Tone Yao Lee Education Scholarship Fund
New Scholarship: First recipient will be awarded in the 2022-2023 school year
The purpose of this endowment fund is to provide scholarships for Santa Clara University students pursuing graduate degrees leading to work teaching middle or high school students. Preference will be given to those who are passionate about working with middle or high school students, have a high level of financial need, and demonstrate an interest in ensuring a Jesuit-inspired “whole child” education, with attention to supporting students’ healthy development.
Learn a little more about Tone Yao Lee
“Selfless,” “giving,'' “caring,” “a wonderful friend to so many,” “a natural leader”: These are the terms so many have used to describe Tone Yao Lee.
Tone was born in Singapore, but lived the majority of his life in the Bay Area. As a student at Santa Clara University, Tone’s impact and influence was felt by many, who saw him as kind and giving to so many. He was also an outstanding student. Tone graduated Magna Cum Laude with a major in Finance from the Leavey School of Business. Despite a rigorous academic schedule, Tone also engaged in extensive service work while a student. Volunteering for Estrella Family Services, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing support and care to children and families in Santa Clara County.
In this work with young children, Tone found what he thought would be a lifelong passion. He described his role in this work as being a big friend and protector to the children with whom he worked – he made a point of arriving early so that he was the first person to greet the kids into the center. Not only did the children enjoy his company and companionship, but he found the kids made the same impact on him. Although a Finance major, he began to think that his calling might ultimately involve working with young people in some way. The Tone Yao Lee Education Scholarship will support graduate students in education who, like Tone, want to positively impact young people.