Daniel Morga lives in Oakland and started working on cars with his dad at an early age. Ever since he was a little kid, he's always been fascinated by how cars work, how they are repaired, and using the right tool for the right job. He especially loves working for friends and neighbors, helping people get back on the road and knowing that his work has made a real difference in people's lives.
(Ozzie Day Award Recipient Daniel Morga and ATECH Professor Rufino Ramos)
This year, Daniel is the recipient of the Ozzie Day Scholarship, a $750 award presented by the Automotive Technology Department to the student with the highest GPA and the most completed units in the program. Established in memory of Ozzie Day - the founder of the Automotive Engineering program at College of Alameda and a long-time member of the COA Automotive Advisory Committee - this scholarship honors a legacy of passion, determination, and possibility, and Daniel is proud to carry that legacy forward.
Now, as Daniel finishes his ATECH degree at College of Alameda this semester, he stands at the edge of his next chapter. After graduation, he plans to join a local shop and turn the craft he learned as a kid into the life he’s been working toward. In many ways, Daniel’s path is the story of someone who learned early how powerful a dream can be - and how loving your future means reaping the fruit of your labor. Congratulations, Daniel!
Do you want to love your future?
Choosing the ATECH degree is more than learning a trade - it’s stepping into a world where curiosity meets craft. Certified by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Educational Foundation as a Master-Level program, students move through a blend of automotive theory, safety practices, and trade ethics, while gaining practical skills with the hand and power tools that shape the work. There’s also a special focus on understanding the electronic and computer-controlled systems that define today’s newest vehicles, which prepares students to either begin their careers as apprentice auto mechanics or to further their education at advanced technology schools. From there, doors open toward futures in management, engineering, and even teaching - paths for those who want not only to work in the automotive industry, but to help shape where it’s headed.
If you or someone you know is interested in automotive technology or as we often say, “is good with cars”, please do not hesitate to call 510-748-2267, or visit the Automotive Technology (ATECH) program via the College of Alameda website and apply today.
Many thanks to COA ATECH Professor Rick Greenspan, who contributed to this article.
