Rodney Hu and Dorra Tang have been Sun Devil Club members for many years – supporting a number of programs including football, men’s basketball, and swimming and diving. Dorra Tang was a member of the Sun Devil Swimming and Diving program from 1993-1997. Together they recently established the Hu-Tang Trust Endowment Scholarship supporting Sun Devil Football. We asked them a few questions about the importance of giving back.
Why did you, and what motivated you (and your family), to create an endowment?
Rodney - Dorra and I both grew up in Arizona and Tempe was a huge part of our childhood. I felt like I needed to give back to ASU because I really appreciate what Dr. Crow has done from the academic side and I really appreciate what Sun Devil Athletics has done under Ray Anderson’s leadership. I am really proud and excited to give back.
Why do you think it is important to support student-athletes and Sun Devil Athletics?
Dorra - There are so many student-athletes like myself who benefited from scholarships and endowment opportunities. Some folks may not know that there are student-athletes who walk onto a team or have a partial scholarship. I was lucky to have earned a partial scholarship which covered books and then I worked my tail off to increase my scholarship to 75% in my senior year which covered tuition, books and a small dining stipend. On top of educational funding, funds can be allocated towards program or facility improvements to help recruit top talent.
Where did you live prior to attending ASU?
Dorra- Both Rodney and I are 1st generation Chinese Americans born in the US. Our parents emigrated from Hong Kong to AZ in the late 60’s. It’s hard to believe we’re both raised in Tempe, AZ and still live/do business in this town.
What was your major and are you working in that field today?
Dorra - My major was Zoology and I landed in Private Wealth Management with an Investment Advisory Firm.
Rodney – I majored in Business Finance and have owned multiple businesses from running Yucca Tap Room, started Arizona Distilling Company and Territory Dispensary which was recently acquired by a multi-state operator (MSO).
What did you learn at ASU that has served you well throughout your life? ASU taught us so much about hard work and resilience. Nothing in life is handed to you. So, we do the work and hope our impact will make a difference not only within our respective companies but our community.
What does it mean to you to be a Sun Devil? Being a Sun Devil means you put forth your best effort every single day. You may think your impact is small as one (1) person but when you are part of a team with a purpose, every member matters.
If you could have dinner with any Sun Devil student-athlete/coach/staff member from the past or present, who would it be and why?
Rodney – I would love to share a meal again with Frank Kush. He was always about showing off the team and incorporated the whole mindset stuff. He did everything with a purpose.
The Sun Devil Club would like to thank Rodney and Dorra for their continued support of Sun Devil Athletics. For more information on ways to get involved with the Sun Devil Club, please contact us.