A most-prestigious coup

B.W. COOK

It was one of the most glamorous evenings on the Orange Coast. And it

took place in a college gymnasium. The former president of Spain,

Jose Maria Aznar, was honored as Chapman University’s 2004 Global

Citizen at an elegant dinner on May 15.

Co-chaired by Barbara and Mark Johnson, and hosted by Newport’s

George Argyros, U.S. ambassador to Spain, and his wife Julia, the

evening attracted a who’s-who crowd of political, social, business

and intellectual dignitaries.

Chapman University staff transformed a basketball gym into a

world-class social setting. The university’s own special events

department, led by Joe Franklin, along with the campus catering arm

known as Sodexo Catering, outdid the finest hotel service possible.

University designers were inspired by the ultra-chic hotelier Ian

Schrager. They draped the gym in white silk gauze, carpeting the

floor in white plush carpet, bringing in sleek white leather

furniture, and set up living spaces for the black-tie crowd to sit

and sip a cocktail before dinner.

The table settings were round and rectangular, surrounded by

white-painted Chivari chairs. The white-on-white theme was carried to

pristine extremes. Tall white orchids adorned the tables affixed to

climbing branches. The setting came to life as vibrant colors were

used in the form of oversized handblown goblets in shades of pink,

turquoise, green and amber. The dinner by Sodexo Catering -- from

hors d’oeuvres to dessert -- was beyond reproach.

The event was far more important than just another Orange County

party with fabulous decor, fine food and flowing wines. James Doti,

president of Chapman University and the board of trustees, which is

comprised of many prominent Newport-Mesa citizens, created an evening

dedicated to international diplomacy and world affairs. Given the

Argyros connection to Spain and the recent political transition in

that country, the appearance of Aznar was a most prestigious coup for

the university.

The former president addressed the audience in Spanish,

introducing and ending his speech with English salutations. The more

than 500 guests in attendance were given mini-recorders with ear

pieces to translate the speech as he made his address. Despite the

language difference, the local crowd was silent during the speech,

hanging on to every word of the Spanish leader.

His message was one of solidarity between the United States and

Spain. Aznar emphasized the friendship and cooperation between the

two nations, and denounced the recent terrorism in his own country as

well as around the world.

In a tribute to world cooperation, Chapman musicians performed the

national anthems of Spain and the United States. A special invocation

by the Rev. Robert A. Schuller graced the evening.

Throughout the event, speeches and tributes were interspersed with

musical presentations by Chapman students. The remarkable talent of

operatic tenor Bruce Sledge, Chapman class of ‘94, was presented to

the crowd.

Sledge’s performance received a standing ovation and cheers. The

very talented Evan Brummel also entertained the international crowd,

bringing further adulation to himself and to the university. Julia

Argyros was smashing in a flowing ruffled silk organza ball gown.

The one-shouldered creation, in shades of red and orange,

fluttered about the ballroom with the ambassador’s wife as she

greeted the distinguished crowd.

The very chic Ronnie Allumbaugh and her debonair husband, Byron

Allumbaugh, joined respected attorney Wyley Aitkin and his bride,

Bette, and Newport’s real estate entrepreneur Dave Ball and his wife,

Cheryl, in a glamorous black-fitted evening gown with a Cinderella

halter collar framing her smiling face.

Dick and Jean Bechtel; Newport’s Dick and Hyla Bertea; Rep. Chris

Cox; Kristina and Larry Dodge, major Chapman patrons who have

recently seen their name grace the new Chapman’s School of Film and

Television Arts; Dee and Doy Henley; Dee and Larry Higby; and A.G.

Kawamura and Diane Kawamura joined Don and Dorothy Kennedy and Donald

and Colleen Kennedy to support the Chapman evening of global

connection.

Also in the crowd were Twyla and Chuck Martin, Willa Dean and Gen.

William Lyon, Tony Montapert, Diane and Harry Rinker, with Ken and

Dawn Rinker and Deedee and Don Sodaro of Lido Isle.

* THE CROWD appears Thursdays and Saturdays.