News from Advancement Ming Wai Lau ’97 welcomed back to Crescent
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rescent School proudly welcomed alumnus Ming Wai Lau ’97 back to campus on October 10, showing him the incredible learning spaces that his family’s generosity made possible. Ming Wai lives in Hong Kong, and this was his first visit back to Crescent since May 2010. That time, he participated in a sod-turning ceremony and announced his family’s transformational $5 million commitment to kick off the Great Boys campaign. The Lau Family Wing was named in honour of their extraordinary generosity.
There was no sod-turning required at Ming Wai’s recent visit. Instead, Ming Wai reconnected with two of his former teachers, Steve Davies and Dave Budden, and met current faculty, staff and students, including Headmaster Michael Fellin. As a token of appreciation for his family’s generosity, the Middle School presented Ming Wai with a gift of artwork – a replica of a piece created by faculty member Harriet Wynne-Jones. The original piece was placed in the School’s Centennial Time Capsule, located in the Lau Family Wing, which is sealed until 2048.
The October visit was Ming Wai’s first opportunity to see the completed Lau Family Wing. His tour was given by four confident and articulate Middle School boys: Alex Kim, Cory Gill, Brock Mutic and Matthew Hutchison. They proudly guided Ming Wai through the Lau Family Wing, explaining why they “love it so much.” The bright areas for individual,
group and classroom learning give the boys space to stretch out and walk around, encouraging their creativity and productivity. In the Upper School areas, oval-shaped Harkness tables support collaborative learning and mentoring in a university seminar format. Throughout the Lau Family Wing, large windows let natural light pour in and reveal beautiful views of Crescent’s campus. Ming Wai’s tour also introduced him to other spaces and programs that opened since his 2010 visit. He visited the Margaret Donnelly Lower School Library, named in memory of the librarian that he remembers fondly from his student days. He also saw a robotics demonstration, donned a hard hat to see the construction of the new Library, and toured the beautiful new Latifi Family Commons.
Ming Wai Lau ’97 reconnected with former teachers Steve Davies (left) and Dave Budden (right).
Past and Present
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Fall 2014
“You have done a tremendous job in constructing the beautiful facilities you have shown me today,” said Ming Wai during his visit. “But most importantly, you have assembled an amazing team of teachers, librarians and staff to work with the students to bring these great facilities to life. I congratulate you and it makes me very proud to be part of this effort.” 25