Season 5
What you can do with a little space like this | Orange Home Grown
Nestled on the outside of Chapman University on North Lemon Street is a small plot of land tucked in between residential homes — where families, college students and grade school science classes come together to nourish rows of fruit, edible flowers, a composting station and fresh seeds that will soon sprout into yummy produce.
The Orange Home Grown education farm, which started in 2016, is a place where anyone can come to learn how to grow food from dirt to table! Volunteers ranging from years of experience to those who have just stepped foot into the garden can all come together to be a part of this ‘self-sustaining cycle,’ as Farm Manager Doug Turner describes it. Every part of the farm is self-sourced — from the dirt to the seeds to the variety of produce.
When Orange Home Grown first started this farming space, they were amazed by how many people didn’t know where their food came from, a majority of which were younger people. So, they set out on a mission to educate the Orange community on what it means to have access to sustainable food.
Through youth food literacy programs, partnering with various organizations and community groups, as well as inviting schools to come work on their farm, the team at Orange Home Grown have continued to plant seeds of food knowledge in every visitor that steps on their dirt!
Created by Lisa Wong, Video & Podcast Editor
The life of a sound designer
In this episode of The Panther Podcast, Panther staff members Anastasia Kuplinova and Justin Yoon sit down with talented sound designer and Chapman student Annie Okuhara to discuss her journey into the industry, her creative process when designing sound for film and video games, and how she collaborates with directors and producers to bring their vision to life. They also explore the important qualities that a sound designer should possess and address AI implementation in the field of sound design. Tune in to hear from Annie Okuhara and discover the world of sound design!
Created by Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor, and Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
Beyond the Frame: The Story of HAILE Ali
This documentary features HAILE Zion Ali Wiseman, a multi-talented film student at Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. HAILE isn't just a filmmaker; he's also a storyteller, musician, artist, producer, rapper, and singer whose artistic vision strives for authentic representation in cinema. He challenges the limited narrative often presented in mainstream films, where Black stories are either overly sensationalized or completely overlooked.
HAILE believes in showcasing the ordinary experiences of Black people, stories that are just as compelling and deserve a platform. Through his art, he aims to normalize Black narratives and dismantle the harmful stereotypes that have plagued cinema for far too long. This documentary delves into HAILE’s creative journey, exploring his inspirations, artistic process, and the impact he hopes to make to the world.
Created by Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
Chapman Men’s Lacrosse 2024 season preview
As a club sport, the men’s lacrosse team at Chapman is entirely self-funded and competes at the Division 1 level in the MCLA Southwestern Lacrosse Conference. Last year, they made it to the MCLA National Championship Tournament, losing to Virginia Tech in the semifinals. As they start this new season with a fresh team, will they be able to make an even bigger comeback as the current #3 seed in the country?
Created by Lisa Wong, Video and Podcast Editor, for Chapman Sports Broadcasting Network
Special thanks to Caroline Chang, Nico Schwegler, Alex Dorr and Cole Miller
From Undeclared to Film Major at Chapman Dodge
In this episode, The Panther staff members Anastasia Kuplinova and Justin Yoon sit down with Lauren Besso to discuss her experience of being undecided/undeclared in college and how she ultimately ended up double-majoring at Chapman University. The trio dives into the challenges of choosing a major and the pressure that comes with such a decision. Lauren shares her personal journey of self-discovery and offers valuable tips on how to navigate the process of choosing a major. Whether you’re currently undecided or simply looking for some guidance on this topic, this episode is sure to provide you with valuable insights!
Created by Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor, and Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
The Truth of Being Transfer Students
In this episode, The Panther staff members Anastasia Kuplinova and Justin Yoon share their experiences as transfer students in Chapman University’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with transitioning to a new environment and provide valuable insights for anyone considering transferring to a new school. Tune into our recap of the Fall ‘23 semester!
