Loss of a Legend
Julius Chapman, TU鈥檚 first dean of minority affairs, passed away on October 24, 2023
By MIKE UNGER on October 25, 2023
Julius Chapman鈥攚ho as TU鈥檚 first dean of minority affairs recruited and mentored Black students while helping to establish the Black Student Union, the Black Faculty and Administrators Association and the Black Cultural Center鈥攄ied on Oct. 24.
鈥淒r. Chapman鈥檚 leadership laid a foundation for the transformation to the inclusive university that has become a hallmark of TU鈥檚 student life and academic enterprise,鈥� says Melanie Perreault, TU鈥檚 interim president, in a statement. 鈥淥ur work continues every day to build upon and honor his legacy for generations to come.鈥�
In 2021, the lawn between the Media Center and Stephens Hall was dedicated the Dr. Julius Chapman Quadrangle. In prior years, a bust and a bench overlooking Van Bokkelen Hall, where his office was located, were dedicated in his honor. At Homecoming in 2022, the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) Tribute Walkway was built in Chapman Quad, funded by TU鈥檚 historically Black fraternities and sororities and their supporters.
When Chapman started at TU in 1968, Black student enrollment was less than 1% of the total student population. Today, more than 63% of first-year students identify as an underrepresented racial or ethnic minority, and TU graduates more Black students than any university in Maryland.
Services for Dean Chapman will take place Fri., Nov. 10 and Sat. Nov. 11.
- Viewing will be held, Fri., Nov. 10, 5 - 8 p.m.
Wylie Funeral Home
9200 Liberty Rd., Randallstown, MD 21133 - Homegoing Services will take place on Sat., Nov. 11.
- Wake - 10 - 10:30 a.m.
- Omega Service - 10:30 - 11:00 a.m.
- Funeral Service - 11:15 a.m.
St. John's Baptist Church
9055 Tamar Dr., Columbia, MD 21045