Trustee David Hall dies at 72
April 23, 2018 - 06:32 PM
Longtime community leader and member of the Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees
Dr. David K. Hall died on April 22, 2018 after a courageous battle with multiple myeloma.
He was 72 years old.
Memorial services will be held on Friday, May 11, at 9:30 a.m. in Mt. SAC’s Sophia B. Clarke Theater. The event is open to the public.
Dr. Hall was the longest-serving member of the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees. He was appointed to the board in October 1995. He was later elected to five board terms in 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009 and 2013. A resident of San Dimas, Trustee Hall represented Area 2, which covers Covina, West Covina, north Walnut, and San Dimas. Trustee Hall chaired the board several times during his nearly 23-year tenure.
“He was a close, dear friend and one of the most courageous people I've known,” said Dr. Manuel Baca, president of the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees, who developed a close bond with Trustee Hall upon joining the board nearly 20 years ago. “Even as he faced life's greatest of challenges, he did so with great courage, dignity, and a relentless concern and love for others.”
Prior to joining the Board of Trustees, Dr. Hall was a member of the Mt. SAC Foundation Board, serving as its president for two terms. His colleagues and friends considered him one of Mt. SAC’s all-time biggest boosters, who remained committed to lifting the college and its students through fundraising and networking.
“We all mourn the passing of a dynamic leader and a loving and loyal friend,” said Dr. William T. Scroggins, president and CEO of Mt. San Antonio College. “Dr. Hall was immensely supportive of Mt. SAC. Wherever he went, he found ways to advance the college and help its students. He found countless ways to help, from starting critical partnerships to setting up a scholarship for students. And in everything he did, he did it with passion.”
Professionally, Dr. Hall was senior vice president of Hitchcock Automotive Resources, headquartered in City of Industry, CA. The company owns and operates Puente Hills Toyota, Northridge Toyota, Toyota of Santa Barbara, Puente Hills Collision Center, Hitchcock Insurance Services, and Hitchcock Commercial Properties. He was responsible for the company’s human resource, legal, insurance and government relations operations.
Prior to joining Hitchcock Automotive Resources, Dr. Hall enjoyed a fulfilling academic career as a university professor and federal employee. He served as an assistant professor at the U.S. Air Force Academy, assistant professor at Brown University, and Forest Sherman Professor of Public Diplomacy at the U.S. Naval War College. He earned his B.A. at the University of Kansas and his Ph.D. at Stanford University.
While a successful businessperson and educator, Trustee Hall was best known throughout the region for his vast philanthropic work and dedication to civic activities. His other activities included: Chairman of the Industry Manufacturers Council (IMC) Human Resources Committee; President of the Regional Chamber of Commerce—San Gabriel Valley; Vice Chairman of the San Gabriel Valley Civic Alliance; Vice Chairman of the Oversight Board of the Successor Agency for both the Covina Redevelopment Agency and the San Dimas Redevelopment Agency; and First Vice President of the City of Industry Royal Lions Club.
Dr. Hall has received numerous honors for his civic and community service, including the Mt. SAC Honors Program Runnebohm Award (2010), the Youth Science Center’s Community Partner Award (2007), the San Gabriel Valley YWCA’s Community Commitment Award (2000), the Puente Hills Area Chamber of Commerce’s Silver Service Award (1998), and the American Heart Association’s Exceptional Service Award (1993). Additionally, Trustee Hall touched individual lives, serving as a mentor to countless individuals throughout the region, from aspiring politicians to young business executives.
Flags at Mt. SAC will be flown at half-staff for 30 days in remembrance of Trustee Hall. His Board of Trustees seat will be vacant until a new candidate is chosen during the election on Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2018.
Dr. Hall is survived by his fiancé Earnestine Tu and brothers, Roger Hall and Bruce Hall.
In accordance with Dr. Hall’s wishes, in lieu of flowers, gifts in his memory may be made to the Dr. David K. Hall Business Scholarship through the Mt. San Antonio College Foundation.
