Ruth Yu Hsiao Endowment for Liberal Arts Education established with $1 million gift

Goshen College has established the Ruth Yu Hsiao Endowment for Liberal Arts Education through a $1 million gift from William C. Hsiao, given in memory of his late wife and GC alumna, Ruth Yu Hsiao ’61. The endowment strengthens the college’s commitment to liberal arts education and provides long-term support for the humanities and the Goshen Core curriculum.

Honoring a Legacy Rooted in the Liberal Arts

The endowment honors Ruth’s lifelong passion for literature and her deep belief in the transformative power of a liberal arts education. A member of Goshen College’s Class of 1961, Ruth often described her time at Goshen as an “intellectual awakening.” In her memoir, Woman Without a Face, she reflected on how the college’s emphasis on philosophy, religion, literature and history shaped her values, sharpened her critical thinking, and broadened her understanding of the world and its people. She grew up in China, moved to Taiwan and Japan for schooling, and was encouraged by missionaries to study at Goshen.

Ruth, who died in 2019, believed that a liberal arts education fosters curiosity, empathy, and meaningful engagement across cultures — convictions that guided her academic and personal life long after graduation. After Goshen, she continued her studies at Wellesley College and later earned a master’s degree and Ph.D. in English literature from Tufts University. There, she became a pioneering scholar, teaching the first Asian-American Literature class to Tufts undergraduates. This is thought to be the first such class offered in the United States outside of California. Ruth spent more than two decades teaching and mentoring students before retiring in 2002.

In addition to literature, Ruth was passionate about the humanities more broadly and loved art, music, and theater. A person of deep Christian faith, she was also committed to social justice, including volunteering at a homeless shelter and a sanctuary for refugees.

William C. Hsiao’s Vision and Commitment

William C. Hsiao, of Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a professor emeritus of economics at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and an internationally recognized expert in health care financing and policy. His gift honors Ruth’s legacy and reflects the couple’s shared belief in the enduring value of liberal arts education.

“To be a good writer, you have to read great books. To speak well, you have to think logically,” William said. “That’s what liberal arts education teaches — and that’s what Ruth believed in deeply.”

William has remained closely connected to Goshen College over the years, supporting students and programs aligned with Ruth’s values. Through initiatives such as the Ruth Yu Hsiao Discovery Program, he has helped Goshen College students gain exposure to public health and global systems thinking at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

An Enduring Impact

President Rebecca Stoltzfus said the endowment reflects both Ruth Yu Hsiao’s legacy and Goshen College’s continued commitment to a holistic, values-centered education. “The liberal arts are the foundation of our core curriculum,” Stoltzfus said. “This endowment strengthens our ability to prepare students not only for meaningful careers, but for lives of purpose, service, and global engagement.”

Through this gift, William C. Hsiao has made a lasting investment in Goshen College’s academic foundation, ensuring that the liberal arts remain a vibrant and essential part of the student experience for generations to come.