Greetings from the Dean's Office!
In recognition of Women’s History Month, the March edition of We are Wilkinson contains stories that highlight some amazing women in the Wilkinson community and their scholarly/creative/career activities. We are pleased to announce the launching of a new Health Humanities minor in fall 2022 (read more below), which will be of particular interest to students in the arts, humanities, and social sciences considering careers in the health industry. Towards the end of the newsletter, you will also find key information about planning and preparing for Commencement. Next time you are traveling through Terminal One at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) be sure to visit Associate Professor Lia Halloran’s exhibition, Your Body is a Space that Sees (pictured above)!
If you would like to share a story for an upcoming newsletter,
please contact wilkinsoncollege@chapman.edu.
Your Body is a Space That Sees: Professor Halloran’s Art Exhibition Installed
at LAX
Associate Professor of Art Lia Halloran's exhibition celebrating women’s contributions to astronomy, is currently on display in Terminal One at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The exhibition, Your Body is a Space That Sees, was selected by LA's Department of Cultural Affairs for display through fall 2022, where it is expected to reach eight million viewers.
Presidential Fellow Carolyn Forché Honored as Newest Chancellor of the Academy of American Poets
The Academy of American Poets
recently announced that Wilkinson
College’s Presidential Fellow in Creative Writing Carolyn Forché has been elected its newest Chancellor, a distinction shared by just 120 poets since 1946. Makena Metz (Dual MA/MFA English, Creative Writing) shared that Forché's generative workshops "pushed me to write poetry that was not in verse or rhyme, and to try forms of free verse that were daunting in their limitless-ness."
Wilkinson Takes the Lead in Creating Health Humanities Minor
Wilkinson College's newest interdisciplinary minor, Health Humanities, will be available for all students in the fall of 2022. "It's a good option for Wilkinson students who want to apply arts, humanities, or social science majors to health and consider career options related to public health and health care," said Program Director Dr. Anna Leahy. "We need humanistic approaches if we hope to address the inequities."
Career Corner: A Distinguished Career Fighting for Health Equity
René Bennett ('05, Political Science, International Relations) was selected as Wilkinson College's Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient for 2021. Bennett's unorthodox experiences at Chapman led her to intern all over the world, and helped her pursue her passions with purpose. As the Director of Government Affairs at Gilead Sciences, Inc., she leads health equity initiatives for HIV, Hepatitis, and infectious disease testing, diagnosis, and linkage to care.
Telling Unsung Stories of Black History Provides Breakthrough moments
Who knew that during the early years of the Great Depression, culinary schools for Black women sprang up in numerous U.S. cities? For anthropology student and enthusiastic foodie Madisyn Montgomery ’22, the research revelation whet her appetite to learn more.
Her project is one of eight produced by Chapman University students in the cross-disciplinary course “Unsung Stories and New Expressions: Black Lives,” co-taught by Professor of Film Leah Aldridge and Professor of History Charissa Threat.
Upcoming Events
Wednesday, March 9, at 2:30 p.m.
Join us for "Making a Difference with Your Degree: Addressing Health Inequities with Distinguished Alumna René Bennett," in Argyros Forum 209B. Bennett ('05, Political Science) is a civil rights attorney by training with over a decade of experience in public health, HIV and infectious disease policy and programs.
Thursday, March 10, at 11:30 a.m.
Join us for "Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences in the Workplace: A Conversation with Alumnus Ken Bunt" in in Argyros Forum 209B. President of Disney Music Group, Bunt ('93, Liberal Arts) leads The Walt Disney Company's recorded music, music publishing, and live concert operations, including Walt Disney Records, Hollywood Records, Disney Music Publishing, and
Disney Concerts.
Gift of the Month
In February, Wilkinson College received a second $10,000 gift from Jeffrey Griffith, a 2011 alumnus who double majored in History and Business Administration. Since Jeffrey has reconnected with the Department of History over the past year, he has made a point to give back with another philanthropic gift to support faculty research within the department. Wilkinson College, the heart and soul of Chapman University, is grateful for Jeffrey’s support and philanthropy.
2022 Commencement: May 20 - 22
Next Steps for Graduating Students
Graduating students, commencement is only 87 days away! Be sure to complete the steps below in order to participate in this year's ceremonies.
- RSVP Online. Tuesday, March 1, you will receive an email with a link to set up your account and RSVP through our Commencement software: MarchingOrder. Deadline to RSVP: Friday, April 15, 2022.
- Reserve your guest tickets for the University Commencement Ceremony. Tickets are not required for individual School/College Degree Ceremonies, but guest tickets ARE required for Friday evening’s University Commencement Ceremony. Beginning Tuesday, March 1, students must reserve their guest tickets through AudienceView,. Students may reserve up to (4) guest tickets and sign up for an additional (2) tickets through the Waitlist. Deadline to reserve guest tickets: Friday, May 6, 2022.
- Order your cap and gown. All graduates must wear a cap and gown to participate in Commencement ceremonies. Deadline to order online: Thursday, April 14, 2022.
Questions? Contact commencement@chapman.edu, or call 714-997-6740.
Wilkinson Alumni News
Check out what some of our awesome alumni are doing:
Sharaf Mowjood ('05, Peace Studies, Film Production) is a CBS producer in the Race and Culture unit. He recently visited the "Leading Your Life, Managing Your Career" course during Interterm to speak about his career path.
Kellan Shanahan ('13, Fine Art, Anthropology) is a public sculptor and has worked as an artistic designer and fabricator. Shanahan was the first alumni featured in Wilkinson College's Spring 2022 Alumni Studio Art Series.
Riley Pidgeon ('21, Strategic and Corporate Communication, Law, Justice & Social Control) is a Sales and Marketing Intern with Bus2alps in Florence, Italy.
We want to know what you've been doing with your degree!
Wilkinson Parent Council
Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences is excited to announce the formation of its first-ever Parent Council. If you are interested in drawing upon your professional and personal interests to work with Dean Jennifer Keene and support Wilkinson’s strategic interests, or you would like more information, contact Mary Shockey
Follow us on Social Media!
As the Heart and Soul of Chapman University, Wilkinson is constantly making new memories and writing the story of our college.
Be a part of that story.
Click below to follow our social media accounts
to keep up with news, events, and highlights of Wilkinson College.
