2022/23 Foundation Annual Report by COCPIO

College of the Canyons Foundation

Annual Report 2022-2023

Table of Contents

Message from the Chancellor I

Message from the Chancellor

Message from Co-Chairs

Alumni Banner Celebration

EMT Program 50th Anniversary

Oakie Scholarship Event

Golf Tournament

Scholarship Reception

Patrons of the Arts

Silver Spur

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament

DrinkPAK tour

• Full-time classified staff has increased from 77 to more than 320.

Raising the BAR

• We now offer over 30 student support programs, up from 17.

Chancellor’s Circle Dinner

Jenkins Endowment

Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation Gift

Meet the Staff

Board of Directors

am honored to say that this year marks the my 35th year at College of the Canyons. As we look back on the past 35 years, much has changed in the world and at COC. Back in 1988, we had only one campus, with just 250,000 square feet of space in a few buildings. Today, we have two full-service campuses, more than 20 buildings covering 1 million square feet, and an off-site Advanced Technology Center.

Since 1988, our college has made remarkable strides, achieving impressive progress in several areas: • Our annual unrestricted budget has grown from $8 million to $165 million. • We’ve increased our full-time faculty from 60 to over 230.

• Our degree and certificate programs have expanded from 44 to 264. • Our student population has grown from 4,800 to nearly 34,000. • Annual fundraising revenue has gone from $109,000 to $1.4 million. • Grant funds have risen from less than $100,000 to $16 million per year, with 31 grants awarded this year. • We now award more than 3,400 associate degrees, a significant increase from 347 in 1988. Our growth and development is no accident. It’s the result of careful planning, innovation, collaboration, unwavering determination, and the support of our community. College of the Canyons has thrived because we are explorers, innovators, designers, and “can-do” dreamers who refuse to settle for the status quo. We have designed our future, just as Peter Drucker wisely said, “the best way to predict the future is to create it.” Our success is grounded in staying focused on what’s essential, caring for our people, and finding ways to overcome obstacles. We possess a mindset of belief, determination, resilience, and a can-do attitude. The heart of our success lies in our people, from our dedicated staff to our generous community supporters. Your support not only inspires us to dream big but also makes those dreams a reality. In the past year, with your help, we’ve achieved significant milestones: • Received the highest state revenue in our history, with a budget of $165 million.

www.COCFoundation.com (661) 362-3434

• Developed a new 2023-26 Strategic Plan to enhance student access and success. • Hired 103 new team members for permanent positions. • Admitted a record 1,978 students to the Canyons Promise program.

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• Approved 44 new courses and 12 new certificates. • Completed the Student Services/Learning Resources Center at the Canyon Country campus. • Remodeled and restored our Center for Early Childhood Education. • Made progress on the Boykin Science Lab building. • Secured $16 million in external grant funding. • Expanded the MESA program and Veterans Center. • Secured a $1.5 million National Science Foundation grant. • Opened the Intercultural Center. • Hosted the ribbon cutting for the interim Advanced Technology Center. • Appointed new members to the Citizens Bond Oversight Committee. • Received our 17th Employment Training Panel (ETP) contract. • Added nearly 30 new academic and continuing education programs. • Obtained $885,000 in funding for the Small Business Development Center. • Increased the number of African American/Black and Latinx/ Hispanic degree recipients significantly. Our achievements are the result of continuous focus, resilience, and a refusal to be deterred by barriers. At College of the Canyons, we listen, evaluate, imagine, envision, strategize, and work tirelessly to meet the needs of our community. Looking ahead, we’re planning for the Health & Natural Sciences building at the Canyon Country Campus and the permanent Advanced Technology Center. The future holds exciting opportunities. Our success is rooted in the power of partnerships. We wouldn’t be here without partners who believe in us, support our vision, and work with us to create incredible opportunities. I’m profoundly grateful for your contributions to our community college. What we achieve is a partnership between our dedicated staff, our community supporters, and local businesses who inspire hope and help develop new capabilities. Our achievements result from vision, planning, determination, and collaboration. Your belief in us, matched with your generous actions, has allowed us to create amazing opportunities for our students and our community. With your help, the Foundation has initiated campaigns, launched support funds, added board members, honored community leaders, raised funds, and awarded scholarships. We’re proud to be your community college, and we’ll continue to design our future and lead the way.

Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook Chancellor

A Message from our Co-Chairs The College of the Canyons Foundation has done some great work this year! We have made a strong comeback after some challenging times, and it has been a banner year in many ways. We had an outstanding Golf Tournament that allowed us to connect with new sponsors and make new connections in the community. Our Silver Spur Celebration, honoring Randy Moberg and Mitzi Like-Moberg, raised over $98,000 for the Foundation to continue doing what they do best, support students. In addition, we also raised over $114,000 for the Roger Van Hook Raising the BAR fund. This fund was established to assist students when they need it most. Different from a traditional scholarship, this money will be distributed to students on an as-needed basis, and based on the obstacle that the student is facing. For example, if a student is experiencing financial hardship and suddenly has to replace their tires so that they can get to class, this fund may be used to assist that student in order to keep them in school. We could not do these things without volunteers and donors like you. As you read through this Annual Report, we hope that you see yourself reflected in the stories. With your ongoing support, we can continue providing much needed support to College of the Canyons students. Fred Arnold & Tamara Gurney, Co-Chairs, Foundation Board of Directors

Fred Arnold

Tamara Gurney www.cocfoundation.com | 3

Our Alumni are Rising Stars!

he fall semester of 2022 brought back our annual Homecoming Celebration with the much anticipated College of the Canyons Cougars vs. the Bakersfield Renegades in Cougar stadium. Prior to the game, the COC Foundation honored 9 Alumni with a special reception acknowledging their accomplishments. Our honorees arrived with their families to join the celebration and receive a warm welcome by Fred Arnold, co-chair of the Foundation Board and co-chair of the Alumni Network Committee, and Taylor Kellstrom, co-chair of the Alumni Network Committee. Both Fred and Taylor shared their unique perspectives of their experiences as COC alumni and the education that got their careers off to a great start after leaving COC. Dr. Omar Torres, assistant superintendent/ vice president of instruction applauded the alumni for their accomplishments and shared words of wisdom relating to the challenges we face in uncertain times. The honorees were presented with awards which included large banners representing their individual study disciplines that are displayed at various locations around the Valencia Campus. At the conclusion of the reception, our alumni joined the Homecoming festivities around Cougar Stadium enjoying food, games, give-aways and a great football game with their families.

Kiera Coblentz

Eric Encinas

Niamani Knight

Evette May

Gabriela Padilla

School of Applied Technologies Nominator: Keith Kawamoto

School of Sports Medicine Nominator: Steve Ruys

School of Business Nominator: Diane Fiero

School of Math, Science and Health Nominator: Jeannie Chari

Tanya Saxena

J.J. Soria

Sara Vogler

Justin Wilmers

School of Math, Science and Health Nominator: Jeannie Chari

School of Visual and Performing Arts Nominator: Susan Hinshaw

School of Transfer Studies Nominator: Diane Fiero

School of Social and Behavioral Sciences Nominator: Jim Schrage

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COC Celebrates

50th Anniversary of EMT Program O

n September 29th, 2022, College of the Canyons celebrated the 50th anniversary of its Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program, which is the second oldest program of its kind in Los Angeles County. Since 1972, COC’s EMT program has trained more than 5,000 EMT students, with many going on to launch successful careers in firefighting, law enforcement, nursing, and other related fields. “We are very proud of the college’s EMT program accomplishments and its consistent efforts to provide the highest quality of training available to students during the past 50 years,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “We look forward to celebrating this momentous achievement with the program’s faculty, staff, and alumni.” The semester-long course HLHSCI-151 offered at COC prepares students for certification and employment as EMTs. Upon successfully completing the course, students are eligible to take the National Registry of EMT examination. The college’s EMT program is approved by Los Angeles County EMS Agency, State of California and the National Registry of EMTs.

