Chinese educational mission

Yung Wing (Rong Hong) (1828-1919)

Forefather of Overseas Chinese Students

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1854: China is riven by famine following droughts, violent upheavals, and the effects of opium addictions. The 2nd Opium War (1856-60) looms. Much of America meantime is only territories; the remainder is divided into slavery-free or slave-owning states. The Civil War (1861-65) is in the makings.

Zhuhai's native son, Yung Wing, honored widely as the "forefather of overseas Chinese students," became the first student from China to graduate from an American university on Dec 21, 1854. A diligent student, he wasn't a bookworm though. At Yale, he sang in the choir, played football, was a member of the Boat Club, and won academic prizes for English composition.

His quest from graduation onward was to help his country catch up with the West. What he achieved kickstarted modern China.

Never to be forgotten, on the wall of the Hall of Fame at Yale University is a portrait of that Chinese ma Yung wing school!