The story of the Trimble family is deeply intertwined with the founding and flourishing of Hwa Nan Women’s College, spanning over four generations and more than a century of commitment to women’s education in Fujian, China.

It all began with Miss Lydia Trimble, who arrived in China in the late 1800s as a missionary and educational pioneer. In 1908, she founded Hwa Nan Women’s College in Fuzhou, becoming its first president. A visionary leader, Lydia believed deeply that women deserved the same educational opportunities as men. She led the school through wars, financial hardship, and social change, building not only facilities and academic programs but also a lasting spirit of service. Her leadership inspired generations of Chinese women, including Lucy Wang—the first Chinese president of Hwa Nan.

Lydia’s commitment was echoed by her brother, Dr. John Trimble, who supported Hwa Nan financially, even mortgaging his farm to help fund the construction of key school buildings like Gollins Hall. Their sacrifices enabled Hwa Nan to grow into a respected institution of higher education for women in China.In the generations that followed, Lydia's legacy was carried forward by her extended family.

Her nephew, Dr. Charles Trimble, a physician, served in Fujian during the early 1900s, providing medical care to rural communities and establishing a hospital in Nanping. His son Robert Trimble, born in Gutian, grew up in Fujian and returned to the U.S. when political conditions changed. Despite relocating, Robert never forgot his childhood in China.

In the early 2000s, Robert and his son Gordon Trimble, Lydia’s great-nephew, reestablished a living bond with Hwa Nan. Gordon, a former Hawaii state senator, and his wife Sonia returned annually to teach at the college. They offered English communication, business, and public speaking courses and became beloved mentors to generations of students. They also initiated scholarships, speech competitions, and cultural exchanges, including the Lydia Trimble Challenge, which encouraged students to grow in confidence and leadership.

The Trimbles didn’t stop at teaching. They facilitated partnerships between Hwa Nan and University of Puget Sound in the U.S., supported faculty and student exchanges, and continuously donated to campus programs. Their multi-generational devotion culminated in the establishment of the Trimble Foundation, chaired by Gordon, which funds educational initiatives and teaching placements at Hwa Nan to this day.

From Lydia’s founding vision in 1908 to Gordon and Sonia’s ongoing presence in the classroom more than a century later, the Trimble family has lived out a simple truth: “Receive to Serve.” Their story is one of enduring love for China, faith in education, and a family legacy of service that continues to shape lives across cultures.