College of the Canyons Foundation
2024–2025
College of the Canyons Foundation 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Canyons.edu/Foundation (661) 362-3434
Executive Director: Shawna Mann
Design: Ignacio Soto
Photography: Stephanie Corral, Marissa Kneissel, Brooke Ritter
Photography
Writing: Shawna Mann, Dylan Mahoney
Cover Photos: Marissa Kneissel
As I reflect on this past year at the College of the Canyons Foundation, I’m filled with pride and gratitude for our students, our community, and the momentum we’re building together.
Since 2021, our assets have grown by an incredible 51%. That number represents more than just financial strength; it reflects a growing belief in what we do and a shared commitment to create a better future for thousands of students. Our endowments are stronger, our reach is broader, and our ambition is soaring.
This year, we gathered for an unforgettable, record-breaking Silver Spur, where generations came together to honor a leader who has shaped so much of our region’s philanthropic spirit. We also teed off at our annual Golf Tournament, raising funds in support of our incredible students. And we continued awarding scholarships that remove barriers and open doors—reminders of the real lives transformed by your generosity.
It’s the people who make this work matter. Whether you attended an event, made a gift, or simply shared our story, you helped move this mission forward. Your belief in the power of education fuels everything we do.
Thank you for standing with us. I can’t wait to see what we’ll build together next!
All the best,
Shawna Mann Executive Director College of the
Canyons Foundation
The College of the Canyons Foundation continues to demonstrate strong financial stewardship and a commitment to long-term student success through the growth of its endowed assets. As of this year, the Foundation manages 93 endowed funds with over $4 million in total assets—representing an extraordinary 51% increase in value since 2021. These endowments are more than just financial instruments; they are lasting legacies of generosity and belief in the power of education. Each endowed fund consists of donated assets designated for a specific purpose, such as scholarships, academic programs, or department support. The principal remains intact, while a portion of the earnings is made available each year to support not only today’s students, but future generations as well.
The Foundation combines all endowed gifts into a professionally managed, diversified investment pool, maximizing returns through careful oversight in partnership with Raymond James. Each endowment is created through a formal agreement between the Foundation and the donor, or by Board resolution, and requires a minimum commitment of $10,000—payable either as a lump sum or over five years. With this dynamic model and a commitment to financial transparency, the Foundation continues to grow its endowment program as a key strategy for expanding opportunity, access, and excellence at College of the Canyons.
93 ENDOWED FUNDS
51% INCREASE IN VALUE SINCE 2021
$4 MILLION TOTAL ASSETS
On May 17, the College of the Canyons Foundation proudly hosted its 33rd Annual Silver Spur Celebration at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena, where Marlee Means Lauffer was honored with the 2025 Silver Spur Award for her extraordinary commitment to the Santa Clarita Valley and her continued support of College of the Canyons.
The evening was a record-breaking success — elegant in its presentation, powerful in its message, and moving in its impact. A stunning room adorned in regal purple, Lauffer’s favorite color, set the tone for a celebration filled with joy and inspiration. As the Foundation’s highest honor, the Silver Spur Award is given annually to an individual or group who has advanced the mission of College of the Canyons and improved the lives of those throughout our region. In her decades of service to the Santa Clarita Valley, Lauffer has done just that: shaping the growth of local institutions and uplifting countless lives through her philanthropic and civic leadership.
Her legacy of support for COC runs deep. A former Patron of the Arts, she has contributed to numerous initiatives, including the capital campaigns for the University Center, the Culinary Arts and Wine Studies Programs, and more. She has also played a key role on fundraising committees supporting some of the college’s most notable expansions.
“Marlee’s contributions to our community — and especially to the health and well-being of our region — are truly extraordinary,” said Gary
Horton, Chair of the COC Foundation Board. “She has been a steadfast champion of collaboration between College of the Canyons and Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital, offering vital support for our nursing program and helping to raise critical funds for student success.”
In fact, the evening’s attendees came together to raise over $100,000 – a COC Foundation Fund-ANeed record – in support of the new Marlee Lauffer Nursing Scholarship Endowment, a testament to Lauffer’s impact on healthcare and education in the region. The endowed scholarship will provide lasting support for COC nursing students, advancing both careers and community care for generations to come.
From her early leadership at Newhall Land, where she helped build the master-planned community of Valencia, to her many roles on nonprofit and business advisory boards, Lauffer has helped shape the very institutions that define the Santa Clarita Valley. A founding director of the Bank of Santa Clarita and past chair of the SCV Chamber of Commerce, she currently serves on the Supervisory Committee for Logix Federal Credit Union and remains deeply involved with the SCV Economic Development Corporation.
“I’ve long championed COC’s growth and expansion as it strives to be an outstanding place for students of all ages to learn and prosper,” Lauffer shared. “It is such an honor to be recognized by its Foundation for my commitment to our community. I am especially grateful that the event supported COC’s outstanding nursing program, which benefits our hospital and the entire region.”
As the evening drew to a close, guests watched a personal tribute video celebrating Lauffer’s life and legacy, culminating in a standing ovation that echoed the night’s theme: appreciation, admiration, and, most importantly, action.
Marlee Means Lauffer’s story exemplifies the values that the Silver Spur Award represents — a tireless commitment to the Santa Clarita Valley community. Her legacy, now permanently etched into the story of College of the Canyons, will continue to inspire generations to come.
