Come Teach At Hwa Nan
Come Teach At Hwa Nan

Come Teach At Hwa Nan
Come Teach At Hwa Nan
Come Teach At Hwa Nan
Come Teach At Hwa Nan
Hwa Nan Legacy
Hwa Nan Legacy
Hwa Nan Legacy
The late 1890s marked a turning point for women globally, as suffrage and education movements gained momentum. In science, Marie Curie’s 1898 discovery of radioactivity shattered barriers and symbolized a broader shift in women’s roles in public and intellectual life. At the same time, Fuzhou, China—renowned as a major tea trading port and maritime innovation hub—drew missionaries like Lydia Trimble. Witnessing the stark educational disparities for Chinese women, Trimble founded Hwa Nan, a women’s college born from both vital local need and the global spirit of transformation.
Hwa Nan faced many challenges during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War and was eventually merged with other colleges to form the Fujian National University in 1949. Old Hwa Nan College has since lost its footprint. Despite this, the alumnae of Hwa Nan College around the world never gave up their dream of restoring their alma mater. Dr. Yu Bao sheng, a former professor at Hwa Nan College rallied and led a team of retired career women to ensure the success of the reestablishment of new Hwa Nan. Embracing its motto “Received to Serve”, the new Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College made history as the first private women’s college in the People’s Republic of China.
The late 1890s marked a turning point for women globally, as suffrage and education movements gained momentum. In science, Marie Curie’s 1898 discovery of radioactivity shattered barriers and symbolized a broader shift in women’s roles in public and intellectual life. At the same time, Fuzhou, China—renowned as a major tea trading port and maritime innovation hub—drew missionaries like Lydia Trimble. Witnessing the stark educational disparities for Chinese women, Trimble founded Hwa Nan, a women’s college born from both vital local need and the global spirit of transformation. The college faced many challenges during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War, and was eventually merged with other colleges to form the Fujian National University in 1949. Old Hwa Nan College has since lost its footprint. Despite this, the alumnae of Hwa Nan College around the world never gave up their dream of restoring their alma mater. Dr. Yu Bao sheng, a former professor of Hwa Nan College recruited and led a team of retired career women to ensure the success of the reestablishment of new Hwa Nan. Embracing its motto “Received to Serve”, the new Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College made history as the first private women’s college in the People’s Republic of China.
Lydia Trimble
A Visionary Pioneer
The story of Hwa Nan Women’s College begins with Miss Lydia A. Trimble (1863–1941), a determined American missionary who came to China in 1889 with a clear purpose: to open educational doors for women who had long been overlooked. At a time when women’s education was nearly nonexistent in southern China, she founded Hwa Nan Women’s College in 1908, the first private college for women in the region. She named it "Hwa Nan," meaning “a college in southern China.” Establishing the school was no easy feat. The effort required building public support, raising funds, and recruiting teachers at a time when women’s education was not yet a government priority. Lydia Trimble persevered, tirelessly fundraising and forging academic partnerships with American institutions to bring her vision to life. Trimble’s approach to education was not just academic, it was deeply values-driven. She believed in cultivating students' character and sense of civic duty. Under her leadership, Hwa Nan became a place where women were not only educated but also equipped to serve their communities with strength and purpose. In 1922, Trimble Hall was constructed in her honor, a symbol of her unwavering service and dedication. Miss Lydia Trimble retired in 1925, after over 50 years of service in China. But her legacy lives on, etched in the walls of Hwa Nan, in the lives of the women she inspired, and in the enduring mission of the college she helped create. Trimble’s fourth generation descendents. Mr. Gordon Trimble and his wife Mrs. Sonia Trimble are still actively teaching at Hwa Nan in their early 80s.
