Chapman University celebrated its graduation weekend with a special ceremony featuring guest speaker Hillary Swank, a two-time Academy Award winner. Thousands of graduates and their families gathered at Wilson Field to mark this important milestone.
Nearly 2,600 students earned their degrees, including 750 receiving advanced degrees. The Argyros College of Business and Economics led the numbers with 522 graduates, followed closely by the Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences with 458 and the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts with 421.
This weekend’s festivities included nine distinct ceremonies for each school, wrapping up on Sunday. As the celebrations unfolded, it also marked the end of President Daniele Struppa’s term. Under his leadership since 2016, the university’s endowment grew significantly, climbing from $300 million to over $780 million. He will return to the faculty in the fall.
Looking ahead, the university has appointed Matt Parlow, the former law school dean and executive vice president, as the new president. He will take office at the beginning of the next school year.
Hillary Swank’s inspiring speech resonated with graduates. She spoke about the value of perseverance and following one’s passion, encouraging the graduates to embrace new challenges. Swank’s presence added a touch of star power to the event, reinforcing the idea that education opens doors.
This graduation ceremony reflects broader trends in higher education. A study showed that graduation rates have increased significantly over the past decade, highlighting the growing recognition of the importance of college degrees in today’s job market. According to a recent National Student Clearinghouse report, college enrollment has become a key factor in economic mobility for many students.
The atmosphere at Chapman was vibrant, filled with laughter and joy. Families cheered as their loved ones walked across the stage, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It was a moment of pride not just for the graduates, but for the entire Chapman community.
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