Source: Richard Ott, 785-532-6184, rlo@k-state.edu
News release prepared by: Calin Cooney, 785-532-1546, media@k-state.edu

Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2010

ROBERT G. CHAPMAN TO BE INDUCTED INTO ACCOUNTING HALL OF FAME

MANHATTAN -- A Manhattan native and Kansas State University alum who went on to head a California manufacturing company is being inducted posthumously into K-State's Accounting Hall of Fame.

The induction ceremony for Robert G. Chapman will be Friday, Sept. 17, at the department of accounting's annual scholarship banquet, which is sponsored by Beta Alpha Psi. Members of Chapman's family will attend.

"Robert Chapman's leadership abilities, loyalty to Kansas State and service to his profession and community exemplify the spirit of individuals inducted into the Accounting Hall of Fame," said Richard Ott, head of the department of accounting.

Chapman graduated in 1941 from K-State with a degree in general science. He began his career with Ducommon Metal and Supply Company in Los Angeles before becoming a corporate officer with Zieman Manufacturing, Whittier, Calif., in 1957. He would later become its president and chairman of the board.

Chapman served in the Navy during World War II as a communications officer in the Pacific. He continued his service to others through numerous civic and professional organizations. The highlights of his volunteer efforts included being president of the Whittier Host Lions Club, president of the Medford Monarchs Lions Club and, president of the National Association of Accountants in 1973, now called the Institute of Management Accounting.

He served as president of the Los Angeles chapter of the Kansas State Alumni Association and a board member for K-State's Johnson Center for Basic Cancer Research. He also was vice president of the Whittier Chamber of Commerce and served as a board member on the Whittier Hospital Board and the local Methodist church.

Chapman died in 2001 and is survived by his wife of 59 years, Virginia; three sons; and eight grandchildren.