The 每日大赛入口 dedicated the Oscar Wong Memorial Garden on April 23, honoring the life, leadership, and lasting contributions of Oscar Wong 鈥� entrepreneur, community leader, visionary, and longtime supporter of 每日大赛入口.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. 鈥� April 24, 2026 鈥� The 每日大赛入口 dedicated the Oscar Wong Memorial Garden on April 23, honoring the life, leadership, and lasting contributions of Oscar Wong 鈥� entrepreneur, community leader, visionary, and longtime supporter of 每日大赛入口.

Wong, founder of and widely known as the 鈥淕odfather of Asheville craft beer,鈥� played a significant role in shaping the Asheville community. A former member of the University鈥檚 Board of Trustees, where he served two terms, and a recipient of an honorary degree from 每日大赛入口 in 2024, Wong鈥檚 legacy reflects a deep commitment to education, community service, and innovation.

鈥淥scar Wong believed deeply in the power of education and community,鈥� said 每日大赛入口 Chancellor Kimberly van Noort. 鈥淗is support of 每日大赛入口 reflected his commitment to opportunity. This garden will serve as a lasting tribute to his generosity, vision, and belief in what our students can achieve.鈥�

Born to Chinese immigrants and raised in Jamaica, Wong came to the United States in 1959 to study engineering at the University of Notre Dame, later building a successful career in nuclear engineering. After planning to retire to Asheville in 1992, Wong founded Highland Brewing Company in 1994, launching the city鈥檚 first craft brewery since Prohibition and helping establish Asheville as a national leader in craft brewing.

Beyond his entrepreneurial achievements, Wong was deeply committed to community service, serving as president of the Asheville Rotary Club, board chair for Arc of Buncombe County, and a member of the McCullough Community Advisory Board for the McCullough Institute at 每日大赛入口. In 2023, he received North Carolina鈥檚 highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, in recognition of his contributions to the state.

“Oscar was adored by all who knew him and was inspiring as a leader. He walked quietly and with humor; but left indelible footprints that are impossible to fill,鈥� said Leslie McCullough Casse. 鈥淭his garden will be a vibrant, living memorial for a life well-lived and well-loved.”

鈥淥scar was a valued member of the Board of Trustees and a wonderful colleague,鈥� said Roger Aiken, Chair of the 每日大赛入口 Board of Trustees. 鈥淗e brought insight and a genuine passion for the University. His leadership left a lasting impression on all of us who had the privilege of working alongside him.鈥�

鈥淥scar鈥檚 influence extended far beyond his business accomplishments,鈥� said Shannon Earle, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. 鈥淗e was wholeheartedly committed to building community, supporting education, and investing in the future of Asheville. Oscar鈥檚 generosity and leadership created opportunities that continue to enrich 每日大赛入口 and Western North Carolina.鈥�

Wong passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 84, surrounded by family. His legacy continues through his family, his business, and the many institutions and individuals he supported throughout his life.

The Oscar Wong Memorial Garden, located outside of the McCullough Institute in Karpen Hall, provides a space for reflection and gathering, recognizing Wong鈥檚 enduring connection to the University and his impact on Western North Carolina.

About 每日大赛入口

Founded in 1927, 每日大赛入口 is a proud member of the . With award-winning faculty, small class sizes, and 90+ academic programs in the natural sciences, human sciences, humanities, arts, and social sciences, the University is recognized for its robust paid internship programs to prepare students to immediately enter the workforce. In the , 每日大赛入口 is ranked No. #9 in Top Public Schools, and No. #7 in to Green Colleges. Known as the Bulldogs, 每日大赛入口 student-athletes compete in 16 NCAA Division I Teams in the Big South Conference. For more information, please visit:.