Timothy S.Y. Lam, of the Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation, was a man of many interests and a passionate supporter of the hospitality industry. His interests ranged from cooking, wines, entertaining, model trains, antiques, oil painting, photography, carpentry, to wood sign carving. He was an adventurer who visited every continent, having been on 71 cruises and countless journeys.
One of his obsessions was his extensive collection of Tang Dynasty ceramics. In 2000, he published the book “Tang Ceramics – Changsha Kilns” which is an invaluable reference for Chinese art, culture, and history. A graduate of Wake Forest University (1960), Mr. Lam donated his collection of more than 500 Tang Dynasty Chinese ceramics to the Wake Forest University Museum of Anthropology shortly before his passing in 2012. The museum has been renamed the Timothy S.Y. Lam Museum of Anthropology in honor of Tim Sr. and the Lam family’s support.
The Timothy S.Y. Lam Foundation, established in 2012, continues his legacy by supporting research, education, and training within the hospitality industry.
The foundation’s mission is to support research, education, and training within the hospitality industry. This is achieved through a variety of programs that provide scholarships and grants to those seeking careers or advancement in the hospitality industry. The foundation also funds education programs that promote the hospitality industry and awards research grants to those interested in blending academia with practical industry know-how.
One of the key offerings of the foundation is its certification scholarships. These scholarships provide funding for hospitality professionals to earn peer-recognized credentials that testify to their education, experience, and competency in a comprehensive body of knowledge. By supporting the attainment of these credentials, the foundation helps professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers.
Another significant program is the foundation’s travel grants. These grants provide funding for hospitality professionals to attend or participate in conferences. By doing so, the foundation promotes fellowship within the industry and provides professionals with access to educational seminars, networking opportunities, and research ideas.
The foundation also offers education scholarships. These scholarships provide tuition fees for students who are enrolled in hospitality-related courses. The courses can be delivered in class or online, at any post-secondary, accredited institution within the United States. The scholarships cover a wide range of majors or courses, including Hotel Operations and Management, Destination Management, Meeting and Conference Planning, Wedding and Special Event Planning, Exhibition and Convention Planning, Meeting and Event Catering, Foodservice Management, Hotel Concierge, Hospitality Human Resources, and more.
In addition to these programs, the foundation also provides research grants. These grants fund research that is practical with immediate benefit and applicability to the hospitality industry. The deliverables from these grants are very broad, ranging from articles, to white papers, to textbooks, seminars, and more.
The Timothy S. Y. Lam Foundation is committed to supporting the next generation of leaders in the hospitality industry. Through its various programs, the foundation is making a significant impact on the industry, helping to shape its future and ensure its continued growth and success.
The foundation’s work is a testament to the legacy of Timothy S. Y. Lam. His passion for the hospitality industry and his belief in the power of education and training continue to inspire and guide the foundation’s efforts. Through its work, the Timothy S. Y. Lam Foundation is not only supporting individual professionals but also contributing to the overall development and progress of the hospitality industry.
In conclusion, the Timothy S. Y. Lam Foundation is a shining example of how targeted support and investment can make a significant difference in an industry. Its commitment to supporting professionals, promoting education, and funding research is helping to shape the future of the hospitality industry. As the industry continues to evolve and grow, the foundation’s role in supporting its professionals will undoubtedly become even more critical.
Visit Timothy S. Y. Lam Foundation website to lean more and apply to the above-mentioned grants.