“Reaching 50 years of program excellence is a tremendous milestone, one that we are very excited to celebrate with the Santa Clarita community,” said SB Tucker, EMT program director at the college. “We are very excited to see former students, faculty, and staff, as well as anyone else interested in joining the EMT program.” The celebration was held at the College of the Canyons Institute for Culinary Education (iCuE) Education. The event included a short ceremony, guest speakers, and a catered breakfast served by iCuE students. In addition, attendees were able to experience hands-on teaching demonstrations and learn about student career paths into hospital emergency rooms, ambulance training, local agency, and military careers. In addition, in November, 2022, the COC Foundation Board of Directors voted to provide the EMT program with a grant of $2,000 to aid in the purchase of uniforms and books for students in the program. For more information about the COC EMT program, please visit the program’s page: www.canyons.edu/academics/emt/

www.cocfoundation.com | 5

Jack Oakie & Victoria Horne

Oakie Scholarship Event

at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center The College of the Canyons School of Visual & Performing Arts hosted the Jack Oakie & Victoria Horne Oakie Scholarship Event in October 2022, at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC). This event had the highest turnout ever, with 125 students in attendance, in addition to faculty and staff. For almost two decades, the Oakie Foundation has generously provided funding to COC students aspiring to careers in the arts. This year, a gift of $15,000 to support student scholarships was presented at this event. The legendary comedian Jack Oakie and his wife, esteemed actress Victoria Horne Oakie, ensured that their legacies would live on by providing future generations of aspiring actors, filmmakers, and artists with the resources needed to realize their educational and artistic potential. “We are thrilled to hold this event at the PAC this year, welcoming students to our mainstage to learn from Emmy Award-winning comedian, actor, producer, author, 6 | College of the Canyons Foundation Annual Report 2022-2023

writer, and comedy historian Wayne Federman,” said Jennifer Smolos Steele, dean of the School of Visual & Performing Arts and Artistic Director of the PAC. “As a cultural and educational institution, the Oakie Scholarship event is an outstanding opportunity for our students to gain insight from working professionals while simultaneously applying for scholarships to further their artistic aspirations.” “His credo was ‘Give the money to the kids,’ and that’s what we do, because that’s what Jack wanted,” said David Sonne, trustee of the Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne Oakie Charitable Foundation. The Foundation provides funding to students at USC, Syracuse University, and College of the Canyons. For more information about this scholarship opportunity and event, please visit the School of Visual & Performing Arts website or email Jennifer.smolos@canyons.edu.

Swing for Student Success! The COC Foundation held its 2022 Swing for Student Success! Golf Tournament at The Oaks at Valencia country club. Golfers began arriving at 7 a.m. to beat the heat. Before heading out onto the course, they enjoyed breakfast from Nealie’s Skillet, sponsored by Fredrick Little Construction Services. They had the opportunity to warm up on the driving range and participate in a putting contest sponsored by Keenan & Associates. There were plenty of opportunities to stay cool and hydrated on the course. American Family Funding provided cold margaritas on hole 5, and Finance of America sponsored a barbecue lunch. In addition, Pepsi Bottling Company and Pocock Brewing Company provided beverages that were placed around the course, and delivered on Snack Carts sponsored by UCLA Health. Following the 18 holes, golfers were treated to a reception and award ceremony, sponsored by Lundgren Management Corp. and H & S Electric. The fundraiser successfully raised nearly $60,000 for student success! This event was chaired by T. Meyer, Northwestern Mutual. Other members of the committee included Shawn Fonder (Fonder-Salari, Inc.), Shannon Mee (Egg Plantation), and Steve Corn (Newhall Escrow).

Scholarship Reception The College of the Canyons Foundation held a heartwarming reception in May 2023 to honor the exceptional students who received scholarships and to express their heartfelt gratitude to the generous donors who made these life-changing opportunities possible. Through the 2023 Canyons Scholarship Program, $336,800 in scholarships was distributed to 381 students, with the aim of alleviating the significant financial challenges associated with pursuing higher education. Among the 416 scholarships, 84 were proudly funded by the Associated Student Government, exemplifying a strong and unified commitment to supporting the academic aspirations of College of the Canyons students. The event, which took place in the Dr. Diane G. Van Hook University Center lobby, served as an invaluable platform for students to personally connect with and extend their heartfelt appreciation to the scholarship donors who have played a pivotal role in helping them achieve their educational dreams. We at the Foundation want to express our deepest gratitude to our scholarship donors. The scholarships that these students receive can be life changing. Even though the cost of tuition at COC is quite affordable, the cost of attendance (living expenses, books, equipment, etc.) can be burdensome. Students can utilize scholarship funds for things like books, rent, or even gas to get to and from class. If you would like to create a scholarship or donate to an existing scholarship, please contact the Foundation at 661-362-3434 or cocfoundation@canyons.edu.

