Chapbook Fall 2025 Issue 1

Ollies into Open Arms Josiah Mendozza & Jake Randazzo

Pg 6.

Ollies into Open Arms

Skate Club Connects Skateboarding Community

Jake Randazzo & Josiah Mendoza

Building Belonging: The Power of Cultural Clubs

Samantha Wong

Double Lives: The Amazing Dual Jobs of Chapman’s Part Time Professors

Ella Doherty

Back To Reality: Readjusting from Abroad to Orange

Kendall Barger

Contemperary Arts Hidden Home

Jake Randazzo

22

Trader Joes Loves College Students

How Trader Joes is Keeping Collefe Students Fed on a Budget

26

Matthew Azuma

Keeping Literature Alive on Campus

Students behind Chapman Publications Share the Significance of Writing While AI is Booming on College Campuses

Mckenna Kunimura

The Modern Age: How Aging Campus Buildings are Impacting Student Learning

Ella Doherty

Panther Pride: Anywhere But the Stands

Sporting Events Remain Unattended

Grace Littrell 20

30

34

40

Autumn Activity Recomendations

Based on Your Favorite Part of Fall

Nathalie Ayotte

Local Shop Owners and the Student Body

Is the Relationship between Students and Local buisnesses positive?

Benigo Alvarado

Gowing

Pains

Will your First Year Roommate Make or Break Your College Experience

Lilah Gregg

The Unsung Heros of Chapman Univeristy Students Reflect on the Employees who keep Campus Running Behind the Scenes

Roshnee Moorthy

Bursting the Chapman Bubble

Does Chapman’s Community feel Connected to Orange?

Kendall Barger & Grace Littrell

Staff Page

Editors Matthew Azuma

Mckenna Kunimura

Writers

Bengino Alvarado

Nathalie Ayotte

Matthew Azuma

Kendall Barger

Ella Doherty

Lilah Gregg

Makenna Kunimura

Grace Littrell

Roshnee Moorthy

Josiah Mendoza

Jake Randazzo

Samantha Wong

Designers

Cheif Designer

Gwen Buchanan

Ella Doherty

Lilah Gregg

Makenna Kunimura

Grace Littrell

Cody Shevelson

Elizabeth Wakamatsu

A skater grinds a rail during the Chapman Skate Club session at Ponderosa Skatepark. Photo by Randazzo

Ollies into Open Arms

By: Josiah Mendoza & Jake Randazzo

Screech. Skrt. Clack. On a late summer Friday afternoon at a local Orange County skatepark, the sound of boards slamming against the ramps echoes as Chapman University students take over the concrete terrain.

Beat up, slip-on vans, beads of sweat and a carefree grit serve as students’ uniforms as the skaters — ranging from seasoned to brand new — attempt to land trick after trick.

A raspy chorus of wheels screeching with momentum harmonize with the encouraging yells from skaters to create an atmosphere pulsing with a magnetic energy. What unites these students transcends a love for skating and extends to the community itself that this lifestyle cultivates.

“Skating is so much more fun with people,” said Dante Incontro, a skater with 13 years of experience who formerly served as vice president of Chapman’s skateboarding club. “My favorite part about skateboarding as a whole is just the community. It’s 55% social, 45% skating.”

Founded to create a community beyond Chapman’s Greek life scenes, the CU Skate Club offers

meet new people and form friendships beyond the monotony of the classroom.

“Some people — partying isn’t their thing,” said Incontro, a senior finance major. “They’re not in a frat or sorority. So just having the extra outlet for people is important.

The club welcomes all skill levels: from those landing their first ollie to experienced skaters who have been riding for years.

“I get the question countless times, ‘What if I don’t skate?” Incontro said as he fiddled with his board.

“It’s open to all skill levels. We will even teach you how to skate.”

According to the administrator of the club’s Instagram page @ lets_cuskate, the group has around 45 official members and an email list with more than 220 people.

One of these 45 official members, Itzel Cruz-Gutierrez, joined as a result of the openness and inviting energy cultivated by the club. Unlike many members, Cruz-Gutierrez does not skate regularly and instead brings her film camera.

A skater does a trick on a ledge during the Chapman Skate Club session.

Photo by Randazzo

“I always really liked skate photography and videography,” said Cruz-Gutierrez, a junior film and television major. “I emailed Dante and asked if I could shoot for them, and I’ve been doing it every Friday whenever I can.”

From behind the lens, Cruz-Gutierrez discovered a new appreciation for the sport and for the community behind it.

“From an outside perspective — I get to see [the skaters’] emotions,” Cruz-Gutierrez said. “Everyone gets really excited and happy when someone lands a trick correctly or really bummed when someone else falls and if they hurt themselves. It’s interesting just seeing people do the things they love.”

The club’s presence has become an integral part of Chapman’s landscape. Students walking past Beckman on Fridays often see the skaters gathered with their skateboards practicing tricks on the makeshift playground that is the university’s campus.

For Cruz-Gutierrez, this visibility matters.

“It’s a nice little staple of campus,” she said.

Beyond campus, Skate Club members also utilize the sport to cultivate connections with students from UC Irvine and UC Riverside, often hosting barbecues and joint skate sessions.

Whether documenting through film photography or skating until the flickering park lights shut off, members agree that the club has left a lasting mark on their college experience.

“This club has been my favorite part about college,” Incontro said. “This club, it’s all different people, all different races, all different majors, all different grades. One common thing: skating.”

Brody Boehm flips his skateboard over cones at the Chapman Skate session.

Photo by Randazzo

A skater does a grind in a ledge at Ponderosa Skatepark. Photo by Randazzo

Building Belonging: The Power of Cultural Clubs

By Samantha Wong

The sound of laughter and animated chatter fills the air of Attalah Piazza as Mariachi music plays in the background. Gathered around a cluster of folding tables and surrounded by flags of various countries, friends share stories and struggles in Spanish, English and sometimes, a blend of both.

The organized chaos is more than

Equity and Inclusion (DEI) across the country, having a safe community is crucial for many students.

Cultural clubs on campus, such as the Latinx Club, are looking to be that resource for students.

“This year, we know that simply celebrating culture isn’t enough; we also have to acknowledge the real

just a gathering — it’s a celebration of heritage and diversity that makes junior and Latinx Club secretary Alexa Odeth Arostico feel at home.

“I could see my identity reflected in this community,” Arostico said.

In a time of weaponized racial politics and polarization, including acts like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids and the denouncement of Diversity,

challenges our community is facing,” Arostico said. “We also want to provide mental health resources and affirm that our club is a safe space where people are heard and supported.”

Historically, Chapman University itself is a predominantly white institution. However, in the last five years, the percentage of Latinx students has grown by 25%.

Latinx Club organizes an ofrenda for Día de los Muertos every year. Photo courtesy of Jaqueline Lopez

Latinx Club hosts events open to all students to showcase Latin heritage. Photo courtesy of Alexa Odeth Arostico

With a growing population, the Latinx Club aims to celebrate a wide variety of Latinx backgrounds. In fact, club cultural chair Jaqueline Lopez said a major consideration for club events is whether students of various backgrounds will feel seen and be comfortable attending the event.

“We try to be mindful of other countries and identities that fall under the Latinx umbrella, because representation matters to creating a sense of familia on campus,” she said.

Some of the club’s events include Día de los Muertos, Cinco De

Latinx Club isn’t the only group trying to create safe spaces and a sense of belonging. There are several cultural clubs on campus, such as the Armenian Student Association, the South Asian Student Association and the Arab Student Association, among others, which all have the same mission of inclusion.

The Black Student Union (BSU) aims to create spaces where Black students and allies can unite, learn and have fun.

Under this year’s theme, “Black Joy,” BSU plans to resist the stress of these politically challenging times by coming together.

“I think ‘Black Joy should be

Mayo and a Hispanic Heritage Month kick-off, but they also have casual meetings to serve as a retreat from everyday chaos and a place to relax with friends.

These casual gatherings are some of Lopez’s favorite memories at Chapman.

“Bringing a community together, to be seen, and feel heard, it’s the best feeling, and we all have such pride in our heritage,” she said. “These people have become some of my closest friends.”

celebrated every year, but especially during these crucial times, as we see what’s happening politically and globally, our joy is our resistance,” said senior Taya Good-Smith, president of BSU and vice president of Black Global Diaspora.

Black Global Diaspora is another club on campus that started as a way to celebrate Black heritages beyond the Black American identity. It’s an educational club about the diversity within the Black community.

The Mariachi Club often works in collaboration with Latinx Club during celebrations of heritage. Photo courtesy of Alexa Odeth Arostico

Muertos

“Black people are not a model,” Good-Smith said. “We are expansive, so we wanted to create a space to highlight that culture and educate other students about other Black identities.”

Good-Smith also emphasized that students of any heritage can join in.

