Mr. Ton That Hoan was born in Hue, Vietnam. Throughout his youth, he demonstrated the ability and energy not only to survive but also to help his parents and younger siblings overcome economic difficulties caused by the ongoing war. Despite his limited resources, he graduated from Saigon College of Medicine and Pharmacy as a pharmacist in 1964. Mr. Hoan spent most of his time devoted to community work. He became president of the local Red Cross chapter and was also involved in the Buddhist Temple’s social programs in Central Vietnam. With his compassion to help the underprivileged, Mr. Hoan later became involved in politics and was a representative to the South Vietnamese Congress.
Ton That Hoan’s life ended in a tragic accident during his escape to freedom in 1980, but his spirit of devotion and compassion lives on with his young successors. In Mr. Hoan’s memory, Khue Nguyen, Dan Ton, Dr. Huyanh Ton, and Dr. Tuanh Tonnu generously established the Ton That Hoan Endowed Scholarship in June 2015. The scholarship provides annual need-based scholarships for undergraduate students.