(SANTA ANA, Calif.) — Santa Ana College (SAC) is proud to announce that alumnus Chief Dan Stefano has been named a recipient of the 2025 California Community College Distinguished Alumni Award by the Community College League of California. This prestigious statewide honor recognizes former community college students who have achieved outstanding success in their chosen fields while demonstrating exceptional service to their communities.
“This is an unbelievably humbling honor,” said Chief Dan Stefano. “Everything I do has always been in a team and family environment, so this recognition isn’t just about me — it’s about everyone who has been part of my journey. Santa Ana College played such an important role early in my professional life, helping me build the foundation that led to my career as a firefighter. Returning years later as an instructor and now as a member of the Foundation Board has brought things full circle. It’s incredibly meaningful to now help students as they begin their own paths toward excellence. Awards like this are never about a single person; they’re about the connections, mentors, and communities that lift us all along the way.”
Chief Stefano was jointly nominated by Santa Ana College and Orange Coast College, both of which played pivotal roles in shaping his educational journey. He earned his Associate Degree in General Education from Orange Coast College, which provided the foundation for his continued studies, and later completed his Associate Degree in Fire Technology and graduated from the Fire Academy at Santa Ana College. Now serving as Fire Chief for the City of Costa Mesa, Chief Stefano embodies the values of humility, leadership, and service that define the community college experience. His professional journey reflects the power of community college education to shape transformative leaders whose impact extends far beyond the classroom.
With a career spanning more than three decades, Chief Stefano has served in every rank of the fire service—from reserve firefighter to Fire Chief—and has earned distinction as one of the most respected leaders in public safety in California. He has served as President of the California Fire Chiefs Association, the Orange County Fire Chiefs Association, and the League of California Cities Fire Chiefs Department. He is among only 32 individuals in California history to earn the Certified Fire Chief designation.
Dan Stefano and friends at the Santa Ana College Foundation President's Circle event
His commitment to leadership and mentorship is equally evident beyond the fire service. “Dan is a quintessential, dedicated professional who is committed to servant leadership, mentorship, and supporting student, employee, and community collaboration partnerships. Our Santa Ana College Foundation (SACF) is fortunate and well served by Dan," said David Valentin, President of SACF and retired Santa Ana Police Chief.
Beside his professional accomplishments, Chief Stefano's dedication to education and mentorship has been a defining feature of his legacy. For more than 20 years, he has taught at the Santa Ana College Fire Academy, helping prepare the next generation of firefighters. He also serves on the Santa Ana College Foundation Board of Directors, where he played an active role in the $6 million Raising the Game comprehensive campaign to advance scholarships and student success.
“Since the moment Dan became involved in the Foundation’s Board of Directors work and our philanthropy, he has elevated the ethics, energy, and good nature needed to be able to not only raise funds for students, but to put students first," said Dr. Annebelle Nery, President of Santa Ana College.
Chief Stefano will be formally honored at the 2025 Annual Convention of the Community College League of California on Friday, November 21, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Orange County in Garden Grove.
His continued engagement with the Santa Ana College community—through teaching, mentorship, and alumni engagement—reflects the enduring bond between SAC and the students it serves. His story stands as a testament to the lasting impact of a community college education and the remarkable accomplishments of Santa Ana College alumni across California and beyond.
Since 1964, 12 Santa Ana College alumni have received the California Community College Distinguished Alumni Award. With Chief Stefano’s recognition, that number grows to 13 awardees spanning from 1964 to 2025. This long-standing recognition is a reflection of SAC’s long legacy of excellence and leadership. To learn more about the Distinguished Alumni Awards, visit https://www.ccleague.org/about-us/distinguished-alumni-awards.
About Santa Ana College:
Santa Ana College (SAC), founded in 1915, serves more than 70,000 students yearly for credit and noncredit classes. At present, SAC students can work toward completing an associate degree, university transfer, career/workforce training or a bachelor's degree in occupational studies. In 2025, the college will offer a second bachelor's degree in Paralegal Studies. As part of Santa Ana College, the School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center offers free classes throughout the community for adults of all ages and academic backgrounds. Santa Ana College is an award-winning college and was recently ranked as one of the nation's top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students and named one of the best community colleges in California by Intelligent.com for a 2nd consecutive year. The college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and medical personnel.
