Riverside, Calif., April, 2000--An upcoming renovation and a (28,000 incorrectly quoted) 2,800- square-feet addition to the La Sierra School of Education building will greatly expand the school's educational capabilities, said Norman Powell, dean of the School of Education.

Powell, La Sierra Board Chairman Thomas Mostert, university President Lawrence Geraty, and a host of dignitaries were on hand for the addition's groundbreaking ceremony, held March 9 on the La Sierra campus. Construction is slated to start this summer on the new addition, which was named Chan Hall in honor of Chan Ying Fong, a Chinese philanthropist and Adventist business leader. It was Chan's $1 million dollar gift that will make the building expansion possible.

Chan, his children and numerous members of his extended family attended the March 9 groundbreaking ceremony. His gift will not only fund a renovation and expansion of the 50-year-old School of Education building, but will also fund endowed scholarships for education graduate students focusing in religious education.

Born into humble circumstances in Swatow, China, Chan moved with his family to Vietnam in the 1930s. It was there, in French Indochina, that the family started a successful garment business. In the 1960s, the Chan family moved first to Hong Kong, then Singapore, and finally to the United States, where Chan led the family in a string of accomplishments in the field of business and commercial real estate.

He attributed his success to the wise counsel his father gave him early in his career. "Remember God's blessing. Always remain a faithful Adventist. Conserve money in order to donate to the church's works."

Throughout his life, Chan never wavered in his commitment to the Adventist Church and its institutions. His gift to La Sierra is next in a long line of Chan-sponsored projects in Southern California, including many in the Riverside-Loma Linda area. In 1998, the business leader was honored for his philanthropic acts with a doctorate of philanthropy degree from La Sierra University.

"Dr. Chan's generosity will mean years of expanded opportunities for our students," said Geraty. "But just as important as this gift is the example he gives all of us. Success and service to God needn't be mutually exclusive and the amazing life of Chan Ying Fong proves it." Powell said the new addition will house new offices and much-needed classroom space. Construction is expected to begin in July and current plans call for a January completion.

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