Spring 2016 talk of the town

Town & Gown

TALK

!

OF THE

spring 2016

TOWN

President’s Message

Lunch at the Forum Spring 2016 Lectures

As I think about Dr. Jim Doti stepping down after 25 years of serving as president of Chapman University, I can’t help but reflect on the many changes at Chapman under his visionary leadership and tenacity. Back then, the small campus was comprised of historic buildings with Memorial Hall standing prominently in its midst. Several small homes surrounded the campus and across the street stood the former Orange Unified School District administration building.

Our 2015-2016 Lunch at the Forum series will conclude another very successful season with a program looking at the “Yesterdays and Todays” of a half century at Chapman University. On Thursday, May 5 at 11:30 a.m. three outstanding Chapman experts will entertain and inform us. Patricia See, PhD. is a professor in the department of sociology. She will recall for us all aspects of life at Chapman from 1960 to the present day. With humor and insight, she will contrast the passing years as they relate to changes in higher education - from the professoriate to the students. Dr. Jerry Price, vice chancellor for student affairs and dean of students and Dr. William Cumiford, associate professor in the Department of History, will entertain us with a performance comparing the students of the ’60s and the students of today.

Working with a forward-thinking and supportive Board of Trustees, President Doti oversaw the completion of Argyros Forum, the Wallace All Faiths Center, Leatherby Libraries, Oliphant Hall, the Fowler School of Law, the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, the Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine, and most recently, the Musco Center for the Arts. Other restoration projects and property acquisitions in the community were going on concurrently.

Today, construction will soon be underway for the new Center for Science and Technology.

The University’s grounds have expanded into a vibrant beautiful campus with top professors who provide a challenging learning environment for students seeking academic excellence. We are fortunate to have one of the best higher education institutions in the country right here in Orange County.

Twenty-five years ago when Chapman University began to grow into what it is today, T&G was only 23 years old. We are now approaching our 50th anniversary. Over the years, T&G has contributed to the success of the University through special enhancement projects and endowed student scholarships.

Your membership dues and special gifts help bright and deserving students continue their education at Chapman.

Chapman University continues to amaze me and I feel so fortunate to be a part of it through T&G. As a reminder, the next T&G Lunch at the Forum is on May 5. An exciting and fun program showcasing the dean of students and two professors awaits, along with the annual election of T&G officers. Happy Spring!

Linda Ruth President

Prepare to laugh and reminisce and then think about the future at Chapman University as these three insiders share their knowledge, experience and memories. Don’t miss this final program of the year while coming together to share a special day with old and new friends. The program, including lunch, will be held in the Bush Conference Center, Beckman Hall, Room 404.

Nancy Fleeman | 1st VP, Programs Lunch at the Forum is held at 11:30 a.m. in Beckman Hall in the George H. W. Bush Conference Center, Room 404. For tickets, please call Nicole Shay at (714) 628-2874 or visit the Town & Gown website at chapman.edu/tg.

Looking Back & Looking Forward

This issue of Talk of the Town is looking back to 1991, the year that Dr. James L. Doti became president of Chapman. As a tribute to President Doti, each of this issue’s authors have incorporated what was happening 25 years ago into their articles. It was a very special year for Chapman, the city of Orange, the nation, and the world. In 1991, tuition for Chapman’s 1,500 students was just under $12,000; the next year it increased to $15,000. That didn’t stop our students from bringing the comforts of home with them. A 1991 New York Times article expressed amazement that the incoming class of students, who grew up watching Sesame Street and MTV, were bringing their televisions and VCRs with them to college! It’s fun to look back, but we are looking forward as well! What’s twice as nice as looking back 25 years ago? Looking forward to the 50 th anniversary of Town & Gown in 2018!

