After 27-Year Fight for Social Justice, Criminal Rights Advocate Starts a New Chapter at Chapman With a full scholarship, Jimmie C. Gardner works toward a bachelor’s degree. He’ll share his legal odyssey in Chapman’s ‘Engaging the World’ series exploring social justice and systemic racism.

September 21, 2020

September is always special to Jimmie C. Gardner. In 2016, that was the month when charges leading to his wrongful conviction and a legal nightmare lasting nearly 30 years were finally dismissed.

This year the anniversary is especially extraordinary. Gardner, now a motivational speaker and advocate for prison reform and inmate rights, became a full-time student at Chapman University, his attendance made possible with a full-ride with Presidential Scholarship.

“I had the opportunity to enroll and be a part of Chapman University and the Panthers. I jumped right in with five classes,” said Gardner, who is a communication studies major.

“I just felt at home and loved,” he says. “I’ve had opportunities to go to other universities, but when the Chapman offer came, I didn’t hesitate.”