Fall 2010 Talk of the Town

Talk

Town

of the

Fall 2010

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Fall is approaching quickly, bringing with it a feeling in the air that surrounds us with energy and electricity. The walkways on our own Chapman University campus are filled with students, some returned with confident smiles and some entered into a new and unknown phase of life. They are eager to experience fresh starts to learn more about the world and about themselves as they begin the new academic year. I encourage you to welcome this electricity and this quest for knowledge. Let some new ideas filter into your soul by coming to the Chapman campus often, strolling along these same walkways.

Your visits will enrich your life.

Living as we do in the shadow of a vigorous and growing university, we are fortunate to find stimulating lectures and events at our feet. October brings the start of the Town & Gown Lunch at the Forum series featuring outstanding members of the Chapman faculty. November showcases both the talented Chapman students and faculty in the popular American Celebration. December prepares us for a festive and blessed holiday season with the annual Wassail Dinner and Concert.

On behalf of the Town & Gown Board, I invite you to join with us as we enjoy these Chapman events.

– Elaine Parke

Behind the Scenes at American Celebration One of the activities I look forward to the most throughout the year is creating our annual production of American Celebration.

Last year, I knew I had achieved success as the producer when our Lifetime Achievement in the Arts honoree, Mitzi Gaynor, commented that the show was “as good as anything at the Pantages A dream dance from last year’s American Celebration.

Theater in Los Angeles.” This November 5 and 6 will mark my fifth year as artistic director and producer for American Celebration, and every year I keep finding yet another exciting aspect of America to celebrate in this hallmark production.

This year’s concept for American Celebration is to highlight famous nightspots in America’s history. We have all enjoyed magical evenings getting dressed up to go out dancing, meet friends and celebrate life. The idea is to re-create those evenings through song and dance. After the opening night show, our guests will move into Chapman’s own magical nightspot on the Bert C. Williams Mall. (continued on page 2)

Terrific Series Planned for Lunch at the Forum Our 2010-2011 Lunch at the Forum season is almost here. Although topping last year’s excellent Chapman faculty speakers won’t be easy, we have another terrific series planned for you. On our surveys, your number one program choice is always film. Therefore, on October 7, Bob Bassett, dean of the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, will bring us an update on the highly acclaimed film school. His presentation, From Pixar to Avatar: How the Digital Arts Are Unleashing New Storytelling Visions, explores the latest in film technology. Also, we will meet some of his student filmmakers and view their short films. What a treat! On November 4, Dr. Mark Maier, director of the Chapman Leadership Project, a program he developed over 15 years at Chapman, will present Re-thinking Leadership: Myths and Truths.

He will bring some of the many students the program has impacted, and they will share their experiences. These outstanding programs will bring a professor/studentfocus to our luncheon meetings.

In the second half of the series, we will welcome Dr. Marilyn Harran, director of the Rodgers Center for Holocaust Education, on February 3, 2011 for Mondays in Leipzig: Peaceful Protests that Brought Down the Wall. On sabbatical in Germany, she was an eyewitness to this important historical event. On March 3, Dave Currey, athletic director, will present The Chapman Athlete: Focused Mind, Competitive Spirit. His talk will spotlight the ambitious changes in the athletic program and how the program has enhanced student life.

Although not part of the series, the annual luncheon on May 5 is one you won’t want to miss. It will feature legendary professor Dick Doetkott, who will reflect on his many years at Chapman.

Our luncheon series will be too good to miss. We are keeping the cost the same as in former years – $100 for the series or $30 per luncheon. Look for ticket information in the next few weeks. Hope to see you there.

— Marcia Cooley, 1st VP, Programs

Gown Talk

Norma Lineberger’s Legacy Continues T&G lost one of its most dedicated members when Norma Lineberger passed away in October 2009. However, Norma’s legacy of commitment and leadership continues with us today and on into the future, via a very generous bequest from her estate. Five years ago under the leadership of its chair, Norma Lineberger, the T&G Gift/Scholarship Committee founded the Town & Gown Bequest Society. Norma was among the first T&G members to say “Count me in!” and her name is listed among the founding members of the Bequest Society.

In June, the T&G board voted to allocate Norma’s bequest to two causes we know she loved. First, we increased and fully funded the T&G Library Endowment. The remainder of her bequest was added to the T&G Endowed Scholarship Fund. Through her gift, Norma’s legacy will continue to benefit the students of Chapman University.

If you are interested in becoming a member of the Bequest Society, please contact David Moore, director of Planned Giving, at 714-516-4590. It’s simple to do, and like Norma’s, your generosity will make an impact for generations to come.

— Donna Gladson, Special Advisor to the President

T&G Celebrates Gift to Leatherby Libraries On April 15, 2010, with the official ribbon-cutting, T&G made another of its indelible marks on Chapman University with the dedication of the Town & Gown Reading Alcove. Located on the south side of the Leatherby Libraries, with windows that provide both natural and incandescent lighting, the alcove represents an extension of Town & Gown’s philosophy that seeks to support students in their pursuit of learning. Furnished with comfortable chairs and reading tables, the alcove invites exploration and discovery. T&G has established the Town & Gown Endowment for the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, the earnings from which will be used to purchase books selected by a special T&G committee, to fill the alcove’s shelves and enrich the lives of the Chapman community.

