Philadelphia Suns | Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS

HISTORY

The Philadelphia Suns Scholarship Program was established to promote, develop, encourage, and model leadership in our organization. The program began in 2004, with Bin Woo as the first award recipient. As of 2022, the program has awarded 65 recipients more than $70,000 in Scholarship aid. Along with The Philadelphia Suns Scholarship, other awards have been established to recognize and honor the achievements of family and friends. The following awards recognize the individuals who have demonstrated the positive character and attitudes that we have fostered in our programs.

VIEW RECIPIENTS

2022

ALEXIS LIN

2022

Alexis Lin is a third-year student at Drexel University, where she majors in Health Sciences on the Physical Therapy track. She strongly believes in the importance of healthcare and is currently serving her co-op experience, interning at Medical Rehabilitation Centers of Pennsylvania at both the Northeast Philadelphia and Southampton locations. Alexis has been a member of the Philadelphia Suns for 12 years and is involved in basketball, volleyball, and lion dance. Last year, she was the Junior Coordinator for the Youth Development Program. This past volleyball season, Alexis stepped up in becoming one of the program coordinators for Lady Suns Volleyball.

ALLEN LIN

2022

I am currently a junior attending Drexel University studying finance and business analytics. I have been in the Sun's for around 10 years and have been participating in basketball, volleyball, and lion dance activities. I also attend youth development events from time to time to give the youth some insight into my past experiences that might help them understand things a little better. After graduation, I want to take a year off instead of just jumping right into the corporate world, and instead, I want to travel to Europe or Asia to explore different cultures and architecture. What I want to do with my degree is either work in investment banking or sales and trading but my career goal is to find financial opportunities and cheap housing to help decrease the poverty level in Philadelphia.

BRIAN GAN

2022

Brian Gan is a third-year student at The Pennsylvania State University. He is majoring in Cyber Security and is currently searching for internship opportunities. He has been a member of the Philadelphia Suns for 13 years and has been involved with the Suns' basketball, volleyball, lion dance, and youth development programs. He is also contributing to the Suns' website development as a member of the tech team. Brian is happy to volunteer his time for community cleanups, shoveling, and local races.

JONATHAN ZUO

2022 - (KEVIN LO AWARD)

Hi, my name is Jonathan Zou and I'm 20 years old. I'm currently pursuing my education at CCP. My major is business-general. This is my last semester at CCP then transferring to Temple. I've been part of the Suns for 7 years now. I'm part of the men's basketball and volleyball teams. In Harry's words, I'm also part of the elite lion dance crew.

JAYSON WANG

2022

Jayson Wang is an upcoming Sophomore at Drexel University. He is pursuing a degree in Health Sciences on the Physical Therapy track. He intends to apply for the PT program that is offered at Drexel during his junior year. Jayson has been a part of the Suns’ community for 8 years and has been involved in men’s basketball, men’s 9-man volleyball, lion dances, and community services. This upcoming basketball season, Jayson plans to continue helping out with coaching the youth basketball program while also playing with the men’s team.

SARAH RIVERA

2022

Sarah Rivera is a Junior at Drexel University studying Entertainment and Arts Management, attempting to pick up a minor in Graphic Design. She has been involved with the Suns for around 6 years with participation in the lion dance, basketball, and volleyball communities and engagement in several community service events. She is also a member of the outreach team as a graphic designer and event planner. Sarah spent her summer remotely interning at Superfly X Entertainment as a production intern, as well as being a part of the Lady Suns Administration. She is currently serving as the current scholarship chair of the Phi Sigma Pi National Honor Fraternity at Drexel.

JIE GAO

2022

Jie is currently a Junior at Temple University studying Management Information Systems (MIS) at the Fox School of Business. His interest in MIS was deemed from the business aspect of MIS as well as his passion for computer science coincided with business. He is currently studying and hoping during the summer of his junior year to potentially work at an enterprise delivery consulting internship and hoping to see the daily operations of a MIS business major.

