The fund was founded by American
engineer and
entrepreneur Dr. Y.C. Tang (
湯永謙, a Zhejiang University alumnus and Zhejiang native (hometown
Ningbo).[2]
The first endowment of the fund was US $2 million from Mr. and Mrs Tang in May 2004.[3] The
General Secretary of Zhejiang University -
Zhang Junsheng, received the endowment, on behalf of the university. Before this donation, Tang couple already donated 40 million
Chinese Yuan to the university.[citation needed]
The fund is coupled with the Y.C. Tang Educational Fund, which is based in
United States. Annually, Y.C.Tang donates about 200,000
US dollars to support the educational activities at Zhejiang University.[citation needed]
In 1997, the Centennial Anniversary of ZJU, Mr. Tang also donated 2.4 million USD to build a student center at
Yuquan Campus. He further donated 5 million USD to Zhejiang University, to support its constructions and education.[4]
Qiushi Academy (1897-1901) → Qiushi University (1901-1902) → Chekiang University (1902-1903) → Chekiang Higher Institutes (1903-1914) → (closure) → National Third
Chungsan University (1927-1928) → National Chekiang University (1928-1950)→ Chekiang University (1950-1990) →
Zhejiang University (current)