PROFILE IN SUPPORT: KATHY XIE AND BEN MENG P’26

Historian, author, and scion of a great political family, Henry Adams famously said, “A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.” Lawrenceville might also say the same of Ben Meng P’26 who, along with Kathy Xie P’26, is committed to influencing future generations through his philanthropy.

in traditionally disadvantaged and underserved urban areas,” but ultimately is intended for “capable students needing financial assistance in order to enjoy the benefits of a Lawrenceville education.” iGas, to 25% of the U.S. refrigerant market, second only to Honeywell. iGas now has operations in 10 countries.

Ben and Kathy hold that education in high esteem, praising the Harkness method for teaching students to become independent and critical thinkers and the House system for creating a familial community away from home. Ben’s appreciation for nature also drew him to Lawrenceville’s “pristine and lushly landscaped” campus. But he also saw the opportunity to cultivate a legacy of philanthropy.

Today, Ben contributes generously to a variety of nonprofit organizations, with a focus on scholarships and other programs to foster positive growth among young people.

“As we seek to create opportunities for others, we hope one day those same individuals will give back in the same way,” says Ben, adding, “we think the gift of a Lawrenceville education today is a gift to the future of society.”

Ben reached out to the School shortly after daughter Emily ’26 arrived on campus to express his interest in supporting the Emerge Transformed campaign. He was immediately attracted to the options for supporting Scholarship Aid and The Lawrenceville Parents Fund.

Ben and Kathy’s support provides for a substantial Scholarship Aid endowment through the Meng Family Scholarship Fund, current operations funding for Scholarship Aid, and a multi-year leadership commitment to the Parents Fund. Their scholarship support carries a preference for “students residing

“We have learned from our own life path to date, no matter our upbringings, it’s how we guide our youth – our kids and those we influence in life,” says Ben. “This is the example we wish to set for our children.”

Ben’s path has been far from smooth. Born in Yangzhou, China, to a farming family, he emigrated to the U.S. in 1996, working as a dishwasher and gardener before starting his own landscaping business. A series of life-changing ups and downs led him to Florida, where he established an air-conditioning service company. Over the next 20 years – and more unforeseen challenges – he set up a factory in China, began exporting air conditioning parts and refrigerants, and grew his business,