ANNIE NIE

2022 - (HELEN LEE AWARD)

Annie Ni is a junior at the University of Pennsylvania where she is pursuing her degree in nursing and dual minors in global health and health service administration. She plans on working as a pediatric critical care nurse in the cardiac intensive care unit. Annie is entering her 6th year as a member of the Suns and has actively participated in the volleyball and lion dance program. As of this summer, she has also stepped up to be a co-administrator of Lady Suns where she helped coordinate the program in addition to working at the VA Medical Center as an intern.

ALEXIS LIN

2021

Alexis Lin is a second-year student at Drexel University, where is she pursuing a degree in Health Sciences on the Physical Therapy track. She has shadowed at NovaCare and PT Progress over the summer. She currently partakes in various Drexel-affiliated organizations including Women’s Club Volleyball and Global China Connection. Alexis has been a member of the Philadelphia Suns for 11 years and has been involved in basketball, volleyball, and lion dance. She is currently the Junior Coordinator for the Youth Development Program and volunteering as the assistant coach for the 15U basketball team.

ALLEN LIN

2021

Allen Lin is a third-year undergrad student at Drexel University, where he is hoping to graduate with a degree in Finance and Business Analytics. Currently he is working as a Financial and Business Analysis at Aramark. He is currently also part of Drexel Ascend Student Chapter’s Eboard as Co-External Relations where he looks for professionals to come guest speak at events with information that will be beneficial to the chapter’s general body. He’s also part of an academic fraternity called Phi Sigma Pi where he has continued his community service life outside of the Philadelphia Suns. Allen has been part of the Suns for almost 8 years. He’s participates in basketball, volleyball, and lion dancing. Currently, he does not know what he wants to do after college but lately he’s been interested and researching about the company Susquehanna International Group (SIG).

BRIAN GAN

KEVIN LO AWARD - 2021

Brian Gan is a third-year student at The Pennsylvania State University. He is majoring in Cyber Security and is currently searching for internship opportunities. He has been a member of the Philadelphia Suns for 13 years and has been involved with the Suns' basketball, volleyball, lion dance, and youth development programs. He is also contributing to the Suns' website development as a member of the tech team. Brian is happy to volunteer his time for community cleanups, shoveling, and local races.

JAYSON WANG

HELEN LEE AWARD - 2021

Jayson is a first year student at Drexel University. He is currently majoring in Health Sciences and pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree. He has been part of the Philadelphia Suns for 7 years and has participated in basketball, volleyball, lion dances, community clean-ups, and the youth development program. Over this past summer, Jayson has also worked to help run the annual Summer League that is held at CCC&C every year.

JONATHAN ZUO

2021

Jonathan Zou is currently a sophomore student pursuing his education at CCP. He has been part of Suns for almost 6 years, and participates in many community service activities and lion dances. He also plays for the men's basketball and volleyball teams throughout the year.

SARAH RIVERA

2021

Sarah Rivera is a second-year student at Drexel University majoring in Entertainment and Arts Management with a Performing Arts Concentration. She plans to pursue a career where she can work in a creative and business environment. She is very involved in activities held at CCC&C, such as PUMP. Sarah has been a member of the Philadelphia Suns for 5 years and actively participates in the volleyball, lion dance, and youth development programs.

2021

ADA HUANG

2020

ALLEN LIN

2020

Allen Lin is a third-year undergrad student at Drexel University, where he is hoping to graduate with a degree in Finance and Business Analytics. Currently he is working as a Financial and Business Analysis at Aramark. He is currently also part of Drexel Ascend Student Chapter’s Eboard as Co-External Relations where he looks for professionals to come guest speak at events with information that will be beneficial to the chapter’s general body. He’s also part of an academic fraternity called Phi Sigma Pi where he has continued his community service life outside of the Philadelphia Suns. Allen has been part of the Suns for almost 8 years. He’s participates in basketball, volleyball, and lion dancing. Currently, he does not know what he wants to do after college but lately he’s been interested and researching about the company Susquehanna International Group (SIG).