Dr. YuBaoSheng
A Modern Advocate
Dr. Yu Bao Sheng (1904–1996) was a renowned biochemist, educator, and the beloved president who led the revival of Hwa Nan Women’s College after a period of great national and institutional hardship. Born in Fujian, she studied at Yenching University and later earned her master’s degree in the United States at Columbia University and a PhD from John Hopkins University. In 1928, following her mother’s wish, she returned to China and joined Hwa Nan Women’s College, where she established and led the chemistry department, becoming one of the few women at the time to teach such a complex and specialized subject. After the college was forced to close due to war and later political changes, Dr. Yu continued her academic career at Fujian Normal University. There, she taught for decades and built a respected biochemical research lab, most notably on the anticancer properties of traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients. In 1984, at the remarkable age of 80, Dr. Yu returned to Hwa Nan to help restore the college. She personally traveled across China and the United States to raise substantial funds for Hwa Nan’s reconstruction. Her deep love for the school and belief in women’s education inspired a new generation of students and faculty. Dr. Yu was widely honored for her lifelong dedication. She was named a national model educator, and served as an honorary chair of China’s Chemical Society. Her influence on both science and education left a lasting legacy.
Lydia Trimble
A Visionary Pioneer
The story of Hwa Nan Women’s College begins with Miss Lydia A. Trimble (1863–1941), a determined American missionary who came to China in 1889 with a clear purpose: to open educational doors for women who had long been overlooked. At a time when women’s education was nearly nonexistent in southern China, she founded Hwa Nan Women’s College in 1908, the first private college for women in the region. She named it "Hwa Nan," meaning “a college in southern China.” Establishing the school was no easy feat. The effort required building public support, raising funds, and recruiting teachers at a time when women’s education was not yet a government priority. Lydia Trimble persevered, tirelessly fundraising and forging academic partnerships with American institutions to bring her vision to life. Trimble’s approach to education was not just academic, it was deeply values-driven. She believed in cultivating students' character and sense of civic duty. Under her leadership, Hwa Nan became a place where women were not only educated but also equipped to serve their communities with strength and purpose. In 1922, Trimble Hall was constructed in her honor, a symbol of her unwavering service and dedication. Miss Lydia Trimble retired in 1925, after over 50 years of service in China. But her legacy lives on, etched in the walls of Hwa Nan, in the lives of the women she inspired, and in the enduring mission of the college she helped create. Trimble’s fourth generation descendents. Mr. Gordon Trimble and his wife Mrs. Sonia Trimble are still actively teaching at Hwa Nan in their early 80s.
Dr. YuBaoSheng
A Modern Advocate
Dr. Yu Bao Sheng (1904–1996) was a renowned biochemist, educator, and the beloved president who led the revival of Hwa Nan Women’s College after a period of great national and institutional hardship. Born in Fujian, she studied at Yenching University and later earned her master’s degree in the United States at Columbia University and a PhD from John Hopkins University. In 1928, following her mother’s wish, she returned to China and joined Hwa Nan Women’s College, where she established and led the chemistry department, becoming one of the few women at the time to teach such a complex and specialized subject. After the college was forced to close due to war and later political changes, Dr. Yu continued her academic career at Fujian Normal University. There, she taught for decades and built a respected biochemical research lab, most notably on the anticancer properties of traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients. In 1984, at the remarkable age of 80, Dr. Yu returned to Hwa Nan to help restore the college. She personally traveled across China and the United States to raise substantial funds for Hwa Nan’s reconstruction. Her deep love for the school and belief in women’s education inspired a new generation of students and faculty. Dr. Yu was widely honored for her lifelong dedication. She was named a national model educator, and served as an honorary chair of China’s Chemical Society. Her influence on both science and education left a lasting legacy.
Lydia Trimble
A Visionary Pioneer
The story of Hwa Nan Women’s College begins with Miss Lydia A. Trimble (1863–1941), a determined American missionary who came to China in 1889 with a clear purpose: to open educational doors for women who had long been overlooked. At a time when women’s education was nearly nonexistent in southern China, she founded Hwa Nan Women’s College in 1908, the first private college for women in the region. She named it "Hwa Nan," meaning “a college in southern China.” Establishing the school was no easy feat. The effort required building public support, raising funds, and recruiting teachers at a time when women’s education was not yet a government priority. Lydia Trimble persevered, tirelessly fundraising and forging academic partnerships with American institutions to bring her vision to life. Trimble’s approach to education was not just academic, it was deeply values-driven. She believed in cultivating students' character and sense of civic duty. Under her leadership, Hwa Nan became a place where women were not only educated but also equipped to serve their communities with strength and purpose. In 1922, Trimble Hall was constructed in her honor, a symbol of her unwavering service and dedication. Miss Lydia Trimble retired in 1925, after over 50 years of service in China. But her legacy lives on, etched in the walls of Hwa Nan, in the lives of the women she inspired, and in the enduring mission of the college she helped create. Trimble’s fourth generation descendents. Mr. Gordon Trimble and his wife Mrs. Sonia Trimble are still actively teaching at Hwa Nan in their early 80s.
