Zizhou (Joe) Zhao

PROFILE: Zizhou “Joe” Zhao is a man of few words. The Foundation asked him how he got to this point in his life where he was awarded one of the most generous undergraduate scholarships in the U.S. Joe’s eight word response: “Set up a goal, and go for it.” He went for it . . . and got it. But that goal’s formation happened long ago back in his native China. He was at the bedside of his dying grandfather, Joe said. The end was near when his grandfather looked at Joe and “told me to complete my education first, and then use my knowledge to benefit society.” Joe’s journey to a great education started not in China, but in New Jersey at Middlesex County College, where in two years of course work he never saw anything less that an “A”, was valedictorian of the Class in 2010, and graduated with three degrees in mathematics, physics and engineering science. While a man of few words, Joe’s valedictory address was a work of art http://www.middlesexcc.edu/commencement10/video.cfm?video=5. His grandfather would have been proud. 

INSPIRATION: The memory of Joe’s aforementioned grandfather helped him cope with self-doubt and loneliness while attempting to settle in to his new environment in the US.

ASPIRATION: Following undergraduate work, Joe hopes to become a chemical engineer and start his own business.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:   For most of his senior year at Middlesex, Joe volunteered countless hours tutoring fellow students in math, chemistry and physics. 

ACCOLADES: In addition to being the Valedictorian of his graduating class, Joe also was awarded the New Jersey Research and Development Council Scholarship (one of the nine recipients), and was a member of Middlesex County College Math Team, which placed first in a statewide competition against two and four year colleges and universities.

INTERESTING FACT: Always one to give back, Joe started a scholarship foundation that raised money for students in China.