Nga Yi Chan

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2005 The Donald Edward Bragg & Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship Recipient

Biography: As a senior UCLA student, Nga is now majoring in business economic with a minor in accounting. She transferred to UCLA last year. She loves UCLA because of the nice campus, professors and students here.

Future Plans: She is going to graduate next year and planning to work in investment banking or accounting profession. She hopes to go back to business school for graduation education in several years.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: The scholarship is significant to me as I can be more concentrated in my study. I can now put more time and energy on my classes that I really enjoy learning. As a great encouragement, I feel more confident with myself. I am really thankful to UCLA Economic Department.

Nicole Abranian

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2005 John J. Peterson Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Nicole Abranian grew up in Glendale, CA. She attended Glendale Community College after graduating from Glendale High School in 2002. It is at Glendale Community College that Nicole began taking economics courses. After a couple of courses, Nicole saw that economics is what really interested her and knew that she would continue to study economics throughout her college career. After two years Nicole transferred to UCLA as a pre-business-economics major, she was then delighted to be accepted into the Business-Economics major last spring. At UCLA she is involved in the Regent’s Scholar Society as well as Alumni Scholars. She has caught bruin fever and enjoys attending various sporting and campus events to support UCLA. This fall marks the start of Nicole’s last year at UCLA. She is currently in Washington, DC participating in the UCLA Center for American Politics and Public Policy Program. Nicole has truly enjoyed being a part of the economics department at UCLA and cannot believe that her time there is almost over.

Future Plans: Working in Washington, DC has sparked Nicole’s interest in public policy and government work. She currently is interning with the Food Research and Action Center and is working with their lobbyist to meet with Senators and members of House of Representatives to oppose budget cuts that would deeply hurt the Food Stamp Program and subsequently, victims of Hurricane Katrina. She has also been learning more about the Economic Research Service, located in Washington, DC, and how their works relates to both economic research and public policy. Nicole still has part of her heart in Los Angeles where she is interested in working on the business side of the film industry. Looking into the future, Nicole also has a goal of obtaining her Master’s degree in Business Administration.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am extremely grateful for the opportunities this award is providing me with. It has been incredibly helpful and is one of the primary reasons that I was able to participate in the CAPPP program this quarter. When I return to UCLA for the winter and spring quarters, this scholarship will allow me to work less so that I have more time to focus on classes and take a more active role with student groups on campus. I am very thankful for the support of Mr. Peterson, his generosity has truly made a difference.

Shaun Marc Yosslowitz

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2006 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Shaun Marc Yosslowitz was born in Los Angeles in May, 1986. Having graduated from Milken Community High School , Shaun started UCLA in the fall of 2004. Shaun plans to graduate in 2008 from UCLA with a BA in Business Economics and an emphasis on financial accounting. He is a member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and works at the UCLA Store in between classes, and enjoys racquetball and ping pong. Shaun currently lives in Westwood and loves his UCLA experience.

Future Plans: Shaun has a passion for Management classes at UCLA. , He plans to look for an internship with an auditing firm over the summer in order to learn about the field of accounting. His immediate career goals after graduating from UCLA in 2008 are to take the CPA exam and become an accountant, probably a financial auditor. After working as an accountant for a couple of years and gaining some real world experience, Shaun hopes to attend business school and earn an MBA.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: The Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting affords me the opportunity to be more self-sufficient in paying for my UCLA education. The award will go far in helping me to achieve my degree and will put me closer to taking the CPA exam and my dream profession in accounting. The fact that this scholarship comes from the UCLA Economics Department makes it even more meaningful; to be chosen from qualified UCLA candidates was gratifying. I’m honored that I was allotted this scholarship based on my core values and life aspirations. Thanks again to UCLA and to the Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship Donors.

Edward Wu

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2006 Robert D. & Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Edward Wu is a fourth-year Business Economics and Biology student from Hacienda Heights. He emigrated from Taiwan at age four and has been active at UCLA on many different levels. He has been involved with the Student Health Advocate (SHA) program for two years; the Language, Interpreting, and Caretaking (LINC) unit at the UCLA Medical Center for two years; the Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology in the UCLA School of Dentistry for two years; and the UCLA Mood Disorders Research Program (MDRP) for one year. He will be continuing his research at the Weintraub Center and his work as an interpreter at the hospital, and will also begin work as a member of the Undergraduate Students Association Council’s Academic Affairs Commission. He is intrigued by the potential integration between the biosciences and the business field, and has consequently sought to pursue studies in both fields.

