During Daniele Struppa’s nineteen years of leadership at Chapman, first as Provost/Chancellor and Chief Academic Officer for ten years, then as University President for nine years, many of us have had the privilege of working directly with him. Now that Daniele’s achievements at Chapman are being recounted as a whole, there is plenty of shared Panther Pride in the significant progress he accomplished for the university. Daniele’s two decades of success at Chapman have been grounded in the ethical standards he prizes—integrity, kindheartedness, and mutual respect—to name only three of the many principles he displays in his leadership.

I invite you to read Dennis Arp’s excellent piece about Daniele’s vision for the university, “The Struppa Years: A Legacy of Growth and Purpose,” or Dennis’ wonderful companion article (with really cool graphics), “How Daniele Struppa Built a Next-Level Research Culture at Chapman University.” While you’re reading, check out Benjamin Brazil’s inspirational “Daniele Struppa Will Never Know Boredom” to see how Daniele’s joy in intellectual curiosity and adventure has shaped his life’s work. It has also shaped his relationships.

Those of us who worked with Daniele have many “Daniele stories.” His willingness to guide us with strength and humor has provided memorable instances. I worked in the Office of the Chancellor for five years managing Chapman Academic Events and possess several stories, including his quite seriously recommending a cold glass of Prosecco before dinnertime to soothe the negative effects of a tough workday or providing me with the recipe for a Negroni cocktail (I’m particularly grateful for that one).

Here is a “Daniele story” you may not have heard.

Many of us in Town & Gown remember Dr. Barbara Mulch, a fervent Chapman loyalist and long-time T&G supporter. Barbara was part of the faculty and administration for over 40 years. She was a beloved member of the community, having served as a history professor, Dean of Graduate Studies, Vice Provost, and many other roles at Chapman. When I knew her as a colleague in the Office of the Chancellor, she was mentoring students in their quests for post-graduate scholarships and study programs. She was also a cornerstone in the Chancellor’s Office’s work culture with her generous heart, infectious gusto for nearly everything, and her valuable knowledge of institutional history. When she died suddenly, unexpectedly, in 2012, the university was stunned.

The next morning after she passed, Daniele called the Chancellor’s Office to an all-staff meeting. We assumed it would be about adjusting workloads to cover Barbara’s deadline-dependent assignments. But it wasn’t about that at all.

In one of the most gallant examples of compassionate leadership I have ever seen, Daniele sat at the head of our long conference table and condoled with us while we cried. He told us to take all the time we needed to grieve and to console Chapman colleagues who needed it, and there were plenty of those streaming into our suite. He provided the supplies required to help us empty Barbara’s office but let us know there was no rush to get that clearing out completed. It demonstrated respect for Barbara. It demonstrated the concern he had for his team. I will never forget how supportive it felt for our Chancellor to give us this grace in a challenging, confusing time.

Recently, on August 27, Daniele sent a farewell letter to the entire Chapman community. In it, he wrote, “I ask that you support [incoming President] Matt [Parlow] with the same affection and energy you have offered me, because the job of president is not an easy one; it is often a lonely one, and I can tell you from experience how important your messages of support and friendship have been over the years.” Struppa Standards are on full display in that letter: integrity, kindheartedness, and mutual respect.

 

Companion image: 2013-Chancellor Struppa Approaches the Stage