20 years of philanthropy and friendship
The Concordia University Hong Kong Foundation (CUHKF) celebrated its 20th anniversary with a gala dinner on September 5 in Hong Kong.
The gala raised $370,000 CAN to be shared between the CUHKF and the Campaign for Concordia: Next-Gen. Now.
The event featured more than 200 guests — mostly alumni from the 1960s through today — as well as harp and tai chi performances.
“The foundation’s accomplishments over the last 20 years are a testament to the great leadership we have in Hong Kong — and of the strength of its alumni community,” says Paul Chesser, vice-president of Advancement at Concordia.
By the end of 2019, the CUHKF will have awarded 135 Concordia scholarships to deserving students in Mainland China and Hong Kong.
“Scholarships funded by the CUHKF offer critical financial support to many talented students, giving them access to a high-quality, international education at Concordia,” says Graham Carr, interim president of Concordia. “The generosity of the CUHKF has been remarkable.”
Over two decades, the CUHKF and its board members have raised close to $1-million.
The evening celebrated the foundation’s accomplishments as well as key members, including president and founder William Yip, who established the CUHKF with the support of long-time philanthropist Che-woo Lui. The CUHKF’s mission — to make international studies accessible to students from low-income families — resonates deeply with them.
Of Concordia’s alumni community — which counts 220,000 graduates worldwide — 500 Concordians make their home in China.
“Our students have thrived thanks to donors’ support of the foundation. As Concordia moves forward, many more students will benefit as the next-generation of great leaders,” says Chesser.
