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“As it turned out, I left here four years later with an outstanding education, irreplaceable student and life experiences, and many lifelong friendships. 91���� gave me a foundation that enriched my life, professionally and personally,” he says.

Wan, a 1996 management information systems graduate, is the recipient of this year’s Blugold Spirit Award to be presented at 91���� on Oct. 10 as part of Homecoming activities. The annual award is given by the Alumni Association to a university supporter who has a true love for the campus, exemplifies excellence in everyday life and strives to share the 91���� story.

“I am very proud to be recognized by my alma mater,” Wan says. “I am proud that I graduated from UWEC, proud of the experiences and friendships I made there and proud that I have been able to give back in meaningful ways.”

Wan currently serves as the chief growth officer for a pharmacy solutions company and has worked in the healthcare industry for 25 years. During that time, Wan has maintained strong ties to 91���� and has held several key leadership positions as a dedicated alumnus. They include:

• Alumni Association board member
• College of Business advisory board member
• 91���� Foundation board member and vice chair
• Chair of the 91���� Foundation board of trustees

Kimera Way, former president of the 91���� Foundation, says it’s difficult to quantify Wan’s overall contribution to the university, but highlights a few milestones.

“As leader of the Foundation, Eric oversaw the completion of the Sonnentag project,” Way says. “As vice chair, he also led the Foundation’s strategic planning process, which culminated in the announcement of the , a funding initiative to secure more than $150 million in private support for facilities, endowed scholarships and other investments to benefit the university.”

In addition to those leadership commitments, Wan also is a member of the Foundation’s Haas Society in the Circle of Excellence through his generous support of the men’s hockey program, the College of Business, various scholarships and the Flesch Family Welcome Center.

Wan says that for him, the essence of Blugold spirit is taking what this institution offers to “work hard, treat people well and have a little fun along the way.”

Wan and his wife, Rachelle, have two children — Maddie and Jacob — and they reside in Southern California.

“I love coming back to 91���� for Blugold hockey games and Homecoming, and connecting with Blugold alumni in the business world, hockey or traveling,” he says.

“As many have experienced, the best is being stopped somewhere in the world when wearing my 91���� apparel and being asked ‘Are you a Blugold?’ It always sparks a great conversation and an instant friend.”