USU Alumni Recognized for Extraordinary Contributions to USU
Utah State University graduate Phillip Hwang and his wife, Gemma, received the Spirit of Old Main Award for their dedication and commitment to making a positive impact in their fields. This has earned them the Spirit of Old Main award.
Philip graduated from USU in 1968 with a degree in electrical engineering and continued his academic journey at Wayne State University, earning a master's in electrical engineering in 1971. Later, in 1982, he completed the Harvard University Advanced Management Program. Philip traveled to the United States from North Korea in 1964 with just $50 and worked tirelessly to save for college. This marked the beginning of his successful entrepreneurial path in the telecommunications industry.
Philip and Gemma Hwang were gifted the Spirit of Old Main award for their extraordinary contributions to USU and philanthropy work through their lifetime.
A pioneer in Silicon Valley, Philip founded TeleVideo, a venture company that developed the world's first personal computer networking system in 1975. In its eighth year, he made history as the first Korean-American to take a company public on the NASDAQ Stock Market. His achievements include prestigious awards such as the American Golden Plate, the Ellis Island Medal of Freedom and the Order of Industrial Service Merit from the President of the Republic of Korea. Philip has served as an adviser to former U.S. President George H.W. Bush and as director of the Sookmyung University Foundation, and received an honorary doctorate of philosophy from the university in 2006. USU awarded him an honorary doctorate of engineering in 1983.
Gemma's educational journey began at Sookmyung Women's University, where she obtained a degree in Home Economics before earning a scholarship to attend the University of Vienna, majoring in Food and Nutrition. With her robust background, she made significant contributions as a dietitian in major US hospitals, notably at the Santa Clara Kaiser Medical Center, breaking barriers as one of the first Korean women in such a role. Gemma's dedication extended beyond her career; she spearheaded fundraising efforts among northern California alumnae for Sookmyung, resulting in the establishment of Gemma Hall and the Yang Chun-yeol Global Fund for international students. Her philanthropic endeavors also led to the founding of the Sookmyung Alumnae International Foundation in 2002, earning her numerous honors from the university for her outstanding contributions.
Known for their extensive social engagement and philanthropy, epitomized by their foundation, the Kyupin Philip and C. Gemma Hwang Foundation, this couple is highly respected within the Korean-American community and American society for their impactful contributions.
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Writer: Sydney Dahle, sydney.dahle@usu.edu, 435-797-7512
Contact: Chloe Merrill, chloe.merrill@usu.edu