Hoang Tran Memorial Fund

Dear friends,

My name is Minh Trung Trần and I'm the brother of Hoàng “Joe” Trần. On behalf of our family, we regrettably announces the sudden passing of our son, brother, husband and father. While visiting friends in Kerens, TX, Hoang unfortunately drowned in the lake while attempting to help rescue his friends from a strong current. He is survived by his wife, 3-year-old daughter Ái Việt and her unborn sibling.

Hoang was born in Viet Nam on January 31st 1983, after his father returned home from re-education camp. His family immigrated to the United States in 1990. From there, he navigated himself through his new American surroundings while retaining a deep appreciation for his Vietnamese heritage. Hoang had a strong affinity to higher education showcased by earning BA from the University of California Irvine, MA at Cal State Long Beach University and PhD at University of California Berkeley. Hoang was beloved by all for his humor, quick wit and snappy remarks, but most of all, his caring and thoughtfulness to his loved ones. He had an instinctual understanding of what people needed to improve their day without asking and often, simple conversations would put people on the right path.

Hoang was set to teach his 4th year at Florida Atlantic University (FAU) where his research and teaching interests were in Critical Race Theory, whiteness studies and educational law. One of his research topics was institutional inequality in education and how being afforded with a proper education can bring about disparate advantages over those who are not. Hoang spoke to how simple educational access was one of the biggest roadblocks to many students operating on a level playing field and he developed a strong passion to support those less fortunate children in his native country of Viet Nam.

Proceeds from Hoang Tran Memorial Fund will support the future education needs of Hoang’s daughter, Ái Việt, and unborn child. In addition, your generous donation will be matched by his extended family to contribute up to $20K to the scholarship program for the poor students at Hòa Bình Xuân Lộc School in Viet Nam*, which was passionately supported by Hoang over the years.

With your donation, we will honor Hoang’s memory by supporting his daughter and unborn child, and his passion for educational access. Thank you in advance for your generosity!

* About Hòa Bình Xuân Lộc School

- Official Name: TRƯỜNG CAO ĐẲNG HÒA BÌNH XU N LỘC

- Address: Giáo xứ Lai Ổn, ấp Lộ Đức, xã Hố Nai 3, huyện Trảng Bom, tỉnh Đồng Nai.

- Website: caodanghoabinhxuanloc.edu.vn

- Principal: Linh mục Giuse Nguyễn Văn Uy

- Phone: 0918 263 104