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Welcoming Our 2026 Chapman University Cohort of Marymount Scholars - July 22, 2026

The Marymount Education Foundation was proud to welcome our first cohort of Marymount Scholars at Chapman University, along with their families, during a special orientation celebrating the beginning of their college journeys.

This year marked an exciting milestone as Chapman University welcomed its inaugural cohort of Marymount Scholars. President Matt Parlow personally joined the orientation, introducing himself to scholars and taking time to connect with students and their families as they prepared to begin their Chapman experience. His presence, along with the support of university leadership and staff, reflected a meaningful commitment to ensuring our scholars feel welcomed, supported, and connected from the very beginning.

Throughout the orientation, students learned more about the Marymount Education Foundation and the Marymount Scholars Program, connected with university representatives, and were introduced to the campus resources, mentorship, and opportunities available to them throughout their time at Chapman.

The gathering also gave scholars and their families the opportunity to begin building relationships with one another and with the community that will stand beside them throughout college.

Executive Director Robyn Jones and Assistant Program Director Payton Sprouse were grateful for the opportunity to welcome this inaugural cohort and celebrate this important milestone alongside scholars and their families.
We are deeply grateful to President Parlow and the Chapman University team for the warmth they extended to our first cohort and for helping make this important beginning so memorable.
Sue Soldoff, Ph.D.
Sue Soldoff has a long career in the travel industry as president of S&S Safaris. She actively works to support local charities, including Palos Verdes Performing Arts, Las Candalistas and The Lundquist Institute. She has served on Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees for many years. Sue holds a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from UC-Berkeley and has taught at various colleges.
Lynn Marsh, CPA
Lynn Marsh served on Marymount California University’s faculty, where she developed and taught the Accounting curriculum and mentored students interested in business and accounting careers. Lynn has held consulting positions with mid-size and start-up businesses to develop business strategies, improve operational efficiency, develop internal control policies and procedures, manage monthly close and financial reporting, provide forensic accounting services, and oversee audit preparation and tax filing services as necessary. Lynn Marsh is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in California.
Marie-Baurier
Sr. Antoine- Marie Baurier, RSHM, Ph.D.
Sister Antoine is a Religious of the Sacred Heart of Mary (RSHM) and served for fifty years on Marymount California University’s faculty. In addition to teaching French and Spanish, she has served on the university’s Board of Trustees and worked as Mission Coordinator and as an Academic Advisor. Sister holds a Ph.D. in French Literature from UCLA.
Ryan Alcantara
Ryan E. Alcantara, Ph.D.

Ryan Alcantara is a dynamic, student-centered leader with over twenty-five years of experience in higher education. He is currently Special Assistant to the Dean of the School of Education. Previously he was the vice president of student affairs at Marymount California University where he oversaw a comprehensive Student Affairs portfolio. Alcantara also worked at Irvine Valley College, UC-Riverside, and CSU-Fullerton, and serves as an adjunct faculty at the University of Southern California in public policy and education. He earned his Ph.D. in Public Administration (USC).

Arian Schauer
Ariane Schauer, Ph.D.
Ariane Schauer served as Provost and Chief Academic Officer of Marymount California University for thirteen years, leading the institution’s academic transformation from a two-year college to a university with bachelor and graduate programs. She brings deep experience and expertise in higher education leadership, accreditation, program development, curriculum, instruction, assessment, advising, learning support, governance and faculty development. She regularly chairs regional accreditation review teams. Dr. Schauer earned a Ph.D. in Economics from UCLA with focus on money and banking, finance and economic development.
Caroline Sayers
Caroline A. Sayers, J.D.
Carolyn Sayers is an experienced attorney who represents businesses and non-profit entities in developing legal strategies to support business operations, mitigate risks, and avoid and navigate complex litigation. Her practice also includes counseling and advising clients in connection with a wide variety of corporate and real estate transactions so as to avoid litigation and minimize exposure to risk. Caroline Sayers is an alumna of Marymount College and Georgetown University, and has been a long-standing member of Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees. Sayers holds a J.D. from Loyola Law School.
Brian Marcott
Brian W.G. Marcotte
An experienced executive, Marcotte retired as CEO of Titan Oil Recovery, Inc. and previously was a corporate vice president of public policy, health environment and safety at Unocal Corp., a multi-national energy resources company. He also served as subsidiary president of international energy operations for the Netherlands, Indonesia and Thailand. He served as chairman of the Unocal Foundation. In 2018, Brian Marcotte became the eighth president of Marymount California University. He has also served as president of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics California Pacific Conference.
Father Mark Villano
Fr. Mark A

Father Mark Villano is the Associate Director of the University Catholic Center at UCLA. Prior to that, he served as Marymount California University’s Chaplain and Chief Mission Officer. He has also served as a member of Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees. He has taught courses in religion, philosophy, art history, and popular culture, and maintains a strong interest in film and media studies. Fr. Mark holds a Master of Divinity from Catholic University of America and a Master of Fine Arts from the School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California.

Dave
David L. Tomblin
Dave Tomblin is a founding partner and served as President/Chief Executive Officer of Tomblin Asset Management Group Inc., a real estate investment and management firm. He has invested in, managed, re-developed, developed, repositioned, re-habilitated, and managed assets and investments of over $1.1 Billion. Dave Tomblin served on Marymount California University’s business faculty for eight years, where he mentored students in their career preparation. His volunteer work has included serving as an elected member of the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District; President and member of the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles Area Council, Boy Scouts of America; Founder and member of the USC Caruso Catholic Center Student Mentor Program; and member of the Board of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Los Angeles.
Rick Edler
Richard Edler
Rick Edler is the CEO of Vista Sotheby’s International Realty, where he provides the framework and direction for the company’s growth and success as a leader in the South Bay luxury real estate market. He has served on Premier Business Bank’s Board of Advisors and as Vice Chair of Marymount California University’s Board of Trustees. He is co-founder of Agent Bridge, the world’s largest network of elite agents, a member of the National Association of Realtors, and has served as President of the Palos Verdes Board of Realtors. Edler holds a B.S. in Entrepreneurship from USC.