Bao-Ding “Bob” Cheng’s journey to Syracuse University in the 1960s marked the beginning of a significant legacy. Cheng, who passed away in 2020, traveled from Taiwan to the United States for graduate education, covering over 10,000 miles by boat and bus. His family has now honored his memory with a $1.3 million gift through the Jatain Charitable Foundation to establish the Bao Ding Cheng Endowed Professorship of Chemistry at Syracuse University’s College of Arts and Sciences.
George Cheng, Bob’s son, shared that his father felt welcomed by Syracuse University despite it being his first time outside Taiwan. “When he arrived in Central New York, it was the first time my father had traveled outside of Taiwan,” George said. “He had never even seen snow before.”
Cheng earned both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. in chemistry within four years at Syracuse, supported by a scholarship and mentors like Dr. Harry Brumberger. George recalls Brumberger as treating Cheng like family.
During his studies, Cheng developed a relationship with Jean Cheng through letters; they married in 1970. Jean recalls Bob’s enthusiasm for football and academic support from professors.
The family’s donation is part of Syracuse University’s Forever Orange Faculty Excellence Program, which matched part of their gift to endow the professorship fully. “It’s our way of recognizing the impact of a professor on students,” said George.
Mathew Maye, professor and department chair, expressed gratitude for the gift: “We are thrilled to have this endowed position in memory of one of our most distinguished Ph.D. alumni.”
Cheng was known for his entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropy, inspired by figures like Warren Buffet. After working at Colgate Palmolive on phosphate removal research, he founded FEMA Electronics, focusing on LCD displays.
Jean described her husband as hardworking and community-focused: “My husband was always working hard and helping others.” The family also operated a grocery store in New Jersey before relocating FEMA Electronics’ headquarters to California.
Dean Behzad Mortazavi emphasized the lasting impact of Cheng’s contributions: “By ensuring that we can continue to attract and retain gifted researchers and teachers through this endowment, we are impacting generations of students and graduates.”
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