Fong Family Emerging Scholars Fund

The Fong Family Emerging Scholars Fund in Honor of Michelle M. Michali was established by Judith Yem Fong, a first-generation immigrant and commonly known as “Yem” by peers, in memory of her daughter, Michelle. The fund is intended to support greater access to higher education for those who historically have had fewer resources and opportunities that may have been the result of social, racial, or ethnic inequities. Dr. Fong was a tenured Faculty Director in the University Libraries and she was active on significant campus committees. A key priority for Dr. Fong in her faculty role was to mentor students and junior colleagues and to support professional development for staff. She retired as Professor Emerita in 2018 after 29 years at CU Boulder, then returned in a new capacity as a Faculty Ombuds for the University’s Ombuds Office.

Michelle M. Michali (1968-1984) was the daughter of Judith Yem Fong and James C. Michali. Michelle was a kindhearted, loving being who played high school volleyball, skied, rode horses and loved Colorado mountains and wildlife. She befriended lost kittens and puppies, and lost souls who came from single parent and non-traditional families. She was a bright light with a beautiful smile and positive energy. Her life was prematurely ended due to a tragic car accident in Colorado Springs.

This fund provides scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need and are underrepresented at the University of Colorado Boulder, including those from geographic areas and socioeconomic backgrounds that are historically underrepresented at CU Boulder, first generation college students, and students who have faced unusual adversity. Scholarships are renewable up to 4 years total.