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In many Asian traditions, a name is more than just an identity—it is a reflection of family, history, and purpose. It carries with it the weight of generations, and the promise of what is yet to come. On May 16, during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Merage School of Business at UC Irvine held a deeply meaningful “Spaces and Faces” ceremony to honor this very spirit—by recognizing three distinguished members of the Merage family whose generosity and vision have left an indelible mark on the school and its future.

With deep gratitude, Dean Ian Williamson led the celebration by announcing the dedication of three spaces named for Professor Emeritus Joanna L. Y. Ho, and two of her former MBA students and lifelong friends, Eric Yuan-Tsung Li MBA '94 and Ching-Ti Jason Kan MBA '93. Their names now grace the Joanna L. Y. Ho Executive Commons, the Eric Yuan-Tsung Li Classroom, and the Jason C.T. Kan Foyer—each space a living tribute to their enduring impact.

A Ceremony Rooted in Respect and Conviction

“This is not simply a celebration of financial generosity,” Dean Williamson shared in his opening remarks. “It is a celebration of legacy, of belief in the transformative power of education, and of a future shaped by values that transcend generations.”

Faculty, alumni, students, community leaders, and family members gathered in a heartfelt atmosphere of reverence, where the tone was not one of self-congratulation but of collective pride and cultural resonance. The naming of these spaces, Dean Williamson noted, is both a symbol and a responsibility—honoring those who paved the way while inspiring the next generation of leaders to walk forward with integrity and purpose.

Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future

A special panel followed, featuring reflections by the three honorees. Each spoke with humility, clarity, and heartfelt sincerity. Mr. Eric Li, founder of Yong Li Resources and Rich Bulk Capital, spoke to the power of opportunity. “This school gave me not only knowledge but a new direction in life,” he said. “To now give back, alongside friends and mentors, is a full-circle moment of deep significance.”

Mr. Jason Kan, Chairman of Buena Venture Management Corporation, reflected on the profound impact of his time at Merage. “My education here laid the foundation for my career in finance. But even more than that, it gave me a lifelong connection to a community that continues to inspire me.”

Professor Joanna Ho, whose decades of service have shaped generations of Merage graduates, offered her reflections on legacy—one built not just on personal achievement, but on shared uplift. “When others stood up for me, they taught me the importance of standing up for others. That is the legacy I am committed to carrying forward.”

Wisdom Beyond the Classroom

The three honorees also reflected on their enduring friendships, forged during their MBA years at UC Irvine. “Don’t only focus on your textbooks,” Professor Ho advised current students. “Use this time to truly connect with one another. We live in a global village—and understanding one another’s cultures, values, and perspectives is perhaps the most essential lesson of all.”

Such wisdom resonates deeply within Asian cultural traditions that value harmony, respect for elders, and the long view of success—not merely as individual accomplishment, but as contribution to the greater whole.

A Living Legacy in Action

Professor Ho’s commitment continues through the Joanna Ho Scholarship Fund, which supports first-generation MBA students—an initiative joined by the generous contributions of Mr. Li and Mr. Kan. “To support students who are the first in their families to attend graduate school is a way to lift others, just as we were lifted,” she said.

Dean Williamson concluded with a message of vision and continuity. “Years from now, students will walk into these named spaces and ask, ‘Who was Joanna Ho? Who was Jason Kan? Who was Eric Li?’ And when they hear those stories, they will see role models who embody the values we strive to instill: resilience, humility, generosity, and leadership with heart.”

Carrying Forward the Spirit of Merage

As the event came to a close, the message was clear: these were not merely names placed on buildings—they are beacons. They represent lives that have shaped the Merage School through service and vision, and they stand as inspiration for the leaders of tomorrow.

The Merage School community honors these individuals not just for what they have given, but for how they have lived—with dignity, with purpose, and with a profound commitment to the transformative power of education.