Chapman University President Emeritus James L. Doti and his wife, Dr. Lynne P. Doti, have gifted the Hilbert Museum a selection of significant works from their collection of California art, which they began creating in the 1990s. When the opportunity came up to share their collection with students and the community, they were all in: “We wanted many more people, and especially students, to be able to enjoy, share in and learn from the beauty and artistry of these works by some of California’s most accomplished painters,” Jim Doti said. “We love these works and we know that everyone who sees them will appreciate them as much as we do. We know they will have a great home at the Hilbert Museum.”

Jim Doti, who served as president of Chapman for 25 years, from 1991 to 2016, was the University’s 12th and longest-serving president. His dynamic tenure saw Chapman make great strides in national prestige and rankings and in opportunities for students. He still actively holds the Donald Bren Distinguished Chair in Economics, teaching undergraduate classes. He also continues his work with Chapman’s A. Gary Anderson Center for Economic Research. Doti presents the Chapman University Economic Forecasts twice a year in front of thousands of California business and community leaders. He is a mountain climber who has scaled many of the world’s highest peaks, and completed his 10th Boston Marathon (and 60th major marathon) last year.

Lynne Doti, the David and Sandra Stone Professor of Economics, served as a faculty member in Chapman’s Argyros School of Business and Economics from 1971 until her retirement in 2016. She is the author of several books and numerous articles on the history of banking and entrepreneurship. "I grew up in California and have written extensively about its history,” she said. “I’m pleased that now others will share these artistic views of this unique state."

Mary Platt, Curator