Crystal Window & Door Systems’ founder, president and  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 in April.

Crystal Window & Door Systems’ CEO Thomas Chen (right) and Queensborough Community College President Dr. Diane Call. (Photo courtesy of Queensborough Community College)

Chen has a long history of support for QCC and Taiwanese-American art.  He is an avid supporter of the QCC Art Gallery,  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 internationally recognized artist and author 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, N.Y.

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.