistic interests. Even in elementary school, he was always the one selected to help with bulletin board design, etc. He earned a BS degree in Art with Graphic Design emphasis from Biola University and an MFA degree in Illustration from Savannah College of Art and Design.

Following the receipt of his undergraduate degree, Eric worked as an in-house designer for a printing company before attaining his MFA degree. When a former design professor asked him to teach a course during a sabbatical, Eric soon realized he was looking forward more to teaching than working in his full-time position. A connection between a former professor and a design professor at Chapman led to his selection 22 years ago to teach design courses as a part-time faculty member at Chapman and soon thereafter as a full-time professor. Once his tenure file was submitted, Eric was elected chair of the Department of Art and later asked to serve as the Associate Dean of Wilkinson College. While serving in those positions, he benefitted from and greatly appreciated the talent and support of colleagues Jeanie Randazzo and Mary Shockey.

During his 22 years, Eric has enjoyed the challenge and opportunity to revamp, expand and strengthen the design program, a highlight being the establishment of a summer study abroad course in London to work on international projects for real clients. He states “none of this would have happened without the support and help of my colleague, Professor Claudine Jaenichen.”Their new goal is to develop an MFA program in “human centered design,” potentially partnering with the engineering school and pharmacy program. Eric is particularly proud of the Ideation Lab, leveraging student skills to help the campus and community.

When asked about the most significant and memorable element of his Chapman experience, Eric responded: “The most rewarding experience has been with my students and colleagues. Chapman prides itself on personalized education, and I believe we deliver that. My students and alumni are friends and professional associates. I have had the somber privilege of being invited to former student funerals, and this April I will be joyously officiating the wedding ceremony of two program alumni. Like a proud parent, I love seeing my students go on to rewarding and fulfilling careers in communication design. I also would be remiss if I left out my awesome wife, who constantly supported me even when the job caused me to be distracted and distant at times from our family.

“Town and Gown is proud to feature Eric Chimenti, one of “Chapman’s finest!”