Julius Chapman’s Legacy

Julius Chapman became Towson State College’s first dean of minority affairs a half-century ago. During his 12-year career, he recruited and mentored African American students while helping to establish the Black Student Union, the Black Faculty and Administrators Association and the Black Cultural Center. Chapman was also the father of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity’s TU chapter, founding a brotherhood for African American male students. His dedication to African American student success was instrumental in helping students complete their TU degrees, and his influence has forever enriched their lives.

Last fall, alumni impacted by Chapman’s leadership decided to honor his contributions to the African American student experience at TU by making a gift. Some of Chapman’s most dedicated supporters purchased a campus bench overlooking Van Bokkelen Hall, where Chapman’s office was located.

Alumni and campus leadership surprised Chapman with a bench dedication during homecoming. At the event, Kenneth Abrams ’92, Towson Black Alumni Alliance president, spoke to what Chapman contributed during a trying time in TU’s history, “You stayed and persevered and made certain that the Center for Student Diversity exists today. We so appreciate what you have done. It is our job to pay it forward to continue your legacy.”

In addition to the bench, the Dean Chapman Honorarium was created with the goal of raising $5,000. Support the Dean Chapman Honorarium.