Cristina M. Giannantonio Talk of the Town Editor

Town & Gown Day Trips town talk Mission to Mars (and Pasadena) The “Quarter” Tour

Early in 1991, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena was making strong headway with the Magellan Rover spacecraft in mapping the surface of the planet Venus. The Magellan Rover had mapped just over 59% of Venus’s surface in approximately 244 days by early March 1991. JPL was also enjoying great success with the Galileo mission to explore Jupiter. By March 1991, the Galileo unmanned spacecraft, weighing in at 2.5 tons, was en route to the giant outer planet of Jupiter, using gravity assists from Earth and Venus. The target date for Galileo’s arrival to Jupiter was expected to be in 1995. Galileo didn’t actually plunge into Jupiter’s crushing atmosphere until September 2003 and it was purposely destroyed to protect a possible ocean beneath the icy crust of Jupiter’s moon, Europa.

Fast forward 25 years to 2016 and we find 30 members of an intrepid Town & Gown expeditionary team who will descend upon the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on June 14. Following a refueling stop at the nearby English Tea Garden, the space travelers will tour JPL for insights into the latest in all things related to space research and development.

JPL, founded in 1936, continues to lead the way in expanding our knowledge of our own galaxy over the past 25 years, mapping the planet Mars through several exploratory missions and now nearing the rings surrounding the planet Saturn with the Cassini Solstice Mission. JPL and NASA are also currently taking part in the European Space Agency’s ExoMars program, a series of missions designed to understand if life ever existed on Mars, after conducting 10 years of research on the planet with the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the Curiosity Rover and others.

If you are interested in joining a second expedition to JPL with our Town & Gown group, please contact Nicole Shay at (714) 6283874 to have your name placed on a waitlist.

The next “Journey to Mars” and JPL will most likely happen in November or December, if there is enough interest.

Sandee Collier and Darlene Knoop T&G Co-2nd VPs, Excursions

Memory is a tricky thing.

We tend to view the past through a lens that focuses more on similarities than on differences.

But what if you could turn back time to 1991--how much has really changed here in Orange? The 1990 census reported the population of Orange at just over 110,000.

Today, 4 years until the next official count, the Census Bureau estimates we are home to 139,000 people. While we were no longer a farming community in 1991, oranges were still being sent to packing houses here in Orange.

The last of these, the Villa Park Orchards Packing House on Cypress Street, ceased operation in 2006. Some of that historic building was preserved and is now part of the Chapman University campus.

In 1991, Orange residents had 17 city parks to enjoy, as opposed to the 22 we have in 2016.

Beloved Pitcher Park, where two generations

by

Paul Sitkoff

of Orange residents have celebrated Pixies in the Park and enjoyed an annual Persimmon Party, was under construction, and still a year away from opening. Venerable destination stores, such as Sir Wicket Men’s Shop and Radio Shack, were serving customers in the Plaza back in the day. You’ll find Blaze Pizza and Francoli’s Gourmet in those locations now. You can forget about getting coffee at Starbucks in Old Towne Orange in 1991--there were none in the entire City of Orange. On the west side, the current site of The Outlets at Orange, was an indoor shopping center known as The City Mall. Across the freeway, you could still see a movie at both the Cinedome and the Orange Drive-In Theaters. Today, you’ll find apartment complexes and the widened U.S. Interstate 5 freeway. And, of course, in 1991, James L. Doti was appointed President of Chapman University. We at the City of Orange congratulate him on his 25 years of service to the students and faculty of Chapman, and his many contributions to our community. What have we learned during our 25-year trip through time? Maybe this: Even through the lens of a quarter century, no matter what has changed, we’re still undeniably Orange.

Student Scholarship Recipient Showcase Please meet Taylor Lee Patti, another of our outstanding Town & Gown scholarship recipients for the 2015-16 academic year. We wish her all the best during her time at Chapman.

Taylor Lee Patti My m ot iv a t io n s for being a triple major in physics, mathematics and Spanish literature, with a chemistry minor, are very simple. I enjoy my studies immensely, I love Chapman University and I view both as an extension of my person.

I have been involved with many activities on campus, but I am most proud of being the vice president-elect of outreach for the Chapman Women in Science and Technology organization. As a female student of physics and mathematics, I understand the difficulties of being underrepresented in my chosen field.

It is for this reason that I look eagerly forward to my impending vice presidency, with which I will spearhead efforts to introduce young women from local high schools to Chapman sciences and organize volunteer tutors for underprivileged youth.