Dr. YuBaoSheng
A Modern Advocate
Dr. Yu Bao Sheng (1904–1996) was a renowned biochemist, educator, and the beloved president who led the revival of Hwa Nan Women’s College after a period of great national and institutional hardship. Born in Fujian, she studied at Yenching University and later earned her master’s degree in the United States at Columbia University and a PhD from John Hopkins University. In 1928, following her mother’s wish, she returned to China and joined Hwa Nan Women’s College, where she established and led the chemistry department, becoming one of the few women at the time to teach such a complex and specialized subject. After the college was forced to close due to war and later political changes, Dr. Yu continued her academic career at Fujian Normal University. There, she taught for decades and built a respected biochemical research lab, most notably on the anticancer properties of traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients. In 1984, at the remarkable age of 80, Dr. Yu returned to Hwa Nan to help restore the college. She personally traveled across China and the United States to raise substantial funds for Hwa Nan’s reconstruction. Her deep love for the school and belief in women’s education inspired a new generation of students and faculty. Dr. Yu was widely honored for her lifelong dedication. She was named a national model educator, and served as an honorary chair of China’s Chemical Society. Her influence on both science and education left a lasting legacy.
Lydia Trimble
A Visionary Pioneer
The story of Hwa Nan Women’s College begins with Miss Lydia A. Trimble (1863–1941), a determined American missionary who came to China in 1889 with a clear purpose: to open educational doors for women who had long been overlooked. At a time when women’s education was nearly nonexistent in southern China, she founded Hwa Nan Women’s College in 1908, the first private college for women in the region. She named it "Hwa Nan," meaning “a college in southern China.” Establishing the school was no easy feat. The effort required building public support, raising funds, and recruiting teachers at a time when women’s education was not yet a government priority. Lydia Trimble persevered, tirelessly fundraising and forging academic partnerships with American institutions to bring her vision to life. Trimble’s approach to education was not just academic, it was deeply values-driven. She believed in cultivating students' character and sense of civic duty. Under her leadership, Hwa Nan became a place where women were not only educated but also equipped to serve their communities with strength and purpose. In 1922, Trimble Hall was constructed in her honor, a symbol of her unwavering service and dedication. Miss Lydia Trimble retired in 1925, after over 50 years of service in China. But her legacy lives on, etched in the walls of Hwa Nan, in the lives of the women she inspired, and in the enduring mission of the college she helped create. Trimble’s fourth generation descendents. Mr. Gordon Trimble and his wife Mrs. Sonia Trimble are still actively teaching at Hwa Nan in their early 80s.
Dr. YuBaoSheng
A Modern Advocate
Dr. Yu Bao Sheng (1904–1996) was a renowned biochemist, educator, and the beloved president who led the revival of Hwa Nan Women’s College after a period of great national and institutional hardship. Born in Fujian, she studied at Yenching University and later earned her master’s degree in the United States at Columbia University and a PhD from John Hopkins University. In 1928, following her mother’s wish, she returned to China and joined Hwa Nan Women’s College, where she established and led the chemistry department, becoming one of the few women at the time to teach such a complex and specialized subject. After the college was forced to close due to war and later political changes, Dr. Yu continued her academic career at Fujian Normal University. There, she taught for decades and built a respected biochemical research lab, most notably on the anticancer properties of traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients. In 1984, at the remarkable age of 80, Dr. Yu returned to Hwa Nan to help restore the college. She personally traveled across China and the United States to raise substantial funds for Hwa Nan’s reconstruction. Her deep love for the school and belief in women’s education inspired a new generation of students and faculty. Dr. Yu was widely honored for her lifelong dedication. She was named a national model educator, and served as an honorary chair of China’s Chemical Society. Her influence on both science and education left a lasting legacy.

