HWANAN alumnae inc

Our Story

The story of Hwa Nan Women’s College in Fuzhou, China, is a tale of unwavering dedication and passion. It all began in 1890 when Ms. Lydia A. Trimble, an American missionary from Iowa, arrived in the villages of Fuzhou. She was struck by the stark reality that only boys were receiving formal education. Driven by a profound belief in the power of education, she devoted the next 50 years of her life to teaching girls, laying the foundation for a brighter future.

In 1908, her dream took a monumental step forward with the founding of the first women’s college in southern China, which was renamed Hwa Nan College in 1916. By 1922, the college had received a provisional charter from the University of the State of New York and evolved into a four-year institution, proudly graduating its first class in 1921.

The journey was far from easy. Hwa Nan College faced immense challenges during the Second Sino-Japanese War and the Chinese Civil War. In 1949, it was merged with other colleges to form Fujian National University, and the original Hwa Nan College seemed to fade into history. Yet, the spirit of Hwa Nan lived on in the hearts of its alumnae around the world. They never relinquished their dream of restoring their beloved alma mater.

At 80 years old, Dr. Yu Bao Sheng, rallied a team of retired career women, all aged 55 and above, to spearhead the monumental effort of reestablishing the institution. Their relentless dedication and tireless work culminated in the founding of the new Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College. Embracing the inspiring motto “Received to Serve,” they created a historic moment by founding the first private women’s college in the People’s Republic of China.

Today, Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College opens its doors to American students, faculty, and staff, offering opportunities to study, conduct research, and teach. Campus housing accommodations are provided, fostering a vibrant international community.

Ms. Lidia Trimble’s legacy blazes brightly through her descendants, Mr. Gordon and Mrs. Sonia Trimble, who, even in their 80s, continue to passionately teach at Hwa Nan. Their unwavering dedication is a powerful testament to the enduring and transformative impact of Hwa Nan’s mission.

Founded in 1983 by former Hwa Nan College alumnae and faculty from China residing in the US, Hwa Nan Alumnae Inc. is a US 501©(3) Nonprofit Corporation. Our mission is to advance education and empower women globally. We actively support the development of Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College in China, offering scholarships, grants, and exchange programs for students and faculty. We also create opportunities for alumnae to connect, ensuring that the spirit of Hwa Nan continues to inspire and uplift future generations.

For a deeper dive into our rich history, we warmly invite you to explore Our History

Here, Mr. Gordon M. Trimble, a dedicated faculty member, a generous contributor to Hwa Nan, and a proud descendant of the Trimble Family who originally founded Hwa Nan, shares his inspiring story.

