Iowa Law
First International Students

Nai Hsin Chien's Timeline

Nai Hsin Chien

  • Historic photo of Tientsin, China.

    Nai Hsin Chien born.

    1908

    May 27, 1908 in Tientsin, China to Shu Fan and Shau King Chien.

  • Historic photo of University of Chicago Law Library

    Shu Fan Chien, Esq.

    1916

    Nai Hsin’s father graduates from University of Chicago Law School. Shu Fan started his law degree in 1910-1911, but was called back to China before returning to finish his degree.

  • Historic Arial photo of Yenching University, located in Beijing, China

    Yenching University.

    1926 - 30

    Graduates in 1930. Major: Political Science.

    Yenching University is located in Beijing, China. Founded in 1919, the buildings are examples of Chinese modernist architecture. At the time, it was considered one of the best universities in China. 

    Harvard-Yenching Institute.

    Created in 1928 to promote higher education in Asia. During the 1930s, the Institute provided support to Yenching University for liberal arts pursuits.

  • Colorized photo of Langdell Hall, 1930s

    Harvard Law School.

    1930 - 32

    Studied for two years, then transferred to Iowa Law to study with his brother, Nai Wen. 

    On the ship manifest for the President Jefferson, Nai Hsin indicates he is headed to Cambridge. Another document indicates he is fluent in French, English, and Chinese.

  • Colorized photo of the Law Building, Gilmore Hall, in the 1930s.

    Iowa Law School.

    1932 - 33

    In summer 1932, Nai Hsin transferred from Harvard to Iowa Law. He graduated in the top quarter of his class. His brother, Nai Wen, also studied at Iowa Law in 1932, but then transferred to University of Chicago Law School.

  • Historic photo of Hong Kong after WWII and a Hong Kong postage stamp

    Moves to Hong Kong.

    1945

    People’s Republic of China established in 1949.

  • Portrait of Nai Hsin and of Lingnan College, where he was President

    Principal of Lingnan Middle School.

    1956 - 68

    He was a noted educator and English language specialist.

    From 1967 to 1968, he served as President of Lingnan College.

    In 1968, he resigned, citing overwork and a health issue.

  • Historic postcard from Austin, Texas showing scenes of the city.

    Moves to U.S. October 1969.

    1969

    Nai Hsin, his wife, Ida, and at least one son live in Austin, Texas. 

  • Modern photo of memorial flowers with two candles lit on either side.

    Ida Chien dies.

    1987

    (Feb. 12, 1910 - Sept. 14, 1987) in Los Angeles.

  • Photo of the beautiful grounds of Rose Hills Memorial Park.

    Dies March 5, 2003.

    2003

    Buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles County, California.