Economics alumnus Ryan Talamante enjoys giving back to the school that launched his career

Alumnus Ryan Talamante (BS Economics ’90) grew up in Tempe, and is a strong supporter of ASU and the Department of Economics at the W. P. Carey School of Business.

Alumnus Ryan Talamante (BS Economics '90) grew up in Tempe, and is a strong supporter of ASU and the Department of Economics at the W. P. Carey School of Business.

“I enjoy my work in trust and estate litigation — just like my involvement at W. P. Carey,” he says.

But then COVID-19 hit, he also decided to start making gifts in support of the W. P. Carey School of Business Kay A. Faris Emergency Scholarship Fund.

“It seemed like a good way to immediately get money into the hands of students,” he says, especially after the pandemic changed so much about the college experience in particular.

“I have two sons. One who was finishing up college during the pandemic; the other was right in the middle of getting his degree,” Talamante says.

“Financially, everybody is in different situations. There are many whose finances took a significant hit — whether due to family dynamics, people losing jobs, or cutbacks, so it seemed like a good time to help out.”

Every little bit matters to students who are trying to live on their own and be their own person. “For me, as a student. I wasn’t necessarily starving,” he says. “But anything would have made things easier.”

Giving back doesn’t always have to be financially-centered either. “Volunteering gives people the sense that what they are doing is worthwhile,” Talamante mentions. “I think when the broader community who isn’t taking classes or employed at ASU is willing to contribute their time, that something worthwhile is created.”

“ASU is where I got my start and there’s a real connection made by giving back.”