May 24, 2002
Contact: Harry Hellenbrand
(805) 756-2706
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Local Philanthropists Establish Three Endowments Totaling $4 Million at Cal Poly
Clifford Chapman and Gene Shidler, longtime supporters of Cal Poly and the
arts in San Luis Obispo, have established three endowments, totaling $4 million,
benefiting the university's College of Liberal Arts, Cal Poly Arts and the Baker
Forum.
Chapman, who studied electronic engineering at the university, and
Shidler, a 1967 English alumnus, view their bequests as a way to
continue strengthening the arts community and the Cal Poly educational
experience.
"We feel fortunate to have studied at Cal Poly and to have watched its
reputation grow to a national level under the guidance of President
Warren J. Baker and his wife, Carly," Chapman and Shidler said. "The
future of the world, we believe, is in the hands of educators. We're
happy to invest in tomorrow's students and leaders."
"Clifford and Gene have made significant and lasting impacts on the
arts in our community," Baker said, "and they have been equally
supportive of Cal Poly's programs. Their commitment to both the arts
and education runs very, very deep, as these gifts attest. We are
grateful for their trust in Cal Poly."
Chapman was given the Cal Poly President's Arts Award in 1999 in
recognition of his philanthropic service to the arts community.
Self-described music lovers, Chapman and Shidler have been generous
supporters of the entire local arts community, including the San Luis
Obispo Symphony, the Mozart Festival, the Pacific Repertory Opera and
the SLO Little Theater. They both are founders of the Performing Arts
Center, and Chapman currently serves on the board of directors of the
Foundation for the Performing Arts Center.
Chapman, a sixth-generation resident of San Luis Obispo County, spent
more than 30 years as owner of Marshall's Jewelers in downtown San Luis
Obispo. He started out with the business as a janitor in the late 1950s.
Shidler worked for many years as a librarian with the
Santa Maria High School District and has served on the board of
directors of the Foundation for the San Luis Obispo County Libraries.
Chapman and Shidler are longtime residents of Shell Beach and have
spent years restoring their vintage home, which they open for local
fund-raisers and community functions.
A $2 million endowment will support Cal Poly's College of Liberal Arts.
"This generous gift will greatly benefit our performing arts program,"
said Harry Hellenbrand, dean of the college. "Students flock to our
music and theater classes because of the hands-on experiences there,
and these programs will be enhanced by this support. The gift will
provide them with a great legacy."
Ralph Hoskins, director of Cal Poly Arts, said the $1 million
Chapman/Shidler gift "will assure that non-commercial programming like
classical music, dance and theater will always be a part of the
university's performing arts series. This support will help broaden the
community's appreciation of these types of arts programs."
Another $1 million endowment will provide ongoing support for the Baker
Forum, created to honor the leadership of President and Mrs. Baker. The
forum is designed to foster discussion among educators, industry
leaders and public policy-makers on issues of science and technology,
ranging from student preparation to the social and ethical dimensions
related to the impact of technology on society.
"The Baker Forum recently held its inaugural event, which was very
successful," said Provost Paul Zingg. "It's gratifying to know that
Clifford and Gene's generosity will guarantee that this forum continues
into the future and help attract national and world leaders to the event."
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