Kristen Monson ’82, MBA ’86, urges everyone in the business school community to consider their impact through estate giving. Steve Zylius / UCI

Kristen Monson has pledged $1.5 million in legacy giving, bringing her campaign commitment to The Paul Merage School of Business to more than $3 million. She’s the double UCI alumna – with a bachelor’s degree in economics (’82) and an MBA (’86) – for whom the third-floor terrace of the business school building is named. The retired  PIMCO executive was honored as the Merage School’s commencement speaker in 2016. “When Dean Eric Spangenberg arrived at UCI over five years ago, I was inspired to commit my philanthropy to his vision,” Monson said. “As his Dean’s Advisory Board chair and partner for the duration of his time at the Merage School, I have seen firsthand how his readiness to challenge convention changed and propelled our school forward.” With this challenge gift, she calls on all alumni and stakeholders in the Merage School community to consider their impact through estate giving. Over the next five years, the school will participate in the most ambitious capital campaign in UCI’s history.

Publicly launched on Oct. 4, 2019, the Brilliant Future campaign aims to raise awareness and support for UCI. By engaging 75,000 alumni and garnering $2 billion in philanthropic investment, UCI seeks to reach new heights of excellence in student success, health and wellness, research and more. The Paul Merage School of Business plays a vital role in the success of the campaign. Learn more by visiting https://brilliantfuture.uci.edu/paul-merage-school-of-business/.