Alumni
Welcome, Cypress College Alums!
Our alumni are a source of pride, representing accomplishments in a wide array of fields. Through our connections with alumni, we foster lifelong relationships and support for the community, students, and activities of our campus.
Alumni Network
Congratulations and welcome to the Cypress College Alumni Network! Register today!
As a new member of the Charger family, the Cypress College Foundation is pleased to invite you to enjoy the benefits of our Alumni Network. Benefits are ever-evolving and include invitations to exclusive Foundation and Alumni events and many other opportunities to stay connected.
Included with your registration of $25 you will receive a Cypress College Alumni license plate frame.
Family and Friends – The Cypress College Alumni Network makes a great gift to honor your graduate!
Alumnus of the Year
The Cypress College Foundation initiated the “Alumnus of the Year” Award in celebration of the College’s 30th anniversary. Every year since, the Alumnus of the Year has been honored at graduation. The award serves as recognition for the personal/professional achievements of Cypress College alumni and their contributions to their profession and to the community.
Aaron France, city manager of Buena Park and 1994 Cypress College graduate, is the 2025 Cypress College Alumnus of the Year. Aaron’s journey from standout student-athlete to public servant exemplifies the values of leadership, service, and excellence fostered at Cypress College.
A pitcher for the 1994 State Champion Cypress College Charger Baseball team, Aaron was drafted three times — by the Toronto Blue Jays in 1992, Baltimore Orioles in 1993, and Pittsburgh Pirates in 1994 — and played professionally in the minor leagues until 2001. After his athletic career, he returned to higher education to earn a bachelor’s degree in communications from Cal State Fullerton and a master’s degree in public administration from National University.
Since joining the City of Buena Park in 2003, Aaron has served in various leadership roles before being appointed city manager in 2021. He has guided the city through major challenges, including pandemic recovery, regional homelessness initiatives, and vital infrastructure development. His work has strengthened community partnerships across education, nonprofit, and civic sectors. Aaron is a staunch supporter of the Cypress College Foundation, giving back to benefit students through the Americana Awards Gala and other events.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron is a dedicated advocate for youth, education, and inclusive programs. As the father of a child with special needs, he actively coaches youth with disabilities and supports efforts to expand access for all families.
Aaron’s distinguished public service and community impact reflect the spirit and excellence of Cypress College alumni.
Past honorees include alumni from business, entertainment, sports, education, healthcare, law enforcement, the non-profit world, and more. What they have in common—in addition to having attended Cypress College—is a commitment to their profession, their community, and to the college.
Previous Honorees, Outstanding Alumnus of the Year
1996 – Stan Oftelie, CEO, Orange County Business Council
1997 – Dwayne Washington, M.D., Emergency Care Physician
1998 – David Holmquist, Athletic Director, Biola University
1999 – Robin Yaffe Tschumper, Executive Director, Houston County Women’s Resources
2000 – Tom Stretz, Executive Director, Los Alamitos Youth Center
2001 – Nancy K. Smith, Registered Nurse, Los Alamitos Medical Center
2002 – Mike Sellers, Chief of Police, City of Fullerton
2003 – Andy Fu, Service Manager, Irvine Toyota
2004 – Mark Eaton, Retired NBA Basketball Player
2005 – Geri Jewell, Actress, Comedienne, and Advocate for the Disabled
2006 – Walter K. Bowman, Owner, Bowman Real Estate
2007 – Mark Feitelson, Ph.D., Professor and Director, Biotechnology Center, Temple University
2008 – Sheila Carlon, Ph.D., Director & Associate Professor, Regis College Health Services
2009 – Danielle Nava, Director, Public Affairs, Planned Parenthood OC and San Bern. Counties
2010 – James D. Savage, Ph.D., Professor of Politics, University of Virginia
2011 – John Moore, Head Basketball Coach, Westmont College
2012 – Pierre Habis, Senior Executive Vice-President, Union Bank
2013 – Pamela Kahn, Coordinator, Health & Wellness, Orange County Dept. of Education
2014 – Reyna G. Rojas, Teacher, Long Beach Unified School District
2015 – Captain Russ Bird, Navy Pilot, Retired
2016 – Wayne T. Kistner, Attorney at Law
2017 – Swen Nater, Retired ABA and NBA Basketball Player
2018 – Curtis Sheetz, Founder and owner of Total Environmental Management, Inc.
2019 – Catherine Sorensen, Philanthropist
2021 – Nancy Matsui, Retired, American Airlines
2022 – Bonnie Peat, Council Member, City of Cypress; Women’s Club of Cypress
2023 – Betty Sarkis, Teacher, Garden Grove Unified School District
2024 – Rick Darnell, Retired Professional Basketball Player
2025 – Aaron France, City Manager, Buena Park