I was an assistant professor at Cal State, Fullerton for two years, and was presenting at a conference in San Jose when I was approached to apply for a job at Chapman. I responded by asking “Where is Chapman College?” I never thought I would be at Chapman more than a couple of years. But having come out of USC, I needed to stay in Southern California for a while to wrap up a business venture (a real estate sale in Topanga Canyon) and conclude a 10-year marriage to my high school girlfriend. So taking a job at Chapman College in 1982 marked a significant transition from what I thought would be a career in science to a calling for teaching. It was in those early years at Chapman that I started a laboratory focusing on the physiological changes as a consequence of exercise. My animal lab was in the basement of the stadium before moving to Hashinger Hall. My primary goal as a teacher was to prepare students for careers in health science, with an emphasis on sending students to medical school. Throughout my stay at Chapman, I have been lucky enough to have had really bright and hardworking students; if you throw a rock at St. Joseph’s or Hoag Hospital one is likely to hit a physician from Chapman. In 1983 I met a graduate student who changed my life by agreeing to marry me in 1987, and she in turn has served thousands of people as a fantastic doctor. Donna and I now are parents to three kids, all of whom attended Chapman and all are successful. My oldest, Wolfgang is an attorney with Morgan Stanley and attended the 3rd class at the new law school Chapman started (and yes, he had classes with John Eastman). Our daughter was the top Biology student and the top Spanish student; receiving the Cheverton Trophy in 2016. She went on the medical school (class co-president), residency at the Cleveland Clinic, and in June of this year will take a fellowship at Stanford in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. Our youngest is Conrad who studied economics and mathematics, attended our Law School and is now a tax attorney with Andersen in South Coast Plaza.

My time at Chapman has been shared by my wife (at Chapman for 2 years), Wolfgang for 6 years and Conrad for 6 years…. a total of 14 years of my 43 years; a significant portion of my time at Chapman! I also work with people who are not simply my colleagues but in many, many ways part of my extended family. As I approach my retirement from Chapman (June 2027), I have confidence that my association with Chapman University will continue and that I will sustain deep and enduring friendships.

I am currently Professor of Applied Human Physiology in the Department of Health Sciences, and I’ve had a diverse history at the university. My service has included appointments in the Biological Sciences, Attallah School of Education, Brandman University (as Director of Science Initiatives) and now currently in the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences. I look forward to my retirement in 2027.