BRIAN GAN

KEVIN LO AWARD - 2020

Brian Gan is a third-year student at The Pennsylvania State University. He is majoring in Cyber Security and is currently searching for internship opportunities. He has been a member of the Philadelphia Suns for 13 years and has been involved with the Suns' basketball, volleyball, lion dance, and youth development programs. He is also contributing to the Suns' website development as a member of the tech team. Brian is happy to volunteer his time for community cleanups, shoveling, and local races.

CHADFORD JUNG

2020

JAYSON WANG

2020

Jayson is a first year student at Drexel University. He is currently majoring in Health Sciences and pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree. He has been part of the Philadelphia Suns for 7 years and has participated in basketball, volleyball, lion dances, community clean-ups, and the youth development program. Over this past summer, Jayson has also worked to help run the annual Summer League that is held at CCC&C every year.

JONATHAN ZUO

2020
Jonathan Zou is currently a sophomore student pursuing his education at CCP. He has been part of Suns for almost 6 years, and participates in many community service activities and lion dances. He also plays for the men's basketball and volleyball teams throughout the year

LESLIE HERNANDEZ

2020

SARAH RIVERA

2020

Sarah Rivera is a second-year student at Drexel University majoring in Entertainment and Arts Management with a Performing Arts Concentration. She plans to pursue a career where she can work in a creative and business environment. She is very involved in activities held at CCC&C, such as PUMP. Sarah has been a member of the Philadelphia Suns for 5 years and actively participates in the volleyball, lion dance, and youth development programs.

TAMMALIN MAK

2020

2019

ALEXIS LIN

2019

ANNA QUAN

2019

ANNIE NI

2019

BRIAN GAN

2019

JIE GAO

2019

JONATHAN ZHOU

2019

SARAH RIVERA

2019

TAMMALIN MAK

KEVIN LO AWARD - 2019

2018

ADA HUANG

2018

BRIAN GAN

2018

CINDY CHAU

KEVIN LO AWARD - 2018

JOHNSON ZHAO

2018

OLIVIA MACK

2018

TAMMALIN MAK

2018

TIMMOTHY MAK

2018

2017

ADA HUANG

KEVIN LO AWARD - 2017

DONNA GAN

2017

FEI LIU

2017

JOHNSON ZHAO

2017

LESLIE HERNANDEZ

2017

OLIVIA MACK

2017

TAMMALIN MAK

2017

TIMMOTHY MAK

2017

2016

ADA HUANG

2016

JOHNSON ZHAO

2016

OLIVIA MACK

2016

TIMMOTHY MAK

KEVIN LO AWARD - 2016

2015

ADA HUANG

2015

DONNA GAN

2015

JENNY TANG

2015

JIAN SHENG GUO

2015

NANA HUANG

2015

SANDY YU

2015

TIMMOTHY MAK

KEVIN LO AWARD - 2015

WENDY WU

2015

2014

LAUREN LOWE

2014

JIAN SHENG GUO

2014

STEVEN WU

2014

2013

ALLEN CAO

2013

Allen attends Penn State University, majoring in accounting. He attended Father Judge High School. Receiving the scholarship was meaningful to him because it showed that the efforts of giving back were recognized. The award was very helpful for expenses such as club dues and book fees. He appreciates the generous donors who have provided for the Suns to do much good in the community.

LI JOHN FUNG

2013

Li John (KK) is in his first year at Temple University. Being awarded the suns scholarship was a honor and helped him through the struggle of school finances. Being from the community and having so many brothers the worry was always finances for school. He is encouraged that the Suns is always looking out for the younger generation and building us to become the best we can be. It was great motivation for him to finish at Community College of Philadelphia and transfer to Temple University to further his education. KK is a product of Furness High School. He is a Lion Dance Troupe performer and plays on the Men’s Basketball and Volleyball teams.

2012

JIMMY WONG

2012

"Joining the Suns was one of the best decisions I ever made. Currently. I am a Temple University Student majoring in Accounting and Finance. Jimmy is proud Central High graduate."

