Xu and Chen Donate $10 Million to Enhance USask Arts Education

A transformative gift of $10 million from alumni Linda Xu and Bob Chen has been pledged to the University of Saskatchewan (USask). This donation is intended to bolster the School for the Arts within the College of Arts and Science. Funds will support various initiatives, including enhancements to the David L. Kaplan Chair in Music and the strings program, as well as theatre expansion, student support services, and curriculum modernization.

In their letter announcing the donation, Xu and Chen expressed their deep gratitude for the leadership of President and Vice-Chancellor Bob Stoicheff. “In profound appreciation for your leadership and dedicated service to our alma mater, and with deep gratitude for the education that transformed our lives, we are delighted to commit $10 million to the University,” they wrote. They further emphasized the significance of this contribution by reflecting on their own experiences at USask, highlighting the lasting impact of their education.

Stoicheff, who will conclude his presidency on December 31, 2025, acknowledged the profound impact of the donation on the School for the Arts. “This is a transformational gift for the School for the Arts, and I am inspired by Bob and Linda’s commitment to creating educational opportunities for everyone through their extraordinary philanthropy,” he stated. His tenure as dean of the College of Arts and Science has shaped his understanding of the importance of alumni contributions to institutional growth and development.

Xu and Chen are well-known philanthropists and strong supporters of USask. Their earlier contributions include a $1 million donation in 2010 to establish the David L. Kaplan Music Scholarship, aimed at providing financial assistance to music students. In 2017, they contributed an additional $2 million to create the David L. Kaplan Chair in Music, further enhancing the department’s strings program and facilitating travel opportunities for music students.

The late Professor Emeritus David Kaplan, who served as a musician, composer, and conductor for the Saskatoon Symphony Orchestra, had a profound influence on Xu and Chen during their studies. Kaplan spent over 40 years at USask, including 22 years as department head of music. Reflecting on Kaplan’s impact, Xu noted, “He embraced us with profound love and care when we first arrived in Canada from China in the 1980s as graduate students.” The couple credits Kaplan’s mentorship as a guiding force in their lives and careers.

Since earning his master’s degree in music from USask in 1992, Xu has co-founded New Oriental Education & Technology Group, now the largest provider of private education in China, having trained over 15 million students. Additionally, he established ZhenFund, a prominent seed fund that invests in innovative startup businesses. Xu’s accomplishments earned him a spot on Forbes Magazine’s Midas List, recognizing him as one of the world’s top venture capitalists.

During his 2017 honorary degree address at USask, Xu expressed his appreciation for the university’s influence on his life. “Sometimes we get more than we deserve. I know this because it is how I have always felt about what I received from the University of Saskatchewan,” he stated. His words reflect a deep connection and gratitude towards the institution that shaped his educational journey.

This latest commitment from Xu and Chen not only underscores their dedication to USask but also highlights the vital role of alumni support in fostering educational excellence and ensuring that future generations have access to transformative learning experiences. As USask continues to advance its mission, this generous donation will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy.