Patrick Lin is the grandson of Lin Ching-jun (1897–1947), the first Chinese president of Fukien Christian University. He currently works in the trading and restaurant industries, dividing his time between the United States and China.

His grandfather, Lin Ching-jun, was one of the most influential figures in the history of Fukien Christian University. A graduate of the university, he later pursued further studies at Oberlin College, Harvard University, Columbia University, and Yale University. He served as president of Fukien Christian University from 1928 to 1946, playing a pivotal role in the institution's development. After the university relocated from Shaowu back to Fuzhou, the enormous demanding work of rebuilding the campus took a serious toll on his health. Suffering from liver cancer, he traveled to the United States for treatment, where he passed away. During his years in Kuliang, Lin Ching-jun lived in the president's residence of Fukien Christian University, which is now the Gardner Exhibition Hall.

Lin Ching-jun's son, Lin Zhizhuang, grew up in the United States and married an American woman. They are Patrick's parents.

Committed to preserving his family's legacy, Patrick has safeguarded a remarkable collection of historical materials left by Lin Ching-jun and his wife, Yan Huiqing. The collection, which is kept at his home in the United States, includes the university's academic dress, commemorative memorabilia, lecture notes, correspondence, and many other invaluable artifacts documenting the history of Fukien Christian University.