US$1 million gift to fight polio eradication
By Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News -- 17 November 2008
From left: RI Director Jackson Hsieh; Past RI Vice President Gary Huang; Trustee Chair Jonathan Majiyagbe; President D.K. Lee; Shui-Sen and Pei-Tsen Hsu, with son Hung Ming Hsu; District Governor Chang-Hsien L. Hsu; and RRCC Jason S.C. Hsu. Below: Shui-Sen and Pei-Tsen Hsu.
Photo courtesy of 2008 Rotary Institute
A 92-year-old Taiwanese Rotarian with more than 40 years service to his club has been honored for his family’s donation of more than $1 million to further Rotary’s polio eradication efforts.
Shui-Sen Hsu, a member of the Rotary Club of Taipei Northwest, and his wife, Pei-Tsen, were recognized for their contribution, made by the Hsu Family Foundation, during the 2008 Rotary Institute for RI Zones 4B, 6B, and 7B in Taipei on 18 October.
RI President Dong Kurn Lee and Rotary Foundation Trustee Chair Jonathan B. Majiyagbe presented Hsu and his wife with a crystal piece in recognition of their contribution in support of Rotary’s US$100 Million Challenge during the institute, held 17-19 October and attended by more than 1,100 Rotarians from 16 Rotary countries and geographical areas in Asia.
"Rotary is indeed fortunate to have the Hsu family among its strongest supporters," Lee said after the ceremony. "Mr. Hsu's long service to Rotary exemplifies Service Above Self. Their generous contribution toward Rotary's ongoing efforts to eradicate polio is helping to Make Dreams Real ."
Hsu has been a member of Taipei Northwest for 43 years, serving as president in 1974-75. His son, Hung Ming, served as president of the Rotary Club of Taipei Yenping in 1982-83.
Hsu’s daughter Jane Hsiao, a pharmaceutical executive in Miami and president of the Hsu Family Foundation, says that as far back as she can remember, her father has been involved in Rotary.
"Every time he comes to visit me in the United States, he is always asking for a place to do a make-up meeting," Hsiao says. "He never misses an available meeting."
Hsiao, who launched the Hsu Family Foundation two years ago to support advancement in the field of medicine, said the contribution came about after discussions she had with District 3480 Governor Chang-Hsien L. Hsu (no relation), a former classmate of hers. The polio donation seemed a good way to honor her father, Hsaio says.