Class of 2020 Scholarships
Congrats to TACT's scholarship class of 2020! Click on their portraits below to see a video message to their scholarship sponsors, or click here to view them all.
The 2020 scholarship committee was chaired by Matthew Allen and its members included Cynthia Cen, Serena Chan, May Choi, Helen Joe-Lew, Bob Jow, John Kuang, Mei Kwan, George Lai, Allyson Lam, Lydia Ma, Lauren Marshman, Selina Mok, Janet Tse, and Anita Wu. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we decided to skip in-person interviews and introductions this year, but read all about them and their scholarships below!
Congrats to TACT's scholarship class of 2020! Click on their portraits below to see a video message to their scholarship sponsors, or click here to view them all.
The 2020 scholarship committee was chaired by Matthew Allen and its members included Cynthia Cen, Serena Chan, May Choi, Helen Joe-Lew, Bob Jow, John Kuang, Mei Kwan, George Lai, Allyson Lam, Lydia Ma, Lauren Marshman, Selina Mok, Janet Tse, and Anita Wu. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, we decided to skip in-person interviews and introductions this year, but read all about them and their scholarships below!
Alex Tran Luu
“Alex is an extraordinary candidate. He is the total package: whip smart; informed; engaged; personable; kind; gentle; respectful; responsible; versatile; and well-liked. …Alex exhibits a degree of reliability, consistency, responsibility, and commitment that is exceedingly rare. …Were I placed in charge of populating a freshman class at a college or university or awarding a scholarship for a deserving student with nearly unlimited potential, Alex is exactly the sort of student I’d be on the lookout for.” David H. Bromfield, Classroom Teacher, Raoul Wallenberg High School
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Robert Louie Memorial Scholarship: Robert Louie was an active member in the Chinese community. Among his community services were the countless hours he spent volunteering at Chinese for Affirmative Action. Robert had aspirations of becoming a teacher, but sadly, passed away at a young age. When setting up this scholarship fund in memory of their son, the late Sinclair and May Louie requested that those who receive this scholarship choose teaching as their career goal. It was their hope that their son’s aspirations would be realized in the dreams of other young Chinese Americans.
Andrew Sima
“I noticed that Andrew had a lot of questions about the inner workings of our non-profit and soon came to learn that Andrew had a dream of starting a non-profit to help high school students with career development. I recently learned that while juggling high School, school leadership, college applications and tests, competitive youth orchestra, maintaining high grades and spending time with friends and family, Andrew found a way to envision design, start and lead this non-profit!” Karli Cowman, TEEM Manager, NatureBridge Golden Gate
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Sit Family Scholarship
It all started with the first ring of the school bell, reminding us to run down the stairs and out the door to make it to school just across the street before the final ring. Although our parents lacked the opportunities of an American education, they wanted to make sure that their children would have that advantage – after all, this nation is thought of as the land of opportunity, “Golden Mountain.”
The Sit family continues to value education as one of the pathways to a productive, happy, and successful life. We trust that this scholarship will encourage the recipient to be steadfast and persistent in achieving his/her educational and life goals, which enrich personal life, as well as contribute to making this a better world – this accomplishment is truly the “golden nugget.”
It all started with the first ring of the school bell, reminding us to run down the stairs and out the door to make it to school just across the street before the final ring. Although our parents lacked the opportunities of an American education, they wanted to make sure that their children would have that advantage – after all, this nation is thought of as the land of opportunity, “Golden Mountain.”
The Sit family continues to value education as one of the pathways to a productive, happy, and successful life. We trust that this scholarship will encourage the recipient to be steadfast and persistent in achieving his/her educational and life goals, which enrich personal life, as well as contribute to making this a better world – this accomplishment is truly the “golden nugget.”