Lydia Trimble
A Visionary Pioneer
The story of Hwa Nan Women’s College begins with Miss Lydia A. Trimble (1863–1941), a determined American missionary who came to China in 1889 with a clear purpose: to open educational doors for women who had long been overlooked. At a time when women’s education was nearly nonexistent in southern China, she founded Hwa Nan Women’s College in 1908, the first private college for women in the region. She named it "Hwa Nan," meaning “a college in southern China.” Establishing the school was no easy feat. The effort required building public support, raising funds, and recruiting teachers at a time when women’s education was not yet a government priority. Lydia Trimble persevered, tirelessly fundraising and forging academic partnerships with American institutions to bring her vision to life. Trimble’s approach to education was not just academic, it was deeply values-driven. She believed in cultivating students' character and sense of civic duty. Under her leadership, Hwa Nan became a place where women were not only educated but also equipped to serve their communities with strength and purpose. In 1922, Trimble Hall was constructed in her honor, a symbol of her unwavering service and dedication. Miss Lydia Trimble retired in 1925, after over 50 years of service in China. But her legacy lives on, etched in the walls of Hwa Nan, in the lives of the women she inspired, and in the enduring mission of the college she helped create. Trimble’s fourth generation descendents. Mr. Gordon Trimble and his wife Mrs. Sonia Trimble are still actively teaching at Hwa Nan in their early 80s.

Lydia Trimble
A Visionary Pioneer
The story of Hwa Nan Women’s College begins with Miss Lydia A. Trimble (1863–1941), a determined American missionary who came to China in 1889 with a clear purpose: to open educational doors for women who had long been overlooked. At a time when women’s education was nearly nonexistent in southern China, she founded Hwa Nan Women’s College in 1908, the first private college for women in the region. She named it "Hwa Nan," meaning “a college in southern China.” Establishing the school was no easy feat. The effort required building public support, raising funds, and recruiting teachers at a time when women’s education was not yet a government priority. Lydia Trimble persevered, tirelessly fundraising and forging academic partnerships with American institutions to bring her vision to life. Trimble’s approach to education was not just academic, it was deeply values-driven. She believed in cultivating students' character and sense of civic duty. Under her leadership, Hwa Nan became a place where women were not only educated but also equipped to serve their communities with strength and purpose. In 1922, Trimble Hall was constructed in her honor, a symbol of her unwavering service and dedication. Miss Lydia Trimble retired in 1925, after over 50 years of service in China. But her legacy lives on, etched in the walls of Hwa Nan, in the lives of the women she inspired, and in the enduring mission of the college she helped create. Trimble’s fourth generation descendents. Mr. Gordon Trimble and his wife Mrs. Sonia Trimble are still actively teaching at Hwa Nan in their early 80s.

Dr. YuBaoSheng
A Modern Advocate
Dr. Yu Bao Sheng (1904–1996) was a renowned biochemist, educator, and the beloved president who led the revival of Hwa Nan Women’s College after a period of great national and institutional hardship. Born in Fujian, she studied at Yenching University and later earned her master’s degree in the United States at Columbia University and a PhD from John Hopkins University. In 1928, following her mother’s wish, she returned to China and joined Hwa Nan Women’s College, where she established and led the chemistry department, becoming one of the few women at the time to teach such a complex and specialized subject. After the college was forced to close due to war and later political changes, Dr. Yu continued her academic career at Fujian Normal University. There, she taught for decades and built a respected biochemical research lab, most notably on the anticancer properties of traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients. In 1984, at the remarkable age of 80, Dr. Yu returned to Hwa Nan to help restore the college. She personally traveled across China and the United States to raise substantial funds for Hwa Nan’s reconstruction. Her deep love for the school and belief in women’s education inspired a new generation of students and faculty. Dr. Yu was widely honored for her lifelong dedication. She was named a national model educator, and served as an honorary chair of China’s Chemical Society. Her influence on both science and education left a lasting legacy.

