Spaces & Faces: Commemorating Asian Contributions at Merage
Celebrate Culture. Honor Legacy. Build Community.
Join us at The Paul Merage School of Business as we celebrate Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the vibrant API community. This special event will highlight our shared cultural heritage, including the unveiling of newly named spaces in recognition of the incredible generosity of our faculty and alumni.
Come connect with students, alumni, and professionals in an evening filled with inspiration, meaningful conversations, and community spirit. Let’s celebrate diversity and strengthen the connections that make The Merage School a thriving and inclusive place.
Step into the celebration—see what’s planned!
Agenda
| 3:30 pm – 4:00 pm |
Check-in |
| 4:00 pm – 4:45 pm |
Opening Remarks + Panel of Donors |
| 4:45 pm – 5:00 pm |
Closing Remarks/Introduce Networking Mixer |
| 5:00 pm – 5:30 pm |
Networking Mixer with Donors |
| 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm |
Merage Alumni Networking - Courtyard |
Speakers/Donors
Dr. Joanna L. Ho
Professor Emerita of Accounting
UC Irvine Paul Merage School of Business
Dr. Joanna L. Ho is a Professor Emerita of Accounting at UCI Paul Merage School of Business and was Chair of the Academic Senate, Irvine Division (2021-2022). She holds both a BBA and MBA from the National Taiwan University, and a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Ho has taught management accounting-related courses in the Merage School's Full-Time MBA Program, Fully Employed MBA Program, Executive MBA Program, Health Care Executive MBA Program and Executive Education programs. She also taught Global Business classes for the Executive MBA Program. She has received GSM Excellence in Teaching awards and a University Wide Celebration of Excellence in Teaching award.
Eric Yuan-Tsung Li MBA '94
Founder of Yong Li Resources Limited and Rich Bulk Capital Limited
Merage School alum Eric Li rose from humble beginnings with no financial support to build a successful international coal business through perseverance and the skills he gained while earning his MBA in 1994. At UC Irvine, he improved his English, learned about global business practices, and focused on finance and accounting—knowledge that proved essential as he advanced in the energy industry. After working in coal trading, he founded Yong Li Resources Limited in 2010, focusing on Indonesian coal supply, and later launched Rich Bulk Capital Limited, expanding into bond investments. Despite facing political and economic challenges in the industry, Li’s businesses have flourished, allowing him to create a financial legacy and support his children’s education in the U.S.
Ching-Ti Jason Kan MBA '93
Chairman of Buena Venture Management Corporation
Ching-Ti Jason Kan is Chairman of Buena Venture Management Corporation in Taipei, Taiwan. He was formerly the Assistant President of Concordia Financial Co., Ltd., also in Taiwan. Jason is newly elected to the board of the Cheng Mei Materials Technology Corporation. He has an MBA from the Merage School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in law from National Taiwan University. He resides in Taiwan.