Jianpeng Li
“He has demonstrated his strong determination to be successful despite his disadvantages both in language and social economic background. Jianpeng is far more mature and independent than those of his same age...has positive ways to cope with his difficult times.He has accomplished much with far less support and expectations than many other students in our culture. He is a good role model to both the newly arrived immigrants as well as the regular students at Galileo." Celia Chan, Counselor
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Horace Mann MS Class of '89-’90 Scholarship: Alumni and former ELL teacher, Mr. Nick Bartel, from Horace Mann Middle School created this scholarship. This group of alumni immigrated from China to S.F. and Horace Mann Middle School was their first American school; they became friends and have fond memories of their learning experiences at Horace Mann MS. Many of them didn't speak English, their families were low-income, and they were the first ones in their family to go to college. For many of them, Mr. Bartel was their first English teacher. They LOVE him because Mr. Bartel is patient, funny, caring and can speak Cantonese. Even after graduating from Horace Mann MS 30 years ago, members of this class still meet with Mr. Bartel and remain friends with one another. They value and believe in higher education. Therefore, Mr. Bartel's class of ‘89-’90 wants to support SFUSD graduates by providing a scholarship through TACT.
Xiaoying (Sharon) Chen
“Sharon has always been self-sufficient, but also curious to learn more. …went under high-pressure situations and solved these issues through thinking on her feet. …Her academic excellence, vast participation in extracurricular activities, and ability to manage her time wisely at such a young age continues to amaze me. …well-rounded, bright… . With her determination, leadership and communication skills, …it is my strong opinion that Sharon is a valuable asset who will continue to impact the community.” Norman Lau, Creator/Founder, LionDanceME
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The Anita Fong Memorial Scholarship #2: Vincent and Anita Fong immigrated to the United States at the age of 10 and 6. They both attended the San Francisco public school system. Anita attended Jean Parker and West Portal Elementary before going to Herbert Hoover Middle and Lowell High Schools. She received her BA in Sociology from UC Berkeley, a MS from Sacramento State and MBA from Golden Gate University. Anita was passionate about healthcare, seniors and youth. Vincent is grateful to Chinese teachers in San Francisco and would like to dedicate this scholarship in memory of his sister, Anita.
Sabrina Chiu
“Sabrina has been one of my most remarkable and memorable students. I have found her to be dedicated, supportive, and a curious young woman and scholar...her intellectual engagement shows evidence of profound seriousness and thoughtfulness.” Thomas Reddy, Social Studies and English Teachers
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Yee Family Memorial Scholarship: The Yee Family Memorial Scholarship was established in 2009. TACT member Dan Yee established this scholarship in memory of members of his immediate and extended family. His parents, Yit Cho Chang Yee and Kwai Fong Yee, operated a corner grocery store in the City that provided for the immediate Yee Family, as well as his siblings and their families. In addition to his parents, the scholarship memorializes his brother, Kenneth Jit Kun Yee, who worked with lung transplant patients during his long and dedicated career at UCSF; his brother-in-in-law, Paul Takanari Yamada, who was the CEO of Genzyme Japan, in Tokyo, Japan; his maternal grandparents, En Chew Chang and Young Shi Chang; his paternal grandparents, Sar Dung Yee and Kam Yin Chang.
Weixi (Winni) Hu
“With a strong interest in health, medicine, and science, teaching others and generating discussions about the importance of physical, mental, and emotional health had become Winni’s mission. …Winni was able to practice and develop her leadership and communication skills. She became empowered and developed a strong understanding of the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and inspired Winni to further develop her overall skill set and learn more about herself as a student advocate and conscientious young adult.” Joyce Gu, Community Health Outreach Worker, SF International High School
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Esther Chui & Lawrence Hon Joe Memorial Scholarship: Lawrence Hon Joe immigrated to the United States in the early 1940s and Esther Chui joined him in 1949 as a war bride. They raised four daughters in San Francisco Chinatown; a son came to the United States in the 1950s. They taught their children to be proud of being Chinese Americans, to speak Chinese, to value a good education, to stick to a task until it is completed, to vote Democrat, to support their unions and to support each other. To honor their parents and the legacy they left behind, the family requests that the scholarship goes to a student from an immigrant family who is pursuing a career that will serve the Chinese American community.
Huixin (Kelly) Ma
“I believe she (Kelly) upholds TACT values and is a model student for the award. She shines as a leader in the volunteering space by executing her own projects to make a difference in the community. In addition to her academic achievements, her leadership and dedication in volunteer work, extracurricular activities (like Project SEED, badminton, Women Empowerment Club and CreAItivity), and community organizing have received numerous accolades. …She is also a passionate member of the Chinese community… .” Lisa Yu, Senior Community Organizer – Youth Leadership Empowerment, Chinatown Community Development Center
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The Anita Fong Memorial Scholarship #1: Vincent and Anita Fong immigrated to the United States at the age of 10 and 6. They both attended the San Francisco public school system. Anita attended Jean Parker and West Portal Elementary before going to Herbert Hoover Middle and Lowell High Schools. She received her BA in Sociology from UC Berkeley, a MS from Sacramento State and MBA from Golden Gate University. Anita was passionate about healthcare, seniors and youth. Vincent is grateful to Chinese teachers in San Francisco and would like to dedicate this scholarship in memory of his sister, Anita.
