Fred Hsiao, also known as Fred Shaw, was a pioneering figure in Minnesota’s Chinese-American community, leaving an indelible mark through his contributions to business, education, and community service. Born in Shaanxi Province, China, in 1919, Hsiao’s journey to the United States began in 1945 when he pursued an advanced degree in engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he earned a Master’s degree. His academic pursuits continued at the University of Minnesota, where he initially enrolled in a Ph.D. program before transitioning into the workforce.
Hsiao’s professional career in the U.S. started at Orville E. Madsen and Sons in 1949, where he built a reputation for integrity and honesty. This foundation led him to co-found Shaw-Lundquist Associates, Inc., in 1974 with Lyle Lundquist. Under his leadership, the company grew to become one of the largest minority-owned construction businesses in the Midwest and the largest Asian General Contractor in the nation by 2003. His business acumen and commitment to diversity in the construction industry were recognized with numerous accolades, including induction into the National Association of Minority Contractors Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Metropolitan Economic Development Association’s (MEDA) Hall of Fame in 2005.
Beyond his business achievements, Fred Hsiao was deeply committed to community service. He was a founding member of several significant organizations, including the Chinese American Association of Minnesota (CAAM), the Twin Cities Chinese Christian Church, and the Chinese American Business Association of Minnesota (CABAM). His involvement extended to the National Association of Minority Contractors – Upper Midwest Chapter, where he served in leadership roles, reflecting his dedication to advancing minority contractors.
Hsiao’s legacy also encompasses significant philanthropy. Together with his wife, Jennie Ho Hsiao, they established the Hsiao Scholarship at the University of Minnesota’s China Center in 2001, aimed at supporting students with educational experiences in China. This initiative not only supported academic pursuits but also fostered cultural exchange. Additionally, the couple contributed to the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, where a Chinese garden named “Garden of Harmonious Beauty” was dedicated, symbolizing their commitment to cultural harmony.
Fred Hsiao passed away in 2010, leaving behind a rich legacy. His life’s work was not only about building structures but also about constructing bridges between cultures, promoting education, and fostering community. His wife, Jennie, continued their legacy, particularly through ongoing support for the Hsiao Shaw-Lundquist Fellowship, which they established in 2005, focusing on graduate students in fields like civil engineering and architecture with connections to China.
Fred Hsiao’s story is one of perseverance, cultural integration, and community upliftment. His contributions have left a lasting impact on Minnesota’s landscape, both literally through his construction projects and metaphorically through his community and educational initiatives. His life serves as an inspiration, showcasing how individual effort can lead to significant community and cultural advancements.
History
https://chinacenter.umn.edu/students/scholarships/academic/hsiao-shaw-lundquist
https://legacy.chinainsight.info/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=539:fred-hsiao&catid=263&Itemid=704
https://www.mnchamber.com/blog/member-profile-shaw-lundquist-celebrates-50th-anniversary
2008 Fred Hsiao