Created by Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor, and Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
Multi Paradox | Chapman Institute of Quantum Studies
Have you ever wondered if the multiverse we see in movies is actually possible? This physics documentary explores the concept of multiple universes and the scientific theories behind them. Join Dr. Jeff Tollaksen (Chapman professor & co-director of Institute of Quantum Studies) and Cai Waegell (Postdoctoral fellow with the Institute of Quantum Studies & postdoctoral research associate) as they examine the possibility of multiple realities and the implications they could have on our understanding of the universe. Get ready to have your mind blown by the mysteries of the multiverse!
Created by Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor
Unaccounted Space | Chapman Veteran Student Jake Slocum
Jake Slocum, an applied human physiology major, speaks with The Panther in this short documentary about his decision to join the U.S. Navy as a Hospital Corpsman and his experience serving there.
Created by Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
Veterans at Chapman
In this episode, you'll hear from Jake Slocum '25 and Devansh Mehta '26, students who served in the U.S. Navy and transferred to Chapman University. They share their inspiring stories of transitioning from military life to academic life, as well as how their experiences in the Navy have shaped their outlook on life. They also discuss the challenges they faced during the transition process, along with the rewards that come with pursuing a college education. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into the Veteran's Club at Chapman, inviting you to participate in Veteran Students' Life and become a part of the community.
Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and experiences of veterans who are transitioning to college life!
Created by Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor, and Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
A place to create and nurture friendships – as well as your garden: The Potting Shed by Carlisle
The Potting Shed by Carlisle is undoubtedly a staple in Old Towne Orange. For Chapman students, Orange residents and even Southern California tourists, The Potting Shed is a place to not only satisfy your gardening needs. It’s a place to get trinkets for your home, to learn how to make pressed flower art or sip wine and paint. It’s a place to create and nurture friendships – as well as your garden.
Originally from North Carolina, Jack Carlisle grew up learning how to garden from his grandmothers, and often helped them tend to their plants. Later graduating with a degree in horticulture from North Carolina State University, he eventually moved to Southern California where he met his partner Luis Sardinas. The two eventually started a nursery of their own – an outdoor space with hand-selected plants, repurposed furniture, and unique plant containers.
In 2020, The Potting Shed moved to its current location at 10 Plaza Square. This past year, they expanded their store with a second floor. Co-founder Jack Carlisle is a known figure in the Orange community. When he’s not advising customers on succulents and water-wise plants, he’s a part of the Orange Chamber of Commerce, Orange Home Grown and other civic organizations. On Oct. 6, 2023, The Potting Shed was recognized as the Small Business of the Year at the annual State of the City event.
Created by Lisa Wong, Video/Podcast Editor
Greek Life at Chapman | Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ)
In this podcast episode, we sit down with Ivan Coronel, a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha (ΠΚΑ) fraternity at Chapman University, to discuss Greek Life on campus. Ivan shares his personal experience as a member of the fraternity, highlighting the benefits of joining a fraternity as well as addressing common misconceptions about Greek Life. Tune in to gain insight into the social and philanthropic aspects of Greek Life at Chapman University!
Created by Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor, and Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
The Panther Newsletter Promo
Want the week's top stories delivered straight to your inbox? The Panther's got your back. We brought back our weekly newsletter earlier this school year, and we're excited to share it with you! Every Wednesday at 8 a.m., we'll have a selection of articles to check out, along with some occasional videos, podcasts and even photo essays. Sign up to start receiving them here: http://eepurl.com/iyR6RI
Created by Lisa Wong, Video and Podcast Editor
From NYU Tisch to Chapman Dodge | Transfer Guide (Pt. 2 - Dodge Admissions)
In the second part of our transfer podcast, Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor, and Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor, welcome Caroline Chang, a transfer student from NYU Tisch who joined Chapman University's renowned Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.
Caroline shares her experience of transferring to a new school and how she found her footing in a new academic environment. We focus on the transfer process into Dodge College and how it differs from other programs at Chapman University. Caroline also talks about her favorite aspects of the film school and offers advice to students who are considering transferring into Dodge College. Tune in to this episode to learn more about the transfer process and the unique opportunities available at Chapman Dodge.
