When Dipesh Chauhan ’97, ’00M first arrived at Beaver College in 1993, he was a wide-eyed freshman with a passion for healthcare and a dream of pursuing Physical Therapy. Yet, life had a way of guiding him toward a different path. Over the first two years, Dipesh found himself captivated by the world of Psychology. He discovered a deep love for helping others, and the journey that began with an interest in healing the body soon transformed into a passion for understanding and healing the mind. By 1997, Dipesh had earned his degree in Psychology, and three years later, in 2000, he completed his master’s in Counseling Psychology.

For Dipesh, Beaver College—soon to be known as Arcadia University—was more than just an educational institution. It was a place where he grew into the person he was meant to be, surrounded by a supportive community and guided by a remarkable group of faculty. Those faculty, with their wisdom and compassion, had become a central part of his journey, shaping him both academically and personally.  Athletically, Dipesh was given the opportunity to play on the Soccer team as well as on the Baseball team, memories that he cherishes and has made lifelong friends with his teammates.

Fast forward 25 years, and Dipesh found himself walking the same paths, alongside his son, Dylan Chauhan ’28. While Dipesh had initially stumbled upon his calling, Dylan’s path was clear from the start. Gifted both athletically and academically, Dylan had his pick of prestigious universities across the country. Yet, despite the array of options, he chose Arcadia—just as his father had, years before.

Dylan’s decision surprised many, but not Dipesh. His son loved the idea of a smaller, more intimate campus where faculty knew their students by name and were only a few steps away. He appreciated the resources at his fingertips and the proximity to a bustling metropolitan city, which opened the door to endless opportunities for extracurricular activities. The athletic programs, particularly Cross Country, gave him a chance to continue competing at a high level, and the study abroad opportunities, like his upcoming trip to Greece in the spring, filled him with excitement.

As a father, Dipesh couldn’t have been prouder. Yet, a part of him couldn’t help but worry about Dylan’s transition from high school to college. Dylan was shy, and Dipesh feared that a larger school might overwhelm him. But Arcadia was different. It had been the perfect place for Dipesh all those years ago, and he had faith that it would be just as perfect for Dylan.

Three months into Dylan’s freshman year, Dipesh’s worries began to ease. His son was thriving. Not only had Dylan made a solid group of friends, but he was excelling academically and athletically. He had jumped into college life with both feet—balancing Cross Country with his studies, participating in various campus activities, and even preparing for his upcoming adventure in Greece.

For Dipesh, seeing Dylan flourish at Arcadia was like watching a legacy unfold. The bond they shared as Arcadia residents was special. What had once been a place of growth for Dipesh had now become a place of transformation for his son.

In the end, Arcadia was more than just a university to them—it was a home, one that spanned generations, full of memories, opportunities, and the chance to thrive. Dipesh was grateful for the experiences that had shaped his life and even more grateful to see Dylan creating his own story at the very same place.

As Dipesh often reflected, Arcadia was the perfect place to be—then and now.