ORANGE : New Argyros Forum to Help at Chapman

Student enrollment has increased by 11% this year, but officials at Chapman University aren’t worried about overcrowding. The Argyros Forum, a new building that increased space on campus by 15%, opened at the same time new students poured onto Chapman’s grounds in September.

Inside the 100,000-square-foot building with its sweeping circular staircase are the university’s admissions office, student and faculty dining facilities, a bookstore, lounge facilities, art galleries and state-of-the-art classrooms.

“It’s a multipurpose center that brings every member of the community together under one roof,” university President James L. Doti said. “It’s the main hub of activity on campus.”

The imposing $15-million structure was named for one of the university’s biggest benefactors, alumnus George Argyros, and his wife, Judie. George Argyros graduated from what was then Chapman College in 1959. He has served on the university’s board of trustees since 1976, and is currently chairman of the board.

“Both of them have had an impact on every aspect of Chapman’s life,” Doti said of the couple. “They’ve made significant contributions to Chapman over the years.”

Planning for the Argyros Forum began in the mid-1980s when university officials won city approval to add more classroom space. It was originally conceived to be a classroom building equipped with the latest technology.

But as the number of Chapman students began to grow, campus officials noticed that the existing student union--originally a bus depot--was becoming increasingly overcrowded.

Work commenced in 1991 on the Argyros Forum, which was completed last summer.

“It integrates almost every element of the student existence,” Doti said. “Students can dine there, attend class, go to a movie, or participate in student organizations.”