I hope each of you is doing well! It’s my pleasure to bring you a few highlights from our local community.

 

A Breakfast with Community Leaders Welcomes President Matt Parlow

(Congressman Lou Correa, President Parlow, Orange Mayor Dan Slater)

 President Matt Parlow was officially welcomed as the University’s14th president during a special breakfast with community leaders at the Hilbert Museum of California Art. Parlow emphasized the university’s community engagement, citing partnerships with organizations such as the Friendly Center, The Hub, and the Orange Home Grown Farmers and Artisans Market, initiatives that reflect Chapman’s deep local roots.

Several community leaders shared their support and optimism for the University’s future under Parlow’s leadership. Congressman Lou Correa praised Chapman’s enduring impact, calling it “a great educational institution that keeps opportunity alive.” He added, “Today, we are all here to welcome you and to sign the social contract that we will continue to help keep Chapman strong.”

Orange Mayor Dan Slater reflected on Chapman’s long-standing role in the city’s history. “Chapman has been an anchor institution in Orange for more than 70 years,” he said. “It’s thrilling to watch it blossom into the revered institution it is today.”

President Parlow concluded the morning with a message of thanks and a pledge to continue building strong partnerships that elevate both Chapman University and the communities it calls home.

 

 Chapman Greek Life Creates 150 Blankets to Support Local Marines (with the help of Town & Gown!)

 

Love Orange, the annual city-wide volunteer day, took place on October 11, with Chapman University’s Greek Life community joining hundreds of local volunteers to support service projects across the City of Orange. Participants crafted 150 no-sew fleece blankets for the 2/11 Marine Battalion stationed at Camp Pendleton.

 

More than 100 Chapman students came together at the “Create No-Sew Blankets for 2/11 Marine Battalion” event, cutting fabric, tying knots, and finishing each blanket with care. The service project was one of many across the city focused on giving back to the City of Orange and beyond, from beautification of local schools to serving meals to the unhoused.

 

This is the second year Greek Life has participated in the annual event. Their efforts reflect Chapman’s ongoing commitment to service, leadership, and strengthening connections between the University and the broader Orange community.

 

 

 

A Ghoulishly Good Time: Chapman Brings Halloween Cheer to Old Towne Orange

(Community Relations Manager Mandy Moncure and the Hilbert Museum’s Education Program Manager Eliot Zbylut)

 Chapman University brought the Halloween spirit to life as a proud Ghoulish Giver sponsor of the annual Treats in the Streets on Thursday, October 30, 2025, when Old Towne Orange Plaza transformed into a festive haven for families, friends, and little ghosts and goblins.

From 4–7 p.m., more than 10,000 neighbors filled the streets to enjoy trick-or-treating with local merchants, a ghoul‑tastic stage, the brand‑new Kids Zone, a surprise visit from the Ghostbusters, and a costume contest.

Chapman’s Community Relations team, partnering with The Hilbert Museum, added plenty of Panther pride to the evening. Their Little Mermaid‑inspired booth, complete with appearances by Ariel and Prince Eric, handed out more than 2,000 goodie bags packed with sweet treats, stickers, and a special insert highlighting the museum’s new Education Program. The hands‑on learning experience invites participants of all ages to join guided tours and creative workshops aligned with California curriculum standards, inspiring families to explore art, creativity, and education together.