www.cocfoundation.com | 7

Supporting the Arts

Patrons Making a Difference for Students At College of the Canyons Foundation, we believe in the power of the arts to inspire, educate, and transform lives. Thanks to the generosity of our valued Patrons of the Arts members, we’ve been able to provide remarkable opportunities for students in the 2022-2023 academic year. Student Sponsorships: Fueling Passion for the Arts Our Patrons of the Arts memberships have allowed us to sponsor students to attend a series of captivating performances, opening their minds to the wonders of music and creativity. Here’s a glimpse of what your support has accomplished: • The Doo Wop Project: A total of $1,170 sponsored 26 students, giving them the chance to experience the timeless harmonies of The Doo Wop Project. • Revisiting Creedence: With $1,260, we sent 21 students to relive the iconic music of Creedence Clearwater Revival. • Naturally 7: A sponsorship of $1,500 enabled 30 students to witness the incredible vocal talents of Naturally 7. • Jon Secada: Your contributions of $420 allowed 6 students to enjoy the melodic magic of Jon Secada. • Lisa Loeb: Thanks to $320 in sponsorships, 8 students had the opportunity to be inspired by the enchanting performance of Lisa Loeb. Master Class Sponsorships: Nurturing Artistic Growth In addition to attending exceptional performances, our students had the privilege of participating in master classes led by renowned artists and educators. Thanks to our Patrons of the Arts, we were able to fund master classes with Grammy-award-winning performer, songwriter, and producer Jon Secada and a capella group Naturally 7, with a total value of $8,000. These immersive experiences provide invaluable insights and hands-on learning experiences, empowering our students to hone their artistic talents.

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26th Annual Juried Student Awards: Celebrating Excellence We’re proud to announce that our 26th Annual Juried Student Awards recognized exceptional talent within our student community. The generous support from our Patrons of the Arts members allowed us to award a total of $5,250 to the following outstanding students: • Hannah Miscione • Elizabeth De Guzman • Amylee Baldwin • Myriam Castillo • Samantha Miranda

• Neal Lightfeldt • Adam Kanakri • Selina Cho • Zinnia Torres

These students have demonstrated outstanding dedication and skill in their artistic pursuits and your support has helped us celebrate their remarkable achievements. Thank You, Patrons of the Arts We are immensely grateful to our Patrons of the Arts for their continued support, which allows us to enrich the lives of our students and promote a lifelong love for the arts. Your contributions make a meaningful difference, enabling us to provide these unique opportunities that inspire creativity, cultural appreciation, and personal growth. Your support is the cornerstone of our success and we look forward to continuing this wonderful journey with you. Together we will nurture the next generation of artists, fostering a vibrant and thriving artistic community. If you would like to learn more about our Patrons of the Arts program or how you can further support our mission, please visit our website or contact our dedicated team. Thank you for being champions of the arts and advocates for the future of our students!

Congratulations to our 2023 Silver Spur Honorees! RANDY MOBERG & MITZI LIKE-MOBERG

he College of the Canyons Foundation was proud to host the 2023 Silver Spur Celebration and honor Randy Moberg and Mitzi Like-Moberg for their service to the College of the Canyons and the Santa Clarita Valley.

“Over the years, Randy and Mitzi have been steadfast and enthusiastic supporters of College of the Canyons and our mission to make higher education accessible to all,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “Their dedication and generous spirit distinguishes them as caring philanthropists and worthy recipients of the Silver Spur award. We are grateful for their generous support and we are proud to recognize their passion and efforts in service to our students.” As chief executive officer of LBW Insurance and Financial Services, Like-Moberg has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. Her business acumen has earned various accolades, including being named among Business Women of the Year and Business Women of the Decade by the San Fernando Valley Business Journal in 2009 and 2011, respectively. She currently serves as a board member for the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corp.

