Appeal Letter for Mathematics Scholarship - April 2025

Mathematics Scholarship Initiative

Remember Father Bruno Gelosa (伊思高神父): 

Invest in the Future of St. Louis School through Promotion of Mathematics 

Dear Fellow Aloysians,

The Workgroup for Mathematics Scholarship Initiative is reaching out to you today with a heartfelt invitation to join us in honouring a truly remarkable figure in the St. Louis School family: Father Bruno Gelosa.

Father Gelosa (“Don Gelosa” in Italian) hailed from Monza, a city on the outskirts of Milan, Italy, arrived in Hong Kong at the age of 24, and dedicated 32 years of his life (1952-1954 and 1963-1993) to our school serving as prefect and catechist, embodying the spirit of the Salesian “preventive system” of education that shaped us all.

Many of us remember Don Gelosa fondly, not just as a teacher and spiritual guide but also as a friend. Who among us has not bought a wax ball or a religious book from him? And who could forget his incredible talent of mental arithmetic? He amazed us with his speed and precision, demonstrating a keen intellect that inspired us to strive for our own best.

Beyond his academic gifts, Don Gelosa was a role model of unwavering dedication and boundless care. He poured his heart into his work, always ready to offer students guidance and support, true to the Salesian motto, “Give me souls, take the rest.” He truly cared for each and every student, leaving an indelible mark on our lives, following the example of Don Bosco.

Inspired by his profound impact, and in continuation of the Physics/Biology/ Chemistry scholarships launched earlier, we are establishing the Don Bruno Gelosa Mathematics Scholarship (伊思高神父數 學獎學金). This scholarship will serve as a lasting tribute to his legacy, providing deserving students with the incentive to excel in mathematics, a field in which St. Louis has long held a tradition of academic excellence.

This scholarship is a chance to continue Don Gelosa's legacy, to ensure that future generations of St. Louis students will have the same opportunities he helped provide. It is a way for us to express our gratitude for the education and values we received, and to invest in the future of our beloved school.

Your generous contribution will make a tangible difference in the lives of aspiring mathematicians now attending St. Louis. It will help us nurture the same spirit of intellectual curiosity and dedication that Don Gelosa instilled in us.

Please join us in honouring Don Bruno Gelosa's memory by contributing to the scholarship fund. Let us work together to ensure his legacy lives on, empowering future St. Louis students to reach their full potential in mathematics. Thank you for your continued support and for remembering the tall figure who meant so much to St. Louis School.

With sincere gratitude and Salesian blessings,

Work Group for the Mathematics Scholarship Initiative

Please click this to download the DONATION FORM and Personal Data Collection Statement.

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Summary of Information

Background:

• Achievements in physics, biology, chemistry and mathematics have traditionally been the academic strengths of St. Louis School, with students performing in flying colours in the former School Certificate Examination and Matriculation Examination.
• In mid-2024, the Rev Fr. LEE Hei Lung Joseph Physics Scholarship (李海龍神父物理學獎學金) was officially inaugurated by Form 5 graduates of the Class of 1968 to commemorate our beloved teacher, the late Rev Fr. LEE, for his contributions to refining, consolidating, and elevating the teaching of physics and other science subjects in the School in the 1960s.
• In late-2024, a group of old boys followed the footsteps of the Class of 1968 to set up two more scholarships for the subjects of biology, in name of “Rev Fr. Anthony Bogadek Biology Scholarship (鮑嘉天神父生物學獎學金)”, and chemistry, in the name of “Mr. NG Kwok Hon Chemistry Scholarship (吳國翰老師化學獎學金).
• The Don Bruno Gelosa Mathematics Scholarship (伊思高神父數學獎學金) is an initiative that follows the steps of the Physics, Biology and Chemistry Scholarships, which together aim at restoring the heritage of academic excellence of the school in the sciences and mathematics..

Purpose:

Setting up of the Mathematics Scholarship, in parallel with the Physics, Biology and Chemistry Scholarships, aims at raising the academic performance of St. Louis School students in the sciences and mathematics, and instilling in them a strong motivation to excel in academic achievements in mathematics by rewarding and recognizing the:

1. Best Performer in the Subject (最佳成績獎):
   • In-school performance – S1 to S5
   • Public examination (HKDSE) achievement – S6

2. Best Leap Performer in the Subject (最佳進步獎):
   • In-school performance – S1 to S6

Work Group Members:

The Scholarship Programme:

1. Award Scheme & Prizes

2. Fundraising and Fund Application

• Our target is to raise $600,000 for the Mathematics Scholarship in Core, M1 and M2 mathematics.
• The fund raised will be applied towards awards of prizes to the scholarship winners.
• SLOBA will facilitate the fundraising among all St. Louis School old boys.
• The award scheme anticipates an annual payout of $125,000, with the fund raised sufficient for an estimate of 4.8 years before depletion.
• A follow-on fundraising campaign will be conducted as and when needed.

3. Donor Recognition

A plaque bearing the names of donors will be displayed in the school:

4. Fund Management

• Funds raised will be received, separately kept, and managed by the IMC of St. Louis School for the duration of the scholarships.
• Donations of $100 or more are tax-deductible.
• An annual statement of income, expenditure, and closing balance of the scholarship fund will be posted on the SLOBA website for viewing by old boys.

5. Operation Committee

An operation committee formed by Work Group members will work with the school to:

• Oversee the running and management of the Scholarships
• Prepare, review, and report on annual financial statements to stakeholders
• Manage and coordinate with stakeholders to ensure smooth running and continuity of the Scholarships

6. Selection Board

A selection board composed of School representatives and Work Group members will set the selection criteria and nominate winners/awardees.

Please click this to download the DONATION FORM and Personal Data Collection Statement.

 

*Remarks: Thank you for your generous interest in supporting our scholarships. Due to the regulations set by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing Ordinance (AMLO) and the Chinese National Security Law, we are unable to accept overseas donations via wire transfer.

We suggest that you transfer the donation amount to a trusted friend or relative in Hong Kong, who can then issue a donation cheque on your behalf and send to the IMC of St. Louis School.

We appreciate your understanding and continued support. If you have any questions or need further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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