Chapman University Creates Scholarship for Eliana Moreno
The fund honors the late alumna who passed away in a September helicopter crash.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Scholarships
Chapman University has established a new scholarship fund to support students at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts in memory of alumna Eliana Moreno. The 38-year-old journalist was one of three people who died in a helicopter crash in Chatsworth last month.
Why it matters
The initiative serves as a tribute to Moreno, who spent 16 years in broadcast journalism. By supporting current students, the university aims to create a lasting legacy for the 2010 graduate.
Eliana Moreno was 38 years old at the time of her death, following a 16-year career in broadcast journalism. She originally graduated from Chapman University in 2010.
The players
Eliana Moreno
She was a broadcast journalist and 2010 graduate of Chapman University who died in a 2026 helicopter crash.
Chapman University
Located in Orange, this private university established the memorial scholarship fund to honor its late alumna.
George Marciniw
He was the pilot of the Angel City Air helicopter involved in the fatal September incident.
Edy Gutierrez Mejia
He was 29 years old and one of the three individuals who lost their lives in the Chatsworth crash.
Angel City Air
This is the company that operated the helicopter involved in the September 2026 crash.
The details
Donations to the memorial scholarship fund can be made through the university's dedicated portal. The crash occurred at 7 p.m. near the 9151 street address in Chatsworth, claiming the lives of Moreno, pilot George Marciniw, and Edy Gutierrez Mejia.
Timeline
2010: Eliana Moreno graduated from Chapman University.
September 15, 2026: The helicopter crash occurred in Chatsworth.
October 21, 2026: The scholarship fund announcement was made.
Culture Shift
The establishment of this fund follows the tragedy of the 2026 Chatsworth helicopter crash. It reflects a broader trend of alumni communities memorializing lives lost through institutional financial support.
Residents and supporters of the university can contribute to the memorial fund to assist students at the Dodge College of Film and Media Arts. This initiative provides a direct way for the local community to honor Moreno's professional legacy.
The takeaway
Memorial scholarship funds provide a tangible way for institutions to honor the contributions of their alumni. Interested donors should ensure they use the verified university link to confirm their support reaches the intended scholarship fund.
Further reading
Learn more about local educational opportunities on the Scholarships page.
More information
To contribute to the legacy of the late journalist, visit the scholarship fund donation portal.
