NEW YORK, May 2 (Xinhua) -- Dr. James S.C. Chao, renowned Chinese-American entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder and honorary chairman of Foremost Group, received honor award Tuesday at the State University of New York (SUNY) Maritime College's 15th annual Admiral's Scholarship Dinner at Bronx, New York.
The Admiral's Scholarship Dinner honors industry executives and raises funds to help the next generation of maritime leaders. Other honorees at the event include Angela Chao, chairman and CEO of Foremost Group, and Joseph Byrne, vice president and senior operations manager of Turner Construction.
The dinner was attended by over 650 SUNY Maritime College alumni and friends with Maritime Administrator Mark Buzby also joining as a distinguished guest. The event raised a record 800,000 U.S. dollars for scholarships.
"We were deeply grateful to have such a distinguished group of honorees, guests and alumni at this year's event," said Michael Alfultis, president of Maritime College. "Their support demonstrates the vital and deep connections between the college, its faculty and students, and the industry that we serve."
Upon receiving the award, Chao said "we've always wanted to make friends with people, and to prosper with everybody. Now there's a new saying for that, a win-win situation. That has always been our basic guideline through all these years."
An American of Chinese descent, Dr. James S.C. Chao founded Foremost Group in New York in 1964, and today it is one of the most respected global shipping companies. Dr. Chao and his late wife Ruth Mulan Chu Chao have dedicated their lives to promoting education and philanthropy. More than 5,000 students have been awarded scholarships through their generosity.