In a heartwarming display of gratitude and solidarity, a Chinese American family has pledged a remarkable $5 million donation to support Black students at San Diego State University (SDSU). The generous contribution stems from the proceeds of a significant sale – their Coronado home, a property intertwined with a decades-old act of kindness.
The story dates back to 1939 when racially restrictive housing laws posed insurmountable barriers for the Dongs’ parents in their search for a rental home in Coronado. Their plight changed when Gus Thompson and his wife, Emma, opened their doors to the family, providing them with a place to reside and eventually purchase – a pivotal step towards achieving the American Dream.
Ron Dong, speaking via Zoom from his home in San Jose, California, expressed overwhelming gratitude, stating, “It feels really good! Better than we ever anticipated.” For the Dong family, this act of generosity is a poignant tribute to the Thompsons’ unwavering support decades ago.
The Dong family’s Coronado properties, including the Thompsons’ original home and an adjacent eight-unit apartment complex, hold significant sentimental and monetary value, estimated at $8 million. Lloyd Dong Jr. and his brother, Ron Dong, have pledged to donate their portions, amounting to $5 million, to SDSU’s Black Resource Center.
In addition to the generous donation, plans are underway to rename the center in honor of Emma and Gus Thompson, ensuring their legacy endures. Brandon Gamble, PsyD, Director of the Black Resource Center, emphasized the transformative impact of the funding, stating, “It’s about passing it forward.”
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The donation will not only provide scholarships but also facilitate mentorship opportunities and access to professional resources, empowering students on their path to success.
Lloyd Dong underscores the importance of education in opening doors, noting, “You have to perform. But without a background in education, you don’t even get your foot in the door.”
With deep gratitude for the kindness extended to their family nearly a century ago, the Dong family aims to leave a lasting legacy that enriches society.
Girina Dong, Lloyd’s wife, reflects on the joy of giving back, stating, “Through the money, many, many useful beings are going to profit the society.”
The Black Resource Center anticipates a grand renaming ceremony in honor of the Thompsons in the fall of 2024, celebrating a legacy of compassion, generosity, and unity that transcends generations.