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NEWS & VIEWS FROM COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS SUMMER 2016
The June 7 election was a momentous occasion for College of the Canyons. Seeing our community step up to support the college by approving Measure E is both gratifying and invigorating, and the advancement and momentum it represents is more powerful still for the future generations who count on us to help them achieve their dreams. Abraham Lincoln said, “The best way to predict your future is to create it.” The passage of Measure E means so many things to so many people, most of whom have yet to step into one of our classrooms. It means we'll be able to help them create their futures by educating and training them in the latest cutting-edge programs, many of which have yet to be launched. It means we'll be able to build more classrooms and labs, to construct permanent buildings at the Canyon See CHANCELLOR on Page 2
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SPEECH TEAM RANKED NO. 1 AT NATIONAL TOURNAMENT
or the first time in the program’s 12-year history, the College of the Canyons Speech Team has been ranked No. 1 at the annual Phi Rho Pi National Tournament, after brining home a combined 14 medals to put a cap on its most successful season to date. COC finished the event No. 1 in the competition’s intermediate Wheeler Division by scoring more than 20 points higher than its closest competitor. Along the way, the college claimed three gold, three silver and eight bronze medals. “We keep on telling each other, ‘We did it’… be-
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Passage of Measure E an Investment in Future
ith Santa Clarita Valley voters approving Measure E by a 58.46 percent majority, College of the Canyons will have the resources needed to not only meet the demands of growing student enrollment, but also address the community’s future needs for education and training. The college, which was originally designed in 1967 for a capacity of 5,000 students at build-out, now serves more than 20,000 students at the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses. Projections estimate that student enrollment will surpass
cause we’re still in shock,” Speech Team director and communications professor Michael Leach said. “Watching each team member support each other and root for each other at the awards ceremony will forever be with me.” Phi Rho Pi is the National Junior College Forensic Association and Honor Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the forensic arts – in this case, speech and debate – at the junior and community college level. The organization dates to 1927 and offers the only full-service speech tournament at the national level. See SPEECH on Page 10
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EMT Program
Takes Ride into Future
he College of the Canyons Emergency Medical Technician Program has become the first in California – and one of only 16 in the nation – to incorporate an advanced, state-of-the-art ambulance simulator into its curriculum. The simulator, built by Simulator Solutions, replicates a variety of situations that take place in an ambulance by mimicking road movements and other distractions that typically occur inside a moving ambulance. See EMT on Page 10
See MEASURE E on Page 11
WE BE L IE V E IN T E ACHING, L E ADING AND STAY ING AT T HE F ORE F RONT OF CHANGE
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Chancellor FROM PAGE 1
Country campus, and to renovate existing spaces to provide technical training for highpaying jobs here in the Santa Clarita Valley. And it means our community reach and impact will be expanded in ways that benefit more than just our students.
Demands of Rising Enrollment
Today, College of the Canyons serves about 20,000 students per semester. With expected steady growth over the next decade, that number will reach 30,000 – an increase of 50 percent. At the same time, we see the need for education increasing. Technology is reshaping existing industries and spawning whole new industry segments, which creates a growing need for education and training. By 2020 – just four years from now – an estimated two-thirds of all jobs in the U.S. will require some education beyond high school. That doesn’t necessarily mean a bachelor’s degree, but it does mean some college coursework. Where will that education likely be delivered? At a community college. Our two-year campuses are flexible enough to quickly create new coursework and deliver it in response to urgent industry needs.
Meeting Needs of the Future
Fortified by the resources Measure E will provide, our objectives are to continue accommodating the increasing numbers of high school and re-entry students who come to College of the Canyons to complete their first two years of college, to educate and train employees of local companies who need upgraded training and continuing education, and to serve all who have partnered
with us to deliver innovation and meet the challenges of the future.
