Chengappa Kodira

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2012 John J. Peterson Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Chengappa Kodira is a fourth-year Business-Economics student from Davis, California. At UCLA, Chengappa has gained experience working at the Anderson School of Management and also interning for Senator Barbara Boxer, Merrill Lynch, and most recently Deloitte & Touche. Chengappa has also been actively involved in several student groups from the Undergraduate Mock Trial Program, to the student-led consulting group Bruin Consulting, and the Undergraduate Business Society.

Future Plans: After graduating with a B.A. in Business-Economics, Chengappa plans to begin as a Consultant for Hitachi Consulting. Before he begins, though, he would like to explore his interests in entrepreneurship further. He would like to learn how to program and code, and work with other entrepreneurs in Southern California. Chengappa also hopes to earn an MBA in the near future, but in the long run, he wishes to run a consumer products firm that affects the lives of people around the world.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am truly honored to receive the John J. Peterson Scholarship for the 2012-2013 school year. I am thankful for this scholarship for recognizing both my dedication to extracurricular activities and entrepreneurial pursuits. Through such generous contributions, I am better able to pursue my career goals. I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Peterson for his financial assistance and support of my future endeavors.

Dennis Drent

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2012 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Dennis Drent Jr. is a fourth-year student pursuing a Business Economics major with minors in Accounting and Mathematics. He serves as one of two Directors of Training for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, where he greatly enjoys teaching new volunteers how to file individual income taxes. Dennis also loves working on campus part time for the UCLA Anderson School’s Executive MBA Program. When he can, Dennis relaxes by going on runs, spending time with family and friends, and watching SportsCenter.

Future Plans: Dennis is very excited to use the accounting skills he learned at UCLA to work full time as an investment analyst for a capital group shortly after graduating. After the company’s analyst program, he plans to enroll in a top MBA program and focus on entrepreneurial studies. Dennis’ ultimate career goal is to find his niche in the global business world and start a successful company as founder and CEO.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I receive the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting award with extreme gratitude and appreciation. I feel very fortunate to be recognized for my hard work. This award greatly alleviates the financial burden of getting an education at such a renowned university. I hope to one day be able to affect the lives of future economics students by contributing a similar gift to UCLA’s Economics Department. Once again, I thank the donors of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting for their generosity.

Yuanyuan Cai

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2012 Patricia and Harry L. Bruce Endowed Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Yuanyuan Cai is a fourth-year UCLA student pursuing a Business-Economics degree. Born and raised in China, Yuanyuan moved to the United States for college and transferred to UCLA in 2011. At UCLA, she has achieved outstanding academic success and has received A+’s from ten classes in four quarters. Driven by her interest in finance and economics, she has held numerous internship positions at China Construction Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Zhongjian United CPA Firm. She also worked as a tax preparer in the UCLA Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) in 2012. Yuanyuan has great passion for economics research. As a student in the Department Honors Program, she is currently working on her honors thesis, studying the effect of Malawi’s fertilizer subsidy policy on its economic growth. She is also a participant in the College Honors Program

Future Plans: Yuanyuan will complete her B.A. in Business Economics at UCLA this year. After graduation, Yuanyuan hopes to continue her studies and research in graduate school and pursue a career in finance and economics. She plans to take the CFA exam in December to prepare herself for her future career. Yuanyuan’s long-term goal is to hold a research position in investment banking.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am sincerely honored and grateful to receive the Patricia and Harry L. Bruce Endowed Scholarship for the 2012-2013 academic year. I want to thank both Mrs. Patricia Bruce and Mr. Harry L. Bruce for their generosity, which assists students like me to pursue their academic and career goals. This scholarship recognizes my hard work and accomplishments, and strengthens my determination to achieve my future goals. The award greatly alleviates the financial burden of myself and my family and allows me to fully concentrate on studies to prepare for a higher degree in economics. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Mrs. Patricia Bruce and Mr. Harry L. Bruce for their support.

Kareem Aly

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2012 Robert D. & Margaret A. Wark Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Kareem grew up in Downey, California. He played basketball and football in high school but ultimately decided to pursue an education at the prestigious UCLA. He initially started out as a pre-med student but eventually switched to Business Economics. Kareem has completed a private equity real estate internship at Bruin Capital, an investment banking internship at Imperial Capital, LLC, and a wealth management internship at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney. He enjoys playing basketball, working out, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Lakers.

Future Plans: Kareem plans to pursue an investment banking internship this summer, where he will hope to secure a job offer. After two years in banking, he may decide to move on to private equity, a hedge fund, corporate development, or venture capital, with the option of simply staying in investment banking, as well, if he likes it enough. A long-term goal of his is to eventually start his own restaurant later in life when he has the time and capital necessary for it to succeed. He also plans to undoubtedly pursue investment opportunities in real estate on the side.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: The way this scholarship helps me is two-fold. First, it allows me to not have to work as many hours during the school year so that I can focus on my studies. Keeping my GPA high is important to me for securing a banking internship this summer as well as for possibly getting into a top MBA program down the road. Secondly, it allows me to not be burned out for my summer internship. This scholarship allows me to go into the summer internship well-rested, stress-free, and ready to absolutely kill it and secure that job offer. I would like to thank the Wark family from the bottom of my heart for their extreme generosity and dedication to my success. Their kindness is truly appreciated.

