Sihao Hao and Rong Fan celebrated their marriage with a small reception in Orange County, California on the sunny day of Aug. 15. At the same time, a plate with their names on it was installed on seat 15, row 8 in the Auditorium of Westlake University’s Yungu Campus. This was a special wedding gift.

Siyang Hao and Rong Fan at their wedding reception.

Hao and Fan both went to the University of Southern California, where Hao majored in air dynamics and Fan studied marketing. They shared a passion for outdoor activities, which was how they met. Over the long summers in southern California, they would go diving together and, in winter, they would ski. During COVID, they camped out when they felt homesick and found joy in nature.

On graduation, Hao moved to Boston, while Fan went to Los Angeles for work. Though they lived far apart, they seldom argued. As they began planning for their wedding, they decided to commemorate the big day by making a donation. That wasn’t just done on a whim. The couple was inspired by USC itself, which is one of the universities in the US that receives the most public donations.

Fan and Hao occasionally receive donation emails from their alma mater, and they contributed to the undergraduate program for scientific research. “Donating is very much a culture in the US, and it’s something that people like to do. We know that donating is a way to contribute to the development of the university, and to help with research,” said Hao. It was then that his aunt in Hangzhou told them about Westlake.

Fan was no stranger to Westlake University. She had been following the news since its establishment. To her, it was a great opportunity to support an institute in her hometown. “I asked myself, why not take this chance and fulfill my wish?”

Hao works as a research assistant at an Ivy League university. To anyone working in science, Westlake is a name that carries prestige. “I believe in its potential. Westlake is a university that’s ready to take on world challenges. There are many outstanding researchers there pursuing their passion,” he said.

Aug. 15 would be their wedding day. When they found out that row 8 seat 15 in the Auditorium was still available, they jumped at the opportunity and, together, made a donation to the Westlake Education Foundation.

Donation plate, row 8 seat 15

To honor their trust, the WE Foundation staff worked hard to get the plaque ready by Aug. 15. Together with their names was a quote: “Make poetry and wine the companions of youth.”

Explaining the choice of this famous line from a poem by Su Shi, Fan said that Su wrote it at a difficult time in his life, so it is a reminder to stay optimistic, even in the darkest hours. She hopes it will encourage Westlakers. “I’ve witnessed time and again how research can fail, and that researchers may have to start all over. It may take a long time before there is any result, but the most important thing is to enjoy the process, not just the result.”

Hao has a different interpretation. “Westlakers are at the best age of their lives. I hope they make it count, be it searching for the truth or enjoying their lives.” On Aug. 15, they returned to USC to host their wedding reception, with only close friends and family. To them, the size didn’t matter, as long as the love was real.