As part of the University of Rhode Island’s annual celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Multicultural Student Services Center (MSSC) honored Professor Qing (Ken) Yang for his exceptional leadership, generosity, and lasting contributions to the university community. A longtime faculty member in the College of Engineering and a founding force behind the CYPHER Center, Dr. Yang was recognized at the May 1 celebration for his enduring commitment to student success and academic excellence.

Through his generous sponsorship, several student scholarships were awarded—highlighting his dedication to uplifting future generations of scholars. Dr. Yang’s example reminds us of the transformative role faculty play in shaping a more inclusive, connected, and forward-thinking academic environment at URI.