Dr. YuBaoSheng
A Modern Advocate
Dr. Yu Bao Sheng (1904–1996) was a renowned biochemist, educator, and the beloved president who led the revival of Hwa Nan Women’s College after a period of great national and institutional hardship. Born in Fujian, she studied at Yenching University and later earned her master’s degree in the United States at Columbia University and a PhD from John Hopkins University. In 1928, following her mother’s wish, she returned to China and joined Hwa Nan Women’s College, where she established and led the chemistry department, becoming one of the few women at the time to teach such a complex and specialized subject. After the college was forced to close due to war and later political changes, Dr. Yu continued her academic career at Fujian Normal University. There, she taught for decades and built a respected biochemical research lab, most notably on the anticancer properties of traditional Chinese medicinal ingredients. In 1984, at the remarkable age of 80, Dr. Yu returned to Hwa Nan to help restore the college. She personally traveled across China and the United States to raise substantial funds for Hwa Nan’s reconstruction. Her deep love for the school and belief in women’s education inspired a new generation of students and faculty. Dr. Yu was widely honored for her lifelong dedication. She was named a national model educator, and served as an honorary chair of China’s Chemical Society. Her influence on both science and education left a lasting legacy.
Hwa Nan Legacy Today
Hwa Nan Legacy Today
Hwa Nan Legacy Today
Today, Hwa Nan upholds a distinguished tradition of blending classical Chinese education with Western pedagogical methods, standing as a national example of private educational reform. With a pioneering spirit and strong community support, the college has risen once again, not only to recover the past, but to build a brighter future. It now offers 29 academic programs across six departments, closely aligned with modern service industries and the digital economy.
Hwa Nan has also prioritized international cooperation and the recruitment of foreign faculty. Supported by organizations such as the United Board for Christian Higher Education in Asia (UBCHEA) and the Amity Foundation, international faculty have become a treasured part of Hwa Nan’s identity, playing a vital role in preserving its educational traditions and enriching its programs. The college works diligently to ensure these teachers feel respected, supported, and valued, creating a strong sense of belonging. Hwa Nan warmly welcomes English speaking students, faculty, and staff to study, conduct research, and teach on campus, with housing accommodations provided.
Apply to Be a Teacher
Apply to Be a Teacher
Apply to Be a Teacher
Since1985, international educators from countries including the U.S., U.K., Australia and Finland were invited to teach at Hwa Nan, particularly in the English Department. These educators were recruited through trusted networks, including recommendations from alumni and international educational partners. Many brought with them not only subject expertise but also cross-cultural perspectives that deeply enriched student learning. We warmly invite you to become part of this meaningful tradition by teaching at Hwa Nan.


Over the past four decades, more than one hundred international educators have taught at and contributed to Hwa Nan. These remarkable individuals have brought with them not only academic expertise, but also a wealth of cultural traditions and fresh perspectives. Their presence has transformed Hwa Nan classrooms into spaces of vibrant cross-cultural dialogue—where independent thinking is encouraged, and diversity of thought is celebrated.






















































































































































Our Former International Faculty
Our Former International Faculty
Our Former International Faculty
—Excerpts from Hwa Nan Women's College Archives
—Excerpts from Hwa Nan Women's College Archives
—Excerpts from Hwa Nan Women's College Archives
“Culture differences are less of an issue in a college in comparison with other sectors, particularly in Hwa Nan, where the international faculty is full of love, empathy and tolerance for students. When local faculty speak of Hwa Nan’s international teachers, their words are filled with love, respect, and deep gratitude, which transcend language and cultural differences. ”
——Martha Sue Todd, North Carolina,
Taught at Hwa Nan from 1992 to 1995.
