How Man has drawn international acclaim for his work in conservation and perservation and is the president of the China Exploration and Research Society. He is also a former photojournalist and expedition leader with the National Geographic Society and was recognized by UW-RF students and staff May 20-24.

How Man was nominated by journalism professor Mike Norman, who said he followed the alumnus' work after he graduated from UW-RF.

"I nominated How Man as he exemplifies the best qualities of a UW-RF alumnus and as a human being as well," Norman said.

Norman was able to see How man back in the early 1990s when he returned to UW-RF to give a speech and slide presentation.

How Man's speeches and slide presentations are based on the work he began after graduating from UW-RF with a double major in journalism and art.

He began his career in 1975 by working as a free-lance journalist for Asian magazines and Architectural Digest. In 1982 he led the first of six explorations and photojournalism expeditions for the National Geographic Society.

How Man received 11 international awards after leading an expedition for several months across thousands of miles that allowed him the be credited with finding the true source of the Yangtze River in the rugged plateau regions of Tibet.

In announcing the 2002 UW-RF Distinguished Alumnus, Chancellor Ann Lydecker said his accomplishments are exceptional.

"Wong How Man has accumulated an extraordinary record of exploration throughout China and Asia that have opened new doors to understanding the cultur of its many peoples," Lydecker said.

Time Magazine named the Hong Kong-based explorer as "China's most accomplished living explorer."

International media outlets have reported on How Man's work including CNN, NBC, the BBC and the National Geographic Channel.

Norman said in addition to his professional recognition, How Man is noted for being a truly amazing people person.

"How Man has a great sense of humor and a truly amazing humbleness about him considering the incredibly important work he has done and continues to do," Norman said.

How Man lecture widely throughout the Pacific Rim and is an adviser to higher education institutions and government agencies in the People's Republic of China. He has also found time to publish a quarterly magazine entitled "China Explorers" and well as the bilingual "Closer to Heaven and Closer to Earth."

How Man also won th prestigious Lowell Thomas Travel Journalism Gold Award for his book written in 1999 entitled "From Manchuria to Tibet."

"We are delighted to be able to add his alma mater to the lenghty list of organizations who have celebrated his resolve and success," Lydecker said.

During his visit to campus, How Man participated in several activities which were free and open to the public.

How Man gave a multimedia presentation of his three decades of exploration in China and Tibet entitled "Exploration and conservation in remote China."

How Man's photography was on display as well as his books and other materials in Gallery 101.

How Man was also recognized at the spring commencement ceremony.