Richard Wong Family Education Fund
The Richard Wong Family Education Fund was established in 2005 by Richard and Mae Wong, parents of Boji Wong ’92 and Richard T. Wong ’98, to attract a greater number of students of Chinese ancestry to the school. Originally named the Boji ‘92 and Richard ‘98 Wong Family Chinatown Scholarship, this fund helped provide these students with outstanding educational experiences, access to enriching opportunities and a foundation to achieve lifelong success at Friends Seminary.
Richard Wong (1935-2020) was an ambitious and enthusiastic Chinese-American attorney who brought a passionate light to his work as a scholar, lawyer, advocate and friend. Well aware of the lack of legal representation in Chinatown, upon completion of his clerkship Richard declined an offer to join an already established firm, instead opening his own practice. Gim & Wong would prove to serve Chinatown for 26 years, providing everything from the community's legal needs to paving the way for hundreds of individuals and families to immigrate and naturalize as U.S. citizens and establish their own roots.
Upon his death in July of 2020, the fund was renamed the Richard Wong Family Education Fund. Richard dedicated his life to advancing the lives and rights of Chinese Americans and recognized the power and importance of education. This endowed fund will ensure that his passion and hard work will live on through the students who come through the doors of Friends Seminary.
The Richard Wong Family Education Fund is an inspiring example of what endowed funds can do over time to enrich the Friends Seminary Community. Investing in the school’s endowment over time creates sustainable change, ultimately allowing Friends Seminary to help “bring about a world that ought to be.”