In 2017, Dr. Henry Wong and Sylvia Wong established the Henry and Sylvia Wong Family Bursary Endowment at McMaster University’s Michael G. DeGroote School of Medicine. This fund, amounting to over a quarter million dollars, honors the entire Wong family, including their children, and provides vital financial assistance to medical students in need.
Dr. Wong shared, “We chose this time to donate because we feel so blessed that my wife Sylvia has been recently honored as Citizen of the Year by the Chinese Community. This donation serves as a token of our family’s love for Sylvia and an expression of our gratitude to society, and McMaster University in particular.”
The endowment reflects the Wongs’ belief in supporting future healthcare professionals and ensuring that promising students, regardless of their financial background, have the opportunity to excel. In Canada, the term “bursary” signifies financial aid awarded based on financial need, distinguishing it from scholarships, which are granted solely on academic merit. This precise use of language underscores the purpose of the fund: to empower capable medical students who may otherwise face financial barriers.
The Henry and Sylvia Wong Family Bursary Endowment builds upon the Wongs’ history of philanthropy at McMaster. In 2004, they established the Henry & Sylvia Wong Bursary in Medicine Fund, which has provided ongoing financial support to aspiring medical students. Their continued generosity highlights their dedication to strengthening healthcare education and fostering opportunities for future professionals.
Dr. Henry Wong, an alumnus of McMaster’s medical program (MD ’73), and Sylvia Wong (BA ‘69) have long been active supporters of both the university and their community. Sylvia’s recent recognition as Citizen of the Year is a testament to her enduring contributions and the profound impact she has had on those around her.
This bursary endowment is not only a celebration of Sylvia’s achievements but also a reflection of the Wong family’s gratitude and love. It serves as a meaningful way to give back to the institution that has played such an important role in their lives and to support the next generation of compassionate and skilled medical professionals.