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Steven Santana brings energy and experience to the booth as he prepares to perform at the Scholarship Gala. (Courtesy Steven Santana)<\/p>\n
The ULV alum brings his journey full circle, returning to the Scholarship Gala to support the next generation of Leopards<\/p>\n
From campus gigs to major stages, Steven Santana has built a career on creating unforgettable moments. Now, the University of La\u00a0Verne alumnus is coming full circle returning to campus to DJ the 2026 Scholarship Gala, where his own journey once began as a scholarship recipient.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The event is more than just another set; it\u2019s a chance for Santana to give back to the kind of support system that helped him succeed. \u201cIt took a weight off my chest,\u201d Santana said of receiving an academic scholarship during his time at La\u00a0Verne. \u201cIt made the experience a lot less stressful.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Guests can expect a high-energy set built from years of experience performing at major events and sharing stages with nationally recognized names. \u201cI always love coming back,\u201d he said. \u201cIt\u2019s my way of being involved and leaving my mark.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Long before he was opening for artists such as Flo Rida and the Backstreet Boys or working as an events and promotions manager at iHeartMedia, Santana was a kid from a music-loving family. \u201cMy dad was a DJ, so I grew up around it,\u201d he said. \u201cHe was the hip hop guy, my mom was into electronic and house\u2026 so I was listening to everything.\u201d By 13, he was already mixing tracks at home, teaching himself, experimenting, and building the foundation for what would eventually become a career.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
But it wasn\u2019t until he arrived at ULV that things really started to take shape. At La\u00a0Verne, Santana leaned into campus life, joining the Campus Activities Board (CAB) and eventually becoming concert chair. More importantly, he started putting himself out there.\u00a0 \u201cI was just trying to be everywhere,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
He DJ\u2019d events for free and threw his own shows, helped with campus traditions and did whatever it took to build his name and gain experience. And at a place like La\u00a0Verne, it worked.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Because of the university\u2019s close-knit community, word spread quickly. One event turned into another. Free gigs turned into paid opportunities. Before long, Santana was DJing formals, alumni events, and performances beyond campus. \u201cLa\u00a0Verne helped build that mentality,\u201d he said. \u201cBeing everywhere, staying consistent, and hoping for the best.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
After graduating in 2015, Santana landed a role at iHeartRadio as a promotions assistant, representing multiple stations and DJing at events across the region. He went on to perform at major events like Wango Tango, Jingle Ball, and Alter Ego. \u00a0Today, he continues that work as an events and promotions manager, balancing leadership with his passion for music. \u201cIt\u2019s cool because I still get to be in that world,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Santana and his wife, Savannah Santana, both ULV alumni, share a connection to the university that goes beyond the classroom. The two met in high school and continued their journey together at La\u00a0Verne, building a shared community and experience along the way.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Now, as they prepare to welcome their first child, Santana hopes that connection might continue into the next generation.\u00a0 \u201cI loved it,\u201d he said. \u201cIf we could make it happen, I\u2019d want that for my kid too.\u201d\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Looking back, Santana credits his growth to one simple idea: you get out what you put in.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt wasn\u2019t until I got involved that things really changed for me,\u201d he said.\u00a0 Through DJing, campus involvement, and experiences like hosting his own show on LeoFM, he found confidence, community, and direction.\u00a0 \u201cLa\u00a0Verne got me out of my shell,\u201d he said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
Santana returns to the Scholarship Gala not just as a performer, but as someone who once stood in the same place as the students it supports.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
About the 2026 Scholarship Gala\u00a0<\/b>\u00a0<\/p>\n
The gala highlights the impact of academic scholarships at La\u00a0Verne while celebrating the achievements of students and the supporters who help make their education possible.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
The evening begins with a 6 p.m. reception, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing at 8:30 p.m. Guests are invited to attend in black-tie optional attire.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n