“I go to many other cultural clubs as well,” she said. “I’m an ally and I love to support. I think making your circle as diverse as possible so you can learn from other perspectives and cultures is beautiful.”

That’s a sentiment that Lauren Chen, junior and secretary of the Asian Pacific Student Association, shares.

your lived experiences with, but also to just have fun.”

Along the same vein, Chapman has the Cross-Cultural Center, which serves as a resource and hub for students to come together and build a sense of community.

Arostico, who also works as a student assistant in the Cross-Cultural Center, said it’s a place that ensures that stories, traditions and struggles aren’t erased.

“Any student can go and learn about other cultures,” Price said.

“That’s why we wanted to rotate the different cultures that are displayed.”

He also said he hopes that it will become a good home base for multicultural clubs on campus.

“We want to get more people in there,” Price said. “The more [the clubs] do on campus, the more everybody benefits.”

Despite the challenges happening around the world, these cultural hubs are celebrating community with resilience and unity.

“In the face of these challenges, we’ll continue to thrive,” GoodSmith said. “We unite to celebrate the uniqueness of our cultures that come together to create a beautiful blend of life.”

“We want our club to just be a giant group of friends that celebrate Asian Pacific culture,” Chen said. “We are a safe community to share

“In the process of changes, it reminds students that our identities matter, that we are part of Chapman, and that we deserve spaces that honor and celebrate who we are,” she said.

Dean of Students Jerry Price, who had originally proposed the Cross-Cultural Center, said that its purpose, from the start, was — and continues to be — more than just a safe space. The goal is also to serve as an educational resource.

President of BSU and vice president of Black Global Diaspora Taya Good-

Latinx Club secretary Alexa Odeth Arostico. Photo courtesy of Arostico

Asian Pacific Student Association secretary Lauren Chen. Photo courtesy of Chen

Smith. Photo courtesy of Good-Smith

The Asian Pacific Student Association held and an Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Celebration which included performances from club members. Photo courtesy of Lauren Chen

The Black Student Union executive board create an inclusive space for Black students and allies. Photo courtesy of Taya Good-Smith

The Amazing Dual Jobs of Chapman’s Part-Time Professors

by Ella Doherty

When he’s not teaching at Chapman University, Professor Justin Walsh is making groundbreaking findings about human activity and manmade objects in space.

A pioneer in the field of space archeology, Walsh, like many of Chapman’s part-time professors, has a remarkable career outside the classroom.

Walsh explained that he only began his studies in this particular area after a student in one of his archeology classes asked a question about the heritage of space — starting him down a path that would lead to a career of research in a near-unexplored field.

“That student’s question completely changed my life,” Walsh said. “In the moment before she asked that question, I could never have imagined doing what I’m doing now.”

Archaeology, the study of human activity through analysis of material culture, is most commonly seen in historical contexts. But contemporary archaeology looks to human activity in the present, with space archaeology focusing on human activity in and related to space — a field with very little research prior to Walsh’s work.

Above: the International Space Station floats past Earth. Photo credit: ISS National Laboratory.

Above: the International Space Station floats past Earth. Photo credit: ISS National Laboratory.

NASA astronaut Kayla Barron takes a photo of the US galley on the ISS, 2022. Photo credit: NASA/International Space Station Archaeological Project

“They wanted to do things like three-year-long missions to Mars, and I’m thinking, you’re going to put three or five people in a spacecraft for that long, and you don’t know anything about how they form a society or a culture of their own?” Walsh said.

Without any funding or support from NASA for archeologists to go on-site directly at the International Space Station, space archeologists struggled to come up with a unique way to collect archeological data.

The answer came in the form of photography.

“There are actually more images of the inside of ISS (the International Space Station) than of any previous space mission,” Walsh said.

“If I can capture who’s in the photograph, and where they’re located in the space station, and what objects that are also in that image…Suddenly, I can track the entire history of behaviors and associations with the development of the society of the space station.”

Now one of the leading scholars in the field of space archaeology, Walsh has accomplished much through his work, including founding the International Space Station Archeological Project (ISSAP) in 2015, which he now co-directs.

Three astronauts stand in the Russian Zvezda module on the International Space Station, 2009. On the wall behind them hangs the Russian visual display, one of the many sites researched by space archaeologists. Photo courtesy of Walsh.

Through work on the ISSAP, Walsh described that there have been many new discoveries about behaviors on the International Space Station, including further understanding of how nationality and gender factor into the inhabitants’ lives and research.

As a result of his work in space archaeology, Walsh said he feels he is able to offer unique courses and work closely with students.

“It’s certainly contributed to therange of classes that I offer, which are not the kinds of things that you will find at hardly any other university in the world,” he said.

“Also, it’s allowed me to work closely with students, both at Chapman and elsewhere, to give them research opportunities which lead to publication.

Above:

Walsh isn’t the only part-time professor bringing industry experience into the classroom.

Professor Matthew Prince teaches in the School of Communication — but when he’s not on campus, he’s working as the head of earned media and brand social for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC).

Prince has extensive experience in the communication industry. Prior to his position with KFC, Prince worked with Taco Bell for over 10 years, and before Taco Bell, he worked with Disney.

“My job really is to ensure that brands like Taco Bell and KFC are showing up in culture in a really relevant way, and that’s going to change based on the consumer,” Prince said.

Prince said the current challenge the communication industry faces, particularly in the fast food sector, is connecting with Gen Z.

“Gen Z drives a lot of how brands are shifting now,” Prince said. “How do we show up in your feeds, in the news, in social, in a way that is relevant and inspiring to consumers?”

He said he feels that his connections with students allow him to better understand this particular consumer base.

“I think it makes me a better marketer,” Prince said. “In my day job, I can see what’s relevant for Gen Z. I can see what you guys are wearing, what you’re talking about.” While Prince feels that connecting with students allows him to be a more in-touch marketer, he also believes that the inverse is true: students become more in-touch with the industry through his classes.

“I can share with you exactly what you’re going to see when you enter the workforce,” Prince said. “I think that’s where I was really challenged as a student back in the day — a lot of my teachers had not worked in the industry at all. By the time I graduated, everything I had learned really wasn’t as relevant anymore.”

Above: A 2023 Taco Bell project freed the trademark to Taco Tuesday, allowing anyone to use the phrase. Photo credit: Taco Bell

Above: A 2025 KFC campaign features a serious Colonel Sanders, bringing back the classic face of the company in a new way. Photo credit: KFC

Above: Matthew Prince, a professor in the communications department, stands on Chapman’s campus. Photo credit: Emily Paris, courtesy of Prince.

With over nine years of experience, Thom, a Chapman graphic design alumna, now works as the print designer for Dae Hair, a haircare brand featured in Sephora stores across the U.S. and Canada. She works on Dae’s visual merchandising — the displays of products inside stores — in addition to their packaging.

“I work on the visual merchandising for all of our stuff in Sephora,” Thom said. “So, when you walk into a Sephora store, and you go to the section with all the Dae products, I get to make all those graphics.”

Other part-time professors also use their industry experience to prepare students for life after graduation, including Professor Severina Thom, a graphic design professor and print designer at Dae Hair.

Thom focuses on bringing her design experience into the classroom to help students understand what their futures could hold.

“I have worked for several different companies, but I’ve also been self-employed and had my own studio and my own clients,” Thom said. “That’s the background and the expertise I love to share with students. I love to give them a glimpse into what that’s going to be like.”

Above: Severina Thom, a Chapman graphic design alum, now teaches her own graphic design classes at the school. Photo courtesy of Thom

Below: Dae Hair products sit on shelves. Photo courtesy of Thom

Thom finds that as a professor, she’s able to bring her industry experience into the classroom, and at the same time, learn a little from her own students.

“Being a working designer really helps me be a better professor, because I can tell my students what’s going on,” Thom said. “I’ve been working for Dae for almost two years now, but back when I had just gotten the job, I had to go through the interview process, do a test project [and] get my resume and my portfolio ready. That’s more insight that I can offer to my students.”

Thom echoed the feelings of other professors about learning from students.

“I get to see what students are doing, and the styles that they like, and the brands that they like,” Thom said. “ I can take that insight back to my job when we’re looking at design trends.”

Thom has taught a variety of courses at Chapman, but she now teaches Graphic Design Business Practices and Studio C, both of which focus on preparing students for their future careers.

“You never know where things are going to take you,” Thom said.

“Maybe you get laid off unexpectedly, or the job market’s really tough. I think what’s so cool about being graphic designers — as long as we have our laptop and Wi-Fi — we can make a living for ourselves.”

Merchandise designed by Thom for Dae Hair went viral after being posted on Instagram. Photo courtesy of Thom

Brochures designed by Thom for a Dae event, inspired by their products. Photo courtesy of Thom

Thom’s courses place an emphasis on ensuring that students are capable of achieving their goals after graduation despite the unexpected directions their careers may lead them, an approach that she likely takes from her own experience with becoming a professor.

