Mae Yih
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mae Yih | |
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| In office 1977 – 1981 |
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| In office 1983 – 2003 |
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| Born | May 24, 1928 Shanghai |
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| Nationality | Chinese American |
| Political party | Democratic Party |
| Spouse | Stephen Yih |
| Residence | Albany, Oregon |
| Alma mater | Barnard College Columbia University |
Mae Yih (traditional Chinese: 葉鄧稚鳳, born May 24, 1928) is a retired Chinese American politician who was the first Asian American woman to serve in the Oregon legislature.
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[edit] Early life
Yih was born as Mae Dunn in Shanghai to Cheng Woo and Fung Wen Dunn.[1] Her family was quite well off, with her father owning a nightclub, what is now the Peace Hotel, and an automobile dealership. She attended a girls' school, which relocated to a foreign concession during the Japanese occupation of Shanghai, finishing her high school education in 1946.[2] Following high school, Yih began her college education at St. John's University in Shanghai.[3]
In January 1948, Yih transferred to Barnard College, graduating in 1951 with a bachelor's degree in economics. While at Barnard, the president of the college, Millicent McIntosh, encouraged the students to be involved in decision making.[2] Yih later stated that this served as an inspiration to enter politics. Following the completion of her undergraduate studies, Yih began work on a master's degree in accounting at Columbia University, which she did not complete.[3]
On June 7, 1953, Yih married Stephen Yih at the Riverside Church in New York City. Stephen Yih worked for Wah Chang Corporation, which transferred him to Albany, Oregon in 1956.[4] Yih accompanied him on the move.[2]
[edit] Political career
In Albany, Yih volunteered at her children's school, eventually running for the local school board. [2] She started service on the Clover Ridge Elementary School board in 1969, moving to the Albany Union High School board in 1975.[1] In 1976, the local Democratic Party chairperson asked Yih to run for the Oregon State House.[2] Yih won the election, defeating a Republican opponent who had 16 years of incumbency. [5] Yih took office in 1977. She went on to serve three two-year terms in the House.[3]
In 1982, Yih decided to run for a seat in the Oregon State Senate. She won this election, and was re-elected in 1986, 1990, 1994, and 1998. [2] Yih was named Senate President Pro Tempore for the 1993-1995 session.[1] Yih decided not to seek re-election in 2002, and retired at the end of her term in January 2003.[3]
Known as a conservative Democrat, Yih's political accomplishments included passage of laws establishing a school curriculum to promote sexual abstinence, setting aside lottery funds for the protection of covered bridges, and creating a fund for evaluating the health of the Willamette River.[2] Yih was also known as a strong supporter of field burning.[6]
Following her retirement, Yih received the Distinguished Service Award from the Albany Chamber of Commerce.[6] The Albany street Yih Lane, where her district office was located, is named for her.[7]
[edit] Personal life
Yih has two sons, Donald, a physician, and Daniel, an attorney, and four grandchildren.[4] Yih is a member of the Episcopal Church.[7]
[edit] References
- ^ a b c (2006) Marquis Who's Who. Marquis Publishing.
- ^ a b c d e f g Peng, Tzy C. (April 2002). "Mae Yih". Chinese American Forum 17 (4): 7–11.
- ^ a b c d Albany Democrat Herald: Printable Version
- ^ a b Albany Democrat Herald: Archived Articles
- ^ 2004 APIA Voting Profiles, 9.
- ^ a b Albany Democrat Herald: Archived Articles
- ^ a b (2006) Carroll's State Directory. Carroll Publishing.
