Weina Dai Randel ’05

Accomplished author, Weina Dai Randel ’05, looks back at her time at Texas Woman’s with great admiration. Randel immigrated to the U.S. from China at the age of 24. As an English master’s student at TWU, she benefited from challenging and engaging classes including a bibliography course taught by Professor Emeritus Hugh Burns. Throughout her studies, Professor Burns provided tailored mentoring to Weina. He took the time to understand her goals and aspirations.

It made me feel like I was part of a group. I was included in a community where I did not feel like I was a complete stranger. I will never forget that.”

With Professor Burn's encouragement and unwavering support from her peers, Weina presented her final paper, "The Pictographic Nature of the Chinese Language,” discussing the intricacies of Chinese language and its pictographic nature in New Orleans.

Weina continues to use the knowledge and skills gained from Texas Woman’s today as a novelist.

After 10 years of balancing family life and her writing career, she made her literary debut in 2016 with "The Moon in the Palace." Her most recent published novel, "The Last Rose of Shanghai," has received rave reviews from notable New York Times bestselling authors including Janie Chang and Pam Jenoff.

It was a ten-year work in progress during a period in which I balanced the demands of motherhood and my writing career.”

Weina’s latest publication, “The Last Rose of Shanghai” has received rave reviews from notable New York Times best selling authors including Janie Chang and Pam Jenoff. Critics and authors alike describe Randel’s recent work as “a very successful and transporting novel.”

To pursue your dream is not an easy process. Don't be afraid.”