The University of Missouri has announced a $5 million commitment from alumni Andrew and Peggy Cherng through the Panda Charitable Family Foundation in support of scholarships and programming at the university’s Honors College.

The gift from the founders of Panda Express nearly doubles their giving to their alma mater since 2017 to more than $10 million and will bolster a broad slate of scholarship programs, including Cherng Scholarships, for out-of-state honors students; Panda-Mizzou Scholarships, for students pursuing education or health-related majors; and Cherng Summer Scholarships, for short-term student research projects.

“The Cherngs have been catalysts for the Honors College,” said University of Missouri vice chancellor for advancement Jackie Lewis, “As Mizzou continues to champion student experiences and educate future leaders, the continued support of the Cherngs empowers us to continue pushing forward.”

“The education we each received from Mizzou was instrumental to our success,” said the couple, “and we hope this gift will provide additional tools to prepare the best students in the state and nation for transformational career opportunities.”

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