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Nih, a senior management analyst for the city of Irvine, is attending the FEMBA, or Fully Employed MBA Program. Newman, also a FEMBA student from Irvine, is a senior public safety assistant in the technology and innovation division of public safety.  

“I've barely begun my FEMBA journey and I’ve already found opportunities at Irvine to apply the knowledge and skills I've acquired through The Paul Merage School of Business,” said Newman.  

“Serving the community has and always will be a critical part of who I am as a person,” he continued. “This fellowship has given me a chance to grow as a leader through a school I've dreamed of attending for a long time. I’m confident that the skills I develop and knowledge I obtain through Merage will amplify my effectiveness to serve our great Irvine and Orange County communities.” 

La Fontaine, a senior land surveyor at the County of Orange, is attending the Executive MBA program (EMBA). La Fontaine says that all organizations, including government agencies, are expected to run more efficiently in today’s market.  

“My goal of pursuing the EMBA program is to obtain the tools necessary to lead a large organization through this digital transformation and make us the best in our industry,” he explained. “Organizations are relying on automating processes and forward-thinking leaders and I feel that this program will equip me with the knowledge I need.”  

Launched in 2016 by Dean Eric Spangenberg, this scholarship provides guaranteed funding for all admitted FEMBA and EMBA students working at the County of Orange.  

“We are proud to invest in the Orange County community and support these exceptional candidates who can serve as role models to others in local government,” said Dean Spangenberg. “We strive to be a catalyst for growth in our neighborhood.” 

Funding ranges from 25% to 75% of total tuition, depending on the strength of each candidate's application. Each candidate must submit a letter of nomination from their department head.  

Spring 2020 (FEMBA) applications are due by February 1. Fall 2020 applications are due by May 1. Candidates are notified of the decision by the end of June 2020. County of Orange scholarship candidates must meet the admissions criteria and the GMAT or GRE is required for the FEMBA scholarship. To find out more and to check eligibility requirements, contact Melanie Coburn, senior associate director, FEMBA admissions, at 949.824.7505 or by email at mcoburn@uci.edu.