“I spent 10 years at MIT, earning four degrees in electrical engineering and computer science,” says Arvola Chan ’74, SM ’76, EE ’78, PhD ’80. “I was a beneficiary of scholarships through my undergraduate years and research assistantships through my graduate years, so I’m forever grateful.” As planned-giving chair for the Class of 1974 50th Reunion Gift Committee, Chan invited classmates to join him in making a planned gift benefiting MIT. His own generous bequest will support graduate student fellowships. Meanwhile, he and wife Ginn-Shian Hua, MAA ’81, have established the Albert Tzong-Jyh Chan Memorial Scholarship in honor of their late son. The first award of the scholarship was to be made this fall.
On his vision for the Chan Memorial Scholarship: “This fund aims to support deserving students who have the potential to make significant contributions to the world. I hope this gesture inspires others to consider how their legacy can impact future generations and perpetuate the spirit of giving and excellence at MIT.”
On his planned-giving pitch to classmates: “I want to set an example for my friends to plan their legacy and inspire people to make gifts while they’re still living.”
On why MIT is worth supporting: “MIT is world renowned for doing good work in science and technology. Supporting MIT is my way of expressing deep gratitude to the Institute, which was instrumental in my academic and professional development. My contributions are a way to ensure that future students can benefit as I did.”
Help MIT build a better world. For more information, contact Amy Goldman: 617.253.4082; goldmana@mit.edu. Or visit giving.mit.edu/planned-giving.