Alvah H. Chapman, Jr.
Class of 1942
Hometown: Miami, Fl.
- Chapman was a distinguished newspaper publisher and the CEO and Chairman of the Board of Knight-Ridder, Inc., (1982-1989) at the time the world's largest newspaper chain.
- During World War II Chapman served as a pilot with the 401st Bomb Group based at RAF Deenethorpe, England flying 37 missions over Europe. By age 23 he was Commander of the 614th Bomb Squadron. Chapman received three awards of the Distinguished Flying Cross and six Air Medal.
- Chapman was active in philanthropic and civic efforts in Miami and throughout South Florida, including efforts to rebuild portions of Homestead and Southern Miami-Dade County, Florida damaged by Hurricane Andrew. He was the founder of Community Partnership for Homeless, an organization designed to help Miami's homeless get off the streets and return to self-sufficiency. Chapman headed the Miami Coalition for a Drug-Free Community, Goodwill Industries of South Florida, the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce, Miami Citizens Against Crime, Orange Bowl Committee, a committee to build the Miami Performing Arts Center and the local United Way.[1] In 1992 he was appointed by President Bush to be the first Chairman of Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America.
- Chapman endowed the Alvah Chapman Chair in Management at The Citadel School of Business and his alma mater annually awards the Alvah Chapman Distinguished Leadership Award to deserving members of the business community.