“Originally, I had never thought about being a professor,” Thom said. “But because of the connections and the professors that continued to support me and take an interest in my work, it all led me here.

Despite the busy schedule and hard work of doing both jobs, Thom said she loves being a professor.

“It’s been really rewarding,” she said. “Honestly, it’s the best of both worlds, being able to work and be a professor.”

Above: Dae hair set packaging. Photo credit: Dae Hair

Dae hair PR packaging designed by Thom. Photo courtesy of Thom

At right: Dae hair products. Photo credit: Dae Hair

An influencer poses with posters designed by Thom. Photo courtesy of Thom

Back to Reality: Readjusting From Abroad to Orange

By: Kendall Barger

Late-night tapas, Spanish music and charming cafés now feel like a distant memory for Natalie Love, a senior strategic and corporate communication major who just returned from a semester abroad in Seville, Spain.

Back in Orange, she finds herself scrolling through photos capturing memories from her time abroad, each one reminding her of just how much her life has changed since returning home.

“It felt like I woke up from a dream,” Love said.

Her words echo the sentiments of many Chapman University students who, after months of immersing themselves in new cultures and finding a second home across the world, are now adjusting to life back on campus.

Abroad programs offer students the chance to be able to study in a vast array of destinations, from Spain, Italy, Ireland, Germany and even Croatia.

Living abroad for many months can be daunting at first — getting accustomed to new languages, unfamiliar streets and different traditions — but eventually, many students settle into a rhythm and start to embrace a new way of living.

Their time spent abroad allows them to see the world through a different lens and live amid a different lifestyle for months.

So what happens when you finally settle into the new environment, only to return to your old ways? This transition period can come with challenges and difficult readjustments that are often overlooked.

Every year, a number of Chapman students prepare for the excitement of studying abroad. They are warned about culture shock and sudden shifts they might endure in a new place, but few are prepared for what awaits them upon their return to Orange.

Students often receive extensive preparation for the challenges of adapting to a new culture abroad, yet the emotional and psychological readjustment that comes afterward receives far less attention.

For many, the return home can be equally as transformative — and just as challenging — as the departure itself. After months of growth, discovering newfound perspectives and experiencing an entirely new way of life, picking up where they left off may not come naturally.

There is more to returning home than just unpacking a suitcase; students are also unpacking the lessons learned and memories made and reshaping how they see the world in social, academic and emotional aspects.

For some, trying to slip back into old routines may highlight just how much they’ve changed.

Reflecting on this shift, Whitney Williams, a senior strategic and corporate communication major, admitted that returning from her semester in Australia brought unexpected challenges.

After previously loving the party scene and thrill of college life, Williams had a new perspective upon returning.

“I feel like I’ve outgrown the social life here,” Williams said.

As she tries to soak in her final year at Chapman, she finds herself disconnected from routines that once felt familiar.

View of the Sydney Opera House in Sydney Australia, taken by Whitney Williams during her time abroad. Photo courtesy of Williams.

Annsley Helenhouse, Kate Harper and Natalie Love pose for a photo in Seville, Spain while abroad in Spring 2025. Photo courtesy of Love.

Whitney Williams, senior strategic and corporate communication major. Photo courtesy of Williams.

This transitional phase can be challenging to overcome, leaving students less enthusiastic about things that once brought them joy.

“Abroad, my Friday nights were spent getting a glass of wine with friends,” she said. “Now I’m attending a ‘white trash’ themed sorority party. It just makes me feel like I’m reverting backwards.”

For students like Williams, the contrast between cultures and social norms can be intense. After experiencing a different pace of life, returning to old environments may feel less fulfilling — not because the routines changed, but because the person has.

Culture shock is a term often discussed in predeparture orientations used to prepare students for the differences they’ll encounter abroad.

According to Oxford Languages, culture shock is defined as “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes.”

But what’s less talked about is reverse culture shock, the disorientation that one might not expect when returning home.

Abroad advisor for Global Education, Jordan Kaiser, noted that reverse culture shock is a real thing, having experienced it herself. Familiar places can suddenly feel foreign, and relationships or routines that once felt effortless may now feel displaced or forced, Kaiser said.

It can be difficult for some students to navigate these changes, so providing resources and support systems upon their return is crucial.

Kaiser emphasized the importance of reflection and talking about shared experiences with other post-abroad students to address reverse culture shock. Having gone abroad herself, she said that finding things in common with fellow post-abroad students can be beneficial during the readjustment process.

“That’s why we offer resources like the welcome back reception,” Kaiser said, “but they’re optional, so not everyone takes advantage of them.”

Making these resources more well-known on campus could be a game-changer for students struggling with post-abroad readjustments, Kaiser said. There are many preliminary resources involved before the departure of studying abroad, but many may not know about the ones that are available to them once back at Chapman.

Some students carry new positives or even try to replicate learning experiences from their time abroad and apply them to their daily lives back home to make the transition back to campus smoother.

Senior business administration major Maddie Zacher said she discovered new ways to support her emotional well-being while abroad.

Living among a different lifestyle and creating new routines, she learned things about herself and her habits that she may have never discovered before going abroad.

“I’ve tried to be more present, move my body more, and spend more time outside,” she said. “I found that those things help with my mental health, so I try to do that in my day-to-day life here.”

Although it may be hard for some to navigate these changes, for students like Zacher, they take advantage of the opportunity to use their new experiences to find a sense of normalcy and enrich their lifestyles at home.

“I feel like you don’t really fully understand until you’ve gone and done it yourself,” Zacher said.

Whitney Williams (left) posing with friends, Kate Adams (middle) and Bella Taylor (right) in front of the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

Jordan Kaiser, Global Education Advisor at Chapman University. Photo courtesy of Kaiser.

Maddie Zacher, senior business administration major. Photo courtesy of Zacher.

Contemporary Art’s Hidden Home

by Jake Randazzo

Kristi Lippire shows her artwork at the Guggenheim Gallery. Photo courtesy of Randazzo

Tucked away among the unassuming grey hallways and cold leather benches of Moulton Hall, there is one room that is absolutely filled, floor to ceiling, wall to wall, with kaleidoscopic colors and patterns. Students peek their heads in throughout the day, absorbing the exuberant pigments of the hand-painted wallpapers currently residing inside.

The Guggenheim Gallery stands firm at the corner of Moulton Hall, sporting tall windows at its entrance to proudly display the first of its three curated exhibitions and seven student shows that will rotate throughout the year.

For six weeks, Chapman University’s very own contemporary art gallery will be displaying “Kristi Lippire — Stepanova Project: Color as Form,” a vibrant exhibit consisting of bright architectural collages, brilliant wallpapers and infographics that tell the turbulent

story of how the exhibit came to be.

“It started in 2019 when I went do a residency in Moscow,” Lippire said during a presentation of her exhibit to students in the Guggenheim Gallery. “I like to keep my applications pretty open because I don’t know, I’ve never been to Moscow before. I have no idea how I am going to be influenced there.”

One wall dedicated to Lippire’s infographics describes how, after originally being slated to be shown in Moscow, the exhibit was essentially stuck in limbo for three years

“I’m also trying to bring to Chapman a selection of art that is significant [in the art world at large],” Herse said.

out how to send it to [Moscow],” Lippire said. “We start experiment sending packages back and forth. Then the United States Postal Service stopped shipping to Russia. So now what am I supposed to do?”

after COVID-19 and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine forced progress to a screeching halt.

From there, Lippire and her gallery contact in Moscow had to construct a plan to keep the exhibit alive, drastically changing it in the process.

“Being a sculptor, I have to make something that is flat and figure

The graphics depict the chaos that Lippire felt trying to make it work, bouncing back and forth on the wall as if replicating the conversation between Lippire and Moscow, eventually describing how Lippire handed off her work in Berlin to her contact to essentially smuggle it into Russia.

Marcus Herse directs the gallery, making the decisions for which

Artwork by Kristi Lippire is displayed in the Guggenheim Gallery. Photo courtesy of Randazzo

Artwork by Kristi Lippire is displayed in the Guggenheim Gallery. Photo courtesy of Randazzo

Artwork by Kristi Lippire is displayed in the Guggenheim Gallery. Photo courtesy of Randazzo

exhibitions are shown and account ing for input from his connections in the professional art world, Chapman’s own artists and professors and even students from time to time.

“I’m also trying to bring to Chapman a selection of art that is significant in the moment, and that is also being discussed and being seen in the art world at large,” Herse said.

The Guggenheim Gallery is unique among many of the other artistic areas on campus as the only space that shows exclusively contemporary art.

“In the programming for the gallery, in the opening receptions, or lectures, artists’ lectures, or workshops with artists, we are trying to bring contemporary arts to the campus,” Herse said.

feel best fits. One show is even directly aimed at helping students get advice from avenues that they would not typically have access to.

