From left: James Breyer (son-in law), Angela Chao (youngest daughter), Tyler Shaver (grandson), Christine Chao (daughter), Elaine L. Chao, (elderest daughter), Dr James S. C. Chao (father), Miranda Chao Hwang (granddaughter), May Chao (daughter), Jeff Hwang (son-in-law), Jessica Chao Hwang (granddaughter). Members of the Chao family at the first floor of the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center at Harvard Business School in Boston. The Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Center is a gift from Dr. James Si-Cheng Chao and Chao family foundation. DONG LESHUO/CHINA DAILY

"It is our hope that the center will be an inspirational focal point to bring emerging leaders together, to develop themselves through greater understanding of the world around us, so they can create greater opportunity and improve the quality of life of others,"Elaine Chao said.

The Chao Center, designed by architectural firm Goody Clancy, is scheduled to be completed on April 22, 2016 and open in June 2016.

"The front will be in the Georgian style, which evokes an Old World order, while the back will be soaring glass, a window on the modern world and all its rapid changes,"Elaine Chao said.

"This duality reflects the fact that during their life-long journey together, my parents never wavered in their strong belief that education was key to bridging the gap between the old world and the new, and to building a better life,"Elaine Chao said.

"It is a symbol of a bridge between East and West,"said by Angela Chao, the youngest daughter of the family and deputy chairman of Foremost Group, an international shipping company founded by her father.

As part of the gift, the Chao family has also endowed the Ruth Mulan Chu and James S. C. Chao Family Fellowship Fund for outstanding students in need.

The fellowships are targeted for students of Chinese heritage and sponsor four to six students a year to attend Harvard Business School.

"This shows my father's concern and interest in fostering young leaders, especially Asian-American leaders for our country,"Elaine Chao told China Daily.

The Chao family's American story began in 1964 when Dr. James S. C. Chao founded Foremost Group, a shipping, trading and finance enterprise based in New York where he remains chairman to this day.

Mrs Ruth Mulan Chu Chao, a scholar of Asian history and literature and generous philanthropist who died in 2007, was the mother of six daughters who went on to notable careers. Four of the daughters went to Harvard.

"This center is not only an enduring monument to our parents' inspiring life and love, but reflects their determination to empower others through the gift of education,"Elaine Chao said.

leshuodong@chinadailyusa.com