“This is the best investment I could possibly make.”

— Richard Zhang (’92)

As a triple-major and Honors College graduate, Zhang knows firsthand how transformative an honors education can be—and now he’s paying it forward in a big way. Now, with a seven-figure gift to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Honors College, Zhang is helping future Mocs access the same opportunities that shaped his own journey.

Zhang graduated summa cum laude from UTC in 1992 with bachelor’s degrees in chemistry, economics, and accounting. Today, he leads operations for Apax Partners in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Southeast Asia—one of the world’s most respected global private equity firms.

But before his career took off, it was a scholarship to UTC that opened the door.

“I got a full scholarship that allowed me to attend UTC and become who I am today,” Zhang said. “That was an investment in my future, and I wanted the same investment for future generations.”

His recent gift significantly expands access to UTC’s Innovations in Honors (IIH) program, a learning experience designed for transfer and upper-level students that emphasizes critical thinking, applied creativity and community engagement. While Brock Scholars have long received annual scholarships, IIH students had not—until now.

For IIH student Julia Lyashevskiy, the impact of Zhang’s support is personal.

“This scholarship has alleviated some of the financial pressures of being a full-time student,” Lyashevskiy said. “It allows me to fully focus on my studies and experience new and exciting things every day in my classes. I am truly grateful.”

Zhang, a 2019 recipient of the Honors College’s Sompayrac Alumni Award and this year’s undergraduate commencement speaker, says this gift is about more than scholarships. It’s about unlocking human potential.

“Innovations and Brock Scholars are going to have a significant impact on society and other people’s lives,” he said. “That’s a huge return on an investment you can make.”

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