Voces Novae: Chapman University Historical Review was founded in the Spring of 2009 by the Alpha Mu Gamma Chapter of Phi Alpha Theta at Chapman University. The mission of Voces Novae is to provide undergraduate students a forum to contribute original research to the body of historical knowledge. We seek to bring students and teachers of history together in an intellectual dialogue with the goal of promoting and assisting historical research and analysis. Through the introduction of new and diverse voices in historical research, Voces Novae supports the mission of Chapman University to foster inquiring, ethical and productive lives as global citizens.

The 150th Anniversary Oral History Project is the culmination of two-semester history course where students learned to conduct oral history interviews, work with video technology, and compile their research into an online journal and archive. This project documents the university's rise to national prominence over the past 30 years. With support from faculty advisors Dr. Lee Estes and Jana Remy, students strove to present creatively this history as a series of conversations with key figures at Chapman University, including professors, administrators, staff members and trustees. Students also worked with Pam Ezell and Dan Noah at Panther Studios to familiarize themselves with the filming, editing, and interview process. Included in this compilation is a short video that students put together in conjunction with Panther Studios, "A Rise to Prominence." This video shows the process students used to construct this project, highlighting their experiences with new technology and historical methods. "A Rise to Prominence" is both a look at the past and a stepping stone for the future designed to inspire similar endeavors in the field of history.

The Disciples of Christ founded Chapman University in 1861 as Hesperian College in Northern California. It moved to Los Angeles in 1920 and opened its doors as California Christian College. After again changing its name to Chapman College in 1934, it settled in Orange, California in 1954. Through the efforts of the school's visionary leaders, including Charles Chapman, Cecil F. Cheverton, and J.E. Wilkinson, Chapman grew to become a distinct liberal arts institution offering personalized education for students. Current president James Doti, who started at Chapman as an economics professor in 1974, brought Chapman onto the national stage by diversifying the university's educational offerings while keeping the core values of its original founders.

This year marks the 150th anniversary of Chapman's founding. This project commemorates this event by paying tribute to everyone who has played a role in Chapman's rise to national prominence. We hope you enjoy this reflection on Chapman's dynamic past.