Zhihao Zhao

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2013 The Boeing Company Scholarship in Economics Recipient

Biography: Zhihao Zhao is a second year Business Economics and Psychology double-major and Mathematics Minor from Beijing, China. At UCLA, Zhihao has developed a strong passion for entrepreneurship and education. He plans to bring his knowledge of developmental psychology to Chinese parents through a future start-up business. In addition, Zhihao is currently the External Vice President of Building Engineers and Mentors (BEAM) at UCLA and a circle docent for the Los Angeles Math Circle (LAMC) in the Department of Mathematics at UCLA. He is also an undergraduate research assistant at the W.M. Keck Center for Neurophysics, studying the formation of spatial consciousness. Zhihao has previously served at the Beijing Friendship Hospital as an assistant and he was an accounting intern with the Shougang Group in Beijing. He enjoys skating and swimming in his spare time.

Future Plans: Zhihao is currently looking for internship opportunities in consulting industries to gain more experience in business. He plans to obtain a MBA and a doctorate in education within the next ten years. After finishing those degrees, he plans to go back to China, start up his own consulting business, and establish his own schools to provide high-quality education to younger generations. The business will seek to establish schools that better encourage students’ psychological development and help remedy the widespread problem of psychologically inappropriate educational methods in China.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am very grateful and honored to be a recipient of the 2013-14 Boeing Company Scholarship in Economics. I appreciate Boeing’s dedication to supporting higher education. To me, this scholarship represents much more than the wonderful financial benefit it provides to me and my family. I also regard this scholarship as an encouraging validation of my previous work and a mandate to pursue my career goal in entrepreneurship and education. I expect to bring the benefits of this scholarship to bear on schoolchildren and parents in China, which should ultimately make a positive impact beyond China as well.

Quanyi Zhao

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2013 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Qianyi Zhao is a junior pursuing a Business Economics and Statistics double major with a Minor in Accounting. Born and raised in Beijing, China, Qianyi had been proudly nurtured by the traditional Chinese culture until she came to UCLA for college at the age of eighteen. During her time at UCLA, meeting new friends and taking inspiring classes have greatly opened her mind. In addition to her strong academic achievements, she also volunteers at VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) and Project Literacy. Her internships in the past two years at China EverBright Bank, The Veloz Group, and AXA Advisors have also given her hands-on experience in the business world. In her spare time, Qianyi likes to swim, long-distance run, play the piano, and sing in the UCLA University Chorus.

Future Plans: Qianyi feels fortunate to have learned accounting, which has opened a window to the business world. Along with her skills with numbers and background in statistics, Qianyi is looking for an internship for the coming summer as a transition into her final year at UCLA. Eventually, she hopes to work as a financial data analyst in corporate finance after she graduates with College Honors in Spring Quarter 2015.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am truly appreciative and grateful to be selected as a recipient of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the 2013-2014 academic year. This award greatly relieves the financial burden from my family so that I am able to take more challenging courses in college and focus on my studies rather than working extended hours. This honor also convinces me that I have made a right choice to study accounting and finance, and enhances my confidence to work in the field that I am interested in. I hope to give back to UCLA as an instructor after my dream comes true. Again, I would like to thank the Professor Simons Scholarship donors for their generous support.

April Fu Ying

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2013 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: April Fu Ying is a third-year student pursuing a Business Economics major with a Minor in Accounting. During her time at UCLA, she has developed a great interest in the study of accounting. In her sophomore year, she applied for the Summer Leadership programs at the Big Four accounting firms in order to gain a deeper understanding of the day-to-day work of an accounting professional. April also works as a tax preparer in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA), where she enjoys getting more hands-on training in the area of tax accounting. During her spare time, April enjoys traveling, cooking, and drawing.

Future Plans: April is currently interviewing with the Big Four accounting firms for a summer internship opportunity in the area of tax accounting. Upon her graduation in 2015, April hopes that she will be able to start full-time at a well-established accounting firm, continuously learning and growing in an occupation that holds her passion.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am extremely grateful and honored to be selected as the recipient of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting. It greatly alleviates some of the financial burden of my parents and me, and allows me to stay focused and committed to pursuing my future goals. This award is also a wonderful recognition of my past endeavors and encourages me to dream bigger. Hence I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Professor Harry Simons Scholarship Donors for their kindness and generosity.