Created by Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor, and Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
Orange County Sustainability Decathlon
In this captivating 5-minute documentary, we take a deep dive into the Orange County Sustainability Decathlon '23, a competition that brings together innovative and forward-thinking student teams to showcase their sustainable solutions and technologies. From energy-efficient homes to eco-friendly cars, this event highlights the latest trends and advancements in sustainability and green living. Follow along as we get an inside look at the OCSD23 and hear from its Chapman University administrative and organizational team. Get ready to be inspired and motivated to take action towards a more sustainable future for all!
Created by Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor, and Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
Guide for Transfer Students (Pt. 1 — General Admissions)
For students transferring into Chapman University, especially for those who are transferring as international students, it can be hard to navigate through the process of applying and entering into Chapman.
Video and Podcast Editor Anastasia Kuplinova, along with Podcast Editor Justin Yoon, discuss their experiences transferring to Chapman as international students, along with some tips they have for interested individuals and the process one must go through, in this video podcast. The second and final part will focus on helping students looking to transfer into the Dodge College of Media and Arts.
Created by Anastasia Kuplinova, Video and Podcast Editor, and Justin Yoon, Podcast Editor
Season 4
Hagfish Way: students study mysterious ‘slime eels’
Douglass Fudge, Andrew Lowe and Dylan Burstyn from Schmid College of Science and Technology have been conducting research on hagfish slime as a way to further educate themselves on this incredible substance. Some audio and video clips credit to What If.
Created by Nidhi Kumar, video & podcast editor
‘Music you can see, dance you can hear’: Happy Tappy Chappy show returns to campus
Brandee Lara, a tap dance professor at Chapman University, recently took on the 15th annual Happy Tappy Chappy show. The show was a combination of equal parts education and entertainment. Students describe Lara as a wonderful teacher with bursting energy and spirit. She has been teaching tap dance at Chapman for over 20 years.
Video by NIDHI KUMAR, video & podcast editor
The industry through a male dancer's eyes
Originally from Portland, Oregon, Emerson Donohoe is a dancer and choreographer in Orange County. Ever since he started dancing as a child, he’s fallen in love with the art and continues to pursue it professionally, working at Disney and pursuing a BFA in the Chapman Dance program.
He offers insight into the dance industry and culture through his perspective being, most of the time, the only male dancer in the room.
Video by LISA WONG, video & podcast editor
Educating underserved communities at Scholarship Prep
According to their website, Scholarship Prep Public School’s mission is to create “community change by operating university-inspired, trauma-informed public schools for all students, especially those experiencing homelessness or those in the foster care system.” The school offers rich resources to further this mission: their educators are trauma trained and they provide food and housing resources, chromebooks,counseling and even laundry services.
Scholarship Prep’s culture strives to create a safe environment for underserved students, especially foster care children and unsheltered youth throughout Southern California in several locations. This video is a glimpse of the effort and impact of the school’s purpose in the community of Santa Ana.
Made by Lisa Wong, video & podcast editor
Animation students use motion capture to bring projects to the next level
Animation and visual effects majors Jack Stassi, Zion Wang, Abby Carton and creative producing major Jacy Sagun take on the large task of creating an animation thesis for their senior year. They use motion capture, a software that allows them to capture animation in real time using their own bodies and sensors.
Video by Nidhi Kumar, video & podcast editor
A campus hidden gem and resource: The Cross Cultural Center
The Cross-Cultural Center (CCC), located on the third floor of Argyros Forum, is a safe space for all students to help create a more positive and inclusive Chapman community. The CCC hosts programs for students to explore different communities and to support them through various community affirming services. Clubs and organizations who support this mission of the CCC can utilize this space as well. It’s a comfortable environment for students to relax and retreat on campus as well.
Video by Lisa Wong, video & podcast editor
Season 3
Digging dinosaur bones: students return from summer trip with fossils
In the summer of 2021, television writing and production major Sarah Wallace — who graduated in 2022 — was a part of a Chapman University Montana expedition led by Chapman Presidential Fellow Jack Horner. She discovered a three-foot bone that belonged to a 78 million year old gryposaurus, starting a project to excavate the fossil.
