Class of 1971 Gift Planning Reunion Co-Chair Chun Lam ’71, M.B.A.’74, Ph.D.’77, P’00: “Why I Give”

I was the first person in my family to attend and graduate from college.  With the support of scholarships from Duke, I was provided an opportunity to major in engineering enriched by the breadth of a liberal arts education.  It changed the course of my future forever.

The opportunities to be exposed to engineering, the sciences, economics, languages, drama etc. opened a completely new world of educational pursuits and allowed me to explore many other interests including information systems, study and management of financial markets and institutions.  The cross-disciplinary education is now more institutionalized to bring students and faculty across many schools together to broaden our knowledge and understanding.

After earning a M.S.E. in information science and system from Princeton University, I continued my M.B.A. education at The Fuqua School of Business and joined a New York company in upstate New York.  I eventually earned my Ph.D. in finance from Fuqua. Since then, I have taught for 35 years at Tulane University and Southern Methodist University.  I have also served on the board of trustees for several companies, among other appointments.

Duke’s impact on the arts and humanities, science, medicine, business, engineering, innovations, and the environment continues to expand and excel.  Financial support for research and scholarship is imperative for a great university like Duke to continue its missions.

Following graduation, I dreamt of someday paying back what Duke has provided for me.  I hoped to give future Duke students in need of financial assistance the opportunity to learn, develop their passions, and to pursue their career aspirations.  In gratitude for my educational experience, I established a gift annuity to provide scholarships for engineering students at the Pratt School of Engineering.  My hope is that the scholarships will pave the way for future leaders, scholars, researchers, engineers, and scientists.

I invite you to support our alma mater and to provide the same life-changing education to future students.  Make a planned gift to support the Duke schools or programs that resonate with you. Your gift can also benefit your own personal future goals and will count toward our Class of 1971 class total.  You can also consider sharing your time and talents to support Duke by serving as a volunteer or future reunion co-chair.

I look forward to celebrating our 45th reunion at the Duke Reunions 2016 weekend, April 15-17, with you!

Celebrate our 45th class reunion this year by contacting Duke University Office of Gift Planning to make a planned gift toward our class total or learn more about volunteer opportunities.

Come back to campus for Reunions 2016.  Forever Duke, Forever Friends.

TAGS: Duke Reunions 2016 Gift planning reunion co-chairs charitable gift annuities

About the author

Gift Planning

giftplanning@duke.edu

Duke University’s Office of Gift Planning specializes in charitable gift planning for estates, charitable trusts and annuities, and other complex current and future gift plans.

For more information, please contact the Duke University Office of Gift Planning.