The Batavia Chamber of Commerce recently named Dan Hoefler as its 2021 Citizen of the Year for his work as a volunteer and leader in the community.
“It’s a tremendous honor. I am just one in a long line of people who have earned the title,” Hoefler told The Beacon-News.
Hoefler received accolades from people who nominated him for this year’s award.
“Dan is an excellent example of a dedicated individual who gives more of himself without seeking any accolades or recognition of his service to his community,” Tom Von Lunen said in his letter to the Chamber of Commerce nominating Hoefler for the award.
The Batavia Chamber of Commerce every year recognizes those who make extraordinary contributions to the city. A committee of previous recipients selects the Citizen of the Year based on nominations from the community.
Hoefler, a retired Oswego School District 308 educator and community volunteer, will formally be recognized Jan. 27 at the Chamber of Commerce’s Inspire 2022: A Celebration of Those Who Inspire Us awards night at Lincoln Inn Banquets, 1345 S. Batavia Ave. in Batavia.
Hoefler has volunteered steadily since he first moved to Batavia with his wife, Pat, in 1975, according to the Chamber of Commerce announcement about his winning the award. The couple has two sons and two granddaughters.
Batavia had a population of roughly 5,000 to 6,000 when he came to Batavia. His wife’s family grew up in Batavia, he said.
“It was natural to fall in love with Batavia and its history,” Hoefler said.
The Batavia Depot Museum has a special place in his heart, since his grandfather worked on trains.
“I have always been attracted to trains and it’s enjoyable to recall Batavia’s history with the trains,” he said.
Throughout his lifelong career as an educator, Hoefler has had “a passion for history and a commitment to guiding students to become strong leaders,” according to the Chamber of Commerce statement about his winning the Citizen of the Year award.
Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke in the statement described the recipient as a “really good friend to Batavia.”
Hoefler served on the Batavia Bicentennial Committee and then helped to organize the city’s Loyalty Day activities when he first arrived in the community.
Hoefler was elected and served one term as 3rd Ward alderman in Batavia before moving downstate to accept a position as a school principal. He later returned to Batavia.
Hoefler is currently president of the Batavia Historical Society board of directors, and chair of the Batavia Depot Expansion Committee.
“Dan is the perfect blend of an outstanding long-range planner and day-to-day motivator who knows how to successfully collaborate between governmental entities like the Park District and the city to get things done,” Batavia Park District Executive Director Allison Niemela said.
Hoefler was one of the original members of the Batavia Historic Preservation Commission, formed in 2002. The group accepted responsibility for defining the downtown historic district and categorizing each building as to its relative significance to the district.
His volunteer work has included the Batavia Rotary Club, Batavia Youth Baseball, Batavia and Marmion Sports Boosters and Batavia Boy Scout Troop 43.
Hoefler retired from Oswego School District 308 in 2010, where he was a history and government teacher, department head, assistant principal and principal.
Hoefler this past fall was inducted into the Oswego High School Hall of Honor for his work in the district.
Linda Girardi is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
