Boosting the Future of Biomedical Engineering

He once counted on scholarships.
Now he’s creating them.

When Song Li was an undergraduate student in China, he didn’t have the funds to fully cover his education — or even his meals. Years later, as he pursued a PhD in analytical chemistry at McGill University in Canada, he also relied on scholarships and grants to make it through his studies.

“At that time, my family had no money,” he says. “Without that kind of support, I would’ve probably had to work full time while trying to earn my degree. Donations make it possible for students to focus on studies and research — students like me.”

Today, Dr. Song Li is the CEO of a Frontage Holdings, a multistate pharmaceutical services company. He has earned numerous professional accolades that include Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

More importantly, he remembers what it took to reach these heights. That is why he is also a major donor to the WCU Foundation. In 2019, he and his family created the Lei and Song Li Scholarship for Biomedical Engineering — a generous gift that is making an education in biomedical engineering possible for WCU students every year.

“I often ask my management team, ‘What is your purpose? Is it just to work and make money?’” says Dr. Li.  “No — we must also take care of our community. Getting students into the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields is an investment that will hopefully one day lead to a cure for cancer.”

As philanthropists, Dr. Li and his family have donated to many organizations and causes, but when asked why they chose to support WCU, it came down to the importance of attracting students to biomedicine, and WCU Foundation’s transparency.

“The Foundation tells us where the money goes, and how it’s used. I know they’re putting our gift to work to help students, and to propel the medical engineering program forward.”

Song Li, PhD

Creator and Donor, Lei and Song Li Scholarship
for Biomedical Engineering

“I often ask my management team, ‘What is your purpose? Is it just to work and make money?’ No — we must also take care of our community."

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