Shortly after the April 15, 2013, Boston Marathon bombings that claimed the life of Lu Lingzi (GRS’13), a promising graduate student studying statistics, news of her tragic death spread around the world, reaching alumni and residents of Lu’s hometown in China. Many reached out via social media to ask how they could help.

BU trustee Kenneth Feld (SMG’70), chair of the Campaign for Boston University, had an answer. At a meeting of the campaign’s executive committee, Feld proposed establishing the Lu Lingzi Scholarship Fund. The idea garnered instant support from fellow trustees, who immediately pledged $560,000.

“It was the fastest fundraising I’ve ever seen,” says Scott Nichols, senior vice president for development and alumni relations.

Now, thanks to support from more than 1,700 people across the globe, the scholarship fund named for Lu exceeds $1 million.

“This tragedy reflected the best and the worst of humanity,” says Nichols. “You see this horrific, senseless terrorist act and then you see the response from total strangers worldwide.”

A dedicated student and an aspiring financial analyst, Lu had passed the first part of the comprehensive exam for her master’s degree shortly before she died. In honor of her hard work, the University awarded Lu a posthumous degree at the 2013 Commencement.

The Lu Lingzi Scholarship Fund will endow two scholarships for graduate students, according to the Office of the Provost; one will be awarded annually beginning next fall. Each will provide an annual stipend and full tuition for up to two years.

International students enrolled in a full-time master’s degree program will be eligible, with preference given to those from China.

Those interested may contribute to the Lu Lingzi Scholarship Fund here.