Support an international fellowship for an OSU student in Hong Kong!

Although my giving page is no longer active, you can still donate. If you would like to provide any additional support, please make a gift here.

As the Executive Director of ASHK since 2012, much of what I am doing at ASHK is reminiscent of my time at ODUA (Ohio Drake Union Activities) where I volunteered as an undergraduate at Ohio State. While at Ohio State, as an International Studies major, I heard great speakers at Mershon as part of its distinguished lecturer series, and I attended performances of world-class artists. Ohio State empowered me to explore ideas, encouraged my curiosity and expanded my mind.   

During my senior year at Ohio State, I was offered an internship at the Ohio Department of Development's International Trade Division (ITD) which got me started on my international career. Upon graduation, my boss at ITD, Nora Ching Courtright, offered me a full-time position as Trade Specialist leading to 9 years working for the State of Ohio, including opening the State of Ohio’s office in Hong Kong and serving as the Managing Director. I am grateful to Nora for giving me the internship opportunity which led to my first job and an international career. I hope this internship will inspire a current student to consider undertaking a career working internationally and will broaden their horizons.

This scholarship is dedicated to my mentors, Nora Ching Courtright and Ronnie Chan. Not only was Nora my first boss and mentor, but she has also become a dear friend whose counsel and advice I continue to seek. Before joining the Ohio Dept. of Development as Head of the Asia Division, Nora (also a Buckeye) received the Best Teacher accolade from The Ohio State University’s College of Arts & Sciences, East Asian Language Dept. Like Nora, Ronnie Chan has been very influential in my life. In 1995, after I joined the private sector in Hong Kong, Ronnie became my boss and encouraged me to pursue my graduate degree, giving me time off for my studies and offering me a scholarship to do so. When I became the Executive Director of Asia Society Hong Kong Center in 2012, he again became my boss as the Chairman of ASHK. Both Nora and Ronnie, have supported my growth and career for many years, and, above all, they have taught me humility and humanity. Like the academic preparation I received at Ohio State, I would not be where I am without their mentorship. Dedicating this scholarship to them is how I can say “thank you” in my own way and pay it forward.  

As a current member of The Ohio State University Alumni Board and the only one based outside of the US, I have been inspired by my fellow board members and have seen the many ways I can give back to the university. As a result, I resolved to make a difference in this year of my milestone birthday by embarking on my first Buckeye Funder journey to help support a fellow Buckeye as they prepare for an enriching global experience. Please join me in sponsoring this unique fellowship opportunity.

Thank you for your support. Go Bucks!

Respectfully,
S. Alice Mong, ‘86

Read the story, "Why this ‘Queen of Ohio’ stays up late in Hong Kong" by Shanna Finley featured in the Ohio State Alumni Magazine, Winter 2022 edition.

Alice with mentor and first boss, Nora Ching Courtright

EMBA graduation 1999 with Mrs. TH Chan, Mrs. Barbara Chan, Mr. Ronnie Chan, Alice, Mr. & Mrs. Shang-sun Mong (parents)