Moberg brings more than 30 years of operations experience with Fortune 100 companies to his role as chief operating officer at LBW. Selected as “Ultimate Male Medium Business Executive” by Elite Magazine, Moberg holds a certification in long-term care (CLTC) designation and a FINRA Series 7 registration. He earned his bachelor’s degree in financial management from California State University, Long Beach. As a current member of the COC Foundation Board of Directors, Moberg has been foundation chair, a longtime supporter of the college’s Patrons of the Arts program, and has served on the foundation’s Executive Committee, Finance Committee, and Planned Giving Committee. As a couple, Moberg and Like-Moberg have supported the Chancellor’s Circle program for more than 15 years and have co-chaired numerous Silver Spur committees. The event was held at the beautiful Zachari Dunes on Mandalay Beach in Oxnard on March 11, 2023. Auctioneer Mike Grigg and his team finessed the crowd and raised $23,175 for the COC Foundation and $16,500 for the Roger Van Hook Raising the BAR Student Achievement Fund.

www.cocfoundation.com | 9

College of the Canyons and the Santa Clarita Economic Development Center visit DrinkPAK On March 3rd 2023, College of the Canyons (COC) and the Santa Clarita Economic Development Center (SCVEDC) visited premiere West Coast contract manufacturer of premium beverages, DrinkPAK. CEO Nate Patena, President Jon Ballas, as well as Chris Akers, general manager, and Sam Serrano, senior vice president of operations gave a brief overview of everything that DrinkPAK does, and discussed their exponential growth in just a few short years here in Santa Clarita.

College of the Canyons Foundation Hosts First Annual 3x3 Basketball Tournament The COC Foundation hosted it’s first-ever 3x3 Basketball Tournament April 2023, raising $3,500 for a great cause. With 12 teams participating and a lively crowd cheering them on, the tournament was a day full of fun, sportsmanship, and community spirit. Whether you were a player or a spectator, you couldn’t help but feel the excitement in the air as teams battled it out on the court. And the best part? All the proceeds went directly to the COC Foundation, supporting scholarships and educational programs for students in need. So, stay tuned for next year’s tournament and join us as we come together for a great cause and a whole lot of fun! Thank you to Taylor Kellstrom and AJ Jaquez, as well as the players and sponsors, for a great event! We look forward to seeing you all again next year!

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The group then broke into several smaller groups who were given a tour of the manufacturing floor. As the most technologically advanced canned beverage facility in North America, DrinkPAK’s 24/7 operation is capable of producing 2.1 billion annual cans of: • Beers, hard seltzers, and malt-based drinks • Canned cocktails and spirits • Canned wines and sakes • Energy drinks and sodas • Seltzers and premium water • Juice drinks, coffees, and teas • Cocktail mixers In addition to the manufacturing of these beverages, DrinkPAK also provides warehouse space for their customers to rent. DrinkPAK provides jobs to more than 366 individuals from all over the Los Angeles area and beyond.

Roger Van Hook

Raising the BAR

Student Achievement Fund

hancellor Van Hook’s husband Roger was well known around our campuses, frequently attending Opening Days, Chancellor’s Circle, Silver Spur, Performing Arts Center shows, athletic events, and many other college celebrations and gatherings. He enjoyed volunteering as a guest speaker for the leadership in action program (LEAP) and professional development activities, and roasting and toasting Dianne at community events. Above all, he appreciated the chance to mentor students and employees alike. Doing so was a natural extension of his lifelong passion for teaching and his desire to help others realize their purpose and fulfill their passion to their success. Dianne is one of those former students who frequently states that she never would have been who she is without Roger challenging her to take the road less traveled and supporting her every step of the way. If you had the pleasure of meeting Roger, you know that he was uncommonly patient, exceptionally kind, and truly generous. He was a wonderful conversationalist with a fantastic sense of humor. Known for inviting others in and bringing people together, he was an excellent listener who was genuinely interested in what was going on with you. Roger was always generous with his time, and it meant so much to him that former students continued to seek his advice, often decades after leaving. Many employees at College of the Canyons also turned to him for wisdom and perspective, crediting his inspiration, encouragement, and support with expanding their vision of what they could accomplish in life. Roger left this world with grace on September 24, 2022, leaving a legacy of providing guidance and support to thousands of students – and leading them to success. Roger’s legacy will live on in the Roger Van Hook Raising the BAR (Believe, Achieve, Receive) Student Achievement Fund that the COC Foundation has established to provide resources for students in need to get beyond the barriers in the world, become successful, and JUST DO IT. It is our honor to help raise the funds for our students to be successful. Thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor, your donation will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $25,000. Your donation is an investment, and will make a huge difference in the lives of students at College of the Canyons. Student Quote “I think it a great resource to the students who are in need, because not everyone is able to replace things easily, especially things like computers and other expensive essentials. Everyone hopes they won't need that kind of help, but it's good to know it's there for those times you can't predict.” -Emily R. To learn more about the Roger Van Hook Raising the BAR Student Achievement Fund, please contact the COC Foundation at (661) 362-3434. www.cocfoundation.com | 11

