On Sunday, August 26th Environmental Science graduate (Class of 2011) Phong “Samantha” Tang, known as Samm to her friends, suffered an unexpected heart attack at her home in Denver, Colorado and did not recover. At the time Samm was working as a graduate resident director at the University of Denver, Colorado, where she was enrolled in a master's degree program.

In her time at UCLA, Samm went from being a resident in her Hitch community, working to acclimate to a very large and overwhelming institution, to a Program Assistant, helping educate other students and connect them to their community.  She was deeply committed to sharing her own struggles with others so that no one felt that they faced similar challenges alone.  When she became a Resident Advisor, it was clear that Samm had a gift for helping others feel at home.  She was a wonderful leader and advocate and when she decided to pursue an advanced degree in the area of student affairs it was evident to everyone that she would succeed as an emerging leader in the field.

When Samm left to study at the University of Denver she stayed in touch with all of the people whose lives she impacted and those who loved her at UCLA.  Samm would have gone on to be an amazing mentor, teacher and friend—all the things she was as a student.  Samm leaves behind a loving family: a mother, father, three brothers, and sister. She also leaves behind friends new and old as well as classmates, teachers, and mentors.  

Details about services and a memorial fund created in Samm's name are provided below. The family is collecting stories and photographs to share at the service. Please send any materials by email to Teresa Soriano at tisoriano13@gmail.com.

Information courtesy of Marsh-Allen Smith and Megan Fox. 

Services

Wake:
Friday, Sept. 7: 1pm to 6pm
Universal Chung Wah Funeral Directors
225 N. Garfield Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801

Service:
Saturday, Sept. 8: 8am to 10am
(same location as wake)

Burial (Will follow after service):
Rose Hills Cemetery
3888 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Memorial Fund

Well Fargo Bank
Phong “Samantha” Tang Memorial Fund
Account No: 6635031971 Routing No: 121042882
Banking Wire Number: 121000248 Bank Deposit:122000247

Published: Tuesday, September 04, 2012

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