Measure E will allow College of the Canyons to: • Renovate Outdated Classrooms – Approximately 350,000 square feet of aging classrooms, labs and service centers at the Valencia campus will be updated with modern learning spaces to serve more than 40 academic and career technical educational departments. • Transform the Canyon Country Campus – The next four permanent buildings will be constructed at the Canyon Country campus, including classrooms, labs and instructional support areas for the arts, student services, library and tutoring. If we receive matching funds from future statewide bonds, we will initially receive an 85 percent match for our science building at the Canyon Country campus, which means our Measure E bond funds will go even further! The continued development of this campus, our investment on the east side of the Santa Clarita Valley, is reshaping the Sierra Highway corridor, and will bring new amenities to the community. Plans call for a 250-seat performance space that will provide a new venue for performing arts groups and audiences alike. • Improve Parking and Accessibility – Approximately 1,000 new parking spaces will be provided in a structure to be built at Valencia Boulevard and Rockwell Canyon Road, making the Valencia campus more accessible for students and visitors. Those attending large community events in Cougar Stadium or the Santa
Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons will find it easier to park and enjoy their events. • Generate Matching State Funds – The college will compete for state building funds and could receive up to $40 million over the next eight years that will generate economic activity in our community through building and construction.
Rising Costs of Higher Education
Another value College of the Canyons adds to the community is the alternative we provide to the rising cost of higher education. Students and their parents are amassing more and more education debt as costs rise at four-year universities. A recent study showed that last year college graduates were burdened with an average $35,000 in loan debt. Enrollment fees at College of the Canyons remain at $46 per unit. With more students headed our way, and the economy requiring a more skilled workforce, College of the Canyons is working to ensure that we are creating a future where we can effectively meet these needs. As we move forward with vision, foresight, energy and the resources to continue meeting the community’s needs for higher education, I know great things will happen for our students. It will be an exciting adventure – and I look forward to seeing what the future holds as we build and create opportunities for this community. I am confident that we are going to continue to do amazing things. Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook serves as chancellor of College of the Canyons.
The Bottom Line is published by the College of the Canyons Public Information Office to inform the community of news and events of interest in the Santa Clarita Community College District.
Vice President, Public Information Advocacy and External Relations Eric Harnish Managing Director, District Communications John Green
Editorial Team Jesse Munoz Jose Franco Dacia Martinez John Bogna Layout & Design Evelyn Cox
Phone: (661) 259-7800 Internet: http://www.canyons.edu Mailing Address Santa Clarita Community College District 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91355
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Fast Track Program Helps Launch New Careers he latest graduates from the College of the Canyons Fast Track Program prove that with the right training, you can go from being unemployed to launching a new career in just seven weeks. Offered by COC’s Economic Development Division, the program is a collection of intensive courses geared toward entry-level skills training and certifications that prepare students for varied fields, including CNC (computer numerically controlled) manufacturing. In CNC manufacturing, operators program and control machines that shape metal into parts for a wide range of industrial and aerospace applications. Fast Track is designed to train people with no previous experience for work in a new field, although a few students already working in CNC are upgrading their skills. “We’ve had everyone from bartenders to Starbucks baristas to people who haven’t worked in five years,” said Joe Klocko, recently retired dean of economic development. He described the program as “shortterm, intensive training that would give someone the skills to find a better job.” The 280-hour, seven-week CNC program is divided into classroom and hands-on time to teach students the skills they’ll need on the job.
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Topics include safety protocols, blueprint reading, shop math, and machining parts. Students are taught in the college’s machining lab by experts trained to educate adults in CNC machining, and utilize textbooks alongside a scientific calculator, online toolset, and machinist’s measuring implements. Upon completion, students earn a CNC Machining Certificate of Completion and National Career Readiness Certificate. Graduates are highly sought, earning up to $20 per hour after gaining on-the-job experience. The Fast Track graduation features a job fair, the most recent of which attracted 12 companies that interviewed the nine most recent graduates looking for work. The companies included Aerospace Dynamics, Honda Performance Development, and The Spaceship Company, owned by Virgin Galactic’s Richard Branson. Each graduate spent 15 minutes interviewing with each employer, with follow-up interviews scheduled based on the initial meetings. New Fast Track classes start throughout the year. Admission is based on application, and enrollment fees are waived for unemployed students. Information: www.canyonsecondev.org/business-units/fti
COLLEGE IT DEPARTMENT
Recognized for Innovation
he College of the Canyons Information Technology department has been recognized for innovation by both the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Community College Chief Information Systems Officers Association.
whatever we can to remind them of important dates and appointments. We are fortunate at College of the Canyons to have such a talented group of people who visualize ideas and make them happen.”
2016 Technology Excellence Award
2016 Technology Focus Award
The department was honored with the Chancellor’s Office Technology Focus Award for its “registration appointment text message reminder” program, which debuted this past winter and alerts students via text message about upcoming registration appointments. On the day of their registration appointment, students who have provided the college with their cell phone numbers and service providers receive text-message alerts 15 minutes prior to their scheduled appointment times. The program has been credited with vastly reducing the number of students who miss registration appointments and increasing the number of students who successfully register for classes.