This past summer, some students — as a part of the University Honors Program “Dinosaurs in Science and Media” class taught by Horner — went back to that dig site to finish the excavation job. Now, the gryposaurus resides in the Chapman University Paleontological Preparation Lab located in Hashinger Science Center, where it is currently being prepared by three students who were a part of the excavation.
Nidhi Kumar and Lisa Wong spoke with Horner, Wallace and two preparators to learn more about their experiences, the discovery, and navigating the preparation process.
Created by Nidhi Kumar and Lisa Wong, video & podcast editors
A conversation with Jorma Taccone
Get to know Jorma Taccone, member of the trio The Lonely Island. The group is known for their 100+ digital shorts on Saturday Night Live (SNL), including Lazy Sunday and Jack Sparrow, Emmy award winning comedy rap albums and their movies such as “Hot Rod” and “Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping.” Taccone shares how he started filmmaking, his time writing for SNL, his creative endeavors and what he’d like to be most be remembered for.
Video created by LISA WONG, video & podcast editor
Who are the people behind the Saturday farmers market stands? | Part 2
This is the final part to a continuation of highlighting some of the Orange Home Grown businesses at the Saturday farmers’ market. See part 1 here. Special thanks to Korean translator Helen Lee and Gwendolyn Allison for camera assistance in this video.
Video by LISA WONG, video & podcast editor
Makerspace lets students design, create and innovate with 3D printers, high-end machines
The Panther takes a look into the inner workings of students and faculty members using the DCI (Design, Create & Innovate) Lab Makerspace to create work for their classes and personal projects. Students of all majors enter the DCI Lab daily to create anything their mind imagines. This film highlights just a couple of those creative students.
Video by NIDHI KUMAR, video & podcast editor
Who are the people behind the Saturday farmers market stands? | Part 1
Orange Home Grown was a non-profit started in 2009 to bring locally grown, nutrient-dense, sustainable food to the Orange community. Their Saturday Farmers and Artisans Market was started in 2011 every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is located at 303 W. Palm Ave.
Popular among Chapman students and Orange locals, the market is a bustling area where local businesses share their art, produce, and handmade products. These small business owners come from different backgrounds, some growing up here in Orange County and others coming from places like South Africa and Mexico.
All coming to the Becket lot each week with a common purpose in sharing their craft, there’s a deep sense of love interwoven in the space between stands, children dancing and the coming and going of the Orange community. Video & Podcast Editor Lisa Wong spent a Saturday talking with some of these business owners frequent market goers may know and love. Special thanks to Spanish translator Sebastian Plaza and Gwendolyn Allison for camera assistance in this video.
Video by LISA WONG, video & podcast editor
The Collective brings more arts and music to Chapman
The Collective is the lead student-run Chapman organization for arts and music. They’re well known for hosting large events, most recently the Flower Moon Festival last spring semester. They’re made up of various artists across different mediums, led by a board composed of three students: Jackson Gefen, David Anderson and Alden Iannelli. Get to know how The Collective started and what to look forward to for their future.
Created by LISA WONG, video & podcast editor
Season 2
Chapman Thrift shares vintage finds with campus community
With the goal of finding thrifted gems a loving new home, sophomores Caroline Shinner, CJ Dinowitz and Alena Nitti started Chapman Thrift club this year. Shinner, a public relations and advertising major, bonded with Dinowitz and Nitti, two communication studies majors, over the trio’s shared hobby of thrifting. What started as a pastime evolved into the group hosting two flea markets on university campus and a desire to expand their events further.
Created by VIVIENNE AYRES, Video Editor
Chapman sophomore roller-skaters glide through campus
Sophomores Alden Ianelli, a communication studies major, and Abby Luhrs, an art history major, talk about their introduction to roller-skating and how it has stirred conversation on Chapman campus.
Created by VIVIENNE AYRES, Video Editor
Portrait of a Chapman honors student
The Panther spoke with Francesa Hill, a sophomore double majoring in French and broadcast journalism and documentary, about how she copes with her busy schedule and manages her time as a student in the University Honors Program. On top of being an honors student, Francesca participates in multiple on-campus extracurricular activities and an off-campus internship. Due to her strenuous schedule, Francesca makes sure to set aside time every day to journal as a way to ground herself.
