Eric J.C. Chan Named to 2016 Distinguished Alumni
September 22, 2016
Every year, The University of Texas at El Paso and the UTEP Alumni Association honor a group of men and women whose achievements stand out as monuments to dedication, integrity and hard work – they are the UTEP Distinguished Alumni.
“This year’s Distinguished Alumni have made an impact as a successful entrepreneur, a noted anesthesiologist and an award-winning historian,” said Maribel Villalva, UTEP assistant vice president for alumni relations.
“These former Miners are wonderful examples of the UTEP spirit and the drive to succeed. They were once proud students at UTEP and, upon graduation, went out and made their mark on the world. They continue to make a difference in the lives of others and they remain true Miners every step of the way. We are proud to honor these very deserving and inspiring individuals and look forward to welcoming them back home.”
The 2016 awardees will be officially recognized during UTEP’s 2016 Homecoming Week, Oct. 23-29.
The Distinguished Alumni award is the highest recognition bestowed upon alumni of the University. Representing the Woody L. Hunt College of Business this year is Mr. Eric Chan.
Eric J.C. Chan
Founder & CEO
Magnum Co., LTD
Eric J.C. Chan is the founder or co-founder of four companies in Hong Kong and China, including one that sells American rice in Hong Kong and another that deploys a citywide free wireless mesh network in Guangzhou City, China, by turning moving vehicles like taxis, buses and trams into hotspots.
Chan was born in Vientiane, Laos and grew up in Hong Kong. In 1973, he left Hong Kong to attend Riverside High School in El Paso through an international exchange program. After graduation, he decided to stay and attend UTEP.
Chan credits his UTEP education as the foundation for his success in business.
“I treasure my education from UTEP,” Chan said. “It taught me the basic fundamentals to be an entrepreneur and taught me to develop a sense of completeness. It has definitely broadened my mind and taught me new approaches to analytically think through problems and define predicaments.”