Former medical activist and trailblazer audits art classes
Each day students of all ages ascend upon the University of North Florida to complete the necessary coursework required to earn a degree. While UNF is a well-rounded and diverse campus, there is one lifelong learner that stands out among the rest. Her name is Chiang-Ling Han Levine, a 90-year-old ceramics student learning the ancient art form under the instruction of Professor Stephen Heywood.
Affectionately called Dr. Han by fellow students and faculty, she began auditing art classes at UNF almost two decades ago at the age of 73. She initially started coming to UNF to swim at the campus pool with the intentions of remaining active in her retirement years. A pool staff member suggested she consider taking some courses to learn other skills. Excited about the prospect of new opportunities, Han decided to take a drawing class as a new hobby. After taking her first class, she was instantly hooked.“I started taking drawing classes, then I began taking painting classes and I never stopped,” Han said.
Long before Han discovered her love of creating art, she dedicated her life to practicing traditional Chinese medicine — a tradition that’s been in her family for four generations. Born in mainland China, Han says her family moved to Taiwan when she was very young to escape communist rule. She learned the techniques of traditional Chinese medicine from her father, a Chinese herbal doctor.
Han furthered her knowledge of medicine through her collegiate studies. At the recommendation of a friend, she moved to Jacksonville in her early 30s and soon discovered that it was illegal for doctors of traditional Chinese medicine to practice acupuncture in Florida. Undeterred, she partnered with Jacksonville native and former legislator Dr. Arnett Girardeau, to push for acupuncture legislation in Florida. “We went to Tallahassee for meetings many times, and finally a law was passed making acupuncture legal,” Han said.
In 1976, the proud mother of four opened the Jacksonville Acupuncture Treatment Center. Today, her son Larry (Lowei) Han runs the clinic. Her younger son is a musician, and her two daughters are nurses. Han is also a proud grandmother and great grandmother — her great grandson currently attends UNF and her granddaughter arrives on campus in the fall. When she’s not painting or creating pottery in the ceramics lab, Han enjoys cooking for her family and loved ones. She occasionally brings traditional Chinese fried rice to campus as a treat to share with classmates and faculty.
While she admits to being very good at painting, she is currently enjoying the process of learning ceramics. So far this summer, she has created a diverse collection of kimchi jars, soup bowls and more. She credits Professor Heywood’s patience and hands-on instruction for her progress. According to Heywood, it’s a pleasure working with Han as she is a dedicated student and talented artist. “We love having Dr. Han in our classes,” he said. “She is a kind, respectful and thoughtful student who is an inspiration to us all.”
Reflecting on her years at UNF, Han says the faculty and students have been great and she’s grateful for the opportunity to learn. “It’s in my personality,” said Han. “I always want to learn.”