— Bob Stockton, Associate Editor

by Joanne Jurczyk, University Advancement Education is a social process. Education is growth. Education is not a preparation for life; education is life itself.

– John Dewey It is sometimes easy to take for granted the power and true meaning of education. In its simplest terms, education is a way to grow, to learn, to live. Most importantly, education is, as American philosopher and education reformer John Dewey stated in his quote, “life itself.”

Chapman University has encouraged this life in the thousands of students who have graced its halls for nearly 150 years. As Chapman prepares to celebrate its sesquicentennial in 2011, it is a time to reflect and to give thanks to the generations of faculty, staff, students and friends in the community who have worked to build this outstanding institution dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge and learning.

Through the years, Chapman has undergone many notable changes and historic transitions but has always continued to remain focused on the “four pillars” of a Chapman education: the intellectual, social, physical and spiritual dimensions of life. These four pillars represent the core values that support, enrich and advance the mission of our learning community “to provide personalized education of distinction that leads to inquiring, ethical, and productive lives as global citizens.”

For more than 42 years, Town & Gown has been a significant part of our modern history.

In the months ahead, Town & Gown will be invited to various special events, including speakers, lectures, art exhibits and concerts all centered on our landmark 150th anniversary.

Please go to the Chapman website at www.chapman.edu for the most up-to-date information about what is happening here at Chapman. I hope to see you at a Chapman event soon!

Behind the Scenes (continued from page 1) Even as the curtain was closing on last year’s production, plans were already under way for this year. I sat down with the chair of American Celebration 2010 Gala to discuss this year’s honoree, Jerry Lewis, and I immediately began researching and developing themes and numbers around him. Since Jerry Lewis has had such a prolific career as an entertainer, it seemed fitting to focus on some of the places that brought him fame, such as the Copacabana, where Martin and Lewis made their debut, and the Sands.

Being a dancer and choreographer, I could not pass up the chance to celebrate two of the great dance halls where jazz was born, the Savoy Ballroom and the Cotton Club.

One of my favorite parts of American Celebration is working with President Jim Doti as a performer in the show. I think I am the only person on campus with an opportunity to dress our president as a cowboy or whatever role he is playing that year. He has a great attitude and is up for anything. I enjoy working with him as a dancer, and while it will be hard to top his tap-dancing Santa role from last year, I have a great idea in mind for 2010.

The next step in the American Celebration

process is putting together all the production elements. In late May, I began working with our design team of Don Guy, who creates the theatrical elements; Kathryn Wilson, who has designed and created the costumes for the past three years; and Ron Colvard, our renowned musical director and arranger.

Together we reviewed hundreds of songs and ideas, and with a theme like nightclubs, you can imagine all the choices we had.

By the end of July, the outline of the show had been created and the arrangements completed. Choreographers have been selected and work begun on costumes, music and sets. In August, after the students returned to campus, auditions were held for students from the Departments of Theatre and Dance and The Conservatory of Music.

Rehearsals will begin two weeks prior to the show in November. The minute the audience members stroll into Memorial Hall for this glamorous evening, they will believe they have stepped into Chapman’s own signature nightspot.

— Dale Merrill, Faculty Liaison, Associate Dean, College of Performing Arts Chair, Department of Dance

Day Trip Town Talk December’s On December 8, 2010, Town & Gown

by Paul Sitkoff, Business and Public Affairs Manager, City of Orange While life in Orange can be as sweet as its namesake fruit, there is no denying that sometimes unexpected situations occur. While we may not have blizzards, hurricanes or tornadoes, Mother Nature has other surprises for us. Fires, earthquakes and floods have become more than rare occurrences, and when they happen it is important to receive emergency information in a timely manner.

AlertOC, also referred to as “Reverse 911,” is a mass-notification system that uses existing 911 emergency databases to contact Orange County households. It was developed to allow local governments to distribute important information in the event of an emergency situation, and is currently in use by most of the cities in Orange County. On September 24, 2010, the city of Orange will conduct a city-wide test of the AlertOC. As part of the exercise, a test message, voice and text, will be sent to all contacts in the database. Orange is asking residents and businesses to visit the city website, www.cityoforange.org, click on the AlertOC link and register additional contact information. Registering is especially important if your cell phone was not purchased with an Orange address, you work in Orange but live in a different city, or if you prefer text messaging or e-mail as your primary mode of contact. Let us know how you would like to be contacted in the event of an emergency.

AlertOC is funded by the County of Orange and is provided to the cities in the county as a service. For more information on AlertOC, visit http:bos.ocgov.com/alertoc/alertoc.asp.

Profile: Bill and Fay Amneus Now here’s a pair to draw to.

Not Jacks, either— they’re Aces!

They are the pair who gave their best to make this past year’s T&G day trips not only comfortable but interesting, stimulating and informative: Fay and Bill Amneus.

They have met these standards by never taking us to a place they have not visited.

Before each trip, they gather pertinent information and do a “walk-through” of the experience. Plus, they prepare written information for distribution and give mini-lectures before arriving at the day’s destination.

