Walking through the halls of Argyros Forum, students have gotten used to seeing the faces and descriptors of their peers in the “I Am Chapman” exhibit. But, starting this semester, a new bright teal “Welcome to Chapman” wall now covers what was once students’ unique stories being told.

“I Am Chapman” began in 2014 as a way for students to represent unique aspects of their identity, but was cut over the summer by the Student Affairs Office. The initiative’s website is also no longer active.

“It served as a meaningful way for students to connect as members of the Chapman community,” said Chris Hutchison, the associate vice president for student affairs.

“I Am Chapman” posters featured students along with three “I am” statements distinct to their character. Throughout the past 11 years, the posters were displayed on the first and third floors of the student union and Leatherby Libraries.

The exhibit was originally created to be a part of the rotating displays in Argyros Forum, but its high interest kept it around for much longer.

In recent years, Hutchison said interest has declined. When the initiative began, they would receive an average of 78 student applications a year. But in the past four years, the number of applications has dropped to 40.

“As with all exhibits, there comes a time when it is natural to transition to new ideas,” he said.

Some students involved in the program had speculation as to a different reason the program was cut.

“I imagine the decision reflects the larger national shift around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts in higher education,” said Bella Sandoval, a 2025 Chapman graduate who participated in “I Am Chapman.” 

Sandoval learned about the campaign as a high school student. In her “Why Chapman?” application essay, she focused on Chapman’s implementation of DEI initiatives and wanted an education rooted in her identity.

“It’s disappointing, because campaigns like ‘I Am Chapman’ were never about separating people,” she said. “They were about visibility, understanding and belonging. They reminded us that representation matters, especially for students who are first-generation or come from underrepresented backgrounds.”

Sophomore music education major Ashley Catalan, who participated just last semester, has a similar perspective.

“I believe it was a way to represent the diversity of students,” Catalan said. “The message conveyed a heavy vibe that, no matter our differences, we are all students at Chapman. However, in all honesty, DEI is more about accepting the fact that we are different and that we’re not all the same; everyone’s story is unique. If the movement had been more focused on that aspect, I believe it could’ve had a bigger impact.”

Chapman has wiped out almost all DEI programs from the university over the past two semesters — a trend that began when Chapman was placed on the Trump Administration’s watchlist of universities.

“It makes me really sad to hear that the (‘I Am Chapman’) display in (Argyros Forum is) gone,” said Emily Cho, a 2025 Chapman alumna. “When I was a student, I used to go every month to look at the new pictures and statements hung on the wall just to see all the new identities that were being shared. I think it was a big part of what made Chapman, Chapman sometimes.”

Going into her senior year, Cho wanted to make an impact, and that not only included “I Am Chapman,” but also speaking at the “We Are Chapman” event during orientation week.

“I thought writing out an application about my identities could help clarify some things in my life going into my final semester of college,” Cho said. “I felt (that) if I shared my story, I could reach some freshmen listening who could relate to my stories or identities, and make them feel a little less worried about coming into college.”

“We Are Chapman” began in 2017 as an event during Orientation Week for established students to share different experiences and aspects of their identity with incoming freshmen and their families as a way to ease first-year jitters.

“‘I Am Chapman’ fit right into the message Student Affairs was trying to promote,” said Hutchison.

Junior computer science major Alex Palmer spoke at “We Are Chapman” this year.

“I applied for the position thinking that I had nothing that people could relate to … but I was very wrong,” said Palmer. “I wanted to let students know that you may have a very different lived experience than someone else, but you can still relate to a lot of things with a person you don’t even know.”

Although “I Am Chapman” is gone, for now, “We Are Chapman” remains a part of future Orientation Weeks.

“(It) really hurt to see (‘I Am Chapman’ discontinued) because not everyone goes to the event during Orientation Week,” said Palmer. “Walking through the hall and seeing the names and statements of students who were able to share their identities and talk about how their experiences shaped their lives is so important.”

Although no longer active, the ghost of “I Am Chapman” lingers on campus, including in Doti Hall where a few posters of communication majors and former “I Am Chapman” members hang.

Sandoval also believes the “I Am Chapman” feeling can remain, even without the exhibit.

“The campaign gave so many students the chance to feel seen and to help others feel seen as well,” Sandoval said. “Even though the displays are no longer active, I think the spirit of ‘I Am Chapman’ lives on in the students who continue to show up authentically and create space for others to do the same.”