Mari Elka Pangestu (Ph.D., economics, ’86) received the Emil M. Mrak International Award from the Cal Aggie Alumni Association for her achievements and impact on the university and world. Pangestu is one of six alumni and friends of UC Davis that were celebrated at the 50th annual Alumni Awards gala on May 4.

“The 2023 honorees have transformed the world around them and exemplify the values that are core to UC Davis and our organization,” said Dana Allen, assistant vice chancellor and executive director of Cal Aggie Alumni Association.

The Emil M. Mrak International Award, created and named in honor of Emil M. Mrak, who was a chancellor of the university from 1959 to 1969, recognizes an alumnus for their exceptional work outside of the country.

“I feel honored to receive this alumni award,” said Mari Pangestu. “I wouldn’t have succeeded to get to where I am today if not for my professors and the faculty of Economics, and the support and friendships from my classmates and many long-time friends at this very special place, UCD.”

An Exceptional International Career

The education Pangestu received at UC Davis as a graduate student in economics was just the beginning of a distinguished and exceptional career. Over her 30-year career spanning academia, government and international organizations, she has tackled some of the world’s most pressing challenges related to international trade and investment and development in multilateral, regional and national settings. Pangestu recently retired from the World Bank, where she oversaw development policy and partnerships. Prior to this, she was a professor of international economics at the University of Indonesia and served as a Minister in the Government of Indonesia for 10 years as the Minister of Trade and Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Supporting UC Davis

Pangestu has continued to bring her expertise and collaborative spirit back to UC Davis. In April 2022, she was a featured speaker at a UC Davis symposium on Achieving Sustainable and Inclusive Development: Emerging Issues in Research and Policy.

Pangestu is passionate and committed to advancing global education, solving learning and health challenges, and investing in human capital. She has continued to meet with senior UC Davis administrators, faculty, staff and students to enhance collaborations and share knowledge. This support has been invaluable as we strengthen UC Davis’ linkages with Indonesia.

Future Collaborations

Pangestu’s work with UC Davis continues. Pangestu will be joining the Global Affairs Advisory Council where she will help promote key initiatives and priorities through events, alumni engagement and philanthropic leadership.

“Mari Pangestu is an inspirational leader who has impacted the world in outstanding and significant ways and will continue to do so in the future,” said Joanna Regulska, vice provost and dean of Global Affairs. “We are so pleased and honored to have been able to work with her and look forward to many more years of collaboration.”