Rick Christophersen, B.A.

The position of Director for the Conservatory of Music requires an unusual mixture of business expertise and artistic knowledge, for which Rick Christophersen '94 was actively recruited in March of 2001. As a Chapman grad with a dual degree in Music and French, Rick always knew his ultimate goal was to work in the field of arts management.

He joined Chapman after working 10 years in the business world as a mortgage broker, an investor conduit and, most recently, as a portfolio manager of $300-$500 million in mortgage loans for Ameriquest Mortgage Company. Rick's business experience and extracurricular involvement in the arts allowed him to venture into this career field of arts management and administration. His responsibilities are far reaching and include coordinating and scheduling all music events, directing financial and budget operations, curriculum planning, facility management, admission and recruitment coordination, donor relations, and assisting the dean in long range planning.

Another aspect of Rick's job is to represent the Conservatory of Music at campus administrative meetings, donor events, music performances, and student recruiting events.  He was intimately involved in the planning of Oliphant Hall and the refurbishment of Bertea Hall.

Rick's responsibilities are obviously far-reaching, however he is quick to respond that his favorite aspect of the job is working with the students. "Making sure that events run smoothly and seeing the students shine makes my job extremely rewarding," says Rick.