Ernie Chapman papers

Irvin C. "Ernie" Chapman was born February 14, 1911 in Fullerton, California. His father, orange grower Charles C. ("C.C.") Chapman was a leader in the YMCA movement in California and introduced his son early on to the organization and many of its leaders. Chapman was also active in the family business from a young age, and served in many leadership roles for civic and business organizations in Orange County, including as mayor of Fullerton from 1948 to 1950. He graduated from California Christian College in 1933 and was appointed a trustee in 1936 (a role in which he served until his death) when the college was renamed Chapman College (later Chapman University), in honor of his father.

Chapman's involvement with the YMCA was lifelong and deep, including local, national, and international roles. Locally, Chapman served on the board of the North Orange County YMCA for decades, and as chairman for four years. Regionally, Chapman was a member of the Pacific Southwest Area Board (later the Pacific Region Board) starting in 1957, and served as chairman of the Area Board for three years. He was instrumental in the growth of the Youth and Government program in California and was a regular participant in its Model Legislature and Court program.

Nationally, Chapman served on the YMCA's National Board from 1963 to 1983 and on its Executive Committee from 1967 to 1981. He was also a strong supporter of the Armed Services YMCA, for which he served on the board of directors from 1967 to 1990. Chapman's international YMCA experience dates back to 1930, when he went on a three-month YMCA tour for older boys to Asia. As an adult, he served on the Y's International Committee (later International Division) from 1950 to 1984. He was chairman of the Division from 1971 to 1977.

Chapman married Zelda McNamee in 1936 and the couple had two children, Cheri and Claire. The couple divorced in 1968 and Chapman married Edythe "Edy" in 1976. He died in August 2002.