Elizabeth Hall
In Memory of Our Last Founding Sister

"Elizabeth Hall- Broke Barriers in San Francisco Schools"
Heather Knight, Chronicle Staff Writer
Wednesday, August 12, 2003

Elizabeth Ling-So Hall, was San Francisco school district's first Chinese American principal in 1953.

Ms. Hall was born in San Francisco on May 19, 1911, shortly after her family emigrated from China.

Elizabeth Hall was one of the city's few Asian American children who didn't attend Chinatown's Oriental School, which was renamed Commodore Stockton School in the mid-1920s. Instead, she was granted special permission by the district to attend Pacific Heights School near her family's home.

After graduating from Polytechnic High School -- where she was the only Chinese American girl -- Ms. Hall won a scholarship to UC Berkeley, taking the ferry across the bay to her classes. She later transferred to San Francisco State University to enroll in its education courses.

Along with nine other women, Ms. Hall founded Sigma Omicron Pi, the school's first Chinese sorority, and served as its first president. Each spring, the group put on a fashion show along with the UC Chinese Alumni Association to raise money for scholarships. The sorority now has chapters around the country, including local branches at San Jose State University, UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz.

In Memory of Elizabeth Hall (1911-2003)