Song Zhao
“Due to his background, Song constantly thinks of how he can improve systems and his surrounding communities, and his big heart is demonstrated outside of the classroom through his involvement working with the Boys and Girls Club Teen Center, …volunteering at his local food bank. …thrives off of opportunities to utilize his creative problem-solving skills to improving the quality of life of those around him. …hard-working, humorous, and driven young man with a wide range of experiences.” Jaymie Frazier, School Counselor, Lowell High School
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Yee Fun Yung Leung Memorial Scholarship: Our dear mother, Yee Fun Yung Leung, was born in China in 1937. She grew up during WWII and Mao’s social revolution. Mom moved to Hong Kong, where she worked as a nurse and married our father. In 1977, our family immigrated to the United States, arriving in San Francisco with nothing but their hopes and dreams. We lived in studio apartments near Chinatown, where my mom and dad worked as a seamstress and a baker. After working all day, mom would cook for the family, and make sure we did our homework. Fortified with our mother’s lessons, my sister and I persevered and found academic success, of which our mom was proud. Most of all, our mom was proud of our families and her grandchildren. This scholarship commemorates and celebrates the life of our mother, who valued education as a ladder to climb out of poverty and reach for the American dream.
Adriano Mei
“Adriano advocates for young people not just during program sessions, but at all times… Adriano shares critique and suggestion in genuinely empathic ways, sometimes even representing uncomfortable views in the name of positive youth experience. …exerts non-judgment, openness, cleverness, and poise in the way he interacts with youth but also his peers and forebears.…He lets kids be themselves and owners of their own creative development. For us, this is the basis of social justice-centered informal education.” Jake Montano, Senior Museum Educator, Tinkering Afterschool, Exploratorium
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The Chan-Yang Scholarship #2: The Chan-Yang Scholarship is funded by Ms. Sophia Yang, a former SFUSD parent, in honor of her son, Brandon Chan, for students who desire to become successful through hard work and perseverance. Ms. Yang is an immigrant who has endeavored and built a successful company, telCade⎯⎯a certified Women & Minority⎯⎯Owned Business Enterprises (WMBE). Ms. Yang has a strong belief consequently in contributing back to the community and has been a TACT scholarship sponsor since 2012 to help others achieve their goals and dreams. TACT is grateful for Ms. Yang’s generosity to the scholarship fund.
Doris Situ
“Doris especially seemed to find meaning in literature if she were to take a social justice angle; connect texts to current issues facing her community and speak and write passionately about them….demonstrating her ability to synthesize complex ideas.” Chloe Gates, English Teacher.
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Alan Wong Memorial Scholarship (sponsored by Wilmer Fong)
Alan Wong was a native San Franciscan and lifelong community organizer and advocate. After serving in the U.S. Army in the 1950s, he earned his master’s degree in Social Work and Community Development at San Francisco State University. He served in many programs of the YMCA. He was an Ombudsman in the YMCA Inner City Project at Washington High School arbitrating between students, the administration and teachers. He directed the Hi-Y Tri-Y high school boys and girls club in leadership development and service, the summer camps and other youth projects. From Youth Program Director, he succeeded to the position of Executive Director of the Chinatown YMCA.
Alan has lectured in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State and was a Student Counselor/Job Developer at the San Francisco Skills Center with the San Francisco City College Community. He has been a youth counselor at the Alameda County’s Probation Department and at the San Francisco Youth Guidance Center. Alan co-founded Self Help for the Elderly and was its executive director; director of programs and business development with ASIAN, Inc.; executive of the Chinatown Economic Development Center and had three terms on the San Francisco City College Board. Alan volunteered in many organizations as a board member which focused on the elderly, immigration, education and religion. Alan and his passion for community service is a model for the younger generation.