2022 Chancellor’s Circle Dinner Chancellor’s Circle Members Enjoy New Student Services & Learning Resources Center Chancellor’s Circle members and guests enjoyed a sneak peek of the newest building on our Canyon Country Campus, the Student Services & Learning Resource Center (SSLRC), at the 2022 Chancellor’s Circle Dinner. The evening began with cocktails and music in the Library. Guests then moved into the TLC for dinner catered by Wolf Creek with a menu created by COC Culinary Arts graduate Evelyn Contreras. Dr. Ryan Theule, vice president of the Canyon Country Campus, opened the program with highlights of the campus, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary! Foundation Board Chair Tamara Gurney thanked everyone for their dedication to the Foundation and the College, and board member Jill Mellady, who also chairs the Chancellor’s Circle and Marketing committees, shared how Chancellor’s Circle Memberships benefit students. In addition, Dr. Van Hook’s husband Roger Van Hook was recognized for his support of College of the Canyons, and the fund named in his honor, the Roger Van Hook Raising the BAR Fund, was introduced. The evening’s theme was “Spring Forward to What’s Ahead,” and Chancellor Dr. Van Hook touched on the college’s recent accomplishments, and its plans to enhance services to students and continue fostering community partnerships. “Our theme tonight illustrates the spirit that has guided us through the last three years: staying focused on what’s important, caring about our people, our students, and the community, and finding a way around barriers and obstacles so we could get where we are today,” Dr. Van Hook said. “That belief 12 | College of the Canyons Foundation Annual Report 2022-2023

in possibilities we could not yet see, along with determination, resilience, stick-to-it-iveness, and can-do attitude are characteristics for which College of the Canyons is known. They fuel a mindset of belief that enables us to move forward and reach our goals and remain undaunted in the face of challenges.” COC student Ciara Asberry, who is also an employee at the college’s Intercultural Center, shared what a difference college clubs and programs made for her. She credited the Black Student Alliance and Ujima Scholars program, along with the Institutional Effectiveness and Inclusive Excellence and Equity Minded Practitioners committees, as well as the Continuing Business Program Scholarship and Basic Needs Center (BaNC) with being critical to her success as a student. “If it wasn’t for all of the folks in these groups who I am so indebted to I would not be standing here in front of you today, being the first in my family with a college degree and on the way to getting more,” she said. Choral Singers from the School of Visual and Performing Arts entered the TLC. They performed four beautiful a cappella numbers at the direction of Music Professor Lori Marie Rios. Jill Mellady closed the evening speaking about the newest fund at the Foundation, the Roger Van Hook Raising the BAR (Believe, Achieve, Receive) Student Success Fund, which was created to help students meet their needs not covered by traditional scholarships. For more information about joining Chancellor’s Circle, or donating to this fund, please call (661) 362-3434.

