The Theodore Chen Museum

My grandfather on my mother's side, Theodore Chen, was a great man. He had a great sense of humor and he accomplished a great deal during his life. He became one of the most important men in the area of education and Chinese studies at the University of Southern California. But perhaps his most important contribution is the many people's lives that he touched through his education and charity. Literally, my grandparents sponsored hundreds of Chinese students to USC. Many of these immigrants became extremely successful in American society,and they feel they owe their start to my grandfather. During Christmas, mother's day and father 's day, my grandparents are literally swamped with well wishers, since there are so many people that feel like family to them. The charity endures today through the Theodore Chen foundation, which sponsors two graduate students every year. One of the largest graduate endowments at USC.


During a trip to visit my grandmother, we were rummaging through some of her things, and I found a 5.25" floppy. Quite a few of the files are unreadable, (I think they are in Chinese), but some of them were not, so I'm going to put them up. Also, I've also included a link to the USC site where the Theodore Chen foundation is recognized.


(June, 1999) I have now added quite a few pictures to the museum. Many of the notes of the earlier photos were written by my grandmother.

Year
Description
March, 1999
Chinese newspaper article honoring my grandfather and the opening of the USC East Asian Library
March, 1999
Second Chinese newspaper article on the same event as above
1998
USC profile of my grandparents and the Chen Foundation.
1998
A little more USC info about the foundation.
1986
Portrait of my grandparents taken at USC
Undated
A list of my grandfather's publications
1970's?
Portrait of my grandfather
1970's?
Another portrait of my grandfather
1967
My grandfather was granted an honorary degree at USC's commencement
1967
A brief biography of my grandfather from the commencement
1961
The agenda to one of his numerous speaking engagements.
1952
My grandparent's 20th wedding anniversary
1947
Mother Chen's birthday, Fizhou, China
1945
My grandparents, my mother and her sister at the Ambassador Hotel
1936
The Chen Family, Fukien University
June 30, 1932
Grandparent's wedding picture, Fughou, China, Wen Shun Girl's School
1926
Chung Family, Father Chung, nieces, nephews, Uncle's widow and their daughter, Wen Hui on the right
1915
Chung Family, Father Chung, brother, sister in law, and their two daughters, Wen Hui on the left, her two sisters, Uncle's widow and her two children.
1913
Theodore Chen and his four sisters