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Bryan Chang

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2011 John J. Peterson Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Bryan Chang is a fourth-year Business-Economics Student with a Minor in Accounting and Specialization in Computing. Bryan was born and raised in Seoul, Korea and came to St. Paul, MN at the age of fifteen. During his junior and senior years of high school, he studied full-time at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, earning both college and high school credits at the same time. Then at UCLA, in addition to his schoolwork, Bryan’s passion in real estate, finance, and technology entrepreneurship led him to internships and extracurricular activities. Since his first year at UCLA, Bryan has held numerous internship positions at RCLCO, premier real estate advisory firm in century city, ISBX, mobile apps development start-up, Harbor Ridge Capital, boutique investment bank focused in the IT industry, and most recently, UBS Investment Bank in Technology Banking in San Francisco. Bryan has also actively been involved in the UCLA Business Council, Bruin Real Estate Association (BREA), and Alpha Kappa Psi (Business Fraternity).

Future Plans: After successful completion of an internship at UBS Investment Bank, Bryan has received and accepted a full-time offer to come back upon graduation. Before starting to work full-time, Bryan wants to keep exploring the world of entrepreneurship. He would also like to spend time learning computer languages and meeting/working with other entrepreneurs in LA. After a few years in technology banking in SF, Bryan is interested in advancing to Venture Capital or Growth Equity firms in SF, which he feels will enhance his networks to meet and learn entrepreneurs vastly. As a long-term goal, Bryan wishes to run an international business that affects and helps the daily life of people in the world, possibly in the field of real estate and IT, or a mix of two.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am sincerely honored and grateful to receive the John J. Peterson Scholarship for the 2011-2012 academic year. It is through such generous contributions and true altruism that I will be able to focus on my academics and career path. Due to my strong interest in business and entrepreneurship, this scholarship will not only allow me to continue my studies in this field, but will also further encourage me to explore this rewarding career path and unique experience with other aspiring business professionals. Particularly, it will allow me to be more engaged in entrepreneurship, which is what I hope to undertake during my last year at UCLA. I would like to express my deepest gratitude to John J. Peterson for this honor and support.

Noga Alon

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2011 The Gumbiner Savett Inc. Scholarship Recipient

Biography: Noga Alon is a fourth-year student studying economics with a minor in accounting. Born and raised in Israel, Noga moved to Sacramento with her family when she was ten years old. After graduating from high school in Sacramento, she decided to attend UCLA due to the diverse student population the campus offered. At UCLA, Noga has been actively involved with Hillel, acting as a vice president her third year. She also interned at the Economic Mission of the Israeli Consulate earlier that year to gain an understanding of governmental economics and trade. Noga spent two quarters studying abroad in Israel, taking courses in politics, economics, business ethics, and art history. This past summer she interned with Ernst & Young in the assurance practice in their Los Angeles office. Noga worked on clients ranging from large health care providers to small music publishing companies, extending her knowledge of practical accounting. During her spare time, Noga enjoys reading, exercising, and spending time with her family.

Future Plans: As Noga enters her final year at UCLA, she hopes to finish all of her CPA sitting requirements along with the bachelor’s degree. During the summer, she hopes to finish the four CPA tests and then go to work for a Big 4 public accounting firm.

What does the scholarship mean to me?: I am honored to have received the Gumbiner, Savett, Inc. Scholarship for this academic year. This scholarship helps take the financial burden off me and my family in these tough economic times, and move me forward in my path to financial independence. Due to this scholarship, I will be able to concentrate more on my academic achievements this final year. It is through the generosity of this donor that I will be able to focus more of my attention on academic and professional ventures as opposed to financial complications. I am grateful to Gumbiner, Savett, Inc. for providing me with this opportunity.