Created by LAUREN THORBURN, Video Editor
Caution on set: Dodge College continues practicing COVID-19 protocol on student productions
What is it like to be a student COVID-19 compliance officer (CCO) in a time when mask mandates are being lifted and society is returning to a sense of normalcy? To find out, the Panther talks to junior public relations and advertising major Zoe Warch, a CCO on the set of the pilot episode for “Are We Human” — a student production through the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts.
Also featured is Dan Leonard, the associate dean of Dodge College, to discuss the film school’s current COVID-19 policies and thoughts on the future of student productions. Lastly, The Panther speaks with Silvia Miranda, a sophomore broadcast journalism and documentary major who was diagnosed with COVID-19 during the production of her documentary project for Chapman’s Community Voices class.
Created by Vivienne Ayres
First-ever Eastvale Lantern Festival commemorates Lunar New Year
The city of Eastvale, California hosted its first-ever Lantern Festival Feb. 19-20 on Citrus Street to commemorate the Lunar New Year with cultural dancing, food, small businesses and more. The festival became a reality through the collaboration of the Eastvale American Chinese Association and the Panana Night Market. The Panther talked to some of the attendees at the festival Feb. 19, including Director of DnD Entertainment Co. Cari Diaz, Shawn Lee and Kathrine Cho — students from the University of California, Irvine — and Whitney Yun, a volunteer with the Chinese American Volunteer Association.
Created by LAUREN THORBURN, Video Editor
Anaheim observes Black History Month with community-wide celebration
The city of Anaheim hosted its annual Black History Month Parade and Festival Feb. 5 after being canceled last year due to COVID-19. There was a large turnout, with people traveling in from as far as Bakersfield. The Panther interviewed dance coach Luther Gray, Caryn Lewis-Buggs — a sorority alumna helping to teach about black history — and youth arts coordinator Wanda Reynolds.
For more on the Black History Month Parade and Festival, click here.
Created by LAUREN THORBURN and VIVIENNE AYRES, Video Editors
Season 1
Virtual world-building with Austina Wang
Austina Wang, a senior animation and visual effects major at Chapman, is pushing the boundaries of cinematic world-building through the use of a LED wall recently acquired by the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. She reflects on using the technology for her thesis film, "Ceratosaurus," and breaks down what goes into the virtual production process. Read more about the LED screen and virtual production here.
Created by ALEX WITT, Video Editor
Chapman students reveal favorite films of spooky season
The Panther asks random students on campus to discuss their favorite scary movies in the spirit of Halloween.
Check out The Panther's article on the same topic here.
Created by ALEX WITT, Video Editor
Chapman students get their fall fix with seasonal drinks
The Panther asks students at the university's on-campus Starbucks what they're sipping this season and if beverages like the infamous pumpkin spice latte live up to the aesthetic.
Filmed by GRETCHEN ALBERS and LAUREN THORBURN, Staff Videographers. Edited by ALEX WITT, Video Editor
‘Climate emergency’: Orange residents take to streets with activism
A crowd of Orange residents took to the streets Sept. 24 to amplify awareness of the ongoing fight for intersectional climate justice at the Uproot the System Climate Strike. Participants marched from Orange City Hall to The Orange Circle and back. The event was hosted by Fridays for Future OC and Reform & Sustain, and it occurred parallel to a global climate strike the same day.
Filmed by GRETCHEN ALBERS and LAUREN THORBURN, Staff Videographers. Edited by ALEX WITT, Video Editor
Freshman Dorm Tour
Freshmen in Chapman's student dormitories offer a window into their personal lives by sharing experiences about residing in their new home away from home.
Filmed by LAUREN THORBURN, Staff Videographer. Edited by ALEX WITT, Video Editor
Panther Tunes: What are Chapman students listening to?
The Panther asks random students on campus to share what music they're currently listening to in the first segment of "Panther Tunes."
Filmed by GRETCHEN ALBERS, Staff Videographer. Edited by ALEX WITT, Video Editor