Timothy J Ng (born 1950) retired in 2008 as Associate Vice President for Research and Professor of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture. Previously, he served as Acting Dean for Graduate Studies and Research, in addition to Interim Director of Asian American Studies (2004 - 2006) at a critical juncture for the program. Under his leadership, a permanent director position for Asian American Studies was established in 2006. This scholarship supports undergraduates who demonstrate strength in academics and leadership, especially where such achievement leads to improvement in the lives of Asian Americans.