Universities coveting alumni money

A couple donated $30 million to Renmin University of China, their alma mater, on Feb 28, but donations still only occupy a small part of income for universities in China.

Duan Yongping, who donated the money with his wife, Liu Xin, got his master's degree in economics at Beijing-based Renmin University of China in 1988. His wife graduated from the university's School of Communications and Journalism in 1990. Duan is president of BBK Electronics Co Ltd.

Alumni donations in China are in stark contrast to their overseas counterparts, many of which enjoy bountiful gifts from well-heeled graduates.