The first annual Daniel Gilbert Memorial Scholarships were awarded to seven students in the College of Alameda Automotive Technology department in a ceremony at the college on December 11. The scholarships were established by Stephen Gilbert in memory of his son, COA Auto Tech graduate Daniel “Opie” Gilbert, who at the age of 21 was tragically murdered last April on the streets of Oakland.

The students receiving the $300 scholarships were: David Chiu, Jeremy Dahl, Khanh Duong, Tuyen Huynh, Matthew Neilson, Eric Ton and Anthony Wong. To be considered for a scholarship, each has to have completed at least 20 units in the Auto Tech program with a grade of B or higher, demonstrated a genuine interest in learning the skills needed to succeed as a mechanic, and been recommended by one or more of his current instructors.

Stephen Gilbert felt that the Auto Tech program had helped to give his son a life direction, so in Daniel’s memory he wants to help other auto tech students reach their career goals. Of his son, Gilbert said, “He loved cars. He was always rebuilding engines and swapping cars. He wanted to become a good mechanic and loved talking about cars—researching new ways to do things, learning from his friends with more experience and willingly sharing his knowledge with others.”

Daniel “Opie” Gilbert graduated from Berkeley High School in 2003, and from College of Alameda in 2005. For the last 1½ years of his life he worked in the research department at the Chevron Corporation facility in Richmond.

The scholarships, funded through donations by family, friends, and Chevron Corporation, are just one of several projects started by Stephen Gilbert in memory of his son.


Photo attached: Scholarship award ceremony. College of Alameda automotive technology instructors & college president; Stephen Gilbert 6th from right; and students holding award checks, left to right: David Chiu, Tuyen Huynh, Khanh Duong, Jeremy Dahl (back row), Eric Ton, Matthew Neilson. Missing: Anthony Wong.
Photographer: Shirleen Schermerhorn

College of Alameda is a part of the Peralta Community College District, which also includes Laney College and Merritt College in Oakland and Berkeley City College. The college provides students with a wide range of educational programs and lifelong learning opportunities. The College of Alameda is located at 555 Ralph Appezzato Memorial Parkway (Atlantic Avenue), Alameda, CA 94501, just past the Webster Tube from downtown Oakland. The nearest BART station is 12th Street in Oakland, and the college can be reached directly by AC Transit Bus Lines 51, 63, O and W. For information call (510) 522-7221 or go to http://alameda.peralta.edu.