Empowering the next generation of business leaders: Chapman business school receives $1 million grant 

Photo by Simrah Ahmad, Staff Photographer

In the face of increasing uncertainty when it comes to funding and grants, one program at Chapman has found fortune in a new donor.

Chapman alumni Nella Webster O’Grady ‘71 and Kevin O’Grady have donated $1 million to the George L. Argyros College of Business and Economics, ranked the third-best private MBA program in California by U.S. News & World Report.

As stated by the faculty of Argyros, this significant gift will help further the college’s mission to develop innovative business leaders through its dynamic curriculum, while enhancing its programs and opportunities for future generations.

According to Chapman News, Webster O’Grady was one of only three women in the economics and business school during her time at Chapman. That experience inspired her to support the next wave of business talent — especially women — by ensuring they have access to the same, if not greater, opportunities than she did. 

This donation will also benefit the Hilbert Museum of California Art and the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics.

Cynthia West, director and associate professor at the Leatherby Center for Entrepreneurship and Business Ethics, shared her enthusiasm about the donation, emphasizing that it will enhance the center’s resources and enable the hiring of additional personnel to support its growing initiatives.

“With the donation, we're going to be able to hire more independent contractors so that we can have more support in our programs, or there may be some things that we need in the way of technology or capital expenses that we'll use the funding for,” said West. 

West believes that by 2034, more than half of the jobs available are going to be contract gigs and freelance, as opposed to traditional careers. It is up to the next generation to learn how to run their own companies.

One of the center’s flagship initiatives is its incubator programs, which are open to students, staff and alumni. These programs provide structured guidance and support for individuals pursuing startup ventures, helping to turn innovative ideas into viable businesses.

With around 100 graduates that have left and have created their own businesses and jobs, West feels that this is a core program to Chapman and entrepreneurs. 

Each summer, the Leatherby Center offers an eight-week entrepreneurship course titled Asociación de Emprendedores, taught entirely in Spanish. Designed to serve the broader Orange community, the course aims to provide valuable resources and support to Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs seeking to launch or grow their businesses.

“Last summer we graduated 44 Latinx founders, so that was really cool. And they were so proud to be at a university campus, taking a class here,” said West. “And then when they graduated, they got the certificate, and the dean of the business college came and they had their kids here.” 

West holds a special place in her heart for the program, noting how rewarding it was to witness its impact on participants from across Orange County. 

From party balloon businesses and travel agencies to denture manufacturing, the diversity of entrepreneurial ventures showcased the program’s far-reaching influence and ability to empower aspiring business owners.

“Our mission here at the Leatherby Center is to instill in the next generation of talent that entrepreneurial mindset,” said West.  

With the aid of the O’Grady donation, West is looking forward to enhancing current efforts in one of the areas that the Leatherby Center has struggled the most in: outreach. 

“This year, we’ve been focusing on outreach,” said West in an interview. “There’s so many people at Chapman that have never stepped foot in the building. So it always feels like we’re trying to promote it.”

Above all, West affirmed her appreciation for the donation, and her hope that more students may be able to take advantage of the unique opportunity provided by the Leatherby Center.

“Anytime, people can come here and get a tour…we just want to let the students know we’re here,” West said.

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