Lingnan University today welcomed Dr Helmut Sohmen’s generous donation of HK$8 million to support students with financial difficulties to study overseas and participate in international exchange programmes.

Speaking at the signing ceremony held at the University today, Dr Sohmen shared his firm belief in education as the most effective means to make a real difference to the world. He also encouraged students to be more proactive in their learning, “I see education as one of the most basic ingredients for individual success in this, our rather troubled world. But good education does not just rest on excellent teachers. It presupposes curiosity, awareness and social engagement, and it also requires ambition and hard work,” he said.

Mr Bernard Chan, Chairman of the University Council, thanked Dr Sohmen for his support to Lingnan University and its mission to provide quality liberal arts education.

Prof Chan Yuk-Shee, President of the University also thanked Dr Sohmen for his generous support to education. “On behalf of our students at Lingnan I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr Sohmen. His enthusiastic support to education over the years has changed the lives of many students around the world, who have contributed together to make this world a better place. We are pleased that our students are also able to enjoy this opportunity to change themselves for the benefit of the community as a whole,” said Prof Chan.

Two scholarships will be established with Dr Sohmen’s donation. The first one will be awarded each year to a top-notch student, known as the “President’s Scholar”, seeking an opportunity to study overseas in his/her second or third year of study. A reputable institution willing to admit the student as a visiting scholar will be selected by the University. The scholarship, which totalled HK$3 million, will be available for 10 years from 2012/13.

The “Sohmen Exchange Scholarship” will provide financial assistance to students in need to participate in international exchange programmes for at least one semester. Each year 15 to 20 students with strong academic performance and financial difficulties are entitled to this scholarship, which will also be available for a period of 10 years from 2012/13 with a maximum endowment of HK$25,000 per student. The awardees will be named “Sohmen Exchange Scholars”.
 

 Dr Helmut Sohmen presents a cheque to Lingnan University Council Chairman Mr Bernard Chan (right) and President Prof Chan Yuk-Shee (left) after signing an agreement to donate $8 million to the University.