Chen of Crystal Window & Door honored by QCC on April 27­th; Named 2017 Art Gallery Partner of the Year

Queens, NY Crystal Window & Door Systems’ founder, president & CEO Thomas Chen was honored by Queensborough Community College (QCC) as its 2017 Art Gallery Partner of the Year at the college’s annual Partners for Progress gala on Thursday, April 27th.

Chen has a history of support for QCC and Taiwanese-American art.  He is an avid supporter of the QCC Art Gallery, located in the Oakland Building, and its many programs and exhibits focusing on Asian art and culture. In 2015, Chen was instrumental in establishing a permanent collection of Asian art by artist and author professor Wenzhi Zhang on the grounds of the QCC Art Gallery.

“It is an honor for me to be part of the Queensborough Community College community,” said Chen. I also treasure the art and culture of my native Taiwan.  My relationship with this wonderful institution of higher learning has allowed me to contribute to two of my passions – art and education – in very meaningful ways.”

A new exhibit at the QCC Art Gallery features the work of several Taiwanese and New York artists.  The exhibit was made possible with the support of the Taiwanese American Arts Council (TAAC), co-founded by Chen and associates to promote and preserve Taiwanese-influenced visual, performing and other art forms. Chen has also established a private art and nature retreat in Dutchess County.

On the education side of QCC, over a decade ago Chen established a QCC scholarship endowment fund for the college’s Port of Entry Program, which provides immigrant students with intensive language and cultural training to help them succeed in college, business, and American society.

The QCC Partners for Progress gala was held at Terrace on the Park in Queens and was attended by over 400 business, community, and civic leaders as well as faculty, students, alumni and friends of the college.  Student and faculty achievements, and the college’s role in the community were highlighted throughout the evening. All proceeds from the gala event support student success through the Queensborough Community College Fund.

QCC is part of the City University of New York (CUNY) system.  Located in northeastern Queens, the two-year college currently serves 16,000 associates degree students and 10,000 continuing education students.