“Culture differences are less of an issue in a college in comparison with other sectors, particularly in Hwa Nan, where the international faculty is full of love, empathy and tolerance for students. When local faculty speak of Hwa Nan’s international teachers, their words are filled with love, respect, and deep gratitude, which transcend language and cultural differences. ”
——Martha Sue Todd, North Carolina,
Taught at Hwa Nan from 1992 to 1995.
Gordon Trimble
USA, Hawaii, 2005 to present
When I invited Gordon to introduce himself to my class, he said: My name is Gordon and my father was born in 1915. Looking at his wife and said: Her name is Sonia and her father was born in 1915. My father was born in Fujian, China. Her father was born in Fujian, China. My last name is Trimble. Her last name is Trimble. How can we create an environment where students are competing with each other to improve their public speaking skills? Learning is difficult, I focus more of the learning process than trying to think of what things students might consider interesting. It is the students that make a class interesting and set the tone and the bar. I take time to explain why knowing this or being able to do that will make them a happier, more successful person. I try to relate learning to what life is like after college.
Dodie Johnston
California, 2000 - 2011
Because of the international culture created by Hwa Nan for many years, the college become a meeting venue for culture from different places to travel thousands of miles just to meet a bosom friend. Dodie met Jeanne Philips in 2000. Sometimes you just know when you meet someone, that you are going to be good friends. Jeanne and Dodie liked each other right from the first time they met and built a very special friendship. When Jeanne was unable to return to china, Dodie visited her in Colorado. Hwa Nan staff were all so accommodating, willing to be friends with foreign teachers. Dodie’s friends who taught at different colleges were jealous about how friendly and supportive Hwa Nan was to foreign teachers. I brought in National Geographic magazines and had my students pick a country that interested them and convince the rest of us we should go visit. Life has been very hard for Chinese people for centuries and some of the things I saw as rude or pushy had been necessary for their survival. I cringed when I saw a parent making his down syndrome child beg in a train station or shopkeepers sweeping their commercial garbage into the street. I constantly made a big fuss about not cheating in my class. But what do I know about the conditions that drive people to this behavior? The complexity of Chinese society can sometimes be overwhelming and de-humanizing, at least to an outsider who doesn’t understand it. What I do understand is that disregard for rules when so many rules are enforced arbitrarily or not at all. The more I returned to China, the more I tried to become flexible in my judgements and to accept that, while I was in their country, I needed to accept how things were done and try to understand why, rather than feeling frustrated or angry. I am sure this is often true for Chinese people getting used to American ways when in the U.S.
Lisa Ravenhill
Born in US, grew up in New Zealand, 1992-1996
With an English father and an America mother, I have the advantage of knowing both accents. My family traveled quite a lot growing up so I got to experience a lot of different cultures . I studied home science at Ogago university in New Zealand, home economics at Texas womens university in the USA, and got a teaching English as a second language qualification through the university of the holy land, Isreal. I read about Hwa Nan in a professional science journal and realized that my education background fit in really well. Since I had planned on coming to teach in China and was interested in education for women, this college seemed an obvious choice. What I gained in experience, knowledge of a new place and culture, and the chance to be friend with Chinese people was far more valuable. My goal was simply to get the student to believe that they could learn English and grow in confidence. To that end, I used whatever materials I found personally interesting and actually wanted to teach. I hope that my students would find the lesson equally interesting and my enthusiasm for the English language infectious! I understand the role of teacher as both an authority in interaction and transaction. This was not hard as I was also a young teacher and is still learning how to teach. Not only that but I was learning how to teach Chinese students, I was learning about their culture, background and point of views. That’s a humble position to be in as a teacher. Language and culture are deeply rooted. I taught my student the culturally appropriate and natural usage of these words and phrases. I don’t know if I chose to teach in china or if was chosen for me, but I love living in China. Rather than developing my career, I chose to make a life here. It’s an abundant life because I get to do what I love and I love what I do! I felt it was a privilege to be in china and the staff of the foreign affairs office were so welcoming, kind and helpful that I was barely aware of the poor living conditions. Again, my life was so rich in experiences and friendships that I did not need to focus on what I didn’t have! There was the occasional rat, bouts and food poisoning, no-water Mondays, no international phone line( and definitely no internet in those days), but these types of “hardship” just made for great China stories and experiences. In Lisa’s class, there were many interesting things. She took us to McDonalds’s ( just opened in Fujiang in 1994) on the other side of the bridge. We at and chat about anything we liked. She also took us to the kitchen in foreign faculty house and make many different pastries. In one special class, she taught us how to play UNO cards. She said we could only talk in English. It really surprised us that we understood Lisa’s explanation about the game effortlessly.
