$25.5 million new gift to university from Christine Cross, brings her gifts to school to $35.5 million
Chapman University has announced one of the largest philanthropic commitments in its history—a $25.5 million donation from longtime supporter and philanthropist Christine Cross. The new commitment, unveiled during the university’s State of the University Address, brings Cross’s total giving to more than $35.5 million.
The transformative gift includes $20 million to expand the Christine E. Cross Endowed Scholarship and an additional $5.5 million from the Lloyd & Elisabeth Klein Legacy Foundation to permanently endow Chapman’s summer music programs. Together, the commitments will enhance educational access and artistic opportunities for generations of Chapman students.
“Christine’s generosity is going to help hundreds of students, and that impact will reverberate far beyond our campus as those students graduate and lead in their communities,” said Chapman President Matt Parlow. “Her partnership embodies how shared values can create meaningful change.”
Cross’s relationship with Chapman began serendipitously in 2013. After being introduced to the university by her financial advisor, a chance encounter while waiting in a valet line with then-President Jim Doti led to a conversation—and eventually a friendship—that inspired her first $10 million gift. Since then, Cross has remained deeply engaged with students, faculty, and university leadership as her philanthropy and mentorship have grown.
“Christine’s dedication to our students goes far beyond financial support,” said Executive Vice President and Chief Advancement Officer Jessica Berger. “She truly invests in their success, mentoring them personally and ensuring that financial barriers never stand in the way of talent and ambition. Her $35.5 million commitment reflects a partnership that will shape Chapman’s future and the lives of countless young people.”
Cross describes her philanthropy as rooted in a belief that education transforms lives through opportunity and connection. “I want to help highly motivated young people with financial need who deserve every opportunity to achieve their dreams,” she said.
“If I can remove barriers and support them along the way, that’s one of life’s greatest privileges.”
Through her foundation, Cross and her husband, Lon, have provided numerous full-ride scholarships over the past decade—funding education from undergraduate through graduate study. She is known for personally mentoring recipients, helping them build professional confidence and life skills beyond the classroom.
Sophomore scholar Fiona Bumgarner, a graphic design major, says Cross’s mentorship has been life-changing. “Christine taught me that as much as being self-made is important, none of us get where we are without help,” she said.
“Her example showed me that when you’re able, you should give back—because that impact multiplies across generations.”
The new $5.5 million endowment also honors Cross’s parents, Lloyd and Elisabeth Klein, both lifelong advocates for philanthropy, education, and the arts. The Lloyd & Elisabeth Klein Legacy Music Camps Endowment will support Chapman’s summer music programs at the Hall-Musco Conservatory of Music, helping ensure their long-term sustainability and expanding access for talented students through additional scholarships.
“My mother was a painter, and my parents believed that the arts enrich our humanity and bring communities together,” Cross said. “This gift keeps their legacy alive through young musicians who will carry forward that same passion and purpose.”
With her latest commitment, Christine Cross has become one of Chapman’s most significant benefactors, shaping not only the future of the university but also the lives and careers of the students who will follow in her footsteps—proof that generosity, when matched with heart and vision, leaves an enduring legacy.