“It’s called Open Studios,” Herse said. “It’s an invitation for the art students to bring work that they

during that semester.” At the moment, the gallery’s selection process is a bit unstructured, but Herse is looking forward to formalizing it in the coming semesters, focused on aligning the chosen exhibits with the needs of the students and the community as a whole.

Gallery.

Dean of Students

Jerry Price described what makes contemporary art’s home in the Guggenheim so special.

“I think it’s very valuable,” Price said, “but college shouldn’t have everything that’s for everybody. A good college should have a lot of things that are only for small groups of interests, but without those groups of interests, we would not be whole.”

There are seven different student shows every year, giving art majors the ability to share their artwork as well as a chance to design a gallery space to show their work how they

wouldn’t say, ‘This is my best,’ but that they have questions about, that they are unsure about, that they’re like, ‘I keep doing this and I don’t know why.’ You could talk to a professor to get some more feedback from professors that maybe they don’t necessarily work with

In case you missed “Kristi Lippire — Stepanova Pro ect: Color as Form,” the Guggenheim Gallery will be showing its newest exhibit, “Skylar Haskard: WE BLUE IT!” starting on Oct. 15.

Kristi Lippire answers questions from agroup of students about her work in the Guggenheim

Artwork by Kristi Lippire is displayed in the Guggenheim Gallery. Photo coutrsy of Randazzo

Artwork by Kristi Lippire is displayed in the Guggenheim Gallery. Photo coutrsy of Randazzo

Artwork by Kristi Lippire is displayed in the Guggenheim Gallery. Photo coutrsy of Randazzo

Artwork by Kristi Lippire is displayed in the Guggenheim Gallery. Photo coutrsy of Randazzo

Loves College Students:

How Trader Joe’s is keeping college students fed on a budget.

By: Matthew Azuma

Photo by Matthew Azuma.

Most college students are feeding themselves on a budget, but a diet of mushy, overcooked ramen floating in sodiumpacked broth and rehydrated veggies is no longer the norm.

The way Gen Z college students are eating now looks a little different. Students are choosing between Korean beef short ribs, Italian truffle pappardelle pasta, Japanese okonomiyaki and Chinese pork ginger xiao long bao to curb their hunger.

“I’m able to try foods that I never would have been able to cook for myself for a very cheap price and for a very short amount of time of cooking,” sophomore health science major McKenzie Pellitier said.

Trader Joe’s has changed the way many college students feed themselves, serving up globally inspired dishes after just a quick two to three minutes in the microwave.

Trader Joe’s is a chain grocery store that offers a wide range of products, mostly exclusive offerings. First opening in 1967 in Pasadena, California, Trader Joe’s now has over 600 stores across the country and

All straight from the freezer aisle at Trader Joe’s. counting.

One of those stores is located in Orange, just off Tustin Street.

Staff member Lynne Barens, who has been working at the location as part of the restock team, explains what it’s like working at a Trader Joe’s closet to large universities like Chapman University and California State University, Fullerton.

“By revenue, our store is the busiest and also the smallest store in Orange County,” Barens said.

Walking through the aisles past 3 p.m. on any weekday, you’ll be met shoulder to shoulder with college students stocking up

Ready in just three minutes, pork and ginger soup dumplings are a college student staple according to cashier Britney Mercado.

Photo by Matthew Azuma.

Trader Joe’s knock off version of “Takis”, a spicy chili lime rolled tortilla chip, is what staff member Lynne Barens finds herself restocking the most. Photo by Matthew Azuma.

for the week.

“It never stops,” Barens said. “Every hour, I’m constantly restocking, and I’m just in charge of what we call our snacks wall.”

Currently, the store is undergoing a major transition, which is aimed at alleviating some of the current limitations of the store.

“Nov. 1, we’ll be expanding,” Barens said. “We physically do not have the right layout to keep up with demand.”

Trader Joe’s is championed by college students for its quick, on-the-go frozen meals, unique snack offerings and affordability. College students often lack the time and financial resources to invest in purchasing and preparing fresh ingredients.

“I shop at Trader Joe’s just because, for me, in my schedule, the stuff is easy to make,” said Maya Grant, a sophomore screenwriting major.

Grant is heavily involved on and off campus, participating in Chapman’s University Program Board, serving on the board of the a cappella group Chapman Soundcheck, participating in Chapman’s professional creative film society Delta Kappa Alpha and working a part-time job at a local cafe.

Like many college students, taking a couple of hours out of the day to cook or meal prep isn’t realistic. Additionally, with managing a busy schedule, Grant shares additional obstacles when buying fresh produce.

“With fresh produce, a lot of the time I worry about whether I will even have time to use this before it goes bad,” Grant said. “So for me, buying it frozen, I can get my nutrients in while not having to be stressed over rotting vegetables.”

Caroline Seiler, senior global communications major.

Photo courtesy of Seiler.

Maya Grant, sophomore writing for film and television.

Photo courtesy of Grant.

Mckenzie Pelletier, sophomore Health Science major.

Photo Courtesy of Pelletier.

Trader Joe’s cashier Britney Mercardo has taken note of what college students are buying most.

“I’m always checking out snack foods and our soup dumplings, those are the number one,” Mercado said. “I think it’s just that they’re simple and easy.”

For students who don’t have as chaotic schedules and find enjoyment in meal prep, Trader Joe’s falls short with limited fresh produce and traditional products available.

Senior global communication studies major Caroline Seiler expresses her qualms with the market.

“My main shopping isn’t Trader Joe’s, but it’s because I can’t get everything I need there,” Seiler said. “I have a very patterned way of eating compared to maybe, like an average college student. So food is something I look forward to preparing.”

Trader Joe’s limited fresh produce stock is intentional. It’s a main part of their business model to keep costs low, reduce food waste and

preserve the seasonality of their product.

However, despite Trader Joe’s limited stock, Seiler still makes the trip to buy specific items.

“I’ll buy Trader Joe’s meals that I can either microwave or just throw in a pan and heat up for a good backup,” Seiler said.

For Gen Z college students managing chaotic schedules between work, extracurriculars and classes, Trader Joe’s offers students a way to eat well and on a budget.

Statistically, California college students are at high risk of experiencing food insecurity, with about 50% of California’s college student population having experienced food insecurity before, according to a study from the University of California, Los Angeles.

If you are struggling with food insecurity, Trader Joe’s and other grocery stores can still be inaccessible. However, resources like Panther Pantry, The Friendly Center and Cal Fresh are also available to students.

Frozen broccoli allows for students like Maya Grant to get in vegetables without the short shelf life of fresh produce.

Photo by Matthew Azuma

Keeping Literature Alive on Campus

Students behind Chapman publications share the significance of writing while AI is booming on college campuses

By Makenna Kunimura

Walking into the library, Zoe Edeskuty, a junior creative writing major, suddenly halted in front of a jarring artificial intelligence art exhibition that Chapman University placed in the heart of the Leatherby Library. A gallery of framed images featuring robots, with notations that the displays were created using AI, lines the library’s first-floor sitting area.

As editor-in-chief of The Underground Journal, Edeskuty felt disappointed staring at the AI imagery. For her work for the publication, she strives to create art and writing made entirely by human minds.

No AI involved.

Chapman students are breaking the boundaries of the perception of AI usage and writing. The minds behind Chapman’s student publications like The Panther Newspaper, The Underground Journal and Calliope are taking the initiative to help keep

flourishing the art of writing on campus.

The Underground Journal provides digitally accessible narratives, visuals, videos, interactives and trans-genre compositions of two or more forms, expanding the world of experimental media at Chapman.

Having a way to express your artistry is vital, and writing is a way of human connection, according to Edeskuty.

“Having a platform to share your work and connect with other artists is crucial in a day and age of disconnect,” Edeskuty said.

Edeskuty brought an opportunity for students to see writing in a whole new light to the Piazza.

“We set up our table, and I ask students what they want their poem to be about,” Edeskuty said. “From a breakup and spirituality, to a person’s 21st birthday and dirty kittens, we’ve gotten the opportunity to create space for people, no matter how silly or absurd their poem idea is.”

The widespread use of AI is creating a sense of fear in some writers like Edeskuty.

Zoe Edeskuty, junior creative writing major. Photo courtesy of Edeskuty

AI exhibition in The Leatherby Libraries. Photo by Kunimura

“To replace our authenticity and humanity with artificial intelligence is disruptive in its nature, and ultimately, dangerous,” Edekuty said.

As some instructors start to permit some uses of AI in classrooms, students like Josh Olatunji, a senior writing for film and television major, find the use of AI inevitable.

“I find the seemingly inescapable use of AI, specifically generative AI at Chapman, to be rather discouraging,” Olatunj said.

Despite the common fear of AI, staff members for Calliope Magazine are working on breaking those boundaries.

Calliope Magazine is a publication that includes writing and artwork submitted by fellow Chapman students.

“Calliope crystalizes the emotions we each hold within ourselves,” said Olatunji, editor-in-chief of Calliope.

