Celebrating Excellence: WMU Alumni Honored with Coveted Blue Cloud Award

A couple from Western Michigan, Lynn Chen-Zhang and Charles Zhang, recently received the prestigious Blue Cloud Award from the China Institute in America. This award honors those who promote cultural understanding between the U.S. and China in various fields like arts and philanthropy.

At the award ceremony in New York, Chen-Zhang expressed the award’s significance. She highlighted how vital it is to bridge cultural divides, saying, “In a world too often divided, the China Institute reminds us of what unites us: culture, learning, and a shared responsibility to the future.”

The Zhangs, leaders in wealth management with Zhang Financial, both came to the U.S. with nearly nothing. They believe their education opened the door to many opportunities. “We arrived with little more than two suitcases and a few hundred dollars, but we carried something far more valuable: our values—education, perseverance, integrity, and responsibility,” Charles noted. They aim to share these values by supporting students and institutions at their alma mater, Western Michigan University (WMU).

The couple has generously contributed millions to various WMU programs, including the Zhang Legacy Collections Center and the Medallion Scholarship Program. Their support extends beyond the university, benefiting local organizations like the Kalamazoo Humane Society and the Grand Rapids symphony.

Despite their achievements, the Zhangs remain grounded. “Our hope is simple: that our work and philanthropy will continue to open doors and that our children and grandchildren will carry forward these same values,” Chen-Zhang shared. The Blue Cloud Award serves as a reminder for them to keep striving for a better future.

The Zhangs join a noteworthy group of past honorees, including former U.S. Secretary of State Dr. Henry Kissinger and celebrated cellist Yo-Yo Ma, signaling their significant impact on cultural exchange.

In a broader context, awards like the Blue Cloud highlight the growing recognition of individuals promoting cross-cultural dialogues. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, more than 70% of Americans believe that cultural exchanges improve international relationships. This shows that initiatives like those led by the Zhangs resonate well beyond their immediate community.

For more updates on WMU, check out the WMU News website.

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