First Rector donates VND 1billion scholarship fund for disadvantaged students

At the age of 91, Associate Professor Dr. Doan Van Dien has given more than a VND 1 billion scholarship fund to younger generations, along with a quiet yet steadfast belief in students striving to build their future through education.

Associate Professor Dr. Doan Van Dien, the first Rector of LHU

While many people in their later years choose to rest after a lifetime of dedication, the educator who helped lay the first foundations for LHU continues to care deeply about disadvantaged students. He decided to donate VND 1 billion to establish a scholarship fund that will support students facing financial hardship, giving them greater opportunities to pursue higher education so that no dream of attending university is left unfinished due to economic difficulties.

What makes this gift truly meaningful is not merely its financial value, but the lifelong commitment to education behind it. Even after away from leadership roles many years ago, he has continued to follow the University’s growth and the journeys of generations of students. To him, investing in young people has never been an act of “giving away”, but rather an expression of hope in a generation that strives to learn, rise above challenges, and contribute positively to society. 

This is not the first time Associate Professor Dr. Doan Van Dien has devoted his efforts to supporting disadvantaged students. He shared that, in his words, to “repay life’s debts”, he has supported students in difficult circumstances through three scholarship funds at places closely connected to him: Nong Lam University Ho Chi Minh City, LHU in Dong Nai, and his hometown of Phu Yen.

According to Associate Professor Dr. Lam Thanh Hien, Rector of LHU, the University Council and the Board of Rectors have officially received the VND 1 billion donation from Associate Professor Dr. Doan Van Dien, who served as Rector of the University from 1997 to 2002 , to establish a scholarship fund for disadvantaged students. This meaningful contribution from the family of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Doan Van Dien reflects their sincere commitment to supporting the University and supporting students - particularly those facing financial difficulties - continue striving in their studies. The University will appropriate and practical plans to ensure the scholarship fund is used effectively to benefit disadvantaged students.

Over the years, Associate Professor Dr. Doan Van Dien has repeatedly awarded scholarships to students in difficult circumstances at LHU. In his early years, he was among the Southern students who relocated to the North during the wartime period. He later made significant contributions to human resource education and economic development following the reunification of Vietnam on April 30, 1975. From 1989 to 1994, he served as a lecturer at Nong Lam University – Ho Chi Minh City. From 1997 to 2002, he held the position of Rector of LHU.

Some lessons are not taught in lecture halls. Some teachers, through the way they live their lives, quietly teach students about compassion, responsibility, and faith in the value of knowledge. In the end, this VND 1 billion scholarship is also a heartfelt message of hope from one generation to the next.