Jim Temple, associate vice president of technology, and Mark Garcia, director of MIS.
“It is an honor to be recognized by the Chancellor’s Office for the work we have done to use technology to help ensure students get registered for the classes they need,” said Jim Temple, associate vice president of technology. “Like many of us, students are busy with classes, work and family responsibilities. Because of that we try to do
The department also was awarded the 2016 California Community College Chief Information Systems Officers Association Technology Excellence Award in recognition of new online services that enhance student success. The college was recognized for its “online education plan” for students, online counseling services, and online tutoring services offered by The Learning Center (TLC). The projects were made possible by a $2.6 million Department of Education grant to fund technological improvements that enhance students’ educational experience. “These initiatives are extremely important in ensuring our students are able to meet their educational goals,” Temple said. “Collectively, they have provided students with the tools they need, at the time they need them, in order to be successful.”
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McKeon Seeds Scholarship Fund
with $10,000 Donation
ollege of the Canyons hosted U.S. Rep. Howard “Buck” McKeon (Ret.) for a special on-campus reception to officially endow the new McKeon Scholars Award annual student scholarship fund. McKeon spoke about the many benefits of civic engagement programs and the importance of a younger generation’s involvement in helping to better their community, before presenting the College of the Canyons Foundation with a $10,000 check to seed the scholarship fund. The McKeon Scholars Award is available to COC students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher who are majoring in political science and/or interested in pursuing a career in public service and civic engagement. The annual $500 scholarship will help defray the costs of college education. “This is a tremendous honor to support student success at College of the Canyons and inspire the next generation of
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community leaders,” McKeon said. “If we can encourage people to serve and be involved, the impact on our colleges, our community, and our country will be immeasurable.” Several students spoke during the event to discuss their various civic engagement activities, as well as share potential initiatives with McKeon and college administrators. “We are proud to partner with Chairman McKeon in equipping a new generation of leaders,” College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook said. “Because of his generosity, today’s students will be inspired to complete their educations, pursue their dreams of public service, and become tomorrow’s leaders.”
The donation is the result of a pledge McKeon made during the first installment of the McKeon Leadership Forum, a speaker series that promotes civic engagement throughout the community. During the inaugural event in November, McKeon was joined by Marine Corps Gen. John F. Kelly, commander of U.S. Southern Command, who stressed the importance of civic responsibility. “We all need to reconnect to what makes America so extraordinary, to rediscover why we should be proud of who we are, what we stand for, to be part of something bigger, to strive for something better, but to strive together,” Kelly said. “We can find this very easy in our county and our society, and that is through service.”
Retired Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (center) presents a donation to College of the Canyons Foundation Board Member Randy Moberg (left) and Murray Wood, the foundation’s chief development officer.
LAPD Honored for College Internship Program
he Los Angeles Police Department’s Motor Transport Division received statewide honors for establishing an internship program that gives College of the Canyons automotive technology students hands-on experience working on one of the nation’s largest law enforcement vehicle fleets. The Motor Transport Division was named 2016 Employer Program of the Year by the California Internship and Work Experience Association, the state’s professional association for educators and employers supporting internship and work experience programs in higher education.
Through the internship, students in the college’s Automotive Technology Program work on the Motor Transport Division’s fleet of more than 5,100 vehicles. Under the direction of Commanding Officer Vartan Yegiyan, students are now in their third semester of internships with the LAPD. Since the spring 2015 semester, 12 students have completed the 80-hour internship, which pairs them with a master mechanic for instruction and hands-on training in preventative maintenance service, diagnostics and repair. Interns also work on vehicle modifications and collision repair.
Yegiyan approached the college to form the partnership last year. It was an immediate success, prompting Gina Bogna, acting assistant dean of internships, job development and career center, to nominate the Motor Transport Division for the award. “I nominated LAPD because they took such a vested interest in creating an internship training program, Bogna said. “LAPD not only took great care and consideration to develop a program, but also they want to take at least two students a semester ongoing, so that creates an amazing opportunity for our students.”
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Local businesswoman and community volunteer Jill Mellady was honored with the College of the Canyons Foundation’s Silver Spur Award for Community Service during a gala celebration at the Sheraton Universal Hotel. Hundreds of her friends, family members, colleagues and admirers packed the hotel’s top-floor Starview Room to share in the March 19 occasion and celebrate her commitment to the community. She is, as Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook put it, “an example of the difference that one person can make by giving from the heart.”