Alan Wong was a native San Franciscan and lifelong community organizer and advocate. After serving in the U.S. Army in the 1950s, he earned his master’s degree in Social Work and Community Development at San Francisco State University. He served in many programs of the YMCA. He was an Ombudsman in the YMCA Inner City Project at Washington High School arbitrating between students, the administration and teachers. He directed the Hi-Y Tri-Y high school boys and girls club in leadership development and service, the summer camps and other youth projects. From Youth Program Director, he succeeded to the position of Executive Director of the Chinatown YMCA.
Alan has lectured in Asian American Studies at San Francisco State and was a Student Counselor/Job Developer at the San Francisco Skills Center with the San Francisco City College Community. He has been a youth counselor at the Alameda County’s Probation Department and at the San Francisco Youth Guidance Center. Alan co-founded Self Help for the Elderly and was its executive director; director of programs and business development with ASIAN, Inc.; executive of the Chinatown Economic Development Center and had three terms on the San Francisco City College Board. Alan volunteered in many organizations as a board member which focused on the elderly, immigration, education and religion. Alan and his passion for community service is a model for the younger generation.
Ying (Irene) Tan
"Irene provides crucial insights … on community issues… . …can handle a high volume of workload and is responsible and reliable, even under immense stress. …Irene worked very diligently and was always open to feedback to learn as she edited her translations. Irene is an excellent communicator and a quick learner. Her dedication and resilience are commendable. …has demonstrated exceptional leadership qualities, and I am confident that she will continue to work hard to contribute to her community.” Lisa Yu, Senior Community Organizer – Youth Leadership Empowerment, Chinatown Community Development Center
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William and Gayle Chan Family Scholarship: Both William and Gayle immigrated to this country at the age of twelve and strongly believe that education is the key to the betterment of a person and society at large. Education opportunities should be made available and academic excellence be acknowledged and encouraged. Toward this end, we are very proud to support this wonderful scholarship, to help develop the next generation of innovators, contributors and leaders.
Jingxi (Cici) Zhen
“She asks deep, probing questions regarding the subject material, writes excellent, well-researched essays, and is continuously punctual and prepared for my class. Among Jingxi’s countless talents are her bilinguality, her courage in standing up for her fellow students, and for building bonds between newly arrived immigrant students and the existing student body. …Jingxi challenges practices and standards that she deems to be unfair to her fellow students’ rights, and that demonstrates to me the hallmarks of an exemplary leader.” Arvind Reddy, Government & Economics Teacher, Thurgood Marshall Academic High School
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Joanna Lai Memorial Scholarship: Joanna was active in the Square and Circle Club, a SF Chinatown service organization, the Chinese Christian Youth Conference Movement, and in the Hip Wo School Drum Corps. She was a club leader at the Chinatown Y and an active member of the Chinese Congregation Church choir. She desired to promote music education among young people.
Jinying (Selena) Li
“Selena’s level of socio-economic awareness, balance and maturity are truly astounding. While such a visible leader inside outside the school, she is both kind and humble, and always eager for feedback. She never carries herself above other people or with any sort of superiority. …Selena is a changemaker through and through. With her passion for creating change, I have no doubt that Selena will be a leader for change in the United States.” Vlada Teper, Executive Director, Inspiring Multicultural Understanding (IMU)
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Austin & Vanita Louie Family Scholarship: The Louie family wishes to embrace the young leaders and youth that attend schools in San Francisco. They are the future. A TACT scholarship helps students achieve their dreams. Thank you TACT for helping us support the young leaders of the future. Thank You to ALL the Chinese Teachers in San Francisco.
