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Yat K. Tow Prize

Student Awards

The Yat K. Tow Prize was established in 1991 by the family of Yat K. Tow '41 in his memory, and is funded by his family and friends. The prize is awarded to two students at the level of junior, senior or graduate student in May of each year.

Born in Canton, China, Mr. Tow emigrated to the United States at the age of ten to join his father and grandfather who were pioneers in the Chinese restaurant business. A successful restaurant owner, Yat K. Tow was a prominent Rhode Island business and civic leader throughout his life, serving as a member of the corporations of both Rhode Island Hospital and the former People's Bank.

Mr. Tow was a class marshal at the Brown University Bicentennial. He sponsored and hosted international students and families and was an official interpreter for the non-English speaking Chinese community in Rhode Island. Mr. Tow was a member of the Board of Directors of the International Institute of Rhode Island. In 2010, Mr. Tow was inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame, the first Asian-American to be so honored.

Eligibility

This $1,000 prize is to be given once a year at commencement to two students who are at the level of junior, senior, or graduate student who...

  1. Show great promise to continue their development as an outstanding citizen as evidenced by past or current community service activities and/or academic work. In pursuit of the advancement of a shared community vision, this student has worked in close collaboration with residents and/or community organizations, demonstrating a commitment to principles of partnership, shared leadership, self-reflection, and reciprocal learning and teaching. While this work might have taken place in any community, preference will be given to work done in the greater Providence or RI area; and
  2. Has maintained a consistently strong academic record with no less than a "B" average while at Brown University.

Nominations

Applications may be submitted via Ufunds in Spring 2026. Completed applications, including nomination letters from faculty, will be due in April.  Please email Lindsay Garcia, associate dean of the college for junior/senior studies and recovery/substance-free student initiatives, if you have any questions. Visit the Yat K. Tow Prize page on the College's website for more information. 

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Tow Prize Recipients

Announcing the 2025 Recipients