Chapman University Faces Litigation over $12 Million Gift

By Bobak Ha’Eri

According to this story in the LA Times, James and Catherine Emmi are seeking the return of $3 million that they have already donated as part of a $12 million charitable pledge to Chapman University.  They are also asking the University to renounce any claim to the remaining $9 million.  If the account is accurate, the Emmis seem to be claiming that:

• they never made the $12 million pledge;
• the University took advantage of James Emmi’s “confusion in his old age” and preyed on him for the donation (are they alleging mental incapacity or undue influence?);
• the University harassed the couple by inviting them to events, sending them cards and “referring to them as family”;
• the University breached its agreement with the Emmis by 

• not publicly recognizing them in a 2013 ceremony, and
• not making sufficient progress on “Emmi Hall.”

It is not clear how the Emmis account for their having already made a $3 million payment towards the $12 million pledge that they claim they never made.  

[H/T Miriam Cherry]