The good news is that they will continue to organize our trips for another year, having been re-elected Co-2nd Vice Presidents.

Experienced world travelers, in groups and on their own, they have visited every continent except Africa and Antarctica.

They began traveling about 20 years ago to satisfy curiosity acquired from reading about far away places. Both are avid readers of fiction and non-fiction, although Fay admits that Bill’s addiction to puzzle-

solving and reading math and science is not necessarily hers. In the summer of 2011, they will travel to Russia, a return visit for Bill, who undoubtedly will experience a host of changes since his college days.

College days for Bill included Occidental College and USC, where he earned a degree in mechanical engineering. Fay attended San Jose State. In their younger days, Fay played the flute and Bill learned piano.

They are the proud owners of a restored antique Chickering piano.

Fay and Bill came to Chapman about five years ago as attendees at a music student’s performance. Then, after being guests at Lunch at the Forum, they learned about and joined Town & Gown and have stayed because they enjoy being around “bright and intelligent people.” (Like us, eh?)

They have resided in Tustin since 1972 and are the parents of two married sons.

Both Bill and Fay are active in the Tustin Area Council of Fine Arts, which is involved in presenting summer programs as well as scholarships to students of the arts. Like a lot of Town & Gowners, they attend many of the wonderful informative and cultural events offered by Chapman University.

Now, that’s a pair of Aces you can bet on!

(P.S. They met at a card game!)

— Betty Bartley, Editorial Board

members and friends will travel to the Welk Resort for a retro “live radio broadcast” of It’s a Wonderful Life. Based on Frank Capra’s award-winning film, this story of love and redemption has a gentle warmth not evident in all Christmas fables. We’ll become the studio audience as we reconnect with this classic tale of love and redemption.

Meanwhile, the actors on stage recreate the action, sell the products of the “sponsors,” and produce the sound effects that bring the story to life for the radio audience. As the “on the air” sign lights up in the “studio,” we will be able to go back in time to reflect on the message of the story, and to rejoice as the angel enables our journey of discovery.

Prior to the performance, we will enjoy the resort’s sumptuous luncheon buffet.

Watch for the mailing announcing this trip, and make your reservations early.

We can look forward to two more trips in the new year. On February 16, 2011, our destination will be the Reagan Library and Air Force One. In April 2011 (exact date to be announced later) we will venture to Worldwide Movie Animals to view the many exotic animals used in movies, television productions and commercials.

We look forward to these trips.

— Fay and Bill Amneus, Co-2nd VPs, Special Events

IN MEMORIAM Our hearts are with the families of Marge Kelley Josephine Valentine

2010-2011 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Elaine Parke President

714-544-2254

Marcia Cooley 1st VP, Programs

714-974-3575

Bill and Fay Amneus 714-832-4754 Co-2nd VPs Special Events Judy Crum 3rd VP Membership

714-532-3264

Kathleen Barker Treasurer

714-996-5031

Gina Lineberger Recording Secretary

714-638-1130

Anita Storck Corresponding Secretary

714-838-3012

Mari Jo Buchtel Parliamentarian

714-639-5236

Marge Carter 714-829-4787 Editor, Talk of the Town Robert Stockton 714-871-9274 Associate Editor, Talk of the Town Editorial Board: Betty Bartley, Merry Berkowitz, Donna Gladson, Joanne Jurczyk, Shirley Lapier, Penni McRoberts, Elaine Parke, Mary Lou Savage, Salli Stockton, Anne Wood

New Scholarship Procedures New procedures have been developed and put into practice beginning this year for students hoping to receive T&G’s endowed scholarship. In the past, Chapman’s Financial Aid Office has matched students eligible for financial aid with our criteria and provided T&G’s Scholarship Committee with student information for T&G to recommend a student to receive the scholarship. Now, students apply directly for the T&G scholarship through Financial Aid on their website, knowing in advance the criteria they must meet and the amount to be awarded, $5,000.

Applications are pre-screened by Financial Aid, and those meeting our requirements are forwarded to our Gifts/ Scholarship Committee for review and recommendation.

Our basic criteria include a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA and completion of at least 60 semester units (needed to transfer as a junior from another educational institution or to continue at Chapman with junior year status.)

Applicants also submit the following: • a one-page list of activities demonstrating service to humanity, including names of organizations and dates of service;

• a 500-word essay detailing the applicant’s initiative, ambition and commitment to pursuing a degree at Chapman University and a career in a chosen field; • a signed and sealed recommendation from a professor; and • a copy of the applicant’s transcript.

Students are to apply each year for the scholarship.

By the time you read this, our committee will have met and made its selection for this year. The announcement will be made at the September board meeting, and the recipient will be profiled in the Winter 2011 issue of Talk of the Town.

It has been my distinct pleasure to have worked with the following members of our Gifts/Scholarship Committee this past year and to continue working with them this year: Mary Lou Savage, Beverly Weatherill, Dr. Barbara Mulch, Donna Gladson, Kathleen Barker, Margie King, Kathleen Paukstis and Elaine Parke.

— Rosanne Bye, Director, Gifts and Scholarships

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Talk of the Town

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