Inspired to help support scientific research and resources for students in the Science Technologies, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM) Academy, Dr. Amy Wong has awarded a $250,000 gift to the Queensborough Community College Fund, Inc. in memory of her late husband, Dr. Pak (Peter) Wong (January 10, 1935-January 9, 2014), who was a Professor in the Department of Chemistry at the college for more than 30 years, three of which as Chair.
Although Amy and her late husband Pak both studied at several other institutions of higher learning, they frequently spoke of the special place that Queensborough held in their hearts as a community college because of its strong commitment to diversity, mentorship and quality education.
Indeed, Pak was deeply grateful to America for allowing him to achieve exceptional scholarly success, and he expressed his gratitude in a uniquely American way by dedicating himself to making a difference not only in teaching and research opportunities for his students, but also making a difference in the communities where he lived and worked.
"Pak, who was one of six siblings, was the only member of his family to attend college," said his widow. "His immigrant journey to America was truly remarkable and he always felt a strong bond with his students, knowing that many of them shared a similar experience."
A significant percentage of outstanding students at Queensborough are first-generation college students who persevere to obtain a quality education, no matter what obstacles they might face. They represent some 80 nationalities from over 100 countries around the world.
Dr. Wong was born in 1935 in the city of Zhongshan, China. As a youth, he was not particularly interested in school; however, he was a voracious reader and taught himself English by pouring through issues of Reader's Digest.
Dr. Wong went on to Kings High School in Hong Kong where he discovered his passion for chemistry. He was determined to travel overseas to continue his studies in the sciences. His devoted mother, unable to read or write herself, encouraged her son to save his money to pursue his dream of getting an education.
Eventually, he was able to travel to Australia where he obtained his Bachelor's in Science degree from New South Wales University of Technology, in 1962. And it was in Australia where he met his wife, Amy, who at the time was enrolled at the University of Sydney.
In 1965, they left Australia and came to the U.S. where Dr. Wong was accepted at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to earn a master's degree. He pursued his graduate work with Dr. John E. Willard, a prominent radiation chemist. Afterwards, he earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1968.
In the early 70's, Pak applied for a post-doctoral residency scholarship at Brookhaven National Research Laboratory. There, as a Research Associate, he co-published six scientific papers on the topic of physical chemistry.
During this period, he was appointed assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry at Queensborough Community College. His capacity to understand the academic needs of his students was coupled with his vision to introduce new technology, promote undergraduate research and open doors for aspiring women instructors in the department.
"Pak was one of the finest chemists that ever served our college," said Paris D. Svoronos, a distinguished Professor of the Department of Chemistry for over 30 years. "We shared a vision to expand the department and to create more research opportunities for students, irrespective of their backgrounds."
Undergraduate research is one of seven High Impact Practices, recognized as best practices in higher education to increase retention and graduation rates. Students participate in current research from all of the sciences, through research courses and grant-funded undergraduate research programs, some of which provide summer stipends and opportunities for independent research. Students work on projects, attend seminars and are encouraged to present or publish their results.
Dr. Sasan Karimi, Chair of the Chemistry Department added, "Dr. Wong was a dedicated faculty member and a man of integrity who led the department towards excellence. He not only encouraged his faculty to be excellent teachers, he advocated and supported faculty research. I for one will always miss him."
Dr. Wong frequently expressed his "genuine interest in my students' academic performance and achievements. Many of my former students who transferred to other institutions and went on to have successful careers maintained connections with me. That gave me a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, knowing that my influence went beyond that of the classroom."
In 1975 Dr. Wong was awarded tenure, and the following year he was promoted to Associate Professor. He was awarded full professorship in 1993, and in 1998 was elected Chair of the Department. He later stepped down due to health issues, becoming Professor Emeritus in 2005.
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