Michele Jenkins | 1951-2023

An Alumna’s Heartfelt Dedication to College of the Canyons Michele Jenkins, a distinguished alumna of the College of the Canyons (COC), stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Not only did she and her husband establish their academic foundation at COC, but their journey from the halls of the college to successful careers fueled Michele’s unwavering commitment to giving back. Reflecting on her own COC experience, Michele expressed gratitude for the pivotal role the institution played in her life. “My husband and I were both the first in our families to graduate from college. We began attending College of the Canyons in 1969. We were very young, newly married with a child, and working full-time. Had it not been for COC and the encouragement and support we received, I’m not sure we would have achieved all that we have,” she shared. Following their time at COC, Michele and her husband continued their educational journey, transferring to UCLA. Michele further pursued her passion for counseling, earning a master’s degree, while her husband successfully graduated from medical school. Having lived in the Santa Clarita Valley since 1964, Michele became an integral part of the community. She served as a COC Foundation Board Member, and since 1984, she has served as a dedicated member of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees. Additionally, Michele devoted 11 years to the California Community College Trustees state board of directors, actively participating in committees and task forces supporting the California Community Colleges. “Michele has always been a trailblazer, taking the first step to make a difference in the lives of others. Her commitment extends beyond words, as she actively supported various initiatives aimed at enhanc-

ing the COC experience,” said COC Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook Michele was the first person to establish a life insurance policy exclusively for College of the Canyons. In 1987, Michele created this policy and made the College of the Canyons Foundation the owner and beneficiary. She then allocated a portion of her annual donation to pay for the premiums on the policy. The areas Michele identified for support include: emergency grants for students facing unforeseen financial challenges, investing in the growth and expertise of COC faculty members, providing financial assistance to deserving students, and supporting initiatives that engage COC with the broader community. Michele unfortunately passed away on February 6, 2023 at the age of 72. She left behind a loving family, many friends, and a community that will be forever grateful for all of the hard work and leadership she gave so freely. Michele’s call to action echoes the sentiment that giving back to one’s alma mater is not only a moral obligation but a rewarding endeavor that contributes to the continued success of future generations. Her tireless dedication to College of the Canyons serves as an inspiration for alumni and students alike. She exuded the notion that being a responsible, contributing citizen can have a profound impact on one’s community, and she showed this through her tireless volunteerism and philanthropic support. If you would like to learn more about creating a Planned Gift, please contact Jerry De Felice at (661) 362-3433 or jerry.defelice@canyons.edu.

College of the Canyons Foundation thanks the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation for their generous gift We are thrilled to share that the College of the Canyons Foundation recently received a generous $40,000 grant from the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation. The grant will fund scholarships, faculty innovation, and provide equipment to the nursing program. • Scholarships for Students: $10,000 has been allocated to fund scholarships for deserving students from the Santa Clarita Valley. We believe in the importance of supporting and investing in the education of our local students, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder their pursuit of academic excellence. • Faculty Innovation Grants: Another $10,000 has been designated to foster faculty innovation within our college. Faculty members are at the heart of our institution’s success, and this grant will empower them to explore new teaching methodologies, research opportunities, and projects that will enrich the educational experience for our students. • Medication Dispenser for the Nursing Program: $20,000 has been earmarked to purchase a state-of-the-art Pyxis Medication Dispenser for our nursing program. It will provide students with practical

training opportunities, ensuring they develop critical skills in medication management and patient safety, thereby enhancing their competence and confidence in the field. We are immensely grateful to the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation for their generous support and commitment to higher education. Their philanthropic contribution will directly impact the lives of our students and the advancement of our faculty’s teaching and research endeavors. At College of the Canyons, we strive to create a nurturing and enriching environment that enables our students to thrive and succeed. This grant from the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation aligns perfectly with our vision and reaffirms our dedication to providing exceptional educational opportunities for our community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Henry Mayo Newhall Foundation for their investment in our college and their belief in the transformative power of education. Together, we will continue to make a positive difference in the lives of our students and the communities we serve.

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Meet the

Staff

Jerry De Felice, Chief Development Officer Jerry serves as the senior fundraiser for the Santa Clarita Community College District and oversees multiple programs to engage donors, alumni and the community. Mr. De Felice’s current responsibilities include developing, implementing, and overseeing a comprehensive fund development program aimed at identifying, qualifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding major gift prospects and donors. Previously, Jerry served as director of development for the Division of Student Affairs at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), which followed several years of service in student outreach and recruitment. Jerry’s work as the director of development also included support for the Educational Opportunity Program as well as periodic support for CSUN Athletics. De Felice has an extensive background in university recruitment, advisement, counseling, public relations, management and strategy. Jerry earned his B.S. in Business Administration and a master’s degree in educational administration from CSUN.

