Across 45 Years, a Twelfth Return: Elaine Chao Visits Shanghai Jiao Tong University Once Again
On the morning of June 12, Elaine L. Chao, Honorary Doctor of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the 24th U.S. Secretary of Labor, the 18th U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and Co-Chair of Foremost Group, returned once again to the familiar Minhang Campus.
From her first visit to Shanghai Jiao Tong University in 1981 as a young representative of a Harvard lecture delegation accompanying her parents, to her return this summer more than four decades later, the university has quietly witnessed her journey—from a dedicated volunteer leader among SJTU alumni in the Americas to becoming a source of pride for the global Chinese community.
Joining her on the visit were Zhang Huixuan, Director of the Chairman's Office of Foremost Group; Lü Ting, Deputy Director of the Americas Department of the Chinese People's Institute of Foreign Affairs; and Zhang Yu, Director of the Americas Division of the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Office. They were warmly received by Yang Zhenbin, Party Secretary of Shanghai Jiao Tong University; Hu Weiwei, Deputy Party Secretary; Yang Ming, Assistant President and Director of the General Office; Wang Yushen, Director of the Office of Development and Liaison and Secretary-General of the Education Development Foundation; Guan Hannan, Director of Admissions and Deputy Director of Academic Affairs; Chen Peng, Director of the Office of Basic Education; Xue Hongxiang, Party Secretary of the School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering; and representatives from related departments.
Elaine Chao conveyed warm greetings from her father, James S. C. Chao, to the university and congratulated SJTU on its 130th anniversary. She expressed her delight at the university's growing influence in society and the strong support it continues to receive from all sectors.
In Front of Mulan Hall: Remembering a Beloved Mother
Accompanied by Hu Weiwei, Chao and her delegation visited the School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering.
Here stands a building deeply familiar to her: Mulan Hall. The building was supported by a US$5 million donation from alumnus S. C. Chao and named in honor of Elaine Chao's mother, Ruth Mulan Chu Chao.
Inside the memorial hall are photographs, letters, calligraphy works, and video recordings of Mrs. Chao. Elaine Chao spent considerable time viewing the exhibits and watching a documentary dedicated to her mother's life.
"I am deeply grateful that the university has preserved so many precious materials," Chao said emotionally.
Hu Weiwei explained that recipients of the annual Mulan Scholarship visit the memorial hall, ensuring that Mrs. Chao's spirit and values continue to inspire future generations.
The delegation then visited the Shipbuilding Innovation Center. From unmanned surface vessels and underwater robots to intelligent ships and marine engineering equipment, Chao expressed admiration for the university's achievements in innovation and entrepreneurship education.
"The results are truly impressive," she remarked.
In the University History Museum: Tracing a Generation's Youth
The final stop of Chao's visit was the University History Museum.
In 1946, her father, S. C. Chao, enrolled in the Department of Maritime Administration at Jiaotong University. From that starting point, a family bond with the university spanning eight decades took root and flourished.
Elaine Chao has often said that her father lived by the motto "When drinking water, remember its source" and passed that value on to her and her sisters.
"In our family, Shanghai Jiao Tong University will always be the number one university."
These were words she shared during an inspirational lecture on campus in 2014. More than a decade later, they remain just as heartfelt.
This spirit of gratitude extends beyond the university. Although S. C. Chao has lived overseas for many years, he has never ceased caring about education in his homeland. Following her father's example, Elaine Chao has remained committed to supporting educational development throughout her career.
Continuing a Friendship Four Decades in the Making
Elaine Chao's connection with Shanghai Jiao Tong University has now spanned more than forty years.
November 1981
Accompanied by her parents, she visited SJTU as part of a Harvard lecture delegation. It was her first visit to the university. At a time when China's reform and opening-up had only recently begun, the exchange became one of the early bridge-building efforts between Chinese and American higher education institutions.
2008
She delivered a speech to faculty and students in the newly completed Mulan Hall Auditorium, encouraging students with the words:
"University is the golden period of one's life."
May 2010
Elaine Chao was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
April 2013
Elaine Chao, together with her father S. C. Chao and her sister Angela Chao, visited SJTU. The two sides discussed opportunities for deeper collaboration between Harvard University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University.
November 2014
S. C. Chao and his daughter returned to their alma mater and participated in the university's 176th Inspirational Lecture Series. During the event, Elaine Chao noted that her father held profound affection for his alma mater and never missed an opportunity to visit whenever he returned to Shanghai.
October 2016
- C. Chao and Elaine Chao visited SJTU again, donating 24 valuable historical photographs to enrich the collections of the Ruth Mulan Chu Chao Memorial Hall.
May 2024
Elaine Chao and her father made their eleventh visit to their alma mater. Yang Zhenbin and Ding Kuiling presented them with a commemorative photo album documenting their eleven visits to the university since 1994.
During this latest visit, Chao reaffirmed her family's enduring commitment to education. As one of the most influential Chinese Americans, she expressed her hope to support the university and its students through her experience and resources.
Beneath the Siyuan Light: A Legacy of Family and Gratitude
From S. C. Chao's enrollment at Jiaotong University in 1946 to Elaine Chao's return in 2026, exactly eighty years have passed.
Across those eight decades—marked by voyages across oceans, perseverance, and achievement—the history of one family has become intertwined with the story of a university. Connecting them all is a simple yet profound belief:
"When drinking water, remember its source."
Elaine Chao once told SJTU students:
"Never underestimate the strength you can draw from your family and your school."
Today, carrying forward her father's educational aspirations, she has returned once again to this campus.
This visit is not merely an act of remembrance—it is a continuation of a legacy.
Written by: Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Photos by: Visual Creative Center
Source: Office of Development and Alumni Relations
Editor: Xu Yang
Managing Editor: Sun Jia
Translated by: Siyuan Sun
Proofread: Rui Su