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Pepperdine Remembers Matt Fong 

Matthew Fong, alumnus, member of the Pepperdine University Board of Regents, and former California state treasurer, passed away June 1 after a long battle with cancer. He was 57.

“Matt was among the most courageous people I have ever known,” said Andrew K. Benton, president of Pepperdine University. “He approached everything in life with enthusiasm, tremendous energy, intellect, and integrity. He was a great friend and will be deeply missed by all of us who were fortunate to know him.”

Fong was the adopted son of former Democratic California Secretary of State March Fong Eu. He earned his bachelor’s of science degree at the United States Air Force Academy in 1975, an MBA from Pepperdine University in 1982, and his juris doctorate from Southwestern University School of Law in Los Angeles in 1985. Following graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy he served his country on active duty for five years and continued in the USAF Reserves where he held the rank of Lt. Col.

In 1991, California Governor Pete Wilson appointed Fong to the State Board of Equalization where he served as vice chair from 1990 to 1994. He was elected state treasurer for a four year term beginning in January 1995. Fong was president of the Strategic Advisory Group, an institutional investment advisory firm, and served “of counsel” with the Los Angeles-based law firm of Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton. He was active in politics and was a co-chair for the George W. Bush for President campaign in California.

Joining the Pepperdine University Board of Regents in 1993, he served on several different committees of the board, the most recent of which was the investment committee. Additionally, Fong was a member of the American, California, District of Columbia, and Los Angeles Bar Associations and was active in many community activities, serving on several boards of directors, including the RAND Advisory Board for Asia. He was licensed and rated as an FAA flight instructor and commercial pilot and was also licensed to fly gliders.

Fong is survived by his wife Paula and two children.