Ting Shan Chu Scholarship

This scholarship was established in 1985 in memory of Ting Shan Chu, a businessman, community leader, and human rights advocate. Mr. Chu was born near Shanghai, China in August of 1905 and earned a degree from Hanchin College. The Chinese government sent him abroad to the Chicago World’s Fair as a trade representative and Chu liked it so much, he decided to relocate to America. He moved to Tybee and opened a souvenir shop that is now a local fixture. It was one of President Eisenhower’s favorite spots to visit when he was in town. Mr. Chu was voted “Citizen of the Year” by Tybee’s residents in the midst of anti-Asian propaganda flooding the United States during World War II. Mr. Chu was President of the Optimists Club, Vice President of the Savannah Beach Chamber of Commerce, organize and secretary of the official board of the Tybee Island Credit Union, and member of the Merchants Council Committee of the Savannah Chamber of Commerce. He was regarded as a kind man who even donated a fishing pier which is believed to be the only public access pier from Maine to Miami. This scholarship is available to members of the University Honors Program.