KARWAI TSANG

2012

Karwai is a graduate of Lincoln Technical Institute and Carver High School. He has been with the Suns for almost 7 years and is an active member of the basketball and lion dance programs. He also worked with PCDC for 5 years. He is currently working at Piazza Acura and is seeking to become a master technician in the automotive industry

2011

Hung Nguyen

2011

Hung Nguyen attended Seattle Pacific University and had an enriching experience at a diverse Christian campus. Switching to Community College of Philadelphia, he plans to pursue a career in education with youth. He stays active by volunteering and working with high school students in Students Run Philly Style and Neighborhood Bike Works. He is a Bodine High School graduate.

THANG VAN

2011

Thang Van attended Bodine High School and Temple University. When he received the award he was surprised and overjoyed. The scholarship encouraged Thang to be more focused in his studies and be more purposed to reach his career goals. He is thankful to the SUNS organization for molding him to be a better person.

Currently, with an engineering background, Thang has joined the tech team as a product owner to test, review, and coordinate new features that will be user friendly. By having designing experience, he helps to develop the website to ensure all functionality is working properly and efficiently.

2010

JENNY LEUNG

2010

Jenny is a registered nurse at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. She graduated from Central High School, attended Villanova and graduated with a degree in nursing. She was formerly on the Board of Directors of the Suns and was a co-captain for the Lady Suns Basketball team.

YUN QING JIANG

2010

YQ is currently completing both his bachelors and masters degrees in Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania with concentrations in medical imaging and entrepreneurship. At Penn, YQ has been involved with breast cancer biomarker research and more recently, ventilator-associated lung injury research. After Penn, he hopes to work in product development for a biotechnology venture.
“When I first joined the Suns, you could say I was a reserved kid. My many years with the Suns taught me that in order to be successful, being able to express myself and communicate my ideas is as important as being smart.”

2004

BIN CHUN WOO

2004

Bin is currently a Clinic Director/Physical Therapist managing an outpatient physical therapy clinic in South Jersey called Strive Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation. Professionally, Bin continues to seek to further his manual therapy skills and is working to publish articles through sports medicine research. He believes in the importance of education and is serving as a clinical instructor to PT students and as a TA at Drexel's DPT program.

Bin grew up in Philly Chinatown, attended Holy Redeemer and was actively involved with the Philadelphia Suns throughout elementary school, high school (Carver) and college (Temple) where he was able to give back to his community through community services events, lion dancing, and basketball. With the appropriate guidance and mentoring from the leaders of the Suns and his community, Bin was fortunate enough to be placed in position to accomplish many of his goals in life as well as on the basketball court. Needless to say, Bin is extremely grateful for the entire Suns Organization and encourages all donors to help support the youth

2007

LING LAI

2007

Ling is an alumnus from Central High School and graduated from Saint Joseph's University in 2010. The scholarship money received from the Suns Scholarship was used to fund my study abroad semester in Beijing, China. Today, she is working as a Senior International Tax Associate at Ernst & Young, LLP.

STACY LEUNG

2007

Stacy is a graduate of Central High School and St.Joseph’s University. She has recently been accepted in the Physician’s Assistant’s program at Philadelphia University. The Suns has been the family that challenged her, taught her discipline, and allowed her to grow. The scholarship assisted her financially through troubling times as she worked through college. The funds were a great help but it is the people and community that truly molded her into the person she is today

REBECCA CHIN

2007

Rebecca Chin graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a double major in English & Communications. She's worked in the advertising, legal, real estate, and sports worlds and is currently leading a startup in New York City. Her 12+ years with the Suns continues to be her constant source of pride and motivation. Hip hip let it rip!

SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

2023

KATRINA CHEN

2023

Hi, my name is Katrina Chen and I will be a rising senior at Julia R. Masterman High School for the 2023-2024 school year. I joined the Philadelphia Suns all the way back in 2017, starting in their 13u basketball program. Over the years, I have grown to be involved in many other aspects of the Philadelphia Suns — everything from basketball, volleyball, lion dance, and other community service events. From the Spring cleanup to the Lunar New Years Chinatown parade, I’ve been involved year-round with Suns Events. If anything has the Suns logo slapped on it, most likely you will see me there. In the future, I would like a fulfilling life with a nice balance between work, social life, and personal passions. I intend to major in Urban Studies and Business in college while also pursuing my interests in sports and community engagement.

ALLEN LIN

2023

Jayson Wang is a rising Junior at Drexel University. He is pursuing a degree in Health Sciences on the Physical Therapy track. He intends to apply for the PT program that is offered at Drexel by the end of 2023. Over the summer, he has volunteered and observed at an outpatient clinic and Jefferson Hospital and helped with the C4 summer league as a referee. Jayson has been a part of the Suns’ community for 9 years and has been involved in men’s basketball, men’s 9-man volleyball, lion dances, and community services. This upcoming basketball season, Jayson plans to continue helping out with coaching the youth basketball program while also playing with the men’s team.

MICHELLE LIM

2023

My name is Michelle Lim and I am an incoming freshman at Drexel University. I plan to graduate in 2028 with a bachelor's degree in computer science. I love playing volleyball, journaling, and scrapbooking in my free time. I have a part time job as a hostess that I usually tend to on the weekends. When I’m not busy, I like giving back to the community. Some of the ways I have done so is by assistant coaching for both the Suns and Philadelphia Starlings, and tutoring in Chinese Christian Church and Center’s after school program. I would describe myself as an open-minded person as I am always open to learning new things and ways I can improve myself as a person and my way of living.

JONATHAN ZUO

2023 - (KEVIN LO AWARD)

My name is Jonathan Zou, I’m 21 years old. Recently I graduated from CCP, and now I’m studying at Temple University, my major is business management. I have been part of Suns for 8 years, I am also on the men’s basketball and volleyball team. On the other hand, I coach the boy 14u basketball team and men’s volleyball B team. I am one of the members on the elite lion dance group as well.

JAYSON WANG

SARAH RIVERA

2023

Sarah Rivera is a senior at Drexel University pursuing Entertainment and Arts Management with a minor in Graphic Design. Over the 7 years she has been with the Suns, she continues to participate in lion dance, volleyball, and outreach. She is an active leader in the Lady Suns Volleyball program and serves as a co-coordinator and coach. She is also involved with graphic design, marketing, and social media as a part of the outreach team. Over the summer, she interned with Rising Sun Presents (what a coincidental name) in hopes of working in social media and digital marketing after graduation. Sarah devotes a lot of her time in community engagement and enjoys spending time with people and encouraging them to be involved too!

JIE GAO

2023 - (JEFFREY CHEUNG AWARD)

"My name is Jie Gao. I am currently a senior at Temple University and studying MIS (Management information systems). As a MIS major, my coursework has equipped me with a solid foundation in areas like database management, systems analysis, and IT project management. Beyond the classroom, I am an active participant in tech and business-oriented student organizations club such as (AIS and Temple Business consultants club), where I engage in discussions, workshops, and projects that further enrich my skill set. My goal is to graduate as a well-rounded professional who can seamlessly navigate the complexities of information systems and contribute meaningfully to the business world's digital transformation.

ANNIE NIE

2023

Annie Ni is a senior at the University of Pennsylvania majoring in nursing while pursuing dual minors in global health and health service administration. She plans on working as a pediatric critical care nurse and has her sights set on going back to school to become a future nurse practitioner. Annie is entering her 7th year as a member of the Suns and has actively participated in the volleyball and lion dance programs. This summer she externed at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital in New York City while still serving her role as a co-admin for the Lady Suns Volleyball program.

