Expanding the university’s ever-growing property empire, Chapman President Daniele Struppa provided updates on the construction of three projects at the Feb. 11 State of the University address. 

A sneak peek at one of these undertakings — the new Sandi Simon Dance Center — revealed the university is in the process of transforming the historic Villa Park Orchards packing house — which was built over 100 years ago — into a “state-of-the-art” dance facility on North Cypress Street. Struppa said the university plans for the center’s construction to be completed by this summer. 

“We have one of the best dance programs in the country, and we believe that they deserve a world-class quality dance center facility,” Struppa said at the address. 

Struppa first indicated the university’s intent to transform the facility at last year’s address, but the vision became a reality with an $11 million investment from donors Sandy and Ron Simon.

Chapman University’s dance department has been recognized on a national level; most recently, the program was distinguished by danceus.org as one of the top three “Best College Dance Programs” in California and top 24 in the nation for 2020-2021. 

Struppa went on to discuss the expansion of Hilbert Museum of California Art, which was previously announced at last year’s State of the University address as well. Construction of a new wing will begin by the end of the summer, Struppa said, in order to provide sufficient space for the museum’s vast art collection.

“We can offer the city not just a museum, but also a new gateway into the city,” Struppa said at the event.

The third project Chapman will be undertaking is the creation of the Rinker Alton Center, which is estimated to be complete by the end of next fall. Struppa said the idea for the new construction project came from observing the shortcomings of the university’s Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science campus in Irvine.

“It’s a collection of buildings that were housing companies, and of course, we have revamped them inside so that we have beautiful classrooms (and) great laboratories,” Struppa said at the event. “They’re perfect learning spaces, but they do not really feel like a campus.” 

Collette Creppell, Chapman’s vice president for campus planning and design will be in charge of planning the campus’ redesign. The first building that will be revamped is the student center. The new design will be equipped with an open studying space, a lounge, a one-stop reception area and a cashier area where students will be able to buy supplies and food. 

 “I’m very excited that we will have this new facility that will transform the face of the Rinker Campus,” Struppa said. 

Struppa discussed how the university’s $138 million deal with the University of Massachusetts over control of Brandman University is expected to strengthen the school's financial situation. This funding allows the institution to provide individualized learning experiences within these new, modern facilities.

“(The deal) will grow our endowment and strengthen our focus on research and personalized learning,” Struppa said. 

New staff members were also welcomed and the university’s latest rankings were discussed.  The university has created new positions in order to strengthen its commitment to improve equity on campus. 

At the address, Struppa praised the notable impact of Reginald Chhen Stewart, vice president of diversity, equity and inclusion, on the university’s well-being. The university began recruiting for the role in August 2020, and Stewart was brought to campus the following summer. 

The fall 2021 academic semester would mark Stewart’s first at Chapman, and since his hire, he has been working to sustain an inclusive on-campus environment and revitalize the university’s Cross Cultural Center (CCC). He previously held similar positions at Iowa State University and the University of Nevada, Reno.

“(Stewart) knows what he is dealing with,” Struppa said at the address. “(Because of) his charisma, students, faculty and colleagues are immediately attracted to him — his demeanor, his solidarity and his ability to bring everybody together. I have worked with him for four or five months now, and I could not be more thrilled.” 

With its sights on future expansion, Chapman is still steadily making headway on goals reiterated at former State of the University addresses.