The University of California, Irvine has announced the establishment of the “Dr. Lionel and Fay Ng Dean’s Chair in Biological Sciences” in an exciting step towards advancing groundbreaking research in the life sciences and fostering academic excellence. The prestigious endowment was made possible through the generous support of Lester and Vani Ng, in honor of Lester’s parents, Dr. Lionel and Fay Ng.

Lester Ng, an alumnus of the UC Irvine School of Biological Sciences (Class of ’94), and his wife, Vani, previously created the first endowments for the UC Irvine School of Biological Sciences International Students Program (ISP). These initial endowments provide scholarships and program support to students in the ISP, enabling them to pursue their academic aspirations.

The couple’s unwavering commitment to empowering future generations led them to establish a separate endowment, the “Dr. Lionel and Fay Ng Dean’s Chair in Biological Sciences.” This new endowment will provide the dean of the School of Biological Sciences with critical resources to address the school’s highest priorities. The endowed position will enable the dean to offer seed funding for new research initiatives, support faculty and student success, and invest in cutting-edge laboratory instrumentation and facilities.

“We are excited to support future generations of Anteaters who dedicate their lives to the life sciences,” said Ng. “I’m thrilled this gift honors my parents who taught me the value of education and research.”

The generous gift from Lester and Vani Ng is expected to have a transformative impact on the School of Biological Sciences, enhancing its research capabilities and academic excellence for generations to come. The endowment will provide the necessary resources to attract top-tier faculty, support pioneering research projects and elevate the institution to new heights of scientific knowledge.

“I am humbled and honored to be the inaugural Dr. Lionel and Fay Ng Dean of Biological Sciences,” said Frank LaFerla, dean of the School of Biological Sciences. “This visionary support from Lester and Vani will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy for Dr. Lionel and Mrs. Fay Ng in the field of life sciences.”

The establishment of this prestigious endowment stands as a testament to the power of philanthropy and the impact it can have on advancing education and research.