Leader In Orchid Business Helps Students Bloom

ilseu — Tue, 31 Aug 2021 05:22:18 +0000

Leader In Orchid Business Helps Students Bloom ilseu Mon, 08/30/2021 - 22:22 More Blog Posts Darin Estep August 31, 2021

Jamie Fang ’90 was still paying for her own business administration education when she started her first endowed fund for School of Business graduate students. At a time when she was balancing student debt and the challenges of building her career, Fang demonstrated extraordinary foresight and generosity. Her commitment to giving back, even before reaching full financial stability, reflected a belief in the power of education and the importance of creating opportunities for others. As she became a leader in the orchid business, her growing support has enabled more students to bloom at UCR and pursue their own academic and professional dreams.

At the time of her first endowment—the Charley Chen-Hui and Hsi-Mei Fang Award Endowed Fund, named for her parents—Fang was not long out of college and still working diligently to establish her businesses. The decision to honor her parents through an endowed fund illustrated the deep value she places on family, legacy, and the role of education in shaping lives.

“I decided we could all afford something, even if we save $100 occasionally from going out to eat,” she says. “I wanted to give back to the school, the foundation of my education that led to my life’s work.”

Fang modestly describes that first endowment as “not a great amount,” but its impact reached far beyond the dollar figure. That initial act of philanthropy forged a personal relationship with school leadership and opened a channel of continued engagement. Over the years, she has remained closely involved with the School of Business, meeting with every dean since 2005. These ongoing connections reflect her dedication not only to giving but also to staying informed about the evolving needs of students and the vision of the school.

Her most recent gift created the Jamie Chen-Kuei Fang Endowed Award Fund to support undergraduate business majors in the UCR School of Business, particularly incoming transfer students and those who began their studies at Southern California community colleges. By focusing on transfer students, Fang recognizes a population that often faces additional financial and academic challenges in completing their degrees. This thoughtful emphasis on access ensures that talented students from diverse educational backgrounds can thrive at UCR.

Although now semi-retired, Fang continues to be active in the floral industry, where she built her reputation and success. She remains just as passionate about helping students achieve academic success through reducing financial burdens. Her philanthropy is not a one-time gesture but part of a deliberate long-term plan to ensure that future generations of students have the resources they need to succeed.

Her focus on long-term planning is also tied to a belief in sustainability—both in her professional industry and in her approach to supporting higher education.

“We have to be sure the next generation is educated,” she says. “These kids are so appreciative. That really hits home with me.”

Through her example, Fang demonstrates how consistent support, regardless of size, can make a lasting difference. Her journey from a young alumna starting her first fund to an established leader in business and philanthropy illustrates the enduring impact of generosity rooted in gratitude.

Jamie Fang ’90, center, established endowed funds to support School of Business students. She is pictured with Judy Sue and Charley Fang.

Two New Funds Champion Student Success

kmcnally — Tue, 15 Jan 2019 19:51:06 +0000

Two New Funds Champion Student Success kmcnally Tue, 01/15/2019 - 11:51 More Blog Posts January 15, 2019 Riverside, Ca

Two New Funds Established to Support Student Success

As of 2018, twenty-seven scholarship funds have been established by donors to champion student success, and over $132,000 was distributed in awards this year. These scholarships have become a crucial part of supporting the academic journeys of students at the School of Business. As a result of the enormous growth in support received from donors, alumni, and the greater community, the total amount of scholarship funds distributed has more than tripled from last year. This steady increase demonstrates the growing commitment of individuals and families who believe in the transformative power of education.

Two new scholarship funds were recently established by Executive Fellow, Beverly Bailey, and alumna, Jamie Fang. These endowments represent not only financial generosity but also personal dedication to ensuring that current and future students have the resources they need to thrive.

EXECUTIVE FELLOWS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Established by Beverly and Scott Bailey

Beverly and Scott Bailey created an endowed fund to provide scholarships to students enrolled in the UCR School of Business A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management programs. Beverly Bailey served as an Executive Fellow for the 2017–2018 academic year, bringing her professional experience and insights to students and faculty.

The Executive Fellows Endowed Scholarship Fund will be utilized to identify, recruit, and retain the best and brightest students to AGSM. Importantly, the fund ensures that financial need does not hinder the academic and professional development of talented individuals. It will also serve to recognize and reward excellence, including strong academic merit, leadership ability, and community engagement. By lowering financial barriers, the Baileys’ contribution creates opportunities for students who might otherwise struggle to pursue graduate education.

In reflecting on her experience as an Executive Fellow, Beverly Bailey emphasized the impact of engaging directly with students:
“I am forever grateful for the experience and opportunity to engage with the next generation of global leaders. Students of the School of Business are driven to become educated in not only what the experts say in the course texts but they’re also interested in real-life application. This is part of the joy of serving as an Executive Fellow. I believe that this multi-tiered approach to education involving this exchange and analysis of theory and practice is extremely important.”

Through this scholarship, the Baileys are ensuring that the spirit of mentorship and educational exchange continues to flourish long after her formal term as Executive Fellow has ended.

JAMIE CHEN-KUEI FANG ENDOWED AWARD
Established by Jamie Fang `90

Left to right: Sylvia Hu, Judy Su, Jamie Fang, Charlie Fang.

Jamie Fang `90 created the Jamie Chen-Kuei Fang Endowed Award fund to provide financial support to undergraduate business majors at the School of Business, particularly for incoming transfer students and those who have begun their educational journey at a Southern California community college. This focus reflects Fang’s belief in the importance of accessibility and inclusion in higher education.

In 2005, Jamie Fang also established the Charley Chen-Hui and Hsi Mei Fang Award Endowed Fund, further illustrating her long-term dedication to student success at UCR. Over the years, Fang has become a consistent and valued supporter of the university. Her commitment is rooted in the understanding that financial assistance can make the difference between a student struggling to meet basic costs and a student flourishing academically.

Jamie Fang has been a longtime friend and supporter of UCR and the School of Business. She is passionate about helping students achieve academic success by reducing their financial burden. These endowed awards ensure that deserving students can focus more fully on their studies, internships, and leadership opportunities without the constant worry of financial hardship.

Together, the generosity of Beverly and Scott Bailey and Jamie Fang expands the growing network of scholarship support that empowers students to succeed. Their contributions are a reflection of the values of the UCR School of Business — inclusivity, opportunity, and a commitment to preparing students to become the next generation of leaders in business and beyond.

Jamie Fang

Leader In Orchid Business Helps Students Bloom

Two New Funds Champion Student Success

Two New Funds Established to Support Student Success

EXECUTIVE FELLOWS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND Established by Beverly and Scott Bailey

JAMIE CHEN-KUEI FANG ENDOWED AWARD Established by Jamie Fang `90

EXECUTIVE FELLOWS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Established by Beverly and Scott Bailey

JAMIE CHEN-KUEI FANG ENDOWED AWARD
Established by Jamie Fang `90