Sumin Yi

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2013 Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting Recipient

Biography: Sumin Yi is a third-year student pursuing a Business Economics major with a Minor in Accounting. Born and raised in South Korea, Sumin came to the United States alone about two years ago to study at UCLA. While being a hard worker, Sumin always tries hard to maintain a work-life balance. She is actively involved in the KOrean JOB Search (KOJOBS) club as a team leader of the board of marketing. She also enjoys working on campus part-time at the UCLA CLICC lab; the job is more of life than work to her. When given a chance, she wants to explore many different hiking courses in the area.

Future Plans: Sumin plans to start her career in a public accounting firm upon her graduation and to obtain a CPA license while working. After few years of working, Sumin wants to go back to school to pursue higher degrees such as a Master of business tax or Ph.D. in economics/accounting.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am honored to be the recipient of the Professor Harry Simons Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship for the Study of Accounting for the 2013-2014 academic year. This scholarship greatly alleviates the financial burden of my family and allows me to focus better on school works and to explore more extracurricular activities. It also motivates me to keep working hard and stay committed to my future professional goal. Once again, I want to thank the donors for their generosity.

Brendan Yeh

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2013 The Boeing Company Scholarship in Economics Recipient

Biography: Brendan Yeh is a second-year student pursuing a major in Business Economics and minors in accounting and film. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, developing himself as an elite academic student as well as a skilled soccer player and violinist. After graduating high school, Brendan chose to attend UCLA due to the educational opportunities, dynamic culture, entertainment industry and beautiful weather. Throughout his time at UCLA, Brendan has proven himself to be a high scholastic achiever in addition to being extremely active in the community. He is heavily involved with the Campus Events Commission, Undergraduate Business Society, the UCLA Department of Medicine, and Greek life as an active brother of Lambda Chi Alpha. In his free time, he enjoys getting together with friends and family, traveling, staying fit, playing soccer and embarking on thrilling experiences.

Future Plans: Brendan has broad future plans. His interests focus on a career in business ranging from consulting to a relevant position in the entertainment industry. He hopes to secure an internship with Deloitte, Disney, or Bayer Corporation this summer. Long term, he plans to pursue a MBA degree. Brendan also holds an interest in aerospace engineering. Broadly, Brendan’s professional goal is to be an altruistic, social, and well-rounded individual who is attuned to all types of people. As he still in the process of discovering his specific interests, his primary goal is to develop himself as a person. Upon graduation, Brendan hopes to spend some time traveling to expand his understanding of the world before continuing his career.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am honored and humbled to be named the recipient of The Boeing Company Scholarship in Economics. This award recognizes the hard work and passion I have put forth in my past achievements and encourages me to continue my dedication towards my studies and activities. With this scholarship, I will be more able to focus on my academics and involvement in the UCLA community. Additionally this scholarship will assist me in my path towards financial independence. Genuinely, I would like to thank the donors of The Boeing Company Scholarship in Economics for their generosity.

Paramveer Singh Toor

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2013 Patricia and Harry L. Bruce Endowed Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Paramveer Singh Toor is a fourth-year student pursuing a degree in Business Economics and Aerospace Engineering. Paramveer initially registered at UCLA as an Engineering major, but after taking his first microeconomics class with Professor Sproul, he developed a keen interest in economics and decided to add it as his second major. Paramveer’s credentials are multivariate; he extensively participated in engineering projects at UCLA such AIAA Design, Build & Fly, Baja SAE and Formula SAE. Lately, he devoted more than a year serving as a Drivetrain Technology lead for UCLA’s Formula SAE team. During his duration of time there, he participated in designing and manufacturing a race car for UCLA. Last summer, Paramveer also interned as a race-engineering intern in the motorsport industry, where he worked on drivetrain and control subsystems of racecars. Paramveer is a member of Alpha Lambda Delta & Phi Eta Sigma Honor societies and is a re-founding father of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity at UCLA. He has also conducted research on Inorganic Aqueous Solutions (IAS) in Professor Ivan Catton’s heat transfer lab in the Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering department at UCLA. Paramveer currently works as a grader for an upper division Thermodynamics class in the MAE department. In the future, he sees himself inclining more towards quantitative finance and is planning to pursue a career in this field.

Future Plans: After completing the curriculum for his bachelor’s, Paramveer plans to study quantitative finance and to pursue his career goal of becoming a quantitative trader. In this field, Paramveer would also like to commit his time to applying the skills he garnered and become a potential employee in a hedge fund as a senior-level trading analyst.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: Words do not even begin to describe how incredibly honored I am that my hard work is acknowledged. I would like to thank the UCLA Economics Department for availing access to this scholarship and Mr. and Mrs. Bruce for their generosity. This scholarship was given to me at a very crucial opportune time: the funds will not only help me apply to graduate schools but will also contribute to the tuition fee for the Spring Quarter. As a result, I can concentrate on my coursework and on my senior year UAV group project.