SMU Dedicates 25 Tembusu Trees to Celebrate Donor Contributions for Its Silver Jubilee
In a recent ceremony, Singapore Management University (SMU) marked its Silver Jubilee by planting 25 Tembusu trees on its city campus. This initiative serves to acknowledge the contributions of donors throughout the university’s 25-year history, highlighting their vital role in supporting student financial aid, scholarships, and international learning opportunities.
Dedication of Trees to Donors
The trees are dedicated to the first 25 donors who participated in SMU’s Silver Jubilee celebrations. This act not only symbolizes the enduring impact of donor contributions but also aims to enhance the campus’s greenery and create a lasting tribute to the university’s mission of fostering future leaders.
University Leadership’s Appreciation
Professor Lily Kong, President of SMU, articulated appreciation for the ongoing support from donors, emphasizing its importance to the university’s development over the past quarter-century. She mentioned that the tree planting initiative stands as a permanent expression of gratitude and a call for continued support to empower future generations.
Alumni Contributions
Among the 25 dedicated donors, several are alumni who have chosen to contribute in order to strengthen the community that supported their education. Their involvement illustrates a maturing SMU community, where alumni engagement plays a crucial role in completing a philanthropic circle.
Prominent Alumni Donors
Prominent alumni contributors include Darrell Ee and his wife, who established the Ee Family Study Award and International Exchange Grant to assist students in their educational pursuits at SMU. They expressed a commitment to enabling others to achieve their aspirations without financial burdens.
Willy Wee, another alumnus, created the Mdm Leow Poh Fong Endowed Scholarship in honor of his mother, recognizing the scholarships that relieved his financial pressures during his studies. He expressed hope that this initiative encourages students to support each other in the future.
Randy Cheung, who faced financial challenges while studying at SMU, established the Cheung Family Endowed Scholarship to provide similar opportunities to others. Additionally, Keeve Tan, a senior finance professional, aims to uplift future generations through the Keeve Tan Wealth Management Scholarship. Dr. Sun Xiushun contributed by founding the Winning International Group Study Award to promote academic excellence in accountancy.
Legacy of the Tembusu Trees
Each of the new Tembusu trees is accompanied by a plaque commemorating the donors’ contributions, ensuring their legacy within the SMU community. The Tembusu tree, notable for its resilience and depicted on Singapore’s five-dollar note, adds aesthetic value to the university’s urban landscape.
Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony also included the installation of the SMU25 bench and the sealing of a time capsule, which is meant to encapsulate the spirit and aspirations of SMU for the future.
(Source: SMU News)
