John and Emma Tse
John and Emma Tse of West Lafayette, Indiana, have created the John and Emma Tse Fund for Global Scholars. The gift of $700,000 (to be paid over 35 years) will fund study abroad scholarships — recipients will be known as Tse Scholars.
"Their gift is not only another example of their generosity but also a long-term commitment to helping our college achieve the University’s strategic goals of meeting global challenges," says CFS Dean Dennis Savaiano. "We are gratified they share our vision of educating students to become global scholars and citizens."
In 2007–08, 155 CFS students participated in a study abroad program. It’s hoped that number will increase with the additional scholarships, which will benefit those students who have the greatest financial need.
"The world is getting smaller, and students need to understand different cultures," says Tse, a Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Krannert School of Management. "If they don’t, it will be a handicap for any future business leader in this global economy."
Born in China, Tse came to the United States in 1949 to attend Stanford University. After earning his MBA from Stanford in 1951, he went to Harvard where he was the first Chinese student to earn a Doctor of Commercial Science degree from the Graduate School of Business Administration.
He soon found himself at Purdue helping to establish an 11-month graduate management program. By 1962, the new Industrial Management program was ranked among the top 10 business schools in the country. It was during this time that Tse, who was acquainted with Herman C. Krannert, helped obtain the financial support for the Krannert School of Management.
In addition to being a member of the Krannert faculty, Tse created and developed the West Lafayette Hilton Inn, now called University Inn, in 1974. Emma, who loves gourmet cooking and is a registered dietitian, managed the hotel from 1974–79 and was the first female manager in the Hilton Inn chain.
When Tse retired from Krannert in 1988, he returned to China — his first visit since leaving 39 years earlier. The visit sparked an interest in bringing American farming technology to China, which he successfully did for several years. He donated 22 acres of land to the College of Agriculture which eventually resulted in the establishment of Purdue China Agricultural Programs.
"John and Emma have always been passionate and supportive of Purdue’s internationalization," says Liping Cai, associate dean for CFS Diversity and International Programs. "They have mentored many students and scholars from the Greater China region. Now, with the John and Emma Tse Fund for Global Scholars, they will be helping CFS students most in need — those who would not be able to afford traveling and studying outside of the United States without a scholarship."
An avid genealogist, Tse has traced his ancestry to Confucian scholar and philosopher Zhu (Tse) Xi (1130–1200 AD) and China’s Yellow Emperor (2402–2303 BC). As a result of his extensive research, he has published five books since 1992, and he is currently working on translating his books into English.
Tse believes every student should have the opportunity to participate in study abroad and hopes their gift will inspire others.
"Those who participate in global learning have a better understanding of the world," he says. "And that makes for a more peaceful world."
For information on giving opportunities, contact:
Christina Wright
Director of Development
Matthews Hall, Room 101
812 W. State Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907-2060
(765) 494-7890 or (800) 535-7303
cwright@purdue.edu