THE HISTORY OF ASIAN FACULTY AND STUDENTS AT GORDON COLLEGE

As Gordon College embraces diversity, it is worth revisiting its long-standing connections to Asian faculty and students. While the college now has a robust population of Asian and Asian-American students, the roots of this diversity date back over a century.  

The First Asian Students  

The earliest documented Asian student at Gordon College appears to be Wong Sing Chong (also listed as Wong Sing Csing), noted as a student in the 1894 course catalog under the “Occasional and Short Time Attendants” section. Originally from China, Wong later appeared in the 1897 and 1899 catalogs under the “Foreign Missions” section, indicating his work as a missionary in his home country. Another early Asian student, Goon Kim, is listed in the 1896 course catalog as a member of the Junior Class, with a temporary address in Boston.  

The early 20th century saw an increase in Asian representation among Gordon students. Notable examples include Theng Pin Hwang from Swatow, China, and Keizo Watanabe from Tokyo, Japan, both listed in the 1917-1918 course catalog. By the 1920s, students such as Taiichi Hara (Tokyo, Japan), Ruth Bhaskar Ras Hivale (Bombay, India), and Tsuruyo Akita (Tokyo, Japan) were attending Gordon, demonstrating the college’s growing appeal to international students from Asia.  

 Asian American Students and Missionary Connections  

Gordon’s emphasis on global missions also contributed to its connections with Asia. For example, Sarah A. Whelpton, a graduate student listed in the 1914-1915 catalog, hailed from the Philippine Islands, and was involved in missionary work. Similarly, students like Marion Jennie Chinn, listed in the 1918-1919 catalog, and Pauline Poy Ling Senn, from Canton, China, in the 1925-1926 catalog, underscore the college’s global reach.  

The college’s ties to Asia during this period were not limited to students. Faculty members, missionaries, and alumni often maintained connections with Asian countries, further intertwining Gordon’s history with the broader Asian community.  

 The First Asian Faculty Member  

The first documented Asian faculty member at Gordon College was Lit-sen Chang, who began teaching as a lecturer in Christian Missions at the Divinity School in 1958. A respected scholar, Chang brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the college, reflecting Gordon’s commitment to global perspectives in its academic and spiritual endeavors.  

A Growing Presence  

In more recent decades, the representation of Asian and Asian American students have steadily increased. Enrollment data shows that by 2007-2008, 30 students were identifying as Asian/Pacific Islander at Gordon, a number that grew to a peak of 91 students in 2018-2019. Additionally, Gordon has hosted international students from countries such as China, Korea, India, and Japan, further enriching its campus culture.  

This growth is reflective of broader trends in higher education, as institutions across the United States strive to attract students from diverse backgrounds. Gordon’s historical connections to Asia provide a foundation for this ongoing commitment to inclusivity.  

Looking Ahead  

As Gordon College continues to honor its legacy, the stories of early Asian students serve as reminders of the college’s long-standing commitment to global education. These pioneers paved the way for future generations of Asian and Asian American students, who continue to contribute to the vibrant tapestry of the Gordon community.