Ruth Mulan Chu Chao

Ruth Mulan Chu Chao was the matriarch of a Chinese-American philanthropic family. She was named for the Chinese folklore heroine, Hua Mulan, a legendary warrior representing qualities of character, courage, and resolve. The Shanghai Jiao Tong University named the building housing its School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering in honor of the philanthropy of Ruth and her husband.

About Ruth Mulan Chu Chao in brief

Summary Ruth Mulan Chu ChaoRuth Mulan Chu Chao was the matriarch of a Chinese-American philanthropic family. She was named for the Chinese folklore heroine, Hua Mulan, the legendary warrior representing qualities of character, courage, and resolve. Four of Chao’s six daughters attended the business school, including former United States Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation, Elaine Chao. The Shanghai Jiao Tong University named the building housing its School of Naval Architecture, Ocean and Civil Engineering in honor of the philanthropy of Ruth and her husband, James Si-Cheng Chao, an alumnus of the university.

In 2012, the Chao family donated US$40 million to Harvard Business School, supporting the US$35 million construction of the Ruth Mulan Chao Center and US$5 million to endow a scholarship fund for students of Chinese heritage.