From Economics to Statistics and Biostatistics: Soochow University Awards Honorary Doctorate to Distinguished Alumna Eugenia Henry

Soochow University held the “Conferral Ceremony of Honorary Doctorate of Economics on Dr. Eugenia Henry” on July 8, 2026. Organized by the Office of Academic Affairs, with support from the School of Business and the Office of Social Resource, Alumni Service and Career Development, the ceremony honored Dr. Henry, a 1975 alumna of the Department of Economics, for her outstanding achievements in biostatistics, biopharmaceuticals, and educational philanthropy, as well as her longstanding contributions to society and to her alma mater. 

The ceremony was attended by many distinguished guests, including Chairman of the Board of Trustees John S. C. Tang, Trustees Chin-Jan Chen and Chung-Hsien Liu, President Chyan-Long Jan, Honorary Doctor of Science Tiao-Ting Chen. Other notable attendees included Vincent W. F. Chen, former Deputy Director-General of the National Security Bureau, and Hui-Hsin Liu, Chief Investment Officer of Nanshan Life Insurance. Also in attendance were Soochow University Alumni Association President Hui-Kuei Chen and Chief Consultant Shih-Sheng Liu. Numerous senior university administrators, and alumni from the Department of Economics also attended to congratulate Dr. Eugenia Henry and celebrate this honor.  

Dr. Eugenia Henry is a recipient of Soochow University’s 5th Distinguished Alumni Award. After earning a master’s degree in economics, she pursued further studies in the United States, where she earned a master’s degree in statistics from the University of Arkansas and a Ph.D. in biostatistics from the University of Missouri. Her academic journey from economics to statistics and biostatistics reflects her commitment to learning across disciplines. 

Dr. Eugenia Henry has 40 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry. She founded HHI Clinical in 1998 and H2O Clinical in 2011 before establishing the Taiwan branch, Firma Clinical, in 2015. Over the years, she has led clinical trial and biostatistics teams, participating in and advancing hundreds of drug development projects spanning cancer, cardiovascular diseases, kidney diseases, anemia, and psychiatric and sleep medicine. Her work has contributed to FDA approval for 77 drugs and to the advancement of medicine and healthcare worldwide.  

Dr. Eugenia Henry’s professional achievements and commitment to giving back to the society have earned her numerous international honors, including the 6th World's Top Ten Outstanding Chinese Businesswomen Hua Guan Award, the ILF Leadership Award, the Asian Pacific American Community Contribution Award, and the 2022 White House President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.  

President Jan noted in his remarks that despite Dr. Henry’s professional success, she has remained committed to education and continued to give back to society and her alma mater. Her contribution has benefited many people. She is truly an alumna of whom all Soochowians can be proud and a role model for future generations. Through this conferral, President Jan hopes that Dr. Henry’s life journey will inspire more members of the Soochow community to pursue excellence and contribute to society.  

At the end of the ceremony, Dr. Henry delivered her remarks, saying that she was deeply grateful and honored to receive an honorary Doctor of Economics degree from her alma mater. Looking back on her academic journey, she recalled that Soochow University was not her first choice at the time. However, with support from her family and scholarships, she worked hard to complete her studies, laying the foundation for her further studies in the United States and her entrepreneurial career. She said that no matter where she has traveled over the years, she has always been proud to be a Soochow alumna. In a playful reference to the colors associated with Taiwan’s major political parties, she added, “Taiwan may do without blue, green, or white, but it cannot do without Soochow,” drawing warm applause from the audience. She encouraged younger generations of Soochow students to live by the motto, “work hard, work harder, and keep working harder.” She urged them not to limit themselves because of their academic background or where they begin. By continuing to improve themselves and taking on new challenges, they can apply their expertise, pursue their aspirations, give back to society, support the next generation, and carry the spirit of Soochow forward.