—— written by Gordon Trimble

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History Timeline

1908
The Preparatory of Foochow Woman’s College, later Hua Ying Women’s School, was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church to provide secondary and teacher training courses. In May, Lydia Trimble became Hwa Nan’s first president.
1916
The Board of Directors renamed the school as The Woman’s College of South China (also known as Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College).
1922
At the Methodist Episcopal Church Conference in Ohio, the English name was changed to “Hwa Nan.” In September, the college received a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents, enabling graduates to earn diplomas from the University of the State of New York.
1933
The Ministry of Education of the National Government granted the college provisional registration, renaming it Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences.
1934
The college was granted permanent registration in September when the New York State Board of Regents awarded it a permanent charter, authorizing it to confer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
1951
Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences college merged with Fukien Christian University to form Fuzhou University, ceasing Hwa Nan’s independent operations.
1984
Hwa Nan Women’s College was reestablished with the election of its first board of directors, chaired by Dr. Yu Baosheng. The school building and funding were provided by Hwa Nan alumnae from China and worldwide. The college offers three-year programs in majors such as English, preschool education, food technology, and fashion design.
1992
President Yu Baosheng was awarded the "World’s Most Impactful Women Award" by the International Biography Center in Cambridge, UK, and was included in "Who's Who in the World".
2000
Hwa Nan was the only university invited in China to participate in the International Women's Higher Education Seminar held in Arizona, USA.
2005
The Provincial Government allocated nearly 168 acres of land in Minhou Shangjie University Town to build a new campus for the college.
2010
Gordon Trimble, a foreign teacher and honorary chairman of the college council, received the 6th Fujian Province Friendship Award. Dr. Betts Rivet, a foreign teacher and college consultant, was honored with the title of “Honorary Citizen” of Fujian Province.
2023
Hwa Nan celebrates 115th anniversary.
1908
The Preparatory of Foochow Woman’s College, later Hua Ying Women’s School, was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church to provide secondary and teacher training courses. In May, Lydia Trimble became Hwa Nan’s first president.
1916
The Board of Directors renamed the school as The Woman’s College of South China (also known as Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College).
1922
At the Methodist Episcopal Church Conference in Ohio, the English name was changed to “Hwa Nan.” In September, the college received a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents, enabling graduates to earn diplomas from the University of the State of New York.
1933
The Ministry of Education of the National Government granted the college provisional registration, renaming it Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences.
1934
The college was granted permanent registration in September when the New York State Board of Regents awarded it a permanent charter, authorizing it to confer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
1951
Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences college merged with Fukien Christian University to form Fuzhou University, ceasing Hwa Nan’s independent operations.
1984
Hwa Nan Women’s College was reestablished with the election of its first board of directors, chaired by Dr. Yu Baosheng. The school building and funding were provided by Hwa Nan alumnae from China and worldwide. The college offers three-year programs in majors such as English, preschool education, food technology, and fashion design.
1992
President Yu Baosheng was awarded the "World’s Most Impactful Women Award" by the International Biography Center in Cambridge, UK, and was included in "Who's Who in the World".
2000
Hwa Nan was the only university invited in China to participate in the International Women's Higher Education Seminar held in Arizona, USA.
2005
The Provincial Government allocated nearly 168 acres of land in Minhou Shangjie University Town to build a new campus for the college.
2010
Gordon Trimble, a foreign teacher and honorary chairman of the college council, received the 6th Fujian Province Friendship Award. Dr. Betts Rivet, a foreign teacher and college consultant, was honored with the title of “Honorary Citizen” of Fujian Province.
2023
Hwa Nan celebrates 115th anniversary.
1908
The Preparatory of Foochow Woman’s College, later Hua Ying Women’s School, was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church to provide secondary and teacher training courses. In May, Lydia Trimble became Hwa Nan’s first president.
1916
The Board of Directors renamed the school as The Woman’s College of South China (also known as Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College).
1922
At the Methodist Episcopal Church Conference in Ohio, the English name was changed to “Hwa Nan.” In September, the college received a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents, enabling graduates to earn diplomas from the University of the State of New York.
1933
The Ministry of Education of the National Government granted the college provisional registration, renaming it Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences.
1934
The college was granted permanent registration in September when the New York State Board of Regents awarded it a permanent charter, authorizing it to confer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
1951
Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences college merged with Fukien Christian University to form Fuzhou University, ceasing Hwa Nan’s independent operations.
1984
Hwa Nan Women’s College was reestablished with the election of its first board of directors, chaired by Dr. Yu Baosheng. The school building and funding were provided by Hwa Nan alumnae from China and worldwide. The college offers three-year programs in majors such as English, preschool education, food technology, and fashion design.
1992
President Yu Baosheng was awarded the "World’s Most Impactful Women Award" by the International Biography Center in Cambridge, UK, and was included in "Who's Who in the World".
2000
Hwa Nan was the only university invited in China to participate in the International Women's Higher Education Seminar held in Arizona, USA.
2005
The Provincial Government allocated nearly 168 acres of land in Minhou Shangjie University Town to build a new campus for the college.
2010
Gordon Trimble, a foreign teacher and honorary chairman of the college council, received the 6th Fujian Province Friendship Award. Dr. Betts Rivet, a foreign teacher and college consultant, was honored with the title of “Honorary Citizen” of Fujian Province.
2023
Hwa Nan celebrates 115th anniversary.
1908
The Preparatory of Foochow Woman’s College, later Hua Ying Women’s School, was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church to provide secondary and teacher training courses. In May, Lydia Trimble became Hwa Nan’s first president.
1916
The Board of Directors renamed the school as The Woman’s College of South China (also known as Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College).
1922
At the Methodist Episcopal Church Conference in Ohio, the English name was changed to “Hwa Nan.” In September, the college received a provisional charter from the New York State Board of Regents, enabling graduates to earn diplomas from the University of the State of New York.
1933
The Ministry of Education of the National Government granted the college provisional registration, renaming it Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences.
1934
The college was granted permanent registration in September when the New York State Board of Regents awarded it a permanent charter, authorizing it to confer Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees.
1951
Private Hwa Nan College of Arts and Sciences college merged with Fukien Christian University to form Fuzhou University, ceasing Hwa Nan’s independent operations.
1984
Hwa Nan Women’s College was reestablished with the election of its first board of directors, chaired by Dr. Yu Baosheng. The school building and funding were provided by Hwa Nan alumnae from China and worldwide. The college offers three-year programs in majors such as English, preschool education, food technology, and fashion design.
1992
President Yu Baosheng was awarded the "World’s Most Impactful Women Award" by the International Biography Center in Cambridge, UK, and was included in "Who's Who in the World".
2000
Hwa Nan was the only university invited in China to participate in the International Women's Higher Education Seminar held in Arizona, USA.
2005
The Provincial Government allocated nearly 168 acres of land in Minhou Shangjie University Town to build a new campus for the college.
2010
Gordon Trimble, a foreign teacher and honorary chairman of the college council, received the 6th Fujian Province Friendship Award. Dr. Betts Rivet, a foreign teacher and college consultant, was honored with the title of “Honorary Citizen” of Fujian Province.
2023
Hwa Nan celebrates 115th anniversary.

1908

1916

1922

1933

1934

1951

1984

1992

2000

2005

2010

2023

1908

The Preparatory of Foochow Woman’s College, later Hua Ying Women’s School, was founded by the Methodist Episcopal Church to provide secondary and teacher training courses. In May, Lydia Trimble became Hwa Nan’s first president.

1908

1916

1922

1933

1934

1951

1984

1992

2000

2005

2010

2023