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ASL Student Wins Statewide Scholarship
touching essay about her experiences as an intern in the Sulphur Springs School District earned American Sign Language student Courtney Wiscarson a statewide scholarship, and the honor of being the first student from College of the Canyons to win the award. “Fingers flutter and hands slide as they form pictures and words; each sign comes together to create the beautiful art of American Sign Language,” Wiscarson wrote in her award-winning essay for the Dr. Bernard L. Hyink Scholarship given by the California Internship and Work Experience Association (CIWEA). COC's Cooperative Work Experience Education department is a member of CIWEA, California’s leading professional association for educators and employers dedicated to supporting internship and work experience programs in higher education. Gina Bogna, acting assistant dean of COC’s Internships, Job Development, and
Student Courtney Wiscarson (left) and Gina Bogna, acting assistant dean of internships, job development & career center.
Career Center, encouraged 10 students from the college to apply for the award’s two-year college category, which was open to students from California’s 113 community colleges. Only one winner – Wiscarson – was selected to receive the $1,000 award. Her 750-word essay about working as an interpreter highlighted the resilience of the deaf and hard-of-hearing students with whom she worked. She also touched on the uncertainty she felt in taking what she learned in the classroom and applying it in a professional setting, in particular, her worry about signing incorrectly to the children. Wiscarson credited her mentor with guiding her through the internship experience: “She did everything in her power for these kids, and she did everything in her power for me.” The successful internship confirmed Wiscarson’s career goal of working as an interpreter with elementary school children. Information: www.canyons.edu/cwee
College Honored with ACSA Golden Apple Award
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he Santa Clarita Valley Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) has named College of the Canyons its Golden Apple Award honoree for the 2015-16 academic year. The Golden Apple Award is presented annually to a single person, company, organization or institution that works to collectively support the SCV’s local elementary and high school districts. College of the Canyons was recognized for a wide range of educational support, outreach and volunteer programs that serve students and the community. “The Santa Clarita Valley ACSA has selected an outstanding honoree that goes above and beyond to assist our schools and help them to be the wonderful institutions that they are,” Eran Zeevi, president of the SCV ACSA, said during the award presentation. “I would like to thank, on behalf of the Santa Clarita Valley, a special organization who has impacted all schools and districts in so many positive ways.” College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said the award recognizes a college-wide commitment to partnerships. “We’re honored by this award, which was made possible by the creativity and collaborative spirit of so many different people at College of the Canyons,” she said. “Our faculty, staff and administrators recognize that if we are willing to work together, we can accomplish more for Santa Clarita students than by working as individuals.”
College initiatives highlighted: • Continued opportunities for high school students to concurrently enroll in tuition-free college courses. • The wide variety of college preparedness services and workshops for high school students and their families, including “college and career coaches” at each local high school campus. • The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program, which collaborates with local K-12 educators to develop arts education programs in classrooms. • The presence of TEACH program student volunteers at elementary and high school classrooms throughout the community. • The continued outreach efforts related to the college’s lineup of free ESL courses. • Donation of funds and materials to further the development of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) curriculum in elementary schools. “Today’s elementary, junior high, and high school students are tomorrow’s College of the Canyons students,” Dr. Van Hook said. “We’re committed to helping them succeed now, understand that college is possible, and inspire them to pursue their dreams. When they are ready for college, we will be ready for them.”
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Student Science Project to Reach New Heights
he College of the Canyons Astronomy & Physics (A&P) Club has been selected to provide one of 12 college-level experiments that will be placed aboard NASA’s High Altitude Student Platform (HASP), which is set to launch from Fort Sumner, New Mexico, over Labor Day weekend. The club’s “Cosmic Dust Collection Unit” experiment will take place during a unique weather balloon mission that’s estimated to be aloft 10 to 20 hours and travel to an altitude of approximately 120,000 feet. Upon the weather balloon’s return to earth, NASA will secure the collection unit, protecting the integrity of the contents, and return the unit to College of the Canyons. Using one of the college’s clean rooms, the student project team will analyze the collected particles and synthesize its findings into a scientific paper slated for release in December. Student Daniel Tikhomirov developed and submitted the winning proposal on behalf of the A&P Club team, which is composed of 21 students from the A&P, engineering and biology clubs. Teresa Ciardi, physical science faculty member and club advisor, serves as the team’s advocate to encourage the students and help generate project funding. For Tikhomirov, the HASP opportunity is his second attempt at collecting cosmic dust for analysis. He was part of a West Ranch High School team that originally launched the experiment in 2014. That group’s success was thwarted, however, by a crash landing that compromised the collected materials. After enrolling at College of the Canyons and joining the A&P Club, Tikhomirov was informed of the new opportunity by his former West Ranch teacher, Christine Hirst, who joined COC as an adjunct instructor last fall. Tikhomirov quickly pitched the project to fellow club members, who responded with encouragement and enthusiasm.