While maintaining an active role in the educational merits of Chapman is important, I am also looking to my future career. Thus far, I have co-authored two biochemical research papers on food safety, built and operated electromagnetic telescopes to monitor solar flares, and implemented analytical and numerical techniques to research galactic expansion. After finishing my undergraduate degree, I will complete a PhD program in theoretical physics and pursue a career in university level physics research and education. I wish to discover natural phenomena, while helping my future students discover their passion for the sciences. I want to represent Chapman well and further develop a philanthropic alumni community, which has made my education possible.

Save the Date!

Sholund Scholarship Concert - Saturday May 14, 2016 4:00 pm Musco Center for the Arts

gown talk

by

James L. Doti

As you know, this August I will be stepping down as president of Chapman University. Looking back on our challenges and successes, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the many, many individuals who have come together through the years to grow our regional college into the world-class, comprehensive university we enjoy today.

in the Ambassador George L. Argyros ’59 Global Citizens Plaza, the Milestones on the Road to Freedom wall in Kennedy Hall, and of course, its signature Gentle Springs fountain in Escalette Plaza.

I am very proud to count the members of Town & Gown among that number. I have always been able to depend on this dynamic group for its generous and enthusiastic support of Chapman projects, plans and events. Indeed, I think of Town & Gown every day as I look at the collage of photographs documenting our many accomplishments that hangs in my office.

Those who were members at the time will recall that our dearly departed friend Norma Lineberger prepared this for a presentation Town & Gown made to me in 2008. It is a memento that I will always hold dear.

Town & Gown’s many contributions are evident throughout our campus, including the Town & Gown Gardens at the Elliott Alumni House, the Town & Gown Reading Alcove in the Leatherby Libraries, the American flag

Town and Gown Board Members LINDA RUTH President

(714) 347-7909

NANCY FLEEMAN 1st VP, Programs

(562) 432-1092

SANDEE COLLIER DARLENE KNOOP Co-2nd VPs, Excursions

(714) 602-7658 (714) 528-4324

ROSEANNE BYE 3rd VP, Membership

(714) 633-4324

As I prepare to return to teaching in the fall, please know that I will be on hand to help our beloved university and my successor, Daniele Struppa, in any way that I can. I have great confidence in Daniele’s vision and leadership, which have already made a tremendous difference in recruiting top faculty members and students, and propelling Chapman to national prominence. Above all, he shares my great love and respect for the spirit and ethos of our community.

BARBARA POST Treasurer

(714) 633-4306

JUDY CRUM Recording Secretary

(714) 532-3264

JODY ZUVICH Corresponding Secretary

(949) 322-1428

SHIRLEY LAPIER Parliamentarian

(714) 774-7218

Under Daniele’s leadership—with the critically important support of organizations like Town & Gown, whose members are so passionate about Chapman’s mission—I believe that our university’s best years are yet to come.

CRISTINA GIANNANTONIO Editor, Talk of the Town

Through its popular Lunch at the Forum series, its generous support of the Town & Gown Endowment for the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences library fund and its Town & Gown Endowed Scholarship fund, which has provided scholarships to 34 worthy students since its inception, Town & Gown truly embodies the Chapman spirit.

(714) 628-7320

Editorial Board: Betty Bartley, Melida Canfield, Andi Doddridge, Carroll Howansky, Gina Lineberger, Linda Ruth, Nicole Shay, Susan Winton

Reflections on Life Twenty Five Years Ago Twenty five years ago, I was a newly married woman who had somewhat reluctantly moved to Orange County from my hometown of San Diego, California. I had just graduated from the University of California at San Diego, earning my degree in art history with an emphasis in critical thinking, while also working my dream job at the San Diego Museum of Art managing the “Art Rig,” a 48 foot long semi-truck trailer serving as a mobile art museum at public schools and festivals each week, connecting the arts institution with the larger community.

