Special Projects

Established by Lydia in 2024 in memory of her mother, this award supports international students in the School of Management, Economics and Mathematics (MEM) who demonstrate strong academic achievement and leadership in building an inclusive and welcoming community.

It reflects the values Lydia has embodied throughout her time at King's: kindness, generosity, and a deep commitment to others.

Yuxin, 2025-26 recipient of the Lydia Li and Family Award

Yuxin is an international student in her fourth year of the economics program. She enjoys combining academic growth with creative exploration. During the summer, she worked as a TA and an RA for a professor, which gave her valuable research and teaching experience. She also completed an internship in venture capital, during which she gained insights into business and entrepreneurship.

Beyond academics, Yuxin has a strong interest in reading, writing, and films. She writes book and film reviews on Douban, Letterboxd and Goodreads. She also publishes original creative work online. On campus, she is involved in volunteer and student support roles, including serving as a Peer Guide for the International Office and assisting with events such as Open House and the Career Market. These experiences allow her to build connections, strengthen communication skills, and contribute to a welcoming student community.

After graduating from King's, Yuxin hopes to become a researcher and eventually a professor, contributing to both teaching and scholarly work in the field.

Coming from a middle-income family in China, the exchange rate and higher cost of living in Canada make budgeting as an international student quite difficult. Receiving this award has eased financial pressure and has allowed her to focus more fully on her academic work and research. She is grateful for your support of international students such as herself.