Lisa Long
Washington, 2004 - 2006
I lived in a big house with most of the foreign teachers from Hwa Nan, so it is like living in a tiny UN or a mini-America. I feel comfortable in Fuzhou, know my way around well enough to give directions to other people and have even been mistaken for a resident of Fuzhou a few times.
Martha Sue Todd
North Carolina, 1992 - 1995
Sue put her class everywhere, sometimes in the kitchen of foreign affairs office, in her living room or in the video room. Sometimes in the market or in the park. Sometimes in the church or in Macdonald. In her class, students often acquired English and used English unconsciously. With Sue’s influence, speaking English became such a natural thing for her students. Sue named my daughter Esther after her grandma. We stayed in touch for over 20 years. Sue taught me more than just English. Culture differences are less of an issue in a college in comparison with other sectors, particularly in Hwa Nan, where the international faculty is full of love, empathy and tolerance for students. When local faculty speak of Hwa Nan’s international teachers, their words are filled with love, respect, and deep gratitude, which transcend language and cultural differences.
Dr. Betts Rivet
California, 1992 - 2011
Coming to Hwa Nan Women’s college all began with a phone call in 1991. The call was from friend telling me about a college in China that needed foreign teachers. I was 63 years old and was going to retire from education next year. I said: “No, I would never want to teach in China, thank you.”. After several more phone calls from my friend, I finally wrote to the college about the names and phone numbers of other foreign teachers. When calling them, they all had great things to say about Hwa Nan so I decided to take a chance. My friend went “cold feet” at the last minute and did not come with me. I came alone to China to teach English at Hwa Nan, for almost 20 years. In 1992, there were 14 foreign teachers at that time. We were complete volunteers and that continued for 4 years. We didn’t receive any paycheck from the college and we paid for our own travel expenses. I lived in Puerto Rico for 14 years. I piloted my own plane into Mexico with doctors and dentists to medically minister in small villages. I even learned to bargain in china by myself. To get along with locals is to learn their ways. Betts took her students to visit the school for the blind. She also showed the film about Helen Keller, to let her students see different ways of learning a language. Betts found out that around 90% of her students had never been to provincial museum, she rent a bus to take each class to museum. In the old campus, the kitchen in the foreign teacher’s dorm was dark, dingy and no fridge. Coal was used for cooking. Betts drafted a plan for a new kitchen and with the school’s help, Betts hired a man to build a modern kitchen adding cabinets, gas burners, a fridge, better lighting and tile counters. When the college moved to the new campus, the school budget was slim to furnish all 20 apartments. Betts financed a fund-raising campaign and collected $50,000 in 6 months from supporters in China, USA, England and Canada.
Judy & Jack Williamsons
Illinois, 1989 - 1992
At 10:05 on Friday morning, June 26, 1992, Judy and Jack took flight 5005 back to the US via Hong Kong after 3 years of teaching in Hwa Nan. Judy taught English in HK as a missionary from the Methodist from 1958 to 1964. She taught English in Malaysia and Singapore from 1964 to 1987.duct.