Future Plans: After graduation, Edward hopes to pursue advanced studies in medicine or graduate-level science. Upon completion of these studies, he hopes to utilize his science and business backgrounds to better bridge the barrier between scientists and businesspeople. In addition, Edward has retained a great pride and love for his homeland of Taiwan, and consequently hopes to extend his work to Asia.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I would like to thank the UCLA Economics Department for introducing me to this great opportunity, and the Wark family for their generous endowment and support. The Wark Scholarship will help me complete my undergraduate education at UCLA and will contribute significantly to my graduate school application process. It is an invaluable investment that has made the realization of my dreams one step closer.

Paul Evan Wong

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2006 The Howard J. and Mitzi W. Green Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Paul Evan Wong was born in August 1986 and spent his formative years growing up in Alameda, California. Paul graduated cum laude from the Head-Royce School in Oakland and moved to Los Angeles in 2004 upon his acceptance to UCLA. Now in his third year at UCLA, Paul is pursuing a major in Business Economics and a Minor in Accounting. In addition to his primary major, Paul is also seeking a second major in History as a means of broadening his education. Considering universal academic pursuit a life-long interest and goal, Paul enjoys many other academic disciplines including Political Science, Psychology, and Astronomy, among others. While not engaged in coursework, Paul participates as a member of the UCLA Ski and Snowboard Team and works part-time in a law office. Also an avid soccer play and golfer, Paul enjoys all avenues of athletic gamesmanship. When not busy with any of the aforementioned, he enjoys cooking, reading, and napping in the sun.

Future Plans: Paul is attending the Chinese University in Hong Kong through the UC Education Abroad Program this quarter. While in Hong Kong, he hopes to gain an international perspective on business and economics. Upon returning to UCLA, he plans to continue his major coursework and to pursue a second major in History. Paul looks forward to finding an internship at a public accounting or investment banking firm in Los Angeles next summer. Following graduation in spring 2008, Paul hopes to work as a public auditor for a few years before attending business school. He then aspires to work as a financial consultant within the high-tech industry and ultimately hopes to someday run his own computer company, which provides affordable products to low-to-middle income households in a progressive eco-friendly manner.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: The Howard J. and Mitzi W. Green Scholarship means very much to me and it shall provide me with numerous opportunities that are invaluable to my growth, both as an academician and as a person. Without such a scholarship, I would be hard pressed to participate in the University of California’s Education Abroad Program. The aid that the Green’s scholarship provides has allowed me to go to Hong Kong to study. While there, I am primed to gain indispensable, first-hand knowledge of the economics and business in the region as well as an intimate understanding of my own cultural heritage. Returning to UCLA in the winter for the remainder of the academic year, the scholarship will further aid me in my endeavors. Both planning to begin Honors research and participate as a student-athlete, I am spread thin in my effort to also support myself financially. This scholarship will allow me to concentrate on my studies. The generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Green has made these upcoming, invaluable experiences possible. To the Greens and the Department of Economics at UCLA, I am grateful.

Jing Ming

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2006 The Gumbiner Savett Inc. Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Jing Ming is a fourth-year Business Economics major and Minor in Accounting. As an international student from China, she has had to adapt to a new language, culture, and educational system. She has maintained academic excellence since she came to the United States four years ago, but still enjoys traveling, watching television, and sharing the Chinese food that she has cooked for her friends in her spare time.

Future Plans: Jing is in the process of searching for a full-time career position, with her goal being working for one of the Big Four accounting firms. She is very interested in international tax and plans to work on the CPA exam after graduation. Jing wants to transfer to her firm’s China office after working in the United States for several years.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am very thankful to Gumbiner Savett for providing this scholarship to me. It means not only financial help with my tuition, but also recognition of the time and work I have devoted to accounting and economics studies. It encourages me to keep working hard and to pursue an accounting career in the future.

Nicholas F. Manolelis

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2006 Jeffrey W. Baus ’59 Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Nicholas F. Manolelis grew up in California, first in the Bay Area and then in Laguna Niguel. Spending a majority of his time with his immediate family at a young age, Nicholas developed a strong understanding of the importance of family and the relationships that they share. Nicholas was blessed with the responsibility of becoming a big brother on two separate occasions and looks at his younger siblings as his best friends and an inspiration to succeed and act as a positive role model. Nicholas developed a passion for sport at an early age, which suited his competitive nature and determination to succeed. He ran cross country, played club soccer, and was a pole vaulter while in high school. He was also involved in numerous extracurricular activities, filling leadership positions in student government, performing in air guitar talent shows, acting as lead council on the mock trial team, and working on community service projects. Nicholas graduated as class valedictorian in 2003 but, more importantly, left high school a familiar and dependable friend loved by many. Nicholas is now entering his final year at UCLA as an Economics major and a Minor in Accounting. He has continued to maintain a high level of involvement on campus as well as at church and in the community. An experienced world traveler, Nicholas awaits the next chapter n his life when he looks to combine the life experiences of college with that of his travels as he attempts to take on the world.