“It’s not done for profit, but to share our creativity. The purity of our endeavor is increasingly rare, and thus increasingly important.”

Calliope Magazine hopes to foster a community that brings more diversity into the art of writing on campus, according to Olatunji.

“We strive to be a place on campus for people to pursue their passions when they otherwise couldn’t,” Olatunji said. “This goal includes reaching out to departments at school outside of English, such as dance, theater and film. Many students use our club as an opportunity to explore mediums of writing outside of their chosen field and major.”

Calliope does not condone AI, according to Halle Ahn, a senior creative writing and French double major.

“Calliope does not accept any pieces that use AI, and we do not use it in our meetings,” said Ahn. “I think it speaks a lot about how much publications like Calliope value the arts and value receiving something only an individual can create.”

Halle Ahn, senior creative writing and french double major. Photo courtesy of Ahn

Josh Olatunji, senior writing for film and television major. Photo courtesy of Olatunji

The Panther Newspaper is Chapman’s student-run, independent newspaper that publishes weekly online and prints twice a semester.

While the bustle of journalism attempts to stay alive on college campuses, Editor-in-Chief of The Panther Nicole Kavros said that AI has nothing on The Panther.

“I don’t see AI affecting The Panther because we will never use it to replace the work we do,” said Kavros, a senior English journalism major. “I’ve seen more support for The Panther and journalism since the increase of AI.”

Kavros said AI falls short of the genuine human connection in writing.

“People will always want to hear human thoughts. It’s always going to be the most authentic way of connecting one another,” Kavros said. “The work that the writers or photographers put in really shows the

The Panther

genuine and human feel that you can’t get from AI.” Kavros is implementing ways to keep AI out of the picture for The Panther.

“Before I stepped into the editor-in-chief position, there were some AI-produced photos from Adobe stock that were on some of our old articles,” Kavros said. “I made sure to get those replaced. Every article or piece of artwork that comes in, we run through AI detectors. We are taking steps to ensure we are not publishing anything that is created by AI because the whole point of the publication is that it is put together by students.” Dean of Students Jerry Price said that he is proud to be among a body of students who take the initiative to keep the art of writing alive on campus.

“One of my favorite things about Chapman is that in most of the publications, students just create themselves, which is how it should be,” Price said.

“I would be disappointed in a place if those kinds of groups just never emerged, but luckily, we have a student body who is eager to do it.”

Nicole Kavros, senior English journalism major tabling for The Panther Newspaper. Photo by Kunimura

The Modern Age

by Ella Doherty

How Aging Campus Buildings are Impacting Student Learning

Walking into the Keck Center for Science and Technology, Chapman University students are greeted by a burst of fresh air and bright overhead lights shining down from high ceilings.

The newest building on Chapman’s main campus after opening in 2018, the Keck Center is one of the main buildings featured in tours of the school. But some students feel that the modernity of Keck gives incoming students a false impression of the entire campus.

“I think that Chapman glorifies their newer buildings,” said Liz Wakamatsu, a senior majoring in environmental science and policy. “The other buildings… should be on par with their newer stuff if they’re going to talk about the campus being so nice.”

The vast difference in ages of buildings on campus quickly becomes clear to any visitors who happen to pass through older buildings on campus, such as Wilkinson Hall, which was built in 1905, making it the oldest building on campus.

Memorial Hall, Chapman University, Orange, California. Photo credit: Chapman University Digital Commons

As students take their classes in a variety of spaces across campus, the differences between buildings become more apparent.

Wakamatsu recalled her own tour of the campus during orientation in her freshman year.

“I think it wasn’t misleading, but it was very much like they’re trying to get you excited to just be in the nice building,” she said. “But, realistically, you’re not spending all of your time in there.”

While it may seem the classrooms themselves would be what impact students most, the open communal and study spaces are crucial for many students.

“I like that it’s connected,” Wakamatsu said, regarding the Keck Center.

“That’s my favorite part about the building. I like how it’s very open and closed. I feel like you when you walk through the building, you know what’s going on all the time, and there’s so many study spots.”

Above: The Keck Center for Science and Engineering. Photo credit: AC Martin

Below: Liz Wakamatsu conducts field work through collecting seaweed samples at No Surf Beach in San Diego, 2025.

Some students in Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts feel that Dodge buildings, like Marion Knott Studios, have more wellsuited spaces for community than other buildings on Chapman’s main campus.

“I really feel like Dodge has given me the spaces to excel, whereas the main campus has kind of deterred me from really bringing my work over there,” said Ian Blom, a senior film and television production major.

Blom echoed other students’ sentiments about the lack of collaborative spaces on Chapman’s main campus.

“I would look at the places on main campus and I would want more spots to sit down with a group of people,” Blom said. “I think since Dodge is so collaborative, it’s hard to really bring my work to main campus, because for the few spots that main campus has, they’re normally booked, and they’re always kind of oversaturated.”

Many students in film programs appreciate the hands-on, communal experience Dodge film sets provide.

“They encourage this hands-on approach, where I get to work within a fake set or a fake stage, and I get to practice whatever it is that I’m learning,” Blom said. “I think that’s been the most helpful to me.”

Blom’s experience with his minor in leadership, however, felt lacking compared to the interactive, communal experiences of his film classes.

“In the leadership classes that I’ve gotten to take, a lot of that has just been a lecture in a classroom, and it really hasn’t been this hands-on, think on your feet, tangible learning and education that I’ve gotten out of Dodge,” Blom said.

While many Dodge students find that their classrooms and set spaces provide an education that is tailored to their discipline, students in other departments find that buildings lack the dedicated spaces needed for their work.

Ian Blom works on set with collaborators. Photo courtesy of Blom.

At left: Ian Blom has a discussion on set with a collaborator. Photo courtesy of Blom

Anisa Abdulkariem, a senior graphic design student, described a lack of shared spaces in Moulton Hall, Chapman’s fine arts complex. One of Chapman’s older buildings, Moulton Hall was originally built in 1963, while the additions to the building were completed in 1976.

“My home base is Moulton,” Abdulkariem said. “That’s where I have the majority of my major classes, and there’s not really any sort of community within the building, versus going to other buildings like Keck, [where] so many people are able to use study spaces and have whiteboards and work together.”

She went on to explain that the community spaces felt particularly disadvantageous to graphic design students and other art majors.

“I think we’re at such a disadvantage when our major is so concentrated on critiques,” Abdulkariem said. “It’s just unfortunate that we’re not able to have a space where we can meet collectively outside the classroom or during breaks.”

Abdulkariem recalled her experience with seeing the Digital Media Arts Center — also known as DMAC — on her Preview Day tour of the school.

“I thought I’d be able to take classes in such cool spaces, like the animation building (DMAC),” she said. “I was like, ‘Wow, I’m so excited to have a space like this,’ and to come to realize, I don’t have any space similar to that. They have the most amazing study spaces, and being in Moulton, I just feel like we don’t have that.”

Architectural drawing of Chapman University’s Moulton Hall, 1974. Photo courtesy of the Chapman University Digital Commons.

Anisa Abdulkariem, a senior graphic design student, describes Moulton Hall as her “home base.”

While disappointed in the lack of communal spaces, Abdulkariem added that she can understand why Chapman’s art programs don’t have as many high-end spaces to work in.

“When you look at monetary value, [other major programs] are bringing in more revenue to the school and more attention, and they have more powerful donors connected to them, versus graphic design and the art department,” she said. “We’re just at a different level than they are.”

Ultimately, Abdulkariem said she feels that the graphic design students can be successful despite the lack of community space, but that the quality of their classrooms could stand to match the level of quality in their work.

“I think that our graphic design program at Chapman is so strong, and we do have a very powerful alumni network, with Chapman alumni working at Google, Apple, Disney [and] creating their own creative agencies,” she said. “I think it’s a wake-up call. These people are so successful, but the spaces that we have to be creative, they just don’t match the high level of performance that we are producing.”

Above: Buildings on campus at Chapman, at the time Chapman College: Moulton Hall & Waltmar Theater, undated. Photo courtesy of Chapman University Digital Commons

Below: Chapman University’s Moulton Hall & Waltmar Theater, 2025. Photo credit: Ella Doherty

Panther Pride

Anywhere but the Stands

Written by Grace Littrell

The

women’s volleyball team ends the day in a Chapman University victory at Harold Hutton Sports Center — Keira Sarni, a senior public relations, advertising and entertainment major, celebrates with her team and coaches.

The room feels electric, at least until Sarni turns to the crowd, hoping to see a sea of red and black. Instead, she finds her parents and a few of her friends in the near-empty bleachers. The rest of the crowd is made up of parents from the opposing team.

“It just kind of sucks when you look out at the crowd and there are more people there to support the other team or none of your friends are there and no one’s there to support you,” Sarni said when asked about how the low attendance at sporting events affects her.

