When Kimmy Duong left Vietnam in 1975, she had $ 30 in her pocket and a job offer to work at IBM in Bethesda, Maryland. She spoke a little English and wondered how she would fare in the United States.

Since then, she and her husband, Dr. Long Nguyen, have donated millions of dollars to universities in Maryland and Virginia.

Montgomery College in Rockville received the couple’s most recent gift: $ 1 million for scholarships for minority students.

On Thursday, the college thanked its new, state-of-the-art student services building named after the couple.

“Without the support of this country, we are not where we are,” Duong said. “So giving back is always on our mind; and giving back to education is the best way to give back.

Four of Duong’s nieces and nephews attended Montgomery College before heading to four-year universities. Through the founding of Duong, she also supported the students of several colleges in the area.

The philanthropist decided to donate because of the college’s commitment to inclusion on campus.

About 25% of students represent a particular race or culture, said Interim President Dr. Charlene Dukes.

“We’re going to make sure we’re serving the most diverse student body in the state of Maryland,” Dukes said. “This is what it is.”

Duong believes students, especially immigrants, will benefit from having a Vietnamese name on the five-story student center that looms large on campus.

“I want to encourage people to believe in themselves,” Duong said. “If I can do it, anyone can do it. “

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