Future Plans: After graduation, Nicholas looks forward to taking time to live abroad in Greece with his family. He will use this opportunity to pursue further European travel and to become fluent in Greek. He will then return to the States to attain his CPA while working in audit for PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He then plans to return for an MBA or JD and to focus on entrepreneurship. In the long term, Nicholas hopes to accomplish a level of personal and financial success that allows him to live a comfortable life, surrounded by those he loves. He dreams of one day owning several pieces of real estate, including a hotel and nightclub in Greece, and a vineyard.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: The Jeffrey W. Baus ’59 Scholarship will help cover my educational and living expenses. I am extremely honored and grateful for this award.

Chunlee Leung

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2006 The Donald Edward Bragg & Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Chunlee Leung is a proactive and steadfast young woman who longs to become an extraordinary businesswoman. She was born in Guangzhou, China, the daughter of a businessman, grew up in a working-class neighborhood, and now is majoring in Business Economics and minoring in Accounting at UCLA. In order to develop her life outside the financial and psychological shelter that her parents had built for her, Chunlee became determined to study abroad when she was sixteen. Chunlee’s positive attitude and perseverance enable her to fit into any culture. She immediately reached out to her peers after she transferred to UCLA, served in student government, and became involved in several volunteer programs in order to give back to the community. Her enthusiasm for the financial field and her interest in working as a financial advisor has been greatly enhanced as a result of her coursework. Through assisting Professor Sokoloff in the Department of Economics with his research papers, as well as interning at five different corporations, Chunlee has strengthened her analytical skills and built up a solid practical foundation.

Future Plans: Chunlee not only enjoys coming up with business strategies with a group of colleagues, but is also excited to serve clients. Chunlee plans to work as a financial advisor after graduation. Her goal is to focus on strategic aspirations to establish trust relationships with her clients and to serve their financial needs. She ultimately wants to run her own consulting firm.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am so glad to be the winner of the Donald Edward Bragg and Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship for the 2006-2007 academic year. The Bragg Scholarship not only satisfies my financial needs, and allows me to concentrate on my academic training and engage in extracurricular activities, but also greatly motivates me to pursue my dream of having my own consulting firm. I strongly believe that success belongs to people who believe in their dreams and work patiently to achieve them. I welcome any challenge that may still lie ahead and embrace them as opportunities to grow and to excel in life.

Ling Dorcas Kwan

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2006 Robert D. & Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Ling Dorcas Kwan is the eldest among the three sisters in her family. She is a community college transfer from De Anza College in Northern California, and is currently a fifth year undergraduate at UCLA. Ling is simultaneously pursuing a B.A. in Mathematics/Economics with a Minor in Statistics and an M.A. in Economics through the Departmental Scholar Program.

Future Plans: Upon graduation this June and completion of the comprehensive examination for her Master’s degree, Ling is hoping to get a job in the government. She is interested in jobs related to Econometrics (statistical analysis) and/or policy analysis.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: With one of my sisters transferring to a university this year and my staying for an extra fifth year to finish up the requirements for my Master’s degree, the Robert D. and Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship has definitely helped me and my family to finance the increased educational expenses. I am very thankful for the assistance this scholarship has given me and my family. It has helped both my sister and me to get quality education at the University of California.

Jae-eun Kang

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2006 The Donald Edward Bragg & Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Jae-eun Kang grew up in Korea as a rather normal girl; however, when she happened to find a book I Wanted to be Excluded From Korea, written by Sung-Ju Kim, she started to think about her career as a woman business leader. This book, which is the source of her interest in business, motivated her to come to the United States and study it in depth. As soon as she graduated from high school in Korea, Jae-eun came to the U.S. by herself and started her new life here. Although she faced many challenges, such as the language barrier and cultural differences, Jae-eun was able to transfer to UCLA, her dream school. Now, as a senior at UCLA, Jae-eun is majoring in Business Economics with a Minor in Accounting, and has joined many business-related clubs to further explore her interests.

Future Plans: After taking classes for her major at UCLA, Jae-eun found herself being very interested in business, specifically accounting and tax. She is currently interning at an accounting firm to gain experience and to build up the skills that she will need in the near future. Jae-eun would like to work at one of the Big Four accounting firms after completing a graduate degree in accounting/tax and earning her CPA license.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: The Donald Edward & Diane Sims Bragg Scholarship helps me in many ways – not only financially, but also emotionally. As an international student, high tuition fees always worry me. Thanks to this scholarship, I can concentrate on studying instead of worrying. Moreover, with this scholarship it seems as if someone is supporting me, so this makes me feel that I should work harder to repay his or her thanks some day. I also feel that working hard to pursue my goal will bring me success, even though it it not always easy. Thanks again.