“I feel like that’s kind of been my struggle,” she said. “Chapman checks all the boxes for me, but that’s the one thing that I kind of wish (it) was better at.”

Over 500 students at Chapman University are athletes on one of the seven NCAA Division III

sports teams, so why is the attendance of sporting events held at Chapman so minimal? The obvious answer is the division in which Chapman competes, which is a lot smaller and has little exposure compared to larger schools and teams.

“I want for our student-athletes to play in front of packed stands,” Athletic Director Doug Aiken said. “I think they deserve that. Our student-athletes are incredible. I wish that everyone saw and knew how incredible our student-athletes are.”

So what’s really up with the low attendance at sporting events that, for most students, are free to attend?

Photo provided by Keira Sarni

In the heart of Orange, Chapman students have access to activities like the beach, malls, concert venues, Disneyland and more. For most students, the location of Chapman and its proximity to these locations were strong factors when choosing where to attend college.

“I think it is a product of where we are,” Aiken said. “You have the beach and Disneyland, so I think that [going to a sports game] isn’t always at the front of people’s minds in the area.”

Along with location, it seems that while a large number of students are a part of the athletic community, many students feel that the sports community is separate from the rest of the student body.

“I would definitely say that they (students) see it as a separate experience,” said Mati Dixon, a junior on the swim and dive team. “The only tie that most people have outside of athletics is if they have a friend on the team.”

It’s not that Chapman athletics doesn’t have support. In fact, most athletes would say they feel supported by their community. However, most of that community is made up of students who also have a connection to athletics.

“I feel the most supported by the Chapman community when I look into the stands and see members of my sorority wearing their letters at my games, or people from my classes or other clubs and organizations I’m involved in outside of Chapman athletics,” Sarni said.

Sarni isn’t the only one who notices the lack of crowds at games. Most athletes at Chapman know that coming into a DIII school means smaller

Photo provided by Mati Dixon

Photo provided by Chapman Athletics

“There are people who have other priorities and involvements which are totally understandable,” Sarni said. “We’re not a big school that everyone’s gonna come out for the Chapman volleyball game or the Chapman football game.”

For many, it’s hard to be an athlete at a school where they sometimes feel overlooked, with a less glamorous lifestyle than a Division I studentathlete. But the glam and glitz of being a student-athlete wasn’t what drew them in — it was the ability to do more than just be on a sports team.

For athletes who commit to a DIII school, they aren’t accepting any kind of athletic scholarship or signing up for a schedule that is almost all work and no play.

They’re usually committing to DIII because they love their sport and it excites them to play at the highest level, but they still want the time to have

other experiences in college.

Sarni isn’t just a volleyball player. She is also a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, where she holds a position on their executive board, along with being a Chapman Ambassador.

Steven Oleveda, Chapman’s sports information director, believes that this just might be the reason sporting events are so low in attendance.

“These students are so involved,” Oleveda said. “There’s so much going on that maybe they don’t feel that connection to go carve out that time to go to a game.”

But does the low attendance affect student-athletes?

Dixon said the small crowds don’t necessarily faze the athletes, but there are benefits from having a crowd cheering them on.

Photo provided by Chapman Athletics

Photo provided by Chapman Athletics

“That’s never been a big priority of mine,” Dixon said. “I do enjoy when my friends and family are able to come support me, but I think that if we were able to get more Chapman students to come feel like they’re a part of something — I think that would benefit everyone involved.”

It’s not that Chapman doesn’t support their athletes or doesn’t care. Chapman Panthers have pride for their school, and one could argue that school spirit is high. It just isn’t traditionally shown through sports teams like other schools.

“For our student body, sports is like any other involvement opportunity,” Dean of Students Jerry Price said. “‘If I have friends in it, I am probably going to go. If I am a fan of the sport, I am probably going to go.’ But I don’t think we have a deep culture of, ‘I am going to go just to support the school.’ Just like we don’t have students go to dance concerts just to support the school. And that’s ok.”

For Price, it isn’t just an issue in athletics. Low attendance is everywhere on campus. From Chapman’s performing arts department shows to Wilkinson’s art displays that go unseen by many students, maybe it just is the way it is.

“Do I wish that students went to these games? Sure,” Price said. “But I also wish that students went to the dance concerts.”

Photo provided by Chapman Athletics

Photo provided by Jerry Price

Autumn Activity Recommendations: Based on Your Favorite Part of Fall

By: Nathalie Ayotte

As the crisp autumn air seeps through the late summer heat in Orange County and Halloween decorations pop up in surrounding neighborhood yards, fall has arrived at Chapman University.

Maybe your favorite part of autumn is the fun and frights of Halloween or the spiced sweet treats released during the season — whatever it may be, here are some autumnthemed activities based on your favorite part of fall, recommended by Chapman students.

If you enjoy the spiced flavors of fall:

Fall is in the air, and what better way to celebrate the colder weather than a warm pumpkin spice latte? Senior psychology major Emma Cabral-Gurleroglu couldn’t agree more.

After tasting many of the pumpkin spice lattes offered near campus, she believes that Contra’s attempt takes the cake.

“[Contra] has a good mix of coffee and pumpkin flavor, without being too sweet,” Cabral-Gurleroglu said.

The drink, called Welcome Great Pumpkin, is a traditional pumpkin spice latte. However, for those looking for a fun twist on the beloved fall-themed drink, consider trying Contra’s other seasonal flavors, including a pumpkin chai, pumpkin Thai tea or an apple fritter latte.

For seniors and classmates who are 21 and up, The District at Tustin Legacy has kicked off its month-long Fall Cocktail Tour with a long list of autumn-inspired cocktails. During the month of October, several restaurants in partnership with OC Foodies have released fall drink menus, such as Casa Del Sol’s pumpkin spice margaritas or the Zombies Brew at The Winery Restaurant.

Emma Cabral-Gurleroglu enjoying a Contra pumpkin spice latte. Taken by Nathalie Ayotte.

Contra Coffee, taken by Nathalie Ayotte.

If you prefer a more nostalgic, family-friendly fall:

For those who are more nostalgic for the family traditions that made fall so lovable, you may relate to senior art history major Forest Delaney.

Her favorite Chapman fall tradition is right on Musco Lawn, where the University Program Board’s pumpkin patch is held each October.

Delaney described the event as “free, good for photo ops and you can bring home a pumpkin!”

For football fans, consider heading over to the Ernie Chapman Stadium to support your fellow students until early November to cheer on this year’s football season.

For those who enjoy all the celebrating:

If you love all of the festivities, but aren’t really feeling the Halloween spirit, senior biology and psychology double major James Ross knows exactly how you feel.

His autumn activity recommendation is the Vietnamese Student Association’s fall external event: Family Feud, planned for Oct. 25.

“It’s a fun game show night for students from any school in SoCal to attend and just relax and enjoy the show,” Ross said. “The teams dress up in fun concepts and just overall have a good time making jokes and playing the game.”

For those really trying to avoid Halloween while keeping the good vibes going, consider visiting Huntington Beach, where adults of all ages celebrate the long-standing German celebration: Oktoberfest. This tradition lasts from Sept. 7 to Nov. 9.

Finally, for those who enjoy the arts, consider watching the Chapman Opera as they present: Fright Night on Oct. 25 and 26. The chilling evening is a series of scenes from popular operas performed by the talented vocalists at Chapman.

If you live for the haunting Halloween spirit:

Whether you prefer tricking or treating, Halloween is a beloved and irreplaceable part of fall, and senior sociology major Amy Bone knows it best.

She recommends bringing a pumpkin-shaped basket and a witch hat on Halloween to walk around Orange neighborhoods.

“It’s fun to look at the decorations because people go all out here,” Bone said.

If your Halloween night schedule is already jampacked, but you don’t want to miss out on trick-ortreating, Orange Treats In the Streets happens on Oct. 23, where local merchants hand out goodies to trick-ortreaters in the Circle.

However, candy is only half of the reason Bone loves Halloween.

“One of my favorite things about Halloween time is haunted houses — but instead of doing them, I love being in real haunted houses when I get the chance,” Bone said.

For thrill-seekers like Bone who prefer real ghost hunting, muster up some courage and greet the local spirits on a ghost tour in the Orange Circle during October.

And on Oct. 25, Anaheim hosts their yearly Halloween Parade at 7 p.m., where you can see pumpkins on stilts and high school bands performing haunting classics.

After watching the parade, check out the city’s annual fall festival, where you can shop from unique local artists and small businesses or enjoy live performances.

Forest Delaney and Liv Rivet enjoying the UPB Pumpkin Patch. Photo taken by Forest Delaney.

Amy Bone dressed up for Halloween, photo taken by Stuart Ames.

Amy Bone enjoying halloween, photo taken by Morgan Montesi.

Local Shop Owners and the Student Body

Is the relationship between students and local businesses positive?

