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Boy Scouts of LA Honor Ming Hsieh to Kick-Off 2nd Hundred Years

The Second Century: The Next 100 Years Award Luncheon Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the California Club

As the Boy Scouts' Centennial year closes, Christina Hurn, Board Member of the Los Angeles Area Council, BSA has organized an event to open Scouting's second hundred years by honoring Ming Hsieh, a man whose resourcefulness and generosity is typical of the Scouting movement. Born and raised in China, he is the son of an electrical engineer, and was educated in secret at home during the Cultural Revolution. At age 24, he came to the U.S. and attended the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. In 1990, Ming and a classmate co-founded Cogent, Inc. designing AFIS systems for law enforcement, governments, civil agencies and commercial business around the world.

The Second Century: The Next 100 Years Award luncheon to honor Mr. Hsieh will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at the California Club. Funds raised at this event will support Scouting programs throughout Los Angeles, including programs in high-risk communities. His generosity has significantly benefited the UCS Engineering School, Keck School of Medicine, and a wide variety of vital youth-oriented programs. According to BSA Board president, Rita Illig, "He is a brilliant engineer, visionary entrepreneur, inspired leader, and selfless philanthropist who epitomizes a life of purpose, character, dedication, perseverance, achievement and service in making a positive difference in our community and for mankind."

Such an award from the Boy Scouts of America is rare indeed, exclusively reserved for people who have had a major impact on our community: Dr. Steven B. Sample, John Wayne and Bob Hope are among the very few. The achievements and gifts from Ming Hsieh have changed the shape of Los Angeles. He has a rich history of service and philanthropy that makes him an ideal choice for the honor of the Second Century Award: The Next 100 Years.