Wong gifts alma mater St George’s College with words of wisdom, $40m gym

Perseverance – that tenacity to remain determined and driven – was the theme of the presentation of philanthropist Philip Wong, in the second of the three-part lecture series at St George’s College, which highlighted a donation of $50-million towards a state-of-the-art gymnasium and extra classes to his alma mater.

Wong, a 1959 St George’s College graduate, with a degree in electrical engineering and an MBA, is the CEO of the Deltana Group of Companies, leading architectural hardware manufacturers. He is renowned for giving back and pledged at the end of his presentation of triumphs over trials, the 40,000 sq ft gymnasium to be named after his wife and himself, equal partners of the venture as he declared. The Barbara and Philip Wong STGC Gymnasium, a complete exercise facility, fully air conditioned with locker rooms, stalls, bathrooms and cutting edge equipment, will be constructed at Emmet Park, the school’s sports complex.

“It is to build both bodies and minds of the students and faculty,” said Wong.

The gymnasium will be 80 per cent of the budgeted $50 million, with the remaining 20 per cent to be used to employ the brightest of teachers, he said, to tutor students after school and on weekends.

He stressed, in his address to the packed auditorium of students and educators from 10 different high-school institutions across the island, that one should not be deterred by disappointments.

“Put it quickly behind you,” he advised, recounting when he returned to Jamaica for a job that was promised but being told on his arrival that it was no longer available. The lesson learnt, which remained pivotal throughout his life as he related his struggles and successes throughout his career and life to an attentive audience, was simply summed up in one word: Persevere.

He also shared other lessons, first directly to the students of his alma mater.

“When you get an opportunity to attend a high school like St George’s College,” said the man who landed in Jamaica as a five-year-old from the small island of Tahiti, speaking no English and growing up in Mavis Bank with his family running a small shop, “you must embrace it and give it your all. Study hard, do your homework – and do not waste time. Do your best.”

He also advised students going overseas to study that, when they get a job to pursue their purpose (as he did by becoming a ‘house boy’ while attending the University of California, Los Angeles), they should do it earnestly.

“The job doesn’t matter,” he said. “The end result does.”

The final lesson shared was that of giving back when you have achieved.

“When you’re successful, you should always give back whatever you can – in kind or service.” he said.

“When you give back it is empowering … and it always comes back to me 10-fold.”

In the question-and-answer session that followed with students, he was repeatedly asked about the factors determining success in business, in leadership, and the qualities enabling one to pick oneself up. The man, who in a documentary on his life and his generosity to St George’s College stated that he viewed challenges and disappointments as stepping stones, spoke of a supportive family, lauding the patience of his wife as among the factors. Critically, however, he kept pointing to just one word: Persevere.