On October 29, 2010, Chapman University was welcomed into the United Church of Christ Council for Higher Education, making it the third school (the others are Tougaloo College and Drury University) to have a dual affiliation with both Disciples and the UCC.
Chapman sought this relationship because of the program that they offer to United Church of Christ students. The children of ministers of either denomination receive half tuition as well as youth who have served their Disciples Region or UCC Conference in youth leadership. All who participate in the Chapman student group called Disciples on Campus receive $2,000 annually to help with their tuition.
"We are enriched as denominations because of our special Partnership relationship. It makes great sense to officially recognize this partnership in the university setting," said Nancy Brink, Director of Church Relations at Chapman. "Having this official designation will help us recruit excellent UCC youth from across the nation," continued Brink. "We work to create a community of students who not only remain church connected, but leave Chapman ready to be transformational leaders in congregations."
The United Church of Christ relationship will be celebrated on March 18- 19, 2011 as Chapman celebrates Founders Day. Speakers at the event include John Shelby Spong, Newell Williams, Alvin Jackson, and Anne Lamott. Next year is 150th anniversary of Chapman University, founded by the Disciples of Christ. For information about the event, go to chapman.edu/churchrelations/founders.asp.