In 1991, with the move to Orange County, I began a new job at the Irvine Fine Arts Center as the Facilities Manager, managing classroom scheduling, building maintenance, event logistics and working with center volunteers. I remember thinking at the time that I would NEVER learn the layout of Orange County (long before the arrival of MapQuest and Google). Luckily, I had my trusty Thomas Guidebook of Maps to plot my course each day.

Our first home in Foothill Ranch in 1991 cost $176,000. There were no nearby amenities, restaurants, or even banks or pharmacies in our little rustic suburban community back in the day. I recall seemingly endless drives to El Toro to find the nearest grocery store. I thought I would lose my mind. Yet, following a number of moves over the years throughout southern Orange County, I recently returned to Foothill Ranch where I purchased what I hope will be my final home. I wish the prices were still as they were in the early 1990’s, but I am thankful for the infrastructure and marketplaces that have arisen in my 25 year absence. I can see mountain lions, hear coyotes and barn owls and watch deer grazing the slopes behind my new home and have a plethora of rabbits that devour my landscape, but I have also gained a community of friendly, watchful neighbors, lemonade stands, local events, schools, parks and shopping centers that all welcome me home each day.

Twenty five years ago, I didn’t have any expectation of working at Chapman University, but I remain so grateful to have begun my work here almost 4 years ago as an events coordinator. While my job title and responsibilities have broadened a bit and now include planning the Chapman Family Homecoming Celebration and other engagement events throughout the year, the philanthropic support groups of Women of Chapman, along with Town & Gown, have been added to my workload. Each group provides me with so many diverse and meaningful opportunities. Truly. Working with volunteers has always been, and remains, my passion. YOU are the “Town” of my days and I’m glad to work with you at every opportunity. I am also proud to be a part of the “Gown” community of Chapman University, representing the most innovative educators on the planet. I look forward to continuing to grow our campus and community connections over the next 25 years together!

Andi Doddridge Events and Support Group Programs Manager, University Advancement, Chapman University

Chapman University One University Drive Orange, CA 92866 2040-99502

TOWN & GOWN ELECTIONS 2016-2017: SLATE OF OFFICERS The Nominating Committee submitted the slate of officers below during the February 18, 2016 Town & Gown Board of Director’s Meeting. Additional nominations will be accepted from the floor at the annual luncheon meeting on May 5, 2016, at which time the officers will be elected and installed. When you see the nominating committee members, please be sure to thank them for all their efforts and hard work!

PRESENTED SLATE OF OFFICERS: 2016-2017 EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Chaplain

President

Financial Review Kathleen Barker Co-chairs & Donna Gladson

Linda Ruth

Immediate Past President

Penni McRoberts

Gifts

1st VP Programs Co-chairs

Nancy Fleeman & Sandee Collier

Handbook & Roster Editor

2nd VP – Travel/ Sandee Collier Excursions Co-chairs & Darlene Knoop 3rd VP – Membership Treasurer Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary Parliamentarian

Historian

Ann Avery Andres Susan Willits Bev Weatherill

Rhea Black

Hospitality Co-chairs

Loraine Lacey & Shauna Farley

Barbara Post

Marketing

Sharon Deacon

Judy Crum

Mary-Ellen Manning Melida Canfield

Cristina Giannantonio

Roseanne Bye, Christine Cross, Kathy Quisling Dunlap, Pat Elliott, Ray Fleeman, Lynn Galt, Kathy Griswold, Claudia Horn, Betty Rivera, Melinda Subia, Jeanne Walker, Gemma Wolf, Lois Zechiel, Jody Zuvich ADVISORS TO THE PRESIDENT Penni McRoberts (Immediate Past President), Charlene Baldwin, Marcia Cooley, Barbara Parker, Mary Lou Savage

Kathleen Barker & Eric Scandrett

Online Communications

Gina Lineberger

Alumni

Susan Winton

Hugh Galt

Faculty

Charlene Baldwin

Special Events

DIRECTORS

MEMBERS AT LARGE

Nominations Co-chairs

Scholarship

Awards

Georgina Califf

Talk of the Town Editor

LIAISONS

Paula McCance

City of Orange

Linda Mueller

University Advancement

Paul Sitkoff Andi Doddridge