Alumni

Calling All Alumni!

Since 1969, San Diego Miramar College has trained more than 10,000 law enforcement and firefighter professionals. Since those early days, in addition to our well-respected public safety graduates, highly skilled diesel, automotive and FAA-certified aviation technicians, EMTs, biotechnicians, paralegal, computer and child development professionals have walked across our commencement stage.

Add to those numbers the many thousands of Miramar College students who have successfully transferred to four-year colleges and universities to continue their higher education and you can see why we are proud of our legacy. If you are equally proud to have graduated or transferred from Miramar College, join the Alumni Association. If you attended Miramar College, we'd like to hear from you!

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Distinguished Alumni

In 1995, the College began a tradition of recognizing Distinguished Alumni at annual commencement ceremonies. The following individuals are an inspiration for all students.

2012 Distinguished Alum

Adolfo Gonzales

Police Chief

Dr. Adolfo Gonzales began life in poverty. Born in Tijuana in a home with no running water, Gonzales' early years included tragedy, loss, and many challenges. At the age of two, his father was killed by a drunk driver. At five, his mother sent him to live with her sister in San Diego. He spoke no English. Life in the public schools was puzzling and demanding. By the time he was a teenager, he was labled a "trouble maker" and frequently pulled over in his "low rider car by the cops for no apparent reason." Gonzales wanted to change the system and the stereotyping he'd experienced.

Chief Gonzales joined the San Diego Police Department in 1978 as a reserve officer, attended Miramar College Police Academy in 1979 and was hired full-time one year later. In 1996, he was recriuted by the FBI to serve as an executive fellow. In2001, SDPD named him Assistant Chief of Police. In 2004, he was named Chief of Police for the National City Police Department, a post he felt was destined, as the former Chief had been convicted twice of DUI. With a personal connection to the loss of a loved one at the hands of a drunk driver, Gonzales quickly implemented programs that have resulted in no fatal DUI accidents in National City since he took over as Chief.

Gonzales holds a doctorate in leadership science from the University of San Diego, a masters in education from San Diego State University, a bachelor's degree from National University in public administration, and an associate's degree from Miramar College. He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

Special recognitions include the Arthur B. Hughes Career Achievemnt Award from USD, the 2006 National Latino Peace Officers Association Leadership Award, the 2006 National University Distinguished Alumnus Award, and now the 2012 San Diego Miramar College Distinguished Alum Award.