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On May 20, 2025, the Paul Merage School of Business at the University of California, Irvine, marked a momentous milestone: the 20th anniversary of the transformative gift from Paul and Lilly Merage that reshaped the school and launched it into two decades of unprecedented growth and global recognition.

The celebration, dubbed “The Merage Day Celebration: Celebrating 20 Years of Transformative Impact,” brought together the entire Merage community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, board members, and friends—to honor the legacy and generosity of Paul and Lilly Merage. Their landmark gift in 2005 not only gave the business school its name but also ignited a journey of innovation, excellence, and influence in business education.

The highlight of the celebration was an intimate, town hall–style conversation between Dean Ian O. Williamson and philanthropist and business visionary Paul Merage. The exchange was rich with insight, humor, and heartfelt reflection.

A Legacy of Vision and Action

Dean Williamson opened the town hall by reflecting on the journey of the Merage School since the pivotal gift. “Today we don’t just celebrate a name on a building,” Williamson said. “We celebrate a living legacy—a dynamic ecosystem that has produced global business leaders, fostered innovation, and shaped the conversation around the future of work.”

Addressing the packed auditorium, Dean Williamson continued, “It’s one thing to be successful. It’s another to use that success to build platforms so that others can thrive. That is what Paul and Lilly did. And we are all beneficiaries of that generosity.”

Paul Merage, taking the stage with characteristic humility, shared his perspective on the school’s evolution: “When Lilly and I made the commitment 20 years ago, it wasn’t about building a monument. It was about planting a seed. We believed in the potential of UC Irvine and the students it serves. And we’ve watched that seed grow into something remarkable.”

From Entrepreneurial Roots to Global Impact

Throughout the conversation, Merage reflected on his entrepreneurial journey—how he co-founded Chef America and revolutionized the frozen food industry with the iconic Hot Pockets brand. But beyond business success, Merage emphasized the power of education and mentorship in shaping the next generation of leaders.

“You don’t build great companies without people,” Merage said. “And you don’t build great people without education. The Merage School has become a place where ideas flourish, where future CEOs are nurtured, and where innovation isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a mindset.”

Dean Williamson echoed this sentiment, adding, “Our commitment to innovation, diversity, and collaboration—all of that stems from a foundation that Paul and Lilly helped lay. They didn’t just fund a school—they helped build a vision for what business education could be.”

A Community United

The day’s events included video retrospectives, networking receptions, and special tributes from students and alumni whose lives have been shaped by the Merage experience. Many spoke of the school not just as an academic institution, but as a community of support and ambition.

“This place changes you,” said one MBA alumna. “It challenges you to lead with integrity, to innovate with purpose, and to always remember where you came from.”

Staff and faculty also shared stories of transformation—not only in terms of facilities and rankings, but in how the school has embraced emerging fields like digital strategy, sustainable business, and inclusive leadership.

One faculty member noted, “Paul and Lilly’s gift was catalytic. It allowed us to take bold risks in curriculum design, to hire visionary faculty, and to truly differentiate ourselves on a global stage.”

Looking Ahead: The Future of Business Leadership

In their discussion, Dean Williamson and Paul Merage also explored the evolving landscape of business leadership. Merage emphasized the need for leaders who are adaptable, ethical, and deeply attuned to the global challenges of the 21st century.

“Leadership today isn’t just about profit margins,” Merage said. “It’s about people. It’s about purpose. The next generation of business leaders must be global citizens—able to connect, to empathize, and to innovate responsibly.”

Williamson concurred, adding, “We are preparing our students not just to get jobs, but to create them. Not just to manage companies, but to shape industries. That’s the future—and it’s already happening here.”

A Lasting Tribute

The Merage Day Celebration served not only as a moment of gratitude but also as a rallying cry for the future. As Dean Williamson reminded the audience, “We honor the past not to dwell in it, but to draw inspiration for what comes next.”

As the event came to a close, the Merage community stood united in appreciation for Paul and Lilly Merage—a couple whose vision, generosity, and enduring faith in education have changed countless lives.

“In many ways, this school is an extension of our values,” Paul Merage said in closing. “And seeing what it has become—knowing what it will still become—brings us more joy than words can express.”