On July 1, the reopening ceremony of life on the the Kuliang Mountain Museum and the Friends of Kuliang Story Sharing Meeting were held in Fuzhou. Chinese and American guests gathered to revisit a century-spanning bond through historical photographs and archives. President Ren Jianhong and Vice President Wu Lanjia led a delegation of faculty and student representatives from Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College to the event, where they experienced the warmth of history firsthand.
Professor Gordon Trimble, a foreign faculty member and a member of the Friends of Kuliang,delivered a particularly moving speech that drew sustained applause. As a descendant of Lydia Trimble, who founded the college, Professor Gordon Trimble fondly recalled his great-aunt’s educational vision. He praised Fuzhou as a unique city and Kuliang as an irreplaceable spiritual home, emphasizing that Kuliang culture never fades but is passed down through generations.
A century ago, driven by the ideal of advancing women’s education, the Trimble family relocated to Fujian. They established primary and secondary schools across Pingtan, Fuqing, and Putian before founding the Woman’s College of South China, the predecessor of Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College, thereby building a comprehensive educational system for women.Professor Gordon Trimble recounted his family’s five-generation bond with Kuliang and Fujian, noting that his ancestors broke social barriers to open doors to the wider world for women. He highlighted their former residence, where a spacious parlor served as a studio for pedagogical discussion. He also spoke of the Kuliang Club, a vital hub for Sino-foreign exchange spearheaded by his great-uncle, Fred Trimble. This legacy underscores Kuliang’s historic role as a unique nexus for civil exchange and the flow of ideas.
'Active dedication' is the core of Kuliang culture, Prof. Gordon Trimble remarked, adding that his family believes true fulfillment lies in selfless service. Inspired by this legacy, he and his wife have volunteered as educators at Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College for 21 years, upholding his ancestors’ founding mission of advancing women’s education through the College.
Student representatives also shared heartfelt reflections, connecting their personal growth at Hwa Nan to Kuliang culture. They highlighted stories of faculty members who embody this cultural heritage, showcasing the confidence, openness, and inclusivity of the new generation of Hwa Nan students. Their speeches expressed a sincere commitment to carrying forward this century-old cultural legacy and serving as bridges for international cultural exchange.
This gathering revisited a century of friendship and renewed the commitment to cross-cultural dialogue. Deeply rooted in Kuliang, Fujian Hwa Nan Women’s College continues to nurture the flame of women's education. Moving forward, we will further explore our history and the essence of Kuliang culture, telling compelling stories that resonate with warmth and strength. We aim to cultivate young women with global vision and a sense of mission, empowering them to be the new voices bridging China and the world.
