Chapman University said attorney Wylie Aitken is the new chairman of its board of trustees for a two-year term.
The trial lawyer, founding partner of Aitken Aitken Cohn in Santa Ana, also is a member and former board chairperson of the Democratic Foundation of Orange County. He’s been a Chapman trustee since 2004. Aitken and his wife, Bette, have donated to the school’s Fowler School of Law, Musco Center for the Arts, and an eponymous visiting professorship, among other projects.
The Aitkens were Chapman’s 2014 “citizens of the year.”
“Wylie brings to the table … tremendous vigor and energy—he has always been one of the more active members of our Board of Trustees,” said Chapman President Daniele Struppa.
Aitken noted his “opportunity to assist in helping shape the future of such a great university.”
The Aitkens also support various local institutions and organizations, including Segerstrom Center for the Arts, South Coast Repertory, and Mission San Juan Capistrano. They have three children—all attorneys—and 11 grandchildren.
—Paul Hughes