“Hands-on opportunities like this are key to igniting student creativity within the realm of science, as well as inspiring our next generation of scientists,” Ciardi said. “I couldn’t be more proud of Daniel and all the students on the project team. It’s their idea. They’re driving the project and employing innovative thought processes along the way. My role is as a sounding board and an advocate. All the credit belongs to the students.” Prior to the estimated September launch, the project team will develop and test the prototype before submitting the final experiment to NASA, which will conduct its own pre-launch trials. Once the tests have been completed, the unit will be mounted and deployed aboard the space agency’s weather balloon.
Students from the Astronomy & Physics Club, whose project is one of 12 college-level experiments chosen to participate in NASA’s High Altitude Student Platform flight this fall. Club advisor Teresa Ciardi is at right.
Students Win Big at
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Leadership Conference
ine students from the college’s Future Business Leaders of America Phi Beta Lambda excelled at the FBLA-PBL California State Business Leadership Conference in competition against students from California’s top four-year universities. Student teams analyzed issues in a business case and made recommendations to a panel of judges. The students also competed in knowledge events to demonstrate their mastery of essential business concepts and skills. The awards went to: • First Place, Business Ethics Division: Janeth Avina, Tyler Larson and Cameron Mandley.
• Second Place, Management Analysis & Decision-Making: Johnzel Iniba, Tyler Larson and Dana Levine. • First Place, Name Tag Graphic Design: Janeth Avina and Jonathan Maxwell. “Our students showed they are able to compete and excel in competition against
much larger and better known schools,” said Bob Maxwell, faculty advisor and business professor. “All of the students enjoyed competing and networking with students from across the state, and learning how to create their personal brand in the workshops. It was an inspirational experience.” In addition, COC chapter president Johnzel Iniba was selected as a state officer for the 2016-17 California State Officer Team. “We are proud of Johnzel for being selected to help lead California PBL next year,” Maxwell added. Participating were more than 225 students from 14 colleges and universities, including UC Berkeley, UCLA, USC and Cal State Fullerton.
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MODEL UN TEAM T
Honored at UCLA Conference he College of the Canyons Model United Nations Team attended a conference hosted by UCLA April 14 to 17, and came home as one of four colleges to be honored, joining four-year institutions such as USC, Stanford and UC Berkeley. Model United Nations is a fast-paced political strategy competition that places an emphasis on diplomacy and interactive problem solving. Through courses and competitions offered by the college’s Political Science Department, students conduct research on relevant global issues, enhance public speaking skills, and work to comprehend the essential goals of conflict resolution, all while simulating the work of the United Nations and its various agencies. For the second time in the four years, COC was awarded the “Outstanding Large Delegation” award. In addition, eight team members
won individual awards, including: • Clark Wintle – Best Delegate • Sergio Partida and Raina Iqbal – Outstanding Delegation. • Jonathan Flores, Jack Schulze and Tim Smith – Honorable Mention • Younus Al-Bojermi and Dana Levine – Verbal Commendation. With several of the team’s veteran participants slated to graduate at semester’s end, the team is scouting for new talent. “If any students out there like being challenged – both personally and academically – please consider being part of the COC Model United Nations experience,” said Phil Gussin, team advisor and political science professor. Interested in joining the team? Send an email to Gussin at phil.gussin@canyons.edu.
Honor Society Achieves Success T he College of the Canyons Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) International Honor Society experienced an impressive spring semester, with three students named to the 2016 All-California Academic Team, three students invited to present at the prestigious Honors Transfer Council of California (HTCC) Research Conference, and the Alpha Nu Xi chapter named one of PTK’s Top-100 chapters in the world.