Jessie Lin
“Jessie is an outgoing, organized, and articulate young adult. The club (Girls Who Code) would not be functioning without her. …She organizes planning meetings… . She knows how to distribute authority to her fellow officers while taking on a large portion of the work herself. …As a leader, Jessie has taught workshops in application development, web development and the social impacts of computing (especially along the lines of gender). …has also mentored underclassmen to build their identities as women in computing.” Raymond Chan, Math and Computer Science Teacher, Lowell High School
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Choi-Louie Family Scholarship: Choi Man Tsue 蔡傑柏 and Louie Ten Wo 雷清和 were born in Toishan County, province of Canton, China in 1907 and 1908, respectively. They married in 1925. Mr. Choi left his young wife and baby daughter 琼珠 in 1927, hoping to provide a better life for them in America. After a 22 year separation due to anti-Chinese immigration laws, Mr. Choi was finally able to have Mrs.Choi join him in San Francisco in 1949. Mrs. Choi worked as a seamstress in the Chinatown sweatshops until her retirement in 1979. Mr. Choi worked as a cook at the Mare Island Naval Base inVallejo, California and then as a steward for the County of Marin until his retirement in 1976. They also have a son Howard (deceased), and daughter May. Mr. Choi passed away in 1982 at the age of 75; Mrs. Choi in 2007 at age of 99. Mr. and Mrs. Choi fervently instilled the value of higher education when raising their children and grandchildren. The family hopes that this scholarship will encourage the recipient to continue on her educational journey with perseverance and resiliency.
Xinglin Li
“There is so much potential that XingLin carries, and she does so with such grace and ease. She’s endured much more than she portrays holding a resilience to the oppression she’s overcome with home and the strong belief that she is an agent for positive change. …ideal candidate for the TACT Scholarship with her critical lens, empathy, and ability to advocate for students in her community who also strive to become the first in their family to attend and graduate from college.” Aileen Pagdanganan, First Graduate College Access & Success Manager/Lead 12th Grade Adviser
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Rose T.Y. Chen Family Scholarship (sponsored by The Rose T.Y. Chen Charitable Fund)
Rose Chen was born and educated in China. She completed college under wartime circumstances. She came to the U.S. with the goal of working as a teacher. She was headed to Honolulu in 1941 to take a teaching job when historical events changed her plans. She married T.Y. Chen, an entrepreneur in San Francisco. When her husband fell ill, she assumed management of the family business while raising four boys. She and her husband valued education and long supported scholarship programs, including an annual scholarship for medical students in the name of her late son, Dr. Lester Chen.
The Chen family is grateful to the dedicated Chinese teachers in San Francisco and would like the Rose T.Y. Chen Family Scholarship to be awarded in memory of their mother, to a student who is passionate about becoming a teacher.
Rose Chen was born and educated in China. She completed college under wartime circumstances. She came to the U.S. with the goal of working as a teacher. She was headed to Honolulu in 1941 to take a teaching job when historical events changed her plans. She married T.Y. Chen, an entrepreneur in San Francisco. When her husband fell ill, she assumed management of the family business while raising four boys. She and her husband valued education and long supported scholarship programs, including an annual scholarship for medical students in the name of her late son, Dr. Lester Chen.
The Chen family is grateful to the dedicated Chinese teachers in San Francisco and would like the Rose T.Y. Chen Family Scholarship to be awarded in memory of their mother, to a student who is passionate about becoming a teacher.
Kevin Zhao
“Through his leadership, Mr. Zhao personally managed to survey, research, draft, lobby, and successfully pass the following resolutions to become permanent policies before the San Francisco Unified School District Board of Education, among them are: (i) Free MUNI for Youth Resolution…; (ii) Solutions Not Suspensions Resolution…; (iii) Undocumented, United & Unafraid Resolution…; (iv) Anti-Cannabis Advertisement Resolution. …This is a profound responsibility for a student to carry out, and Mr. Zhao has done so displaying both maturity and dedication.” Salvador Lopez Barr, Student Leadership & Engagement Supervisor, SFUSD
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The Chan-Yang Scholarship #1: The Chan-Yang Scholarship is funded by Ms. Sophia Yang, a former SFUSD parent, in honor of her son, Brandon Chan, for students who desire to become successful through hard work and perseverance. Ms. Yang is an immigrant who has endeavored and built a successful company, telCade⎯⎯a certified Women & Minority⎯⎯Owned Business Enterprises (WMBE). Ms. Yang has a strong belief consequently in contributing back to the community and has been a TACT scholarship sponsor since 2012 to help others achieve their goals and dreams. TACT is grateful for Ms. Yang’s generosity to the scholarship fund.
