Kwang G. Tan G’73 became fascinated with computers as a college student several decades ago and went on to a highly successful career in the technology sector, working for such notable companies as IBM, HP and Sun Microsystems. Early in his career, IBM awarded him a spot in its prestigious residence fellowship program, and he enrolled in Syracuse University’s electrical engineering doctoral program, where he received guidance and encouragement from Professor Ming-Kuei Hu, who was the first faculty member to teach computer courses at the University and helped establish the computer engineering program at the College of Engineering and Computer Science (ECS).
Tan’s passion for innovative technology is as strong as ever today. With artificial intelligence (AI) taking center stage in the world of technology, Tan recently funded the $1.5 million K.G. Tan Professorship, an ECS faculty position that will focus on AI research. It’s the latest of several multimillion-dollar gifts that Tan has made to Syracuse, including ones supporting student scholarships, the Barnes Center at The Arch and the National Veterans Resource Center at the Daniel and Gayle D’Aniello Building.
“Dr. Tan’s endowed professorship will support a preeminent researcher and educator in the field of artificial intelligence,” says ECS Dean J. Cole Smith. “This person will be a top scholar in the development and rigorous analysis of AI algorithms, all while serving as a compelling instructor for our talented cadre of computer science students. We are grateful for his gift, his guidance and his passion for innovation.”
