1 folder

Agency History/Biographical note:
Irene He Yuan was born on August 9, 1949 in Shanghai, China. She planned to attend college in 1967, but the cultural revolution in China forced her to become a factory worker. During this time, she studied at night. In 1978-80 she studied at the University of Science and Technology in Peking as a graduate student. In 1980 she gained permission to study in the United States, and she came to Mount Holyoke to study organic chemistry. She received her M.A. in 1982. She stayed in the United States, and worked towards her Ph.D. under the Five College Program. However, she died of cancer on June 20, 1983 in Holyoke, Massachusetts.

Scope and Content:
The Irene He Yuan Story describes her struggle with cancer discovered shortly after her arrival from China as a Master's Degree candidate at Mount Holyoke College. Contains reflections on contrasts between her life in China and in the U.S. and on family structure; perceptions of Americans; comments on U.S. methods of scientific research, farming, corporate policies.

Cite as: Irene He Yuan Papers, Mount Holyoke College, Archives and Special Collections, South Hadley, Massachusetts

Access Restrictions: Unrestricted

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