By: Benigno Alvarado

While a little more tame and quaint than your average college town, the City of Orange provides Chapman University students with a largely warm and inviting atmosphere. In particular, the Circle provides students with an abundance of mom-and-pop shops, including thrift stores, coffee shops and bars for those old enough to drink.

While many students have come and gone, most of the shopkeepers have been in the area for years. Old Towne Orange is famously recognised as a historic area, with a majority of the buildings built before 1920. This is in contrast to many of the surrounding municipalities, which decided to demolish their older buildings in the 1960s.

When asked about the local businesses that surround Chapman, students like sophomore screen acting major Kelsie Oba-Spence had mostly positive things to say. She noted student discounts and the kind service from local businesses.

“Sometimes they offer certain discounts, or even if not, they’re just super friendly to us, even though we’re just college kids,” Oba-Spence said.

She explained that because of the lack of chain stores and big-name brands, there is more of a “genuine” atmosphere she feels when entering these businesses in the Circle. She recalled one encounter when she was greeted warmly by a cashier.

“We were just actually talking, and it felt a lot

more personal than other places,” Oba-Spence said. “He asked me about my day, and it felt like a genuine conversation.”

While many students appreciate the genuine atmosphere in the Circle, sophomore Paloma Corzo Torres wishes the Circle had more affordable options for students.

“I guess this semester a lot of prices were raised, and I know a lot of people are complaining about that,” she said. “It’s stopping them from going to some shops as often.”

To be exact, the demand for matcha has increased so much that many of the go-to coffee shops have increased their prices, Corzo Torres said, causing some students to search for cheaper options.

This increase in prices also comes after an Orange City Council meeting where financial consultants told council members that Orange may be facing bankruptcy within the next three years. Part of a plan to combat that is to increase the sales tax.

Corzo Torres also pointed out specifically that Cedar House Coffee has become popular among the student body. Despite recently opening, they are developing a strong bond with the students.

“Every worker is super friendly there, and they also strike up conversations with any new customers,” she said.

Nonahme Storefront

Photo by Alvarado

From the student’s perspective, the relationship between the student body and local business owners seems mostly positive. Many shop owners also share similar sentiments.

Pierro Graham, the owner of a thrift store in the Circle called Nonahme, spoke very highly of the Chapman student body and of the business they bring.

“We love them,” Graham said. “They’re the ones that are shopping, trying things on, and spreading the word, so we really look forward to all of the Chapman students that come in.”

As an added show of appreciation towards the Chapman community, Nonahme also supplies students with a discount.

This is a popular trend among shopowners in the area to attract students to their business. Other local shops that do this include: Zocalo Cafe, Provisions, Blaze Pizza and many others.

“I think the worst I’ve gotten is someone coming in and they had two shirts in hand and they

offered me a ridiculously low price for both of them,” Graham said when asked about any negative experience involving students.

Graham was quick to clarify, however, that was a single instance and does not happen often.

One of the owners of Chapman Crafted Beer, Randy Nelson, also shared his experience with the Chapman student body. Chapman Crafted has been in operation since 2016.

“They’re awesome, they’re always coming in,” Nelson said when asked about his feelings towards Chapman students. “They’re always respectful.”

Being a place that sells alcohol, Nelson is more than aware of some of the problems that can arise.

“We’re serving alcohol,” he said. “Those things can get crazy, but here, it’s a really laid-back vibe and everyone has a good time. Never had issues.”

Nelson stated that the students are a big part of his business and that the brewery will frequently host events to cater to them, such as trivia nights, line

Sophomore Film Production Major, Paloma Corzo Torres

Photo by Corzo Torres

Sophomore Screen Acting Major, Kelsie Oba-Spence

Photo by Alvarado

dancing and disc throwing.

In almost 10 years of operation, Nelson said that there has never been a serious incident or an ordeal that escalated into violence. He said the worst has been the occasional student throwing up.

Nelson encourages students to reach out if they have any questions, as he and his company are all about embracing the community.

Graham and Nelson’s remarks towards the student body also reflect comments made by Dean of Students Jerry Price.

“I rarely get any grumblings from businesses,” Price said. “Most complaints seem to come from residents. So I think the businesses appreciate our students.”

Chapman Crafted distillery room

Photo by Alvarado

Nonahme street sign

Photo by Benigno Alvarado

G R O W I N G PAINS

Imagine you’re a first-year student, stepping into your dorm for the first time, meeting your roommate and wondering how or if you’ll get along for the rest of the year.

For some Chapman University students, living with an assigned roommate means a less-than-ideal first year they’d rather just forget, while for others, it’s everything they had hoped for, leaving them with a warm sensation every time they pass by the freshman dorms.

When Annabelle Rowe, now a senior psychology major, moved into her freshman year dorm, she wasn’t quite sure what to expect about her assigned roommate.

“I met her on the day of moving in,” Rowe said. “We had connected a little bit before through Instagram, but nothing substantial.”

However, after their first night in college, she began to sense a strong connection.

“After that first night, I had a feeling we would be friends for a very long time, and now we are still roommates senior year,” she said. “I am grateful to have found my best friend at Chapman.”

As the years grew on, Rowe built a close bond with her roommate, learning each other’s boundaries

By Lilah Gregg

“I genuinely did not anticipate from meeting her that first time that we would be roommates all four years, but as freshman year went on, it became very clear that I didn’t think I would be able to room with anyone else,” she said. “We are very respectful of each other’s space, and we have good boundaries set with each other, but I also think we became friends really fast and created that foundation.”

When students are preparing to move into the dorms for the first time, they fill out an online questionnaire regarding their living preferences and habits. The university then uses this information to try to pair like-minded students together.

It’s not a perfect science — especially since Chapman’s first-year communities are also separated by academic major in Learning-Living Communities.

For many students like Rowe, their housing application process turned out to be exactly what they had hoped for.

“I genuinely do think Chapman did a really good job pairing us together,” she said. “I had found such comfort through her, and she truly encapsulates so much of my Chapman experience.”

A Henley Hall poster is displayed in Orange, Calif., on Sept. 29, 2025.

Photo By Lilah Gregg

Annabelle Rowe poses for a photo in Orange, Calif., on Sept. 6, 2024. Photo by Brandon Lewis

However, not every student gets that lucky.

Sohini Athani, also a senior business administration major, recounted her freshman year living experience.

“There was one night where it was just me and her in the room, and I thought she was asleep because she had a sleep mask on,” Athani said. “I was Snapchatting people back, and I didn’t realize it, but my front flash was on, so I turned it off right away. The next morning, my friend told me to go look at her private story. It was a video of me Snapchatting someone, and the caption was about hating her roomate”

Athani said she had hoped for some sort of calm resolution, and if it meant apologizing for the disruption, then she was willing to do that.

“I ended up texting her about it, apologizing and saying how I would’ve appreciated it if she had just talked to me about it,” she said. “Later, when I came back to the dorm, I saw she had left me a note. I assumed it was an apology, but it was actually threatening me to never do that again.”

Athani never expected to be best friends with her first-year roommate, but she had hoped for a good relationship where they could be open and work through their differences together.

“It was so bad, but I guess it’s a funny story to look back on,” Athani said.

Jerry Price, Senior Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, further explained how roommate assignments work for incoming first-years.

“We collect information from students, and we subscribe to a software program that helps us try to match people,” Price said. “Compared to other schools, we have a little bit of an added challenge because we have our Fenestra program where we cluster people by academic program.”

However, he admits that the system is far from perfect.

“There is a method to the assignment, but it is nowhere near foolproof,” he said. “One person’s quiet can be different than another person’s quiet.”

Price said students can have vastly different definitions of what it means to be a good roommate, which can also affect the success of roommate assignments.

Despite the challenges, some roommate assignments can make for hilarious stories to tell and others prove that the process can come with unexpected benefits.

“I do think there are a lot of times that it (assigned roommates) doesn’t work out, but I think it’s worth it for the times it does,” Rowe said. “I didn’t come to Chapman with someone in mind who I would room with, but I think if I did, it would put blinders on my vision in looking for friends. I probably wouldn’t have looked out as far into other people and explored different things without that push.”

Sohini Athani, 21, stands in front of The Tower Bridge in London, UK., on April. 21, 2025. Photo by Sohini Athani

“I had one student come to me saying they wanted to file a theft report on their roommate,” Price said. “I said, ‘What’d she steal?’ ‘My sweater.’ ‘What do you mean she stole your sweater?’ ‘She wore it to class.’ ‘So you have your sweater back?’ ‘Yes, but she stole it and wore it to class without my permission.’”

Sohini Athani, 21, stands in front of The Tower Bridge in London, UK., on April. 21, 2025. Photo by Sohini Athani

The Unsung Heroes of Chapman University

Students reflect on the employees who keep campus running behind the scenes

By Roshnee Moorthy

Quin Meiseles, a senior environmental science major at Chapman University and resident of Chapman Grand, prepares to take one of the last shuttles back home at 11:45 p.m. after spending a long evening studying and working on homework at the library.

