Paul Merage: A fine example of entrepreneurship

More than 20 years ago, Paul Merage saw a trend approaching. After

research and development, he introduced the world to Hot Pockets, a

hot, hand-held meal that could be eaten on the run.

Two years ago, Merage saw another trend approaching -- the rise of

foreign countries as business powers and the possibility of an

American decline in business superiority. After research and

discussion, the Newport Coast resident has introduced the world to

the Paul Merage School of Business at UC Irvine.

Merage’s $30-million gift, the largest in university history,

means that the former Graduate School of Management can recruit five

new professors, no small feat in the academic world. It also allows

the program to reshape itself for the future, preparing students for

a future in which American businesses will face vastly different

challenges than those of the 19th and 20th centuries.

It is one thing to be charitable, and Merage has certainly been

that since moving here from Colorado in 2003. The Iranian immigrant

has been a supporter of the Orange County Performing Arts Center, the

Pacific Symphony and the Second Harvest Food Bank.

But, perhaps more importantly, he has been a generous giver when

it comes to the next generation. Even before his donation to UCI,

Merage established the Merage Foundation for the American Dream,

which funds scholarships for college students who are immigrants,

just like he was.

There are few things nobler than ensuring that those who follow

will have a chance to succeed too.

When Merage sold Chef America -- his company that made Hot Pockets

and Belgian Chef waffles -- to Nestle in 2002 for $2.6 billion, he

could’ve done anything with that fortune, and nobody would have

faulted him for it.

That he has chosen to use his wealth to not just help those in

need but to help educate the next generation of entrepreneurs and

business leaders is to be commended.