At the university where they met as students and fell in love, Henry Wong, MD ’73, and the late Sylvia Wong, BA ’69, have made a lasting impact as longtime donors.

Before Sylvia’s passing in November, she and Henry made a generous $1-million gift to support the student and research community at McMaster University through the Faculty of Health Sciences’ Dean’s Priorities Fund.

This fund allows the faculty to quickly respond to emerging opportunities in health education and research.

The Wongs’ gift is one of the largest unrestricted gifts in the faculty’s recent history, enabling it to pilot innovative approaches and leverage additional funding, further enhancing McMaster’s reputation for excellence.

A tribute to Sylvia Wong: A legacy of bolstering health care and education  

The recent gift is the latest in nearly 35 years of support from the Wongs for McMaster, helping to ensure Sylvia’s legacy endures at the university.

“McMaster was not just an excellent starting point for our careers, but it also brought us together as a couple,” said Henry.

“The experiences and memories we created there are special to Sylvia and me. This is why we wanted to support the university’s continued quest for innovation through the Dean’s Priorities Fund.”

Reflecting on Sylvia’s transformative impact, Dean and Vice-President Paul O’Byrne emphasized that the Wong legacy will sustain innovation in the faculty and benefit future generations of scholars and students.

“We were incredibly saddened by the news of Sylvia’s recent passing, as she was a beloved and cherished friend to many in the faculty,” said O’Byrne.

“Her gratitude for the education she received at McMaster fueled her lifelong commitment to giving back. Sylvia leaves behind a tremendous legacy, and thanks to her and Henry’s dedication, countless McMaster learners, researchers and patients will forever associate exceptional care and world-class education with the Wong family name.”

In recognition of their longstanding generosity, two spaces have been named in their honour: the Dr. Henry and Mrs. Sylvia Wong Lobby at the David Braley Health Sciences Centre, a prominent space above the main entrance in downtown Hamilton; and the Dr. Henry and Mrs. Sylvia Wong Learning Commons at the Faculty of Health Sciences Library, a fitting tribute to Sylvia, who worked as the chief of the periodicals department, and where Henry spent many hours studying as a medical student.

Beyond McMaster, the Wongs dedicated themselves to health care, children’s welfare and education philanthropy, supporting St. Joseph’s Medical Center and other beneficiaries in Stockton, Calif., where Henry worked as a successful radiation oncologist, and where Sylvia was an award-winning real estate agent and the owner of Sylvia Wong Realty.

They also supported education in Beijing and were active members of the Chinese Cultural Society of Stockton. Both Henry and Sylvia were honoured with the society’s Citizen of the Year awards for their community contributions.

Supporting their alma mater  

Married for 55 years, the Wongs were deeply grateful to McMaster, where they began their life together, and were committed to enhancing learners’ experience through their philanthropy.

“Recalling our own student days, it gives us such pleasure to support the next generation of students and make their journey toward success that much easier,” Sylvia said prior to her passing.

Passionate about helping students pursue their dreams of attending medical school, the Wongs established the Dr. Henry and Sylvia Wong Bursary in Medicine in 2004 and the Dr. Henry and Sylvia Wong Family Bursary in 2017.

At a time when the cost of medical training has risen, these bursaries have been vital supports for students, providing financial aid so they can focus on their studies during the demanding path to becoming a medical professional.

“These bursaries have had a tremendous impact on students, allowing them to fully engage in their studies and spend more time honing the skills that will make them outstanding medical professionals,” said Matthew Sibbald, associate dean of Undergraduate Medical Education.

“We are so thankful to Henry and the late Sylvia for nurturing the growth of future doctors.”

2024 also marked the 20th anniversary of the Henry and Sylvia Wong Forum in Medicine, a lectureship that brings high-profile speakers from around the world to the Annual Day of Faculty Development.

“This forum has become a much-anticipated annual lecture that broadens our community’s outlook and advances public education in medicine and health sciences at McMaster,” said Ruth Chen, associate dean of Continuing Professional Development.

“We are confident that the legacy of Henry and the late Sylvia will continue to inspire our faculty for years to come.”

The McMaster community extends its deepest condolences to Henry and the entire Wong family.