Publisher's Note

A pioneer immigrant - Lilian To

I had the privilege of meeting Lilian before this magazine was first launched. I still remember how enthusiastic she was about a magazine for immigrants that would span the ethnic divides. "Yes, yes, yes," she said in her typical way, shaking her head and her hair bobbing, "that is what Canada is about."

Since then, I started getting involved with immigrant issues. And whether it was speaking to the parliamentary committee on citizenship and immigration or any other forum where immigrant issues were being discussed, Lilian was there, always with the same pleasant smile and courtesy as ever.

News of Lilian's untimely death stunned Vancouver. Immigrants who had been touched by her personal caring were shocked. SUCCESS was in a large part her baby. And she nurtured that baby to grow into a huge organization that helped immigrants from the Chinese community and beyond.

When we launched the Ashton College-Canadian Immigrant Magazine scholarship, I had asked Lilian to be one of the judges. Today, as we mourn her, we are preparing to award these scholarships, so what better way of honouring her memory than to rename this scholarship the Lilian To Scholarship for Immigrants.

This tiny little lady was a giant. She was the beacon that shone on all immigrants. She showed that immigrants can succeed and give back. Her work lives on in what she has created.

Lilian, rest in peace.