Welcome to the Team – August 2015
August 4, 2015
CJ Simonson
Web Communications Coordinator, Sciences
simonson@chapman.edu
(714) 997-6580
Start date
: July 6, 2015
Alma mater
: Chapman University, BFA in film studies, and public relations and advertising
Hometown
: Scottsdale, AZ
Current city
: Orange, CA
What interested you about working at Chapman?
I had worked for IS&T in a variety of capacities for two years as a student worker, graduated and then was rehired by IS&T to do several different things – among them, internal communications for the department. When I saw there was a similar role for the science schools, comparative to what I was doing in IS&T but full-time, I jumped all over it. I’ve been fortunate enough to work with several members of marketing during my time with IS&T and it was always a great experience, and as cheesy as it is to say, I really did love going to Chapman, so being a part of the machine that runs it has always been fun.
What’s something people might be surprised or interested to learn about you?
I’ve written two short films that were both made. I caught Keith Richards pick at a Rolling Stones show one time. My biggest fear is growing up. I live in the oldest residential house in the city of Orange.
What are your hobbies?
I’m a music obsessive – I have a
music blog
that I write for in my free time, but I try and listen to as many things as realistically possible to keep an open mind about everything. I’m a big sports fan and an avid Fantasy Football player, and I when I’m not doing the music or sports thing, I love craft beer, this current Golden Age of television we’re experiencing, and movies. So anything pop culture, I’m in on.
Paula Pearl
Development Assistant, Chapman Fund
ppearl@chapman.edu
(714) 628-2834
Start date
: July 6, 2015
Hometown
: Redwood Shores, CA
Current city
: Anaheim, CA
Alma mater
: Chapman University
What interested you about working at Chapman?
The culture that I was accustomed to during my four years as a student here. Being at Chapman, I was surrounded by such passionate and supportive people and once I graduated, I didn’t want to leave that behind. Chapman has also given me so much and helped shaped me into the person I am today and I want nothing more than to help grow and grow with a place that is so near and dear to my heart.
What’s something people might be surprised or interested to learn about you?
I’m a Starbucks Gold Card Member. And I was born in Boston, Massachusetts.
What are your hobbies
: When I have free time, I like working out, going to Disneyland, hanging out with friends or binge watching shows on Netflix.
Kate (far right) with the team at the Superheroes Spectacular Potluck July 31.
Kate Holden
Advancement Operations Coordinator
Hometown
: Omaha, NE
Current city
: Laguna Niguel, CA
Alma mater
: University of Nebraska-Lincoln
What interested you about working at Chapman?
I have only worked for large corporate organizations and wanted the opportunity to work for a smaller and more supportive nonprofit organization where everyone knows your name!
What’s something people might be surprised or interested to learn about you?
Lived in London for a year while working on my master’s degree.
What are your hobbies?
Traveling—I am always planning my next adventure