The Crowd

B.W. Cook

At a dignified dinner reception held in the Argyros Forum at Chapman

University, Newport Beach citizen and 65-year member of the Chapman Board

of Trustees, Irvin C. Chapman, 88, stood before family, friends and

Chapman colleagues to embrace his extended family and thank them for what

has been, “a wonderful, rewarding life thanks to the gift of many

birthdays.”

Chapman, known to most as Ernie, is distinguished among university

trustees nationwide. He stands alone as the single longest-serving member

of any university board.

“I was asked to join the Chapman board in 1934 when my father (C.C.

Chapman) became ill,” he said. “I was his voice, and the go-between at

the time. My dad recovered and returned, and I remained. I have served as

secretary to this board for 62 of my 65 years.”

Chapman is recovering from recent oral surgery. Jim Doti, president of

the University, cautioned his guest of honor not to strain his voice per

doctor’s orders. Chapman ignored the plea, sharing a century of memories

with the crowd.

The dinner reception honoring Chapman and the entire extended Chapman

family was organized by Doti to pay tribute to a family that has served

the community for nearly a century. Bob Bassett, dean of the Chapman

University department of film and television, introduced a documentary

film produced by Chapman student David Slaughter on the life and times of

university founder C.C. Chapman.

The video impressed the crowd with fascinating historical anecdotes

relating to the growth of Southern California within the framework of

C.C. Chapman’s considerable influence.

“My dad was a remarkable man. I know that he is here today in spirit

to share this fine tribute,” continued his son who has proudly carried on

the family tradition of service.

“Irvin Chapman is also a remarkable man,” Doti said. “He calls me

often and visits me in my university office. I value his opinion and his

advice. He helps me to be a better leader.”

Doti’s leadership has been a cornerstone of Chapman’s advancement in

recent years. Under his stewardship, Chapman has grown and expanded in

the community, gaining a national reputation as well.

In the dinner crowd was Bob McDonough, CEO of Remedy Intelligent

Staffing. The local business leader has built one of the nation’s most

successful employment services. McDonough recently returned from

Washington, D.C., where he was honored at his alma mater, Georgetown

University, for donating $30 million to the business school. The school

was subsequently renamed in McDonough’s honor. Doti accompanied McDonough

on the trip to experience Georgetown to see what he could bring back to

incorporate in the Chapman experience.

McDonough shared with Doti that he had been inspired and comforted as

a young man entering Georgetown, somewhat scared at the daunting prospect

of the university experience, when he came upon a statue of the school’s

founder at the entrance to Georgetown. It was inscribed with some simple

words of advice.

Doti jumped on the idea to create a similar experience at Chapman in

honor of C.C. Chapman. A life-size bronze of the university founder has

been commissioned by a university artist and is being funded by Chapman

family contributions.

It will stand at the entrance to the campus, near the all faiths

chapel, surrounded by an inscription etched in limestone that will read:

“I can liken a young person with life before them like a ship with its

prow pointed toward a great ocean as it leaves the harbor for the distant

shore. Storms may come, and they will, for no ship ever sailed the seas

but had to face the storm. If it is strong from keel to top, from stem to

stern, well manned and intelligently directed, it rides the storm and

goes on its way. So you will meet obstacles, storms. If strong in faith,

clear in head, honest, trusting for divine guidance and with character

built on the solid rock, you will meet all troubles in life

victoriously.”

B.W. COOK’S column appears every Thursday and Saturday.