Thank You, Mr. Chen

President Diane Call with Mr. Thomas Chen at a QCC Art Gallery Opening.

Having left his homeland of Taiwan in 1982, Thomas Chen arrived in America speaking no English whatsoever. But he saw an opportunity to pursue his dreams in his new country, and he took it. Working long days and studying English at night, he was able to establish his own company, Crystal Windows & Door Systems, by 1990. Today, Crystal is one of the largest producers of vinyl and aluminum windows in the entire United States.

As if that was not enough, this talented man has found it within his heart to support many causes dealing with art, culture, education, and civic awareness. Over the years, the Chen Family and Crystal employees have donated generously to The American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, South Asian Tsunami Relief, and to the relief efforts for victims and families of the 9/11 World Trade Center attack.

At QCC-CUNY alone, Mr. Chen has committed $250,000 to establish a scholarship endowment fund for the Port of Entry Program, funding for the establishment of the Wenzhi Zhang Sculpture Garden, as well as supporting a number of other initiatives.

Mr. Chen was once quoted as saying, “I don’t feel I need much money. I like the money to go back to the business, to my own community.”

We should all thank Mr. Chen three times: first, for his talent; second, for his generosity; and third, for his humility. May these be an inspiration to all of us.