Chapman History

Chapman’s beginnings

Founded in 1861, Chapman University is one of the oldest, most prestigious private universities in California. Originally called Hesperian College, the school later merged with California Christian College in Los Angeles. In 1934, the institution was renamed in honor of C.C. Chapman, an Orange County entrepreneur and benefactor of the school. The college moved to its current location in Historic Old Towne Orange, California in 1954, and in 1991, the college adopted the “university” designation to more fully reflect its commitment to international education and exemplary undergraduate and graduate programs.

The school maintains its historical connection to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) through its resolve to educate ethical, spiritual and intellectual individuals. While undergraduate religious classes and opportunities are offered, none are required. And the dean of the chapel oversees an active interfaith program to meet the spiritual and religious needs of Chapman’s diverse community.

Chapman University prides itself on the deep commitment of its faculty to provide undergraduate and graduate programs of the highest order, offering personal attention to each and every student who passes through our doors.

The School of Law: A historical perspective

With its fresh approach to legal education and its ties to California’s origin as a state, Chapman University School of Law straddles an impressive past and limitless future.

Unlike some methods of legal pedagogy that fostered an educational environment grounded in intimidation, Chapman sought to challenge old paradigms and put students at the center of the educational experience while retaining rigorous classroom discussion. Chapman asked the question, “Can a legal education be personal, dynamic and effective?”"

The answer is: unequivocally “yes.”

Chapman University School of Law opened in 1995 as Orange County’s only law school on a university campus. In 1997, construction began on a home for the school at a site that was once part of the historic Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana, granted by the Spanish government in 1810.

Nearly 200 years after that original grant, the state-of-the-art Donald P. Kennedy Hall opened in 1999. Named for benefactor, Chapman Trustee, and chairman of the board of First American Financial Corporation, the building incorporates the historic façade of a 19th century structure while also integrating the latest technology for legal study and teaching. By marrying the old with the new, Kennedy Hall symbolizes Chapman’s commitment to its legacy and to providing innovative, personalized and results-oriented legal training.