6/4/97 Contact: Anne Cooper-Chen, 614/593-2611

ATHENS, Ohio -- Lion dancing and Chinese zither music will highlight the dedication of the Sing Tao Center on Court Street at 3 p.m. Friday, June 13 at the Wilhelm Amphitheater outside of Scripps Hall on the Athens campus.

The Sing Tao Center, across Court Street from Scripps Hall, houses the Institute for International Journalism, the Glover International Resource Room and other faculty offices.

The building has been occupied since spring quarter 1996, but dedication was delayed until 1997 when Hong Kong newspaper publisher Sally Aw Sian could attend. She donated $150,000 to buy the former Sigma Nu fraternity house in 1993. Aw Sian will receive an honorary degree at commencement ceremonies June 14.

"Sing Tao," the name of Aw Sian's holding company, means "Star Island"-- a nickname for Hong Kong.

A ribbon cutting and refreshments at the center will follow the dedication ceremony.

"Sally Aw Sian, one of Asia's most prominent business women, first came to Athens in 1987," said Anne Cooper-Chen, director of the Institute for International Journalism. "We are honored that she will visit again. She speaks several languages and has had a fascinating career."