Soochow University (1900–1952)

Soochow University (1900–1952) was a Methodist-founded university located in Suzhou (Soochow), China. It was one of the leading universities in China during the first half of the 20th century, known for its emphasis on Western learning and its connections to the American Methodist Church.

Founded through the merger of three Methodist institutions—Buffington Institute, the Anglo-Chinese College, and the Kung Hang School—the university officially opened on March 4, 1900. Its early years were marked by strong American influence in its administration and curriculum. Initially offering courses primarily in English, the university gradually expanded its programs to include departments in law, medicine, arts, and sciences.

Soochow University’s Law School, established in Shanghai, gained a particularly strong reputation for its instruction in both Chinese and Western legal traditions. Many prominent Chinese legal figures were associated with the school, either as faculty or alumni.

Following the Communist Revolution in 1949, Soochow University underwent significant restructuring. In 1952, as part of a nationwide reorganization of higher education, Soochow University was dissolved and its various departments were incorporated into other institutions. The original campus in Suzhou became the basis for the current Soochow University, a separate institution established in 1982. The Law School became part of the East China Institute of Political Science and Law in Shanghai. The medical school became part of what is now Soochow University Medical College.

Despite its relatively short lifespan under the name "Soochow University (1900–1952)," the institution left a lasting legacy through its contributions to Chinese education, law, and medicine. It represents a significant period in the history of Sino-American educational exchange.