Desiree Dodd, Director of Development & Engagement Desiree serves as the director of development and engagement at the College of the Canyons Foundation. With over 20 years of experience working within the field of philanthropy, Desiree’s roles in various organizations have provided her with wide-ranging skills and extensive knowledge. In her current role, Desiree helps support campus fundraising efforts, interfacing with both donors and campus colleagues, aiming to advance philanthropy and student support. Desiree’s prior roles include serving as the donor and member services supervisor for University Relations and Advancement at California State University, Northridge, development manager of special events at Junior Achievement of Southern California, and a supervisor at the American Red Cross. Desiree’s expertise in the areas of donor relations, gift management, fundraising development, and special event planning can be attributed to her “can-do” personality and willingness to continually learn and take on new tasks and challenges. Desiree received her bachelor’s degree in consumer affairs from CSUN.

14 | College of the Canyons Foundation Annual Report 2022-2023

Shawna Lubs, Chief Operating Officer Shawna serves as the chief operating officer for the Foundation. She works closely with the Foundation Board of Directors to ensure that the Foundation’s strategic plan is implemented. She also does the marketing for the Foundation, and works with many areas on campus to ensure that things are running as smoothly as possible. Previously, Ms. Lubs worked for over 20 years in disability services in Michigan and in California. She most recently served as a community services supervisor for the North Los Angeles County Regional Center. Her years of service provided her with experience in organizational psychology, development, fundraising, and non-profit leadership. Shawna earned her B.A. in psychology from Central Michigan University, and her MBA in organizational psychology and development from American InterContinental University.

Cassidy Butow With a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sociology from Cal State Northridge, Cassidy’s education background shines through in her understanding of the needs and aspirations of students. As a proud College of the Canyons alumna herself, Cassidy has a deep connection to our institution and the incredible impact it has on its students. Not only has Cassidy been a part of the Santa Clarita community for 30 years, but she also has more than 5 years of valuable experience working in higher education at CSUN. Her expertise in event coordination and her dedication to providing exceptional experiences make her the perfect fit for this role.

Melayn Poladian Melayn is the Foundation relations coordinator. In this role, she performs accounting work, financial analysis, and reporting, as well as specialized administrative and clerical functions in support of Foundation programs and budgets. She also maintains responsibility for constituent management, advancement services, and revenue processing for the department. Prior to College of the Canyons, Melayn worked for 20 years at CSUN as a prospect research analyst. In this role, she supported the fundraising team by providing in-depth research profiles and event briefings, and identifying new fundraising prospects. Melayn has spent her entire career working in the nonprofit sector. She majored in psychology at Utah State University.

Board of Directors COC Foundation Board Honors Dr. Van Hook for 35 Years of Service On June 22, 2023, the COC Foundation held their annual Board Installation Dinner at The CUBE Ice Rink in Santa Clarita. This event celebrated current board members for their time, dedication, and philanthropy, and also served as a time to install three new board members, AJ Jaquez, Matt Sreden, and George Reyes. Fred Arnold and Gary Horton were also installed as Board Chair and Co-chair, respectively. In addition, the Foundation Board of Directors presented Dr. Dianne Van Hook with a letter, a photo book, and an award for her 35 years of service to College of the Canyons. With 35 years at the helm of College of the Canyons, Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook is the longest-serving CEO in the California Community College system.

Board Members: Dawn Abasta

Gary Horton

T Meyer

Fred Arnold

Arnoldo (A.J.) Jaquez Jr.

Randy Moberg

Lisa Burke

Mark Jenkins

George Reyes

Sharlene Coleal

Sharlene Johnson (Duzick)

Doreen Shine

Steve Corn

Taylor Kellstrom

Joyce Shulman

Thomas Dierckman

Jenny Ketchepaw

Matt Sreden

Diane Fiero

Brian Koegle

Heather Stewart

Shawn Fonder

Mike Lebecki

Ryan Theule

Bruce Fortine

Shawna Lubs

Jeff Thomas

Tamara Gurney

Ed Masterson

Omar Torres

William Harwood

Jill Mellady

Dianne G. Van Hook www.cocfoundation.com | 15

26455 Rockwell Canyon Road • Santa Clarita, CA 91355 • Phone: (661) 362-3434

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