»About Donna Ford Attallah

Donna Ford Attallah '61, for whom Chapman University’s Attallah College of Educational Studies is named, is a distinguished Chapman alumna, educator, and philanthropist who has dedicated her life to service and education.

After graduating from Chapman in 1961 with her bachelor's degree, Mrs. Attallah taught kindergarten and first grade in California's Cypress School District for 40 years. Her passion for education has been a lifelong commitment that extended far beyond her classroom, fostering growth and opportunities at Chapman University.

Alongside her late husband, Dr. Fahmy Attallah, Mrs. Attallah has been a generous supporter of Chapman University. Their philanthropy has touched nearly every corner of the Chapman community, from scholarships and faculty support to the creation of the Donna Ford and Fahmy Attallah, Ph.D., Library of Arts and Humanities within Leatherby Libraries, and the iconic Fahmy Attallah, Ph.D. Piazza, which stands as a central gathering place on campus. She is a Trustee Emeritus, having served for many years as an active member of Chapman's Board of Trustees and various committees. Often seen on Chapman's campus, Mrs. Attallah is the college's "Chief Angel" and loves to hear about our students' experiences and the ways in which they contribute to our college motto of changing education and changing the world.

In recognition of her dedication to and positive impact on Chapman, the College of Educational Studies was renamed in 2017 as the Donna Ford Attallah College of Educational Studies, and the Reeves Hall historic building proudly displays her name at its entrance and portrait inside. Visitors to Reeves Hall can learn more about Mrs. Attallah and her beloved husband from the main floor's engaging visual displays, which connect the Attallahs' personal stories of educator and psychologist to the journeys of current students and recent alumni.

Donna Ford Attallah’s lifetime of experiences, marked by her deep belief in the transformative power of education, continues to serve as an inspiration for the Chapman community and beyond. For her many achievements and positive impact, she was awarded an honorary doctorate from Chapman University in 2023. Through her ongoing generosity, she has ensured that Chapman's education students will have the resources and support to succeed for generations to come.