Students Named to All-California Academic Team
In March, PTK students Elise Levy, George Park and Enrique Ybarra were honored for their academic and extracurricular activities during the All-California Academic Team Awards Luncheon in Sacramento. PTK hosts Academic Team ceremonies in 38 states, with honorees nominated for the All-USA Community College Academic Team. Students’ scores in the national competition generally determine ranking on the All-State Community College Academic Teams. “It is always a pleasure to see COC students thrive and accomplish impressive academic goals,” said Dr. Miriam Golbert, chair of the Biological Sciences Department and PTK advisor.
Students Present at Honors Transfer Council Conference
For the first time in college history, COC was represented at the annual HTCC Research Conference with three student presenters. The conference is an organization of community colleges that negotiates transfer partnerships with colleges and universities. It invites honor students from across the state to present their honor projects each year. During the annual event at UC Irvine, students share research-
based presentations and creative performances that reflect inquiry into the humanities, sciences, arts, social sciences and pre-professional programs. Honor students Savannah Macias, Anthony Tashjian and Lisa Tenorio were selected to deliver 12-minute presentations and accompanying Q&A sessions. Macias, a biology major, presented “Elders Behind the Controller: The New Generation of Gamers,” which focused on how video gaming can improve brain function in elderly people. Tashjian spoke on the topic of “Ethnocentrism, Aptitude and Tolerance: A Marriage of Unequals,” a topic spawned during a recent political science debate. And Tenorio, also a biology major, delivered the presentation “The Biological Underpinnings of a Singing Teacher’s Curriculum is Vital to a Student’s Vocal Health and Technique.” “The event provides a way of recognizing students’ outstanding work in their honors courses, while exposing them to a professional conference setting in which they interact with peers, faculty, and administrators from across the state,” Golbert said.
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor society in American higher education, with more than 2 million members and 1,200 chapters worldwide. Its mission is to recognize and encourage the academic achievement of two-year college students, while providing opportunities for individual growth and development through participation in honors, leadership, service and fellowship programming.
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Measure M Audit Confirms Compliance T
he Santa Clarita Community College District’s Measure M Citizens’ Oversight Committee received an update on facilities development at College of the Canyons and accepted the results of an independent audit of the bond funds. The nine-member committee, which ensures the $160 million in bonds approved by voters in 2006 are appropriately spent, heard a presentation from Jim Schrage, the college’s assistant superintendent/vice president of facilities planning, operations and construction. With the completion of the Canyons Hall student services center, and the College of the Canyons Institute for Culinary Education, the 2012-17 master plan for Valencia campus construction is largely complete, Schrage said during the Jan. 19 meeting. A new comprehensive master plan now under development will guide the development of educational programs and facilities through 2021 at the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses.
has maximized the value of Measure M funds to ensure students have access to the highest quality learning environments and technology.”
Already under way for the Canyon Country campus are architectural plans for a 24,000-square-foot Science Center that will provide eight labs and a 75-seat lecture hall. It will be the second permanent building to be constructed at the campus, which opened in 2007 with modular buildings. This muchneeded facility will increase the number of lab classes offered, as well as help students move more quickly into well-paying jobs in burgeoning health and science fields. Construction is expected to start in 2017. And, by next fall, 275 lighted parking spaces will be made available at the campus, Schrage said.
“Measure M has greatly benefitted our local community, with millions of dollars infused into the local economy, and jobs created through a decade of construction projects,” College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “And, with funding from our own local bond measure, we have been able to qualify for state construction funds that enabled us to enhance the impact of Measure M and build state-of-the art facilities that prepare people for wellpaying jobs in growing fields.” By supplementing the bond funds with earned interest and roughly $89.4 million in state match and other sources of construction funding, an estimated $261.4 million in projects are planned. The 2014-15 audit confirms approximately $152 million in resources from the first three bond issuances, which also includes earned interest and net premiums on the bonds. Of that amount, more than $126 million has been expended on authorized bond projects, leaving the district with a Measure M bond project fund balance of $25.8 million as of June 30, 2015. “We look forward to building on this foundation of success and moving forward with additional permanent buildings at the Canyon Country campus, along with needed upgrades to decades-old facilities at the Valencia campus,” Van Hook said. “As we finalize our new master plan to guide future development, we will be working to identify and acquire the funding necessary to make our plans become reality.”
