At The Hollywood Reporter’s (THR) star-studded Women in Entertainment (WIE) event at The Beverly Hills Hotel on Dec. 7, three incoming Chapman University students were presented with fully supported scholarships thanks to the generous contributions of The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation; The National Association of Theatre Owners of California/Nevada (NATO); and Creative Artists Agency’s (CAA) Bryan Lourd and his daughter, Billie Lourd, in honor of Billie’s mother, Carrie Fisher.
The annual breakfast gala, timed with the publication of THR’s latest Women in Entertainment Power 100 list, this year included an introduction by actor Will Ferrell and awards honoring actress Kerry Washington and Oscar- and Grammy-winning singer Adele.
Each scholarship awardee is part of the WIE Mentorship Program, founded in 2009 by Stephen Galloway, dean of Chapman’s Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, in his previous role as executive editor of THR. The WIE program is a joint venture between THR and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles and has helped provide more than 50 brilliant young women from South and East Los Angeles with fully funded scholarships.
This is the fourth year in a row that Chapman has partnered with THR’s Women in Entertainment to support the mentorship program, which pairs industry professionals with motivated high school scholars.
“Thanks to partnerships with WIE and our committed donors, together we are advancing the mission of Chapman University and helping the next generation of deserving young scholars achieve academic success,” said Galloway.
During the event, award-winning musical artist Camila Cabello presented The Chuck Lorre Family Foundation scholarship to incoming student Linda Olivares-Hernandez.
“Chapman has been my dream school,” said Olivares-Hernandez. “I want to study film and TV production and double major in animation. I love to learn and can’t wait for what’s in store for me at Dodge College and beyond!”
Killers of the Flower Moon star Lily Gladstone presented the National Association of Theatre Owners of California/Nevada scholarship to incoming student Marilin Garcia Hernandez, who plans to study business management at Chapman.
“When my scholarship was announced, I remember closing my eyes, and when I opened them, it all felt like a fairy tale,” said Garcia Hernandez. “The moment I realized this was reality, I thought of my parents, and I remembered how much they have sacrificed to provide a future for me and my brothers. I realized that through all their efforts and mine, I could say thank you by showing what I can accomplish.”
Actress Billie Lourd presented the Carrie Fisher Scholarship to incoming student Samantha Bugarin.
“When I toured Chapman, the highlight was seeing all the film equipment and different rooms and classrooms,” Bugarin said. “The biggest highlight, though, was talking to the staff, including Dean Galloway, and seeing their passions to help and create more inclusion. That was when I realized I wanted to be part of the Chapman family.”
During the WIE event, it was also announced that every girl graduating from the mentorship program would receive a $10,000 scholarship and access to the Los Angeles Community Impact Hub, co-founded by the Best Buy Foundation, which provides tech access, skill-building opportunities and mentorship to underserved students across Los Angeles County.
“We are grateful to Chuck Lorre, NATO and CAA for their incredible generosity,” said Gabe Cagwin, Ph.D., vice president of development. “By bringing scholarships to life, they have established a meaningful resource at Chapman to support students facing hardship.”