Victor and Meg Chan: Champions of Graduate Education at UC Davis
Victor and Meg Chan’s commitment to advancing education and supporting the next generation of scholars has left a profound impact on the University of California, Davis (UC Davis). In 2018, they established the Graduate Student Award at UC Davis, a testament to their belief in the transformative power of higher education. Their generosity reflects their deep appreciation for the academic community and their desire to help graduate students succeed in their pursuit of advanced degrees.
A Vision for Graduate Education
Victor and Meg Chan’s journey with UC Davis began long before they decided to make a substantial gift to the university. As philanthropists with a passion for education, they understand the challenges faced by graduate students, who often work under immense pressure to balance their academic and professional goals. From their experiences in academia and beyond, the Chans saw firsthand the critical importance of financial support for graduate students, particularly in an era when tuition costs and living expenses are on the rise.
Recognizing the financial burden that graduate students often face, the Chans wanted to create a lasting impact on the academic community at UC Davis by supporting those who are in the midst of advanced study. With this goal in mind, they chose to establish the Graduate Student Award, an initiative designed to provide financial assistance to graduate students pursuing a variety of disciplines across the university.
The Graduate Student Award
The Graduate Student Award at UC Davis is a merit-based award that is intended to help graduate students overcome financial challenges and complete their studies. While the award provides significant financial support, it also serves as a recognition of the hard work, dedication, and academic excellence that define successful graduate students. It is available to graduate students in good standing who demonstrate both academic promise and financial need.
The award's establishment was informed by the Chans' own experiences navigating educational and professional environments. The couple, both of whom have academic backgrounds, knew that graduate students often face financial barriers that can impede their ability to focus on their studies or advance their research. By offering this award, Victor and Meg Chan are helping to reduce the financial strain on students, giving them more freedom to engage fully in their academic work and research projects.
Supporting a Diverse Range of Scholars
One of the most notable aspects of the Graduate Student Award is its broad eligibility criteria, which reflect the Chans' commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within higher education. The award is open to graduate students from all disciplines, which allows it to support a wide variety of academic fields—from the sciences to the humanities, from engineering to social sciences. This inclusive approach reflects the Chans’ belief that innovation and progress often come from the intersection of different disciplines, and by supporting students from diverse academic backgrounds, they are encouraging a rich exchange of ideas.
Moreover, the Chans have expressed a desire to support students from underrepresented backgrounds, acknowledging the challenges that come with navigating academia as a member of a marginalized group. In this sense, the Graduate Student Award is not only a financial resource but also a recognition of the importance of fostering an inclusive and equitable academic environment.
A Legacy of Giving Back
For Victor and Meg Chan, their gift to UC Davis is part of a broader commitment to giving back to the communities and institutions that shaped their lives. Both have long been advocates for education and community development, and they have supported a variety of causes over the years. Their decision to create the Graduate Student Award at UC Davis is one more example of their dedication to ensuring that students have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.
Their philanthropic efforts are not only an investment in the future of individual students but also in the future of research, innovation, and knowledge. Graduate students are often at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries, and by helping to alleviate financial concerns, the Chans are enabling students to focus on their research and make meaningful contributions to their fields.
Conclusion
Victor and Meg Chan’s establishment of the Graduate Student Award at UC Davis is a powerful reminder of the role philanthropy can play in improving the lives of students and the quality of education at large. By creating a resource that supports graduate students from diverse disciplines and backgrounds, they are helping to shape the future of higher education and fostering a new generation of scholars and leaders. Their generosity not only provides immediate financial relief to students but also leaves a lasting legacy that will continue to benefit UC Davis for years to come.