Science Center Planned at Canyon Country Campus
Compliance with Laws and Accountability Measures
Also on the committee’s agenda was the review and acceptance of audits on expenditures related to Measure M. For the ninth year in a row, the audit confirmed the college spent funds as authorized in the bond approved by voters, and did so in compliance with all laws and accountability measures set forth in Proposition 39, the California Constitution and California education code. The audit verified bond funds were not spent on general administration or operational costs. “These results demonstrate that College of the Canyons has done an outstanding job managing the proceeds from Measure M bonds,” said Nick Lentini, chair of the district’s Measure M Citizens Oversight Committee. “The community can be assured that the college
Audit Receives Best Rating Possible
Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co. LLP conducted both financial and performance audits, covering the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2015. The firm issued an unmodified opinion, the best rating possible. The auditor’s report noted no adjustments, audit findings, questioned costs or instances of noncompliance associated with the bond, further confirming that all funds have been spent appropriately. Local voters approved the $160 million Measure M general obligation bond in November 2006. The district has $20 million in bonds to be issued at a future date, after issuing $80 million in bonds in May 2007, $35 million in bonds in May 2012, and $25 million in bonds in September 2014.
Benefits to Community, Economy and Job Creation
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SPEECH FROM PAGE 1
The event was held in Costa Mesa, with more than 60 colleges from across the nation competing in the five-day tournament. Eleven individual events encompassed three types of debate, as well as a category called “interpreter’s theatre.” Events ranged from team debates to parliamentary debates, while individual events included “public address,” which covered persuasive and informative speaking; “interpretation,” in which competitors interpreted selections of poetry, prose or drama; and “limited preparation,” where extemporaneous or impromptu speeches or readings were given with about 30 minutes to prepare.
Multiple Competitive Events
After days of live performances, participants were whittled down in every category, sometimes going as many as six rounds before reaching the semifinals. In the case of debate events, teams had to be prepared to argue either side of a chosen issue. For individual events, students had to follow the guidelines for the type of speech they were presenting, be it informative, persuasive or simply to entertain. Colleges were split into three divisions according to size. The Hindman Division included colleges registered in up to to 15 performance slots. Wheeler Division colleges were entered in 15 to 30 slots, and Wyman Division colleges were entered in more than 30 slots. College of the Canyons, which competed in 29 categories, ranked first in the Wheeler Division for individual events and overall points, finishing with a score of 87.5. The Speech Team has competed at the national tournament multiple times, but had yet to achieve this level of success. Prior to this season, several students earned individual recognition at the na-
tional level, but the college had yet to realize a team victory. “I have never been so motivated to better myself, not just in performing, but with every aspect of my life,” second-year team member Teon Sewer said. “The talent on this team is second to none, which makes me want to improve even more. It’s not just a team, it’s a family.” Others on the roster echoed that sentiment.
A Life-Changing Experience
“Before joining the Speech Team I had made plenty of bad decisions and was on the way to making plenty more,” said first-year competitor Diego Ortega, who brought home a gold medal in informative speaking. “This team saved my life. But I see us as more than a team; we’re a family.” First-year competitor Jacob Johnson earned a gold medal in prose interpretation. "When I first joined this team, I knew that I would definitely improve as a performer,” he said. “What I did not know is that I would become a better student, networker and corporate asset. Being on the Speech Team has taught me lessons that I will be able to utilize all throughout my life.” First-year competitor Valeria Lopez had similar words of inspiration. “Auditioning for the Speech Team was one of the best decisions I have ever made,” she said. “I've learned to be confident in myself and gained skills that I otherwise wouldn't have fostered.” The Speech Team also placed second at the California Community College Forensics Association State Tournament earlier this semester, bringing home 11 individual medals. “This season has been amazing,” Leach added. “But what makes it that much more rewarding is watching these competitors support their teammates.”
