Yat K. Tow Prize

The Yat K. Tow Prize was established in 1991 by the family of Yat K. Tow '41, in his memory and funded by his family and friends. The prize is awarded to a junior undergraduate, graduating senior or graduate student in May of each year. Born in Canton, China, Mr. Tow emigrated to the United States at the age of ten to join his father and grandfather who were pioneers in the Chinese restaurant business. Mr. Tow was, himself, a successful restaurant owner. Yat K. Tow was a prominent Rhode Island business and civic leader throughout his life, serving as a member of the corporations of both Rhode Island Hospital and the former People's Bank. Mr. Tow was a class marshal at the Brown University Bicentennial. He sponsored and hosted international students and families and was an official interpreter for the non-English speaking Chinese community in Rhode Island. Mr. Tow was a member of the Board of Directors of the International Institute of Rhode Island.

This $1500 prize is to be given once a year at commencement to a junior undergraduate, graduating senior, or graduate student who:

1. shows great promise to continue his or her development as an outstanding citizen of the United States as evidenced by past or current community service activities and/or academic work. In pursuit of the advancement of a shared community vision, this student has worked in close collaboration with residents and/or community organizations, demonstrating a commitment to principles of partnership, shared leadership, self-reflection, and reciprocal learning and teaching. While this work might have taken place in any community, preference will be given to work done in the greater Providence or RI area; and

2. has maintained a consistently strong academic record with no less than a "B" average while at Brown University.

Nominations must include a letter of nomination from a member of the University faculty or staff and an essay by the nominated student. Both the nomination letter and student essay should address the criteria listed above. While faculty or administrators are the official nominators for the prizes, students are encouraged to approach faculty for nomination to this prize.

Nominations should be addressed to Janet Isserlis (janet_isserlis@brown.edu).

Original post by http://swearercenter.brown.edu/fellowships/yatktow