THE CROWD:

The leadership model established by Dr. James L. DotiJames L. Doti, president of Chapman University, has guided the Orange County institution of higher learning to national prominence.

Doti’s platform of humanism in part based on Chapman’s metaphoric association with the late Dr. Albert Schweitzer and his message of global unity was demonstrated in high gear recently as the 2009 Global Citizens Gala along with the dedication of Chapman’s Argyros Global Citizens Plaza unfolded in Orange County.

This remarkable and inspirational day on campus welcomed the honorable Colin L. Powell, former United States secretary of state, and high-ranking general in the Armed Forces.

The program began with a student discussion panel in Chapman’s Fish Interfaith Center. Students from the international studies department presented papers on Powell’s career to which he responded, creating a lively interchange and discussion.

The general then greeted VIP guests on campus before joining Doti and his wife, Dr. Lynne Doti, and Ambassador George L. Argyros and his wife, Julianne, for the formal unveiling of the new Argyros Global Citizens Plaza.

A gathering of some 500 attendees, many from the Newport-Mesa community including Pat and Richard Allen, Zee Allred and Drago Gligic, Blake Allred, Charyl and Dennis Assael, Charlene Baldwin, Joan Chapman, Kristina and Larry Dodge, Carmela and Ben Du, Dee and Doy Henley, Barbara and Mark Johnson, Don and Colleen Kennedy, and the elegant Suki and Randy McCardle surrounded the impressive plaza, which features flags from nations around the world surrounding a fountain fashioned in the shape of a globe named for Julianne Argyros.

In her self-deprecating humor “Mrs. A” stepped up to the microphone, resplendent in a full length white gown and shared with the crowd that her husband had come to her on Christmas and told her that he loved her very much and that he had a very special gift for her.

Julia opened the beautifully wrapped box expecting to find a “little bauble” or as she put it, “Maybe a nice little bracelet”, and instead found a note explaining that the Argyros family was donating money to build a fountain in the Global Citizens Plaza and that it would be named in her honor.

“How many girls get a fountain?” she asked her audience as they laughed and applauded.

Following several performances including the Bollywood “Step Dance” brought to international attention at the recent Academy Awards in association with the film “Slum Dog Millionaire,” Jim Doti and George Argyros invited the United States Army Color Guard’s 40th Infantry Division to raise the flags for the first time on the new plaza.

The crowd then reassembled in Hutton Sports Center, which had been transformed into an elegant ballroom draped in white sheer fabric to resemble a grand tent.

Gaddi Vasquez, former United States Ambassador to the United Nations Organizations in Rome, Italy, served as emcee of the evening celebration.

As the Chapman University choir performed “Let There Be Peace On Earth” dinner was served featuring a main course of Steak au Poivre.

Table hopping in the “tent” were Marybelle and Sebastian Paul Musco, Nancy and Richard Booth, Milan Panic, Libby Pankey, Miguel Pulido, Celia and George Poulos, Jerry Richards, Diane and Harry Rinker, Sandi and Ron Simon, Gail and Ron Soderling, Bonnie and Randy Bohart, Judi Garfi-Partridge, Nancy and Ron Mires and Richard Armstrong.

As dessert was served, Powell was again introduced by Jim Doti and delivered a keynote address with no notes that was both uplifting and informative.

“We have been through much harder times than these,” offered Powell, adding, “Do you remember the gas lines of the early 1970s when interest rates were more than 20%, unemployment was at record levels and the nation was still reeling from the effects of the Vietnam war?”

His message was clear, telling his audience that American citizens have survived many difficult periods and have come out stronger and better for the effort.

Powell recounted lessons of his career in service to the country through his military duties and his government roles.

Most importantly he told the Chapman crowd, “Education is the great leveler in American society. It is the key to the future of democracy. We must educate our children to compete in a challenging and changing world.”

Powell went on to entertain the audience sharing a story about his own educational experience at the City College of New York. He was a struggling C student who managed to graduate and go right into military service.

“Today I am one of their most distinguished alumni and called upon to front many events and fundraisers.”

Powell laughed with the crowd at the irony of going from an undistinguished “C” student to revered alumni status.

“I have learned many things here at Chapman University,” he said, adding, “You have every square inch of this campus named after someone. Every room, every building, every field is named in honor of a generous donor. I am taking this concept back to the City College of New York and going to work.”

The Global Citizens Gala ended with a standing ovation, well deserved.

This was one of the great events in Orange County this season, exposing a diverse citizenry to an accomplished American hero with a powerful message of peace and prosperity.

Ironically, arriving at Chapman earlier in the afternoon a small cadre of peace activists marched at the Chapman gates carrying signs that read “Make Peace Not War.”

By the end of the evening the demonstrators were gone. If only they could have been in attendance to hear Powell’s address they would have realized that this military man is in fact one of America’s most ardent representatives of peace and justice on the planet.

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