EMT FROM PAGE 1
The simulator has been constructed to to complete one eight-hour ride-along exThe simulator’s interior design and match actual ambulance dimensions and perience in the field, which may have lim- equipment provide added opportunities includes fully functional interior control ited patient contacts. The ambulance to practice skills such as CPR, patient aspanels and storage areas. Insessment, managing patient terior shelves are stocked airways, evaluating vital with everything found in an signs, providing trauma actual ambulance. The colcare and recording patient lege worked with Simulator history – while working in Solutions to customize both a confined space and dealinterior and exterior features ing with simulated road to best meet student and promovement. gram needs. “College of the Canyons “This state-of-the-art amand the EMT Program are bulance simulator provides committed to providing our COC students with an enstudents with the latest inhanced learning experience,” formation and technology. said Patti Haley, director of The ambulance simulator the College of the Canyons allows students to apply EMT Program. “Our EMT and master their knowlProgram instructors and staff edge, skills and abilities EMT Program team members with the ambulance simulator. are excited to help pave the in a realistic prehospital way for the future of emergency medical simulator will provide instructors and stu- care environment,” said Haley. services education by using this valuable dents alike with an added resource in resource.” which to conduct realistic scenarios and Information: www.canyons.edu/DepartThe EMT Program requires each students hands-on training. ments/EMT
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SUMMER 2016 ✽ THE BOTTOM LINE
MEASURE E 30,000 in little more than a decade. Measure E will enable the college to expand its facilities and help students enroll in courses they need to graduate and reach their educational goals. “With the resources voters made available through Measure E, College of the Canyons will expand access to high quality education and create more opportunities for the students, businesses, and community partners we serve,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “Measure E also positions the college to be responsive to emerging workforce training demands as the Santa Clarita Valley’s dynamic economy continues to thrive.” Recent estimates show that by 2020 nearly two-thirds of job openings in the U.S. will reFROM PAGE 1
quire some postsecondary education or training, though not necessarily a bachelor’s degree. With 1 million jobs in California expected to require at least some college education by 2020, College of the Canyons will play an integral role in ensuring the local workforce is trained and qualified for the increasingly skilled positions found in the area’s companies. “With new facilities, College of the Canyons can continue to deliver relevant education and training programs that are responsive to emerging and ever-evolving local industry needs, thus equipping students to be successful in cutting-edge fields,” Van Hook said. Measure E adhered to the guidelines of Proposition 39, which requires approval by 55 percent of the voters within the college district. It also includes accountability measures
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such as a citizens’ oversight committee and annual audits. The measure’s impact on homeowners would be $15 per $100,000 of assessed value (not market value), which would generate $230 million over the next 12 years. College of the Canyons operates two campuses, a 154-acre site in Valencia and a 72-acre facility in Canyon Country. On the day it opened in 2007, the Canyon Country campus exceeded its five-year enrollment target, welcoming more than 3,500 students. Due to its continued enrollment growth, the campus is eligible to receive 85 percent of the construction costs of three permanent buildings from the state, only if the college has local funding to match state resources, and assuming state resources are available. Measure E will assist the college in leveraging available state resources for construction projects at both campuses.
The planned Science Center at the Canyon Country campus (above and below).
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Santa Clarita Community College District 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91355 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Michael D. Berger Bruce D. Fortine
Michele R. Jenkins
Joan W. MacGregor Steven D. Zimmer
Brenda Plong, Student Trustee
T
Softball Team Earns Scholar Award
he College of the Canyons softball team has been named the 2015 California Community College Athletic Association Scholar Team. The Scholar Team Award is the highest academic team achievement given annually by the CCCAA. It emphasizes the academic achievement of all members of one specific team. Only one team is selected for each sport, with a total of 22 men’s and women’s teams honored for the 2014-15 school year. To be eligible, all team members must have excelled academically with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. The team should also have demonstrated better than average accomplishments in intercollegiate athletic competition. The 2015 softball team posted a combined GPA of 3.24. On the field, the team finished with a record of 28-12-1 to place second in the Western State Conference Blue Division, while also earning a spot in the CCCAA Southern Cali-
fornia Regional playoffs. Canyons concluded the 2015 season as the No. 10 ranked team in the state. “I’m extremely proud of the way this team represented themselves, both in the classroom
and on the field,” head coach John Wissmath said. “When we started looking at the grades from the fall and spring progress reports, I thought there might be a chance to see our girls honored with the Scholar Team Award. To
have received that achievement is outstanding.” The team also produced a number of impressive individual performances throughout the season. Eight players were named AllWSC, including catcher Lauren Anderson, who was named WSC Player of the Year. Shortstop Cheyenne Steward was an All-SoCal selection. In addition, three members of the team continued their playing careers at the university level. Anderson attends Miami University (Ohio); pitcher Milana Casillas attends UC San Diego, and infielder Kaitlyn Shreves attends Boise State University. All three players carried a GPA of 3.7 or higher. “The 2015 softball team featured great leadership from the top down,” said Albert Loaiza, athletics counselor. “Coach Wissmath and his staff have instilled an ‘academics first’ environment, and that paid off last year.”