The Yee Family Legacy at PUC

The story begins with two brothers, Franklin and Calvin: the first students of three consecutive generations and 10 family members who would graduate from PUC.

Their father, Dr. Henry Yee, who wanted his sons to pursue a career in healthcare, had become aware of PUC’s strong educational program and deep spiritual environment and enrolled them at PUC.

Franklin was then enrolled at PUC Academy, now PUC Preparatory, and graduated in 1951. Calvin, on the other hand, attended PUC at the time before he got drafted into the Korean War for two and a half years. Once Calvin returned in 1954 to continue pursuing his biology degree, he decided to reenroll at PUC, where Franklin joined him.

Looking back on their time before graduating together in 1955, they found the campus to be a place where they formed genuine connections with “really good and gentle Christian people.” Their PUC experience helped nourish and deepen their faith in Christianity.

After their time at PUC, they both went off to Loma Linda University, where Franklin earned a medical degree and Calvin a dentistry degree, graduating together in 1959.

Unfortunately, Calvin passed away in 1972 from a sudden heart attack. He was only 43. Franklin, now 94 years old and a retired surgeon, is thankful for his time at PUC, speaking on behalf of his brother’s experience, too.

The legacy continues with Alan Yee, Calvin and Franklin’s nephew. Alan first attended Lodi Academy and graduated in 1967 before attending PUC. He recollects choosing to pursue his biology degree at PUC along with his older brother, Douglas, because he appreciated the intimate focus on the individual student at a smaller school. Alan proudly recalls that it was on campus that he created genuine friendships as well as influential relationships with well-esteemed professors, one of whom was Dr. Donald Hemphill, a biology professor who made continuous efforts to encourage both biology and pre-med students to succeed in their respective fields.

After graduating from PUC in 1971, Alan pursued his medical degree at Loma Linda University, completing it in 1975. He has since pursued a successful career.

Coming in at the third generation of the Yee family is Siannah, who graduated with an emergency management degree this past June. Her late father, Bryant Yee, Calvin’s son, who unfortunately passed away in 2020, was a proud PUC alumnus.

Siannah always considered PUC since her father attended, so she decided to visit to gain the PUC experience by sitting in on Dr. Aimee Wyrick’s biology class and enjoying the nature-filled atmosphere on campus. After a friend exposed her to the world of emergency medicine, Siannah’s passion began to grow. By the end of that school year, she changed majors and “carved her own path of independence.”

Siannah decided to serve as a high school history teacher during her student mission in Micronesia, where her faith began to deepen. Taking this opportunity not only challenged her but also enlightened her biblical perspective and worldview.

She plans to attend paramedic school in January to continue her career in emergency medical services. Like her predecessors, Siannah thanks PUC for its unique culture and wholesome experience, allowing her to seek resilience through challenges and develop a stronger sense of identity. Because of their connection to PUC, several members of the Yee family are making a kind donation in gratitude and in hopes that future generations will also choose to find themselves at PUC.