Elisabet Kohler
Finland, 1988 - 2014
During the summer 1998, there was an ad in the biggest newspapaer in Finland that UN was looking for a secretarial skills instructor who could work at Hwa Nan Fuzhou. It felt like Elisabet’s destiny, she applied to become Finland’s candidate for the UNDP( united nations development program) project in china. UNDP was looking for one to be in Beijing and one in Fuzhou. Through a lengthy test done in Finnish Foreign Ministry, she was elected Finland’s candidate for the position. Though she doesn’t hold a MBA, nor is she a native spearker of English, the Chinese education commission chose her. She was the first UN volunteer from Finland who came to china to teach in Hwa Nan. Every culture has its own specific facial and body expressions which you simply have to learn. That is the intriguing part of meeting people from different culture. And you should always respect other people and their culture. Never put yourself on higher horses and think that your culture is the only good one.
Kay Grimmesey
California, 1998 - 2011
I have never met anyone as genuinely unselfish and principled as Kay. One year when I(Dodie Johnston) was unsure about returning to Hwa Nan(in the early 2000s when our salaries were very low), Kay paid for my round trip ticket to Fuzhou, an impressive outlay of money. Kay never complained about the qualities of the students she had, although there may be variations in the students qualities. Eleven years passed like a day, she encouraged her students with her gentleness, caring and patience. Kay returned to Hwa Nan in September 2013 for the 105th anniversary with Betts. She stayed at Hwa Nan for a month, during which she walkted into the English classroom again to co-teach with Chinese teachers as well as joining the English corner on Friday night.
Dr. Jeanne Philips
Colorado, 1985 - 2003
Jeann’s dorm was very simple in a closed-in area in the back of her classroom. It was extremely cold in Fuzhou in winter and there was no heat back in the days. She used to sleep in four layers of clothes, with a wool hat and two pairs of socks. Jeann often took a camera with her to take pictures of her students anytime. She sent the best photo for each one of her students as a gift before their graduation and wrote about what the students are good at the back of the photo. Jean found it was necessary to buy a video recorder to play original English movies to her students, she went out with a teacher and bought one. She then asked her friends in the US to send her movie video tapes as teaching materials for the students.
Laihar Wong
Australia, 1993 - 2003
Laihar is a low profile, diligent and upright foreign teacher full of love, which impresses us deeply. She is our role model. Every year when the winter vacation ends, she visits the orphanage of Fuzhou, bringing the orphans there some life necessities like books and snacks. Add humor in your teaching- explain words, give an illustration, tell stories, joke with students.
Dr. Marian Davis
Florida, 1988 - 1995
Since 1988, Marian had visited Hwa Nan once a year for several years, holding academic workshops for the students of fashion design department.
Empowering women by gifting to Hwa Nan today
Empowering women by gifting to Hwa Nan today
Empowering women by gifting to Hwa Nan today
Imagine a world where every woman has the opportunity to unlock her full potential, where education is the key that opens doors to endless possibilities. This is the vision that drives Hwa Nan Women’s College, a beacon of hope and empowerment for women in China and beyond. But to continue this vital mission, we need your support.
By donating to Hwa Nan Women’s College, you are not just giving money; you are investing in the future. You are empowering women to break barriers, to challenge the status quo, and to become agents of change in their communities. You are helping to create a world where women are educated, empowered, and ready to make a difference.



RECEIVE TO SERVE
Hwa Nan Alumnae Inc.
hwananalumnaeinc@gmail.com
700 E. Birch Street, Unit 591, Brea, CA 92822
Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College Contact Jessica Chen
hnwfao@126.com
86-591-8742-9960

EIN: 95-3837487
501 (c) (3) organization
Hwa Nan Alumnae Inc.
hwananalumnaeinc@gmail.com
700 E. Birch Street, Unit 591, Brea, CA 92822
Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College Contact Jessica Chen
hnwfao@126.com
86-591-8742-9960

EIN: 95-3837487
501 (c) (3) organization
RECEIVE TO SERVE
Hwa Nan Alumnae Inc.
hwananalumnaeinc@gmail.com
700 E. Birch Street, Unit 591, Brea, CA 92822
Fujian Hwa Nan Women's College Contact Jessica Chen
hnwfao@126.com
86-591-8742-9960

EIN: 95-3837487
501 (c) (3) organization