Town & Gown
TALK President’s Message Our Annual Luncheon next month will wrap up another season of Lunch at the Forum and my term as president. At the luncheon we will present to you a nominated slate of officers and board members for your approval and vote. This is a solid group of dedicated individuals who will bring forth new ideas for growth and continued success to Town & Gown. It is time for me to pass the gavel. As a Chapman student I remember when T&G began in 1968. It has been such a profound honor for me to serve you and my University as president of this organization. Over the last two years I have gained new insights and have an even deeper appreciation for my alma mater watching it more closely from the inside out. My focus has been centered on the T&G Endowed Scholarship Fund. Not unlike many of Chapman’s students even today, I was the first in my family to attend college. With the help of scholarships I received from the Disciple Church and Chapman, I had the opportunity and privilege of earning a college degree. The T&G Endowment resonates so strongly with me because I know long after I’m gone from this life my donations will continue to fund future scholars – into perpetuity – allowing them to reach their dreams and goals, just as I was able to do so many years ago. I thank you for your kind words of encouragement for me during the past two years, your support of Town & Gown and Chapman University. In deep gratitude,
Penni McRoberts President
OF THE
Spring 2015
TOWN
2014-2015 Lunch at the Forum Series Concludes 3 Deans, 3 Buildings, 1 Goal:
Transforming Education at Chapman University On May 7th, the 21st Season of Lunch at the Forum concludes with Charlene Baldwin, Dean of the Leatherby Libraries; Dale Merrill, Dean of the College of the Performing Arts; and Gail J. Stearns, Ph.D., Dean of Chapel Fish Interfaith Center; presenting, “Transforming Education at Chapman University,” a multi-media and fast-paced presentation of the significant accomplishments brought about by these award-winning facilities. Three Deans on the same stage at one time is a first for Town & Gown’s Lunch at the Forum. You won’t want to miss this exciting program. Come and hear the history of the Leatherby Libraries, Oliphant Hall and the Fish Interfaith Center, their accomplishments and their visions for their future. Nourishing body, mind, heart and soul in a single day is a pretty tall order. Ten years ago last fall, Chapman University symbolically did just that with the opening of these facilities and the year-long 2014/2015 10th anniversary celebration marks that event. The three deans, together with students, will describe how these structures enabled the University to provide a bridge to the academic and Orange County communities. This presentation will showcase the cultural innovations that have both changed the landscape of Chapman University and influenced the work of the Leatherby Libraries, College of Performing Arts and Fish Interfaith Center. Chapman students, faculty, and staff have a special connection to all three: their interdisciplinary programs and cross-cultural energy are the heartbeat of Chapman University. As Chapman moves onto the national stage, the presence of the strong programs of each facility enhances the University’s reputation and values: diversity of thought, respect for the human experience and spirituality, dedication to the arts, pride in its students and support for the teaching and research mission of our faculty. Linda Ruth 1st VP, Programs
Town & Gown attends “The Buddy Holly” Story In January, 32 Town & Gown guests and members attended a musical production of “BUDDY” at the Candlelight Dinner Pavilion in Claremont. The place was “rockin” and everyone had a great time!