A Legacy of Possibility
Christine Cross's first encounter with the Chapman University community happened while waiting in line for valet parking. Her attorney, Doug Freeman (a member of the President's Cabinet at Chapman) suggested she meet Jim Doti, president of Chapman University, to discuss philanthropy. Not long after, Christine recognized Jim Doti in the valet line following a panel discussion event he moderated. It was at this serendipitous meeting that Christine introduced herself and asked for a campus tour.
"I wanted to visit Chapman University to determine if our goals were in alignment and to feel the character of the campus," said Christine.
Following her initial visit, Christine came back to campus many times and found opportunities to speak with students and faculty members. She was interested in hearing perspectives about the university first-hand from campus community members. After becoming more familiar with Chapman, Christine and her husband, Lon, made the decision to arrange an estate gift to Chapman that will ultimately establish the Christine and Lon Cross Endowed Scholarship Fund in support of need-based scholarships.
"Christine always felt that education should be a priority so she decided that endowing a significant need-based scholarship should be her ultimate philanthropic legacy through her estate plans," said Sheryl Bourgeois, executive vice president of university advancement, in an interview with Chapman's student-run weekly newspaper, The Panther.
Through this need-based scholarship fund, Christine and Lon are putting into action their passion for helping prepare students for their future and creating opportunities for them to achieve their dreams.
"You never know what the possibilities are when you provide some education and management skills," Christine said. "Put a student in an enriched educational setting, add great professors, beauty on campus, great food (a must!), happy students, involved leadership, need-based scholarships and look out!"
In addition to their generous bequest to Chapman, Christine and Lon were also sure to include provisions within their trust to provide for their children and grandchildren. The funding for the endowed scholarship fund will come to Chapman in stages as the various family provisions are satisfied.
Inspire Your Legacy
For information about creating your Chapman legacy, contact us.
- David B. Moore (M.A. '09), (714) 516-4590 or [email protected]
- Lindsey Jacobs '09 (M.A. '18), (714) 628-7311 or [email protected]