“The shuttle is very helpful,” Meiseles said. “I think it’s always necessary for universities to have some sort of transportation service.”

The Chapman shuttle runs from Schmid Gate on Chapman’s main campus to off-site housing such as Chapman Grand, Chapman Court and Panther Village — giving students a free ride to and from their off-campus apartments.

“I like to say hello and thank you every single time I take the shuttle, and sometimes the driver will ask me about my day, which I appreciate,” Meiseles said. “[The drivers] have always been positive and kind.”

Charlie Cordova, the road supervisor for Chapman’s shuttles, helps set up drivers in the morning and coordinates shuttle schedules. He also steps in to drive when Chapman’s shuttles are shortstaffed.

“When we are short-handed, it puts a lot of stress on us…because [of] the way we schedule drivers, we don’t have extra people,” Cordova said. “[If a driver] calls out, there is no one to step in, it’s stressful because we’re trying to get everybody to class on time.”

Despite the pressure that comes with assisting the operation of the shuttle system and ensuring students’ safety, Cordova said he’s passionate about his job and loves Chapman, being a father of two graduates himself.

“I try to get to know [the students],” he said. “I always ask them about their studies, what [they’re] studying and what [they] want to do. The thrill I get is when they tell me thank you, and they mean it, and you can tell… Some know my name, some don’t.”

In addition to the shuttle system, multiple other departments work to keep the campus functioning behind the scenes, helping students in different ways.

Food service employees, contracted by Sodexo — a food service and facilities management company — work to prepare food for students and also maintain intense schedules of their own.

The Starbucks on campus, for example, is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Baristas are making sweet treats, snacks, coffee and refreshments all day — with peak wait times and lines in between morning and afternoon classes that keep their workload exceptionally heavy during high traffic times.

Similarly, the Randall Dining Commons — the main cafeteria for students in the dorms — is open for continuous dining from 7:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the week. Food service employees there are constantly replenishing and distributing food to hungry students.

Though the listed schedule on the website is 7 a.m. to 12 a.m. Monday through Friday — with differing hours on the weekend — the first driver starts their shift at 4 a.m. every day to fill the tanks of the shuttles and head over to Chapman’s Rinker Health Sciences campus in Irvine.

Cordova said the shuttle schedules are meticulously layered to ensure all shuttles have a driver at all times.

Sodexo employees also often work at school events such as Homecoming weekend and cater cultural events such as Chapman South Asian Student Association’s Diwali. These events often have hundreds of attendees.

Rodney Reed, the resident district manager for Sodexo on Chapman’s campus, gave a general overview of the number of hours Sodexo employees work.

Charlie Cordova, Road Supervisor for Chapman’s shuttle services, seated in the transportation services office located near the K housing. Photo by Roshnee Moorthy

Quin Meiseles, a senior environmental science major at Chapman and resident of Chapman Grand. Photo by Roshnee Moorthy

“We have everything from career professionals working 40 hours a week to students working two days a week and everything in between,” he said. “Due to the size and scope of our business, we are able to meet many different types of scheduling needs.”

Reed also broke down how the menu for the Randall Dining Commons is determined.

“We do online student surveys twice a year, giving students the ability to give detailed feedback on their level of satisfaction with the dining program,” he said. “Chef Jim and Hany, manager of Randall Dining Hall, regularly meet with students that have dietary restrictions and/or concerns to better help them understand how they can find what they need.”

Reed went on to say that Sodexo’s most important role on campus is to “drive student satisfaction by providing nutritious meals that taste great, allowing them to thrive in all their endeavors.”

Much of Chapman’s food service employees’ work goes unnoticed — but not by all.

Lisa Fisher, an accounting major and senior at Chapman, reflected on her experience at the cafeteria during her freshman year.

“I was always so [particular] about making sure people treated the workers in the cafeteria with respect,” she said. “The workers always greeted us with a smile, especially the lady who logged in our meal swipes.”

Maintenance workers at Chapman also undergo a demanding schedule in which they must respond to both the students’ and the school’s issues in a timely manner. The hours for facilities management start at 7:30 a.m. and end at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Kalyan Fernande, a computer science major and junior at Chapman, recalls the time his oven wasn’t working properly in his apartment at Chapman Grand, and he submitted a work request.

“The guy who came in was quiet, but he fixed my oven quickly,” Fernande said. “I’m grateful even if we didn’t have an extended conversation…it would’ve been a problem if my oven was down…Now that you mention it, I didn’t really think too deeply about that interaction.”

Photo provided by Chapman University

Bursting the bubble do chapman students feel connected orange

Written by Grace Littrell and Kendall Barger

Although some students can’t quite explain why, stepping onto Chapman University’s campus feels like stepping into a bubble that few are able to pop.

“The Chapman bubble is very real,” said Nico Schweggler, a junior broadcast journalism and documentary major. “I remember being a freshman and a lot of my friends saying how it felt like high school the first month or so of school.”

For many, the small-town feel of Orange was a reason why they found the campus appealing. With an easy commute to a plethora of stores and restaurants, it’s easy to find something to do on the weekends.

The Orange community’s support is easily spotted from Orange’s Homegrown Farmers (OHF) market, which is held every Saturday on the west side of campus by Dodge College of Film and Media Arts and The K Residence Hall. Many establishments in Old Towne Orange also offer student discounts.

Recently, the farmer’s market held a day targeted towards students, known as “Chapman Day,” where many vendors and

businesses provided special discounts and activities for students who brought their valid student ID.

Chapman’s mascot, Pete the Panther, even made an appearance during this special day, connecting students and the city of Orange through Panther pride.

While the community relations team attempts to bring the Chapman community and locals together with events like Chapman Day, many students still feel out of touch with the Orange community.

Sophmore Matthew Azuma and Senior Caroline Seiler pose with Pete the panther at Orange Homegrown Farmers Market. Photo provided by Matthew Azuma

Photo provided by Nico Schwegler

“The farmer’s market is right across the street from the K Residence, where I used to live all sophomore year, and I never went to it,” said Tatum Behrens, a senior strategic and corporate communication major.

Students like Behrens may feel disconnected or out of touch with the Orange community, even with so many opportunities to get involved, and the question arises: just how good is the relationship between the community and the campus?

Vice President of Community Relations Alisa Driscoll said the relationship between Chapman and the Orange community is largely positive.

Through planning large-scale affairs like Greek life’s philanthropic events or fostering positive relationships between offcampus students and their neighbors, the community relations team at Chapman has been able to see the connection that these actions create between the two communities.

“What our office tries to assist with is really helping to educate students about the societal kind of expectations of living in a residential neighborhood,” Driscoll said.

Photo provided by Chapman’s Community Relations Office Tatum Behrens, senior strategic and corporate communication major. Photo courtesy of Behrens.

While first-year students have the benefit of living directly on campus in the dorms, others have the disadvantage of a commute from Chapman Grand, Chapman Court or Panther Village. Commuting from Anaheim can be somewhat of a drag for many students.

While commuters still remain members of the Chapman community, their experience often feels more separated from those who live closer to campus.

Sadie Tak, a senior education major, commutes to campus from her home in Chino Hills. Her 45-minute drive to school makes it harder for her to stay engaged and connected with the community.

“Living in a different county and coming to Orange just for school, I’m not compelled to get as involved in the Orange community,” Tak said.

Dean of Students Jerry Price said that one of the reasons for the possible Chapman bubble is a relationship between some students and neighbors who feel that Orange is a “transactional” location.

“The bigger challenge comes with student behavior in the neighborhoods, where they rent houses, and because this is a very historic neighborhood that people have been living in for decades and decades,” he said. “They bristle when 20 and 21-year-olds move in for a year at a time who don’t seem to have any kind of affinity for the area.”

The two communities may be less inclined to connect if they perceive themselves as working against each other rather than in unison.

“It’s just a place to live — it’s just a house that’s temporary,” Price said, reflecting on the mindset that some students uphold.

Photo provided by Sadie Tak

Photo provided by Chapman University

Many students who live in the Orange community don’t see themselves as permanent residents, making it harder to feel as though their impact would have any effect at all.

“Students are busy people between class and work and their own social friend priorities,” Price said. “They don’t necessarily have a lot of free disposable time for extra things. That’s why I think that if we had more very tangible opportunities for them to connect in ways that they don’t have to put a lot of effort into, they can just attach themselves to this opportunity.”

Despite students’ busy schedules, the Office of Community Affairs is invested in their work to help better connect students with the Orange community.

One program that many students aren’t aware of is the Community Involvement Microgrant program. Student organizations that want to get involved with their community can contact the affairs office to apply for a $500 grant towards their service project.

“The more we can show that students are invested, I think the better everything will be,” Driscoll said. “So let’s get more students off campus and engaged with our local community.”

Photo provided by Jerry Price