In January 2025, UC Irvine alumni and longtime supporters Carol and Eugene Choi announced they were funding a new scholarship through the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center. The Choi Endowed ANTrepreneur Scholarship provides three annual awards of $3,000 to recognize undergraduate students who exemplify a strong entrepreneurial spirit, with special consideration given to students engaged in family businesses. The purpose of the scholarship is to help alleviate the financial burden on student entrepreneurs and empower them to focus on creating impactful ventures and exploring their entrepreneurial potential without limitations.
“The establishment of the Choi Endowed ANTrepreneur Scholarship ensures that the immense impact that the Chois have had both on the Center and campus as a whole will live on forever,” said Ryan Foland, Director of the ANTrepreneur Center. “It provides enduring support for students who might not otherwise see themselves as entrepreneurs and helps them take the first steps toward discovering their passions and potential.”
2025 Choi Endowed ANTrepreneur Scholarship Recipients
The ANTrepreneur Center is pleased to announce that Lisa Royer, Ella Le, and Mariam Sayed have been selected as the inaugural Choi Endowed ANTrepreneur Scholarship recipients.
Lisa Royer is a Criminology and Psychology double-major, set to graduate in 2027. In addition to studying at UC Irvine, Lisa works full-time at Western Digital as a Global Customer Support Supervisor and helps care for her elderly aunt with her husband. Lisa’s goal is to become a prosecuting attorney and forensic psychologist. As a survivor of domestic abuse and child loss, Lisa is committed to keeping communities safe while also understanding the reasons behind crime. By combining law and psychology, she hopes to create a safer, more compassionate society.
Expressing her gratitude to the Chois, Lisa wrote:
“Thank you for your generosity and support. Receiving this scholarship means more to me than financial help; it is encouragement to keep moving forward even when life feels overwhelming. Balancing school, full-time work, and family responsibilities is not easy, and your gift eases the burden. Most of all, this scholarship makes me feel supported and motivated to keep going and to one day give back to others. I am truly grateful for this opportunity, and I will carry this encouragement with me as I move into the next phase of my journey.”
Ella Le is a Nursing Science major, set to graduate in 2027. Ella’s passion for helping others and serving her community drives her dream of advancing healthcare as a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
In a thank you message for the Chois, Ella wrote:
“Thank you so much for supporting my education through this scholarship. Receiving this award truly means a great deal to me, not only because it helps relieve the financial burden of pursuing higher education, but also because it serves as a reminder that there are people who believe in my potential and are invested in my success.
Looking ahead, this support positions me to stay focused and motivated as I continue working toward my goals. Knowing that I have this encouragement makes me feel empowered and hopeful for the next phase of my journey.”
Mariam Sayed is a Biological Science major, also set to graduate in 2027. Originally from Egypt, Mariam moved to the U.S. in 2019 and has worked hard to overcome language and cultural barriers while pursuing her education. Her goal is to become a physician assistant or doctor of physical therapy, where she can combine her love for science with her passion for helping others.
Thanking the Chois, Miriam wrote:
“Receiving this scholarship is both an honor and a source of motivation, reminding me that my hard work and determination are recognized and valued. This funding eases the financial pressures of pursuing my degree and allows me to focus fully on my studies and future goals. It brings me closer to my dream of working in healthcare, where I hope to make a difference in people’s lives through compassion and service.
Your kindness inspires me to continue striving for excellence and to one day give back to students the way you have given to me. I am truly grateful for your generosity, and I will carry this encouragement with me as I move forward in my education and career.”
The Choi Legacy of Philanthropy
Carol and Eugene Choi are widely celebrated for their considerable contributions to global business and their unwavering commitment to philanthropy. As trailblazers in entrepreneurship and innovation, the Chois have spent over 30 years building a legacy of success and generosity that resonates across industries and borders. Today, they are recognized not only for their professional achievements but also for their dedication to fostering opportunities for future generations.
Through their philanthropic endeavors, the Chois have demonstrated a profound belief in the power of education and entrepreneurship to shape lives and communities. The Chois have been strong supporters of the ANTrepreneuer Center and its mission since 2023, when they first partnered with the Center to donate free ramen to student entrepreneurs. This partnership has since expanded to the UCI Basic Needs Center, ensuring that all UC Irvine students have access to a free and convenient meal. The Chois have also given back to student entrepreneurs by supporting the Micro-Internship program, volunteering as guest speakers, and serving as original Founders Circle members for the Center.
The Choi Endowed ANTrepreneur Scholarship is the latest manifestation of their generosity, offering vital support to students navigating the challenges of higher education while pursuing entrepreneurial aspirations.
“We hope this scholarship helps students focus on their business ideas by taking away some of their financial burden and allowing them to explore their entrepreneurial potential,” said Carol.
“We’re excited to empower entrepreneurs starting their own businesses, especially those who bring innovative talent to family businesses that are seeking forward-thinking leaders,” added Eugene.
Apply for the 2026 Choi Endowed ANTrepreneur Scholarship
All undergraduate students with an interest in entrepreneurship and innovation are encouraged to apply for the 2026 Choi Endowed ANTrepreneur Scholarship.
Application Periods
Continuing Students: January 1–31, 2026
Incoming Students: May 1–31, 2026
Students can apply by using their UCInetID to log into ScholarshipUniverse. After completing the one-time application process, qualified students will be notified of their eligibility for the scholarship.
Additional Resources and Assistance
Visit the UC Irvine ANTrepreneur Center website to learn more about scholarships, funding, programming, speaker series, Micro-Internships, and more. You can also learn more about the Center’s collaborations with Blackstone LaunchPad, Tech Coast Angels, Tech Coast Venture Network, the OC Startup Council, and SoCal Celebrates Entrepreneurship. Keep up with the Center’s latest news by following them on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.