Yung Wing
1828–1912 (age 84)
Diplomat/Educator
Biography
Yung Wing broke barriers as the first Chinese graduate of Yale College, dedicating himself to fostering understanding between the United States and China. He returned to his homeland with hopes to modernize education and encouraged many Chinese students to pursue studies abroad in hopes of blending cultures.
His diplomatic and educational efforts reflected a lifelong commitment to service, illuminating the possibilities of cross-cultural friendship even in times of tension.