MERCED - Steve Kang, the University of California, Merced’s
chancellor, knows what the opportunity to go to college on
scholarship can mean to a student. That’s how he started his own education.
He also knows the value of mentoring from seasoned professors
and administrators. So he and his wife Mia have chosen to establish
two scholarships for UC Merced students, honoring professors who
influenced Kang’s own career.
“Mia and I simply want to extend our thanks to those who helped
us and our goodwill to the students who are now rising through the
university,” Kang said. “We are fortunate to be able to do so by
establishing these scholarships, and we intend for them to continue indefinitely.”
The Kangs will donate $60,000 in monthly installments over five
years to establish endowments for the scholarships.
One scholarship honors Kang’s Ph.D. advisor, Professor Leon Chua
of UC Berkeley, and his wife, Diana. The other honors Berkeley
Engineering Dean Emeritus Ernest S. Kuh and his wife, Bettine.
The scholarships - in the amount of $1000 each - were awarded
for the first time to freshmen entering UC Merced in Fall 2007. The
Chua scholarship will be awarded on a need basis, while the Kuh
scholarship will be awarded on a merit basis.
Both honorees said Kang contacted them directly to let them know
about his intention to establish scholarships in their names.
“Steve was an early standout among my students in the 1970s,”
said Chua. “His career has been outstanding. Everywhere he goes, he
distinguishes himself by being very versatile and innovative. He is
such a thoughtful person. It is wonderful to be associated with him.”
Kuh said he has also followed Kang’s career. “While he was at UC
Santa Cruz, naturally we had many opportunities to meet,” Kuh said.
“Steve strengthened engineering there enormously. He put Santa Cruz
on the map for engineering.”
He also said Kang has several qualities that make him an
excellent chancellor - qualities like vision, creativity, optimism
and energy, as well as a conviction about the importance of sharing
the work of the university with the public.
