2009 Halls of Fame Inductees

Continuing the venerable tradition of recognizing outstanding alumni at Santa Ana College (SAC), four honorees were inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame at SAC’s Phillips Hall in a very moving June 5th ceremony that drew the largest audience ever. Inductees were also recognized at the annual college commencement ceremony.

“In the 93 years of our history, Santa Ana College has graduated thousands of incredible students,” SAC President Dr. Erlinda Martinez observed, as she introduced the inductees. “The Santa Ana College Hall of Fame recognizes the best of the best.” Since its inception, a total of 163 outstanding alumni have been recognized with induction. “Dreams are turned into reality at this distinguished college,” remarked Foundation Executive Director Christina Romero. “Through these stories our mission comes alive."

”The 2009 honorees are:

• Robert David Hall—Actor and Disability Rights Activist o “I learned at SAC to prepare as hard and smartly as you can, then let it go and have some fun. Listen, and stay in the moment.”

• Daniel Hohneker—Professor (retired after 32-years) and community leader o “Dan taught us that economics is not about profits, but about people.” Jorge Vargas

 • Craig A. Hunter--Deputy Chief of Police, Anaheim Police Department o “Chief Hunter provided key leadership when the eyes of the world were on Anaheim: Baseball World Series and Stanley Cup and World Gymnastics Championships.” Professor George Wright

 • Thanh Minh Nguyen, M.D., Ph.D—Pediatrician o His family escaped from Viet Nam on a boat, only to be apprehended by pirates prepared to kill them all. A pirate then recognized a man who had shared food with him in prison, and set them all free. “I was spared for a reason,” says Dr. Nguyen, who has been a role model and mentor hundreds of students at SAC, UCLA and Ohio State.

In October 2008, the Foundation co-hosted the sixth annual Athletic Hall of Fame with the Athletic Department.

The honorees were:

• David Alexander—Wrestling
• Fred Kuller—Track & Field
• Lester “Bus” McKnight—Football
• Joyce Lyman—Softball

The 2009 Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony is set for Sunday, October 4. For more information, contact the SAC Foundation at (714) 564-6095 or [insert preferred e-mail here.]

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