UCLA Honors Entrepreneur Joe C. Wen with Nursing School Naming Opportunity

UCLA Honors Entrepreneur Joe C. Wen with School of Nursing Name Change

On August 5, 2025, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) revealed a game-changing donation to its School of Nursing. Joe C. Wen, a distinguished alumnus and successful entrepreneur, has pledged $30 million—a transformative commitment aimed at enhancing nursing education, stimulating research, and improving clinical practices. This substantial contribution marks a milestone in the school's legacy, enabling important advancements in the nursing field.

In recognition of Wen's generous donation, UCLA's School of Nursing will officially be renamed the UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing. This makes it significant not only as the largest donation the nursing school has ever received but also as the first UCLA school named after an Asian American. Chancellor Julio Frenk highlighted the vital role of nurses in healthcare, stating, "Nurses are the backbone of health care... This extraordinary gift... expands our ability to educate the next generation of nurse leaders."

Wen's investment will enhance various educational programs within the school, boosting student success and fostering innovation in nursing research. Lin Zhan, the dean of the School of Nursing, expressed deep gratitude towards Wen and his family, emphasizing how this investment would further the school's mission of leadership and excellence in nursing education. The funds will be utilized for enhancing four educational programs, fostering research initiatives, and addressing healthcare demands both in California and nationwide.

Wen, an entrepreneur known for his multinational enterprise, Formosa Ltd., has been a strong advocate for public health and education. His commitment to UCLA extends beyond this recent pledge—since 2022, Wen's contributions to the University of California system have surpassed $100 million, solidifying his position as a significant benefactor in the educational domain.

With origins in Taiwan, Wen moved to the United States as a teenager and graduated from UCLA in 1998. His journey from an economics graduate to a successful businessman who has established Formosa Ltd. speaks volumes about his values regarding education and community service. Wen remarked, "This transformational gift will help create a global academic research powerhouse and think tank for future nursing leaders."

Underpinning Wen’s commitment is a strong focus on addressing healthcare challenges exacerbated by recent global events. The ongoing nursing shortage is a pressing issue, and this pledge is poised to help combat it. The nursing school is dedicated to preparing highly skilled professionals who can lead in various healthcare settings and influence policy on a national level.

The UCLA Joe C. Wen School of Nursing will maintain a vital partnership with UCLA Health, which employs nearly 6,000 nurses across California and is consistently ranked among the top healthcare providers. The emphasis on evidence-based, technology-driven care is set to redefine 21st-century nursing education.

Johnese Spisso, president of UCLA Health, emphasized the importance of the donation, stating, "This transformative gift will allow the UCLA School of Nursing to excel in preparing outstanding nurses at a time when we see shortages in the hospital and health system industry."

The School of Nursing has been an innovator in nursing education since its inception as the first undergraduate nursing program west of the Mississippi. It has successfully led the charge to produce qualified nursing professionals who are ready to tackle the challenges of today's healthcare environment. By continuing to pursue excellence through Wen's generous support, the school aims to uphold its commitment to quality nursing care and education both locally and globally.

In conclusion, Joe C. Wen's historic commitment to UCLA provides a robust foundation for the School of Nursing to advance its mission and serve communities effectively through education and research. The legacy of innovation and leadership in nursing is ensured, thanks to this visionary investment.