ALEXIS LIN

2023 - (HELEN LEE AWARD)

Alexis Lin is a student at Drexel University, where she is pursuing her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Unlike the traditional physical therapy track, Alexis opted in a concentrated bridge program that allowed her to complete her undergraduate degree in three years as opposed to four. She is currently working part-time at Ivy Rehab Physical Therapy as a physical therapy aide to gain more exposure to her intended field. Alexis has been a member of the Philadelphia Suns for 13 years and has been/is involved in basketball, volleyball, lion dance, and the Youth Development Program. As of current, Alexis holds leadership roles as a co-admin for Lady Suns Volleyball and as an assistant coach for Suns Youth Basketball.

JOY LUIS

2023

I am 17 years old and attend the Academy at Palumbo high school. I am a rising senior in September and hope to major in nursing, specifically a NICU nurse. I play girls volleyball in the fall and girls flag football in the spring at school. I have a 4.21 GPA and am an honors student. I am in the top 50 in my class ranking. My hobbies are playing volleyball with friends and reading romance books. I enjoy watching baseball, football, volleyball, and formula 1. My hobbies are playing volleyball with friends, listening to music, lion dancing, and reading romance books.

The Philadelphia Suns Scholarship

This individual strives for excellence in the court, community, and personal life. On the court, they have been a consummate team player who exhibits leadership and supports their teammates. In the community, they have gone above and beyond the call of duty through volunteering for various causes, including but not limited to working with the Suns. In their personal life, they have found a way to balance volunteerism and athletics to excel in all the other facets of their busy life, including academic excellence, character, sportsmanship, and community service. This individual is reliable, hard-working, persevering, ambitious, and optimistic.

Kevin Lo “Leadership” Award

This award is in memory of Kevin Lo, who passed away suddenly (Nov. 2010) at the age of 24. From a very young age, Kevin displayed exceptional qualities as a leader. He would jokingly refer to himself as “Dai Lo”, -Big Man.” Kevin took the initiative and often led the way at home, school, work, and social settings. His commitment to family, friends, and community aligns with the values we seek as an organization.

Jeffrey Cheung Scholarship

The Jeffrey Cheung Scholarship commemorates the legacy of a devoted Suns member known for being a good teammate and friend. Jeffrey cherished the bonds of friendship and family, embodying their significance in his interactions. This scholarship seeks to support individuals who emulate Jeffrey's spirit of giving, optimism, and ability to forge meaningful connections with others.

Helen Lee Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship commemorates the life of Helen Lee, a beloved wife to Kenny and mother of Aaron and Ryan. A devoted supporter of the NY Rockits, she cheered on her husband and sons as they represented The Rockits in the East Coast and National Asian Basketball circuit. Through the years of competition, her passionate support extended to the Suns as we developed a level of respect among our organizations that continues today. In 2020, through the generosity of the Lee family, the Helen Lee Memorial Scholarship was established to encourage and support the Sun's youth and continue our work in building community!

Application for the Scholarships starts in early summer. Applicants are expected to complete the application, submit the required documents, and interview with the Scholarship Committee. Winners are announced at the annual Sun's Banquet in late fall. Keep an eye out for when applications are open on our website news.

APPLICATION & PROCESS

CRITERIA

The Criteria for Scholarship winners are as follows:

Participation and commitment to The Philadelphia Suns;
Overall Service;
Financial need;
Recommendation by leaders;
Academic Progress and future potential;
Interview and application.

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE

Randy Eng

Chair

Member

Harry Leong

Glenn Hing

Member

Ada Huang

DONATE

Donate

Donations are kindly accepted.

Please make donations through PayPay link below.

For checks, make your check payable to The Philadelphia Suns and have it sent to 1018 Winter Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107

For all other forms of donations, email us at donate@phillysuns.org.

The Philadelphia Suns Inc. is registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) organization (Tax ID: 23-2818595). Your charitable contribution is secure and tax-deductible. All donations to the Suns goes towards our programs and scholarships.

REACH OUT TO THE COMMITTEE

If you would like more information or have questions regarding The Philadelphia Suns Scholarship Committee, feel free to contact us at scholarship@phillysuns.org.