Crystal Chan
“Crystal has the combination of unrelenting ambition, work ethic, and passion for social justice. …. Crystal is most passionate about economic and educational equity, women’s empowerment and political activism. As a San Francisco Youth Commissioner, Crystal is working to increase access to career opportunities for low-income youth and is working on the Vote 16SF campaign… . What impresses me the most about Crystal is her ability to lead change and make a real impact in these areas… .” Jarlene Choy, District 7 Legislative Aide
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Friends of TACT Scholarship
TACT’s vitality and relevancy is dependent upon its membership and leadership. The Friends of TACT is composed of educators who have been long-time contributors of the organization through active participation, commitment to special projects, advocacy on behalf of teachers and students, and the shared values of TACT’s pursuit of educational excellence.
We are pleased to contribute a scholarship in recognition of students who have demonstrated strong academic standing and involvement in extracurricular activities, and who will continue to pursue their potential, and enrich their lives through lifelong learning.
TACT’s vitality and relevancy is dependent upon its membership and leadership. The Friends of TACT is composed of educators who have been long-time contributors of the organization through active participation, commitment to special projects, advocacy on behalf of teachers and students, and the shared values of TACT’s pursuit of educational excellence.
We are pleased to contribute a scholarship in recognition of students who have demonstrated strong academic standing and involvement in extracurricular activities, and who will continue to pursue their potential, and enrich their lives through lifelong learning.
Xin Wen
“Recognizing the sacrifices her parents have made, she continues to thrive in school, be academically successful while still being active in sports. Outside of school, she makes time to volunteer, takes on leadership roles, works, and still manages to take care of her sister. …she’s a team player. …she has shown dedication once she’s committed. …She has demonstrated perseverance to succeed. …She’s a well-rounded person with experiences in overcoming challenges that will enable her success in college and beyond.” Judy Kuang, Youth Programs Manager, Chinatown Community Development Center
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Square and Circle Club / Elaine Jang Scholarship
The Square and Circle Club (S&C) was founded in San Francisco Chinatown in 1924, and is the oldest Chinese/Asian women’s service organization in the nation. The Club’s name is derived from a Chinese adage, “Be SQUARE in deeds, and ALL-ROUND in knowledge.” They celebrated their 95th Anniversary on June 9, 2019 with a gala at the San Francisco Financial Hilton.
Dr. Elaine Jang attended Commodore Stockton Elementary School, Francisco Junior High, and Lowell High School. She joined S&C in 1937 when she was 17 years old and celebrated her 101st birthday in 2019. She is a life-long member of the Congregational Church in Chinatown, where she was born on the fifth floor. Elaine attended UC Berkeley where she earned her Doctorate of Optometry, being one of three women in the class of 1940. After graduation, she substituted for her classmates’ practices in Fresno when they were sent to internment camps and during WWII, worked at Ft. Mason giving eye exams to soldiers before deployment. She eventually fulfilled her dream of opening her own business, taking over a practice when an Italian optometrist in North Beach retired. Elaine’s practice was the first Chinese owned business in North Beach.
Some of Elaine’s S&C activities, which has helped support the community, include holding various offices and chairing numerous service and fundraising committees. She has served as a mentor and role model for members. Through the years, Elaine’s dedication to S&C and the community has been unyielding.
The Square and Circle Club (S&C) was founded in San Francisco Chinatown in 1924, and is the oldest Chinese/Asian women’s service organization in the nation. The Club’s name is derived from a Chinese adage, “Be SQUARE in deeds, and ALL-ROUND in knowledge.” They celebrated their 95th Anniversary on June 9, 2019 with a gala at the San Francisco Financial Hilton.
Dr. Elaine Jang attended Commodore Stockton Elementary School, Francisco Junior High, and Lowell High School. She joined S&C in 1937 when she was 17 years old and celebrated her 101st birthday in 2019. She is a life-long member of the Congregational Church in Chinatown, where she was born on the fifth floor. Elaine attended UC Berkeley where she earned her Doctorate of Optometry, being one of three women in the class of 1940. After graduation, she substituted for her classmates’ practices in Fresno when they were sent to internment camps and during WWII, worked at Ft. Mason giving eye exams to soldiers before deployment. She eventually fulfilled her dream of opening her own business, taking over a practice when an Italian optometrist in North Beach retired. Elaine’s practice was the first Chinese owned business in North Beach.
Some of Elaine’s S&C activities, which has helped support the community, include holding various offices and chairing numerous service and fundraising committees. She has served as a mentor and role model for members. Through the years, Elaine’s dedication to S&C and the community has been unyielding.