By Heather Laura Clarke

Zhuhui Ye (BSc (Agriculture)’12) was an aquaculture graduate student who smiled easily, had friends across the campus, and was always happy to help someone pass their driving test.

Known to many students as “Kevin,” the popular 23-year-old student lost his life in 2012 in a drowning accident at Dollar Lake Provincial Park, near Stanfield International Airport.

His best friend, Qi Liu (BSc (Agriculture’13), was at the lake with him on that fateful September afternoon – and he’s making sure Zhuhui’s memory lives on.

Liu and his friends in the Faculty of Agriculture International Students Association established a $500 annual bursary called The Zhuhui Ye Memorial Award. The first bursary will be awarded later this year.

Liu hopes the award will further the understanding of culture and relationship between Chinese and Canadian students. A number of students from China’s Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) study on the Agricultural Campus each year as part of the FAFU 2+2 program.

The bursary recipient must be enrolled in the Faculty of Agriculture, in strong academic standing, and in financial need. They must also be either a Chinese student enrolled in the FAFU program or demonstrate a commitment to the program.

Liu – who also goes by “Mike” – is now in his second year of graduate studies, and spent one year as President of the Dal Agriculture International Students Association (ISA).

“This is such an excellent school, and all of the students become like a family,” says Liu.

A team effort

Shortly after the accident, Liu and his friends organized a fundraising event at St. David’s Church in Bible Hill. The evening featured authentic Chinese food and entertainment, and they raised nearly $2,000 to establish the memorial fund.

“We had a huge team of people working in the kitchen – cooking and washing dishes – and we had people delivering the food, and entertaining the guests,” says Liu. “We also did a presentation telling people in the community about Zhuhui and asking for donations.”

Proceeds from the ISA’s annual talent show and Chinese New Year celebration also went towards the scholarship.

Liu describes Zhuhui as a loyal friend who was always helping other students with schoolwork, or organizing group get-togethers.

“I want to make sure he’s always remembered, and – at the same time – help students from China who are coming to school here,” says Liu. “He will never be forgotten.”