On October 28, 2024, the College of the Canyons Foundation hosted its annual “Swing for Student Success” Golf Tournament at the beautiful Valencia Country Club, proudly presented by NE Systems. The event brought together community leaders, local businesses, and golf enthusiasts for a day of camaraderie all in support of student success at College of the Canyons.
Led by Foundation Board Members Shawn Fonder and T. Meyer, the tournament upheld its reputation as one of the Foundation’s most anticipated fundraising events. Golfers enjoyed an energizing start with breakfast and driving range access before hitting the course for a spirited shotgun start.
A standout feature of the day was the addition of creative themed holes, which brought an extra dose of fun and friendly competition to the greens. Highlights included a Longest Drive challenge in collaboration with the COC Golf Team, and a wildly popular Corn-Hole station, where players entered a tournament within the tournament for a chance to win a grand prize.
Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and participants, the 2024 tournament raised over $79,000. These funds help the Foundation remove financial barriers for students, enabling them to focus on their academic goals and thrive both in and out of the classroom.
With community spirit, inventive course experiences, and life-changing giving, the 2024 “Swing for Student Success” Golf Tournament was a resounding success — proving once again that when our community comes together, students win.
Presenting Sponsor:
This fall, the College of the Canyons Art Gallery came alive with nostalgia during a special Disney Gala exhibition, thanks to the vision of Foundation Board Member and Earth and Space Sciences Chair Jeremy Patrich. Featuring a lifetime collection of original animation sketches and rare memorabilia—spanning from Snow White to Disney’s CalArts collaborations of the 1990s—this one-of-a-kind showcase drew crowds of students, faculty, and community members alike.
For Professor Patrich, who has worked part-time at Disney for nearly two decades, the exhibit was more than a display. “I’ve worked with Disney animators and designers for years,” he shared. “This was a chance to let students witness the evolution of animation up close and to honor the women artists whose contributions too often went uncredited.”
COC’s own Mindy Johnson, acclaimed author of Ink & Paint: The Women of Walt Disney’s Animation, helped contextualize the exhibition’s impact: “From tapered brushwork to character model sheets, this was a masterclass in classic cel animation.”
We’re proud to note that exhibitions like this are made possible by the generosity of our Patrons of the Arts donors at College of the Canyons. Their investment not only helps us bring rare and high-caliber exhibits to campus but also ensures that students from all backgrounds have access to enriching cultural experiences without ever needing to leave the Santa Clarita Valley.
Thanks to our Patrons, the COC Art Gallery continues to serve as a living classroom where creativity and academic inquiry intersect. Whether it’s original Disney animation cels, nationally recognized artists, or student-curated showcases, this support allows us to create opportunities that celebrate diverse voices and elevate the college’s role as a cultural hub for the entire region.
On March 29, the entry lobby of the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center overflowed with gratitude as the College of the Canyons Foundation hosted its annual Scholarship Awards Celebration. The evening brought together scholarship recipients and the donors who made their dreams possible, transforming a ceremonial event into a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of education. This year, 242 students were awarded more than $265,000 in direct-to-student scholarships. For many, this support was the deciding factor in whether college was attainable. It’s a reality we hear often: tuition may be manageable, but the often-forgotten
costs of college include books, transportation, childcare, housing, and the loss of income from reduced work hours. Most COC students juggle classes with jobs, and often caregiving responsibilities. These scholarships do more than ease financial strain — they restore focus, reduce anxiety, and reaffirm the belief that someone is rooting for their success.
Guests shared dinner and meaningful conversations, with donors and students seated side by side, bonding over shared hopes and humble beginnings. At one table, a young man spoke excitedly about his acceptance to UC Berkeley. Nearby, another student beamed with pride as she prepared to transfer to Cal
Poly San Luis Obispo. These stories, full of drive and potential, are the real outcome of donor generosity.
One such story is that of scholarship recipient Austion Taylor-Uku. Austion grew up in foster care; despite a path filled with hardship, he saw education, coupled with his relentless ambition, as his lifeline. He worked multiple jobs, received incredible grades, and earned a scholarship from the Assistance League of Santa Clarita. On the evening of the scholarship reception, he sat proudly — the embodiment of perseverance and possibility – as a future Shondaland intern and incoming CSUN student.
Guest speakers included Liz Seelman of Edison International, a longtime corporate supporter of student scholarships, and Shanice Chelsea Conson, a graduating nursing student and Academy of the Canyons alumna. Shanice, an aspiring labor and delivery nurse, spoke about the compassion that fueled her journey through the rigorous COC Nursing Program. Her words reminded the audience that while scholarships fund education, they also fund futures in service to others.
Executive Director Shawna Mann expressed what so many felt that evening: “I love seeing all of the students come together and celebrate the
accomplishment of earning a scholarship — and then connecting them with the person, family, or foundation who made it possible. It results in some of the most meaningful moments we see all year.”
This past fiscal year, the College of the Canyons Foundation distributed over $700,000 in total support, including scholarships, program funding, athletics, and essential services. Behind every dollar is a donor’s belief in what’s possible, and a student who rises to meet that belief with hard work, grit, and gratitude.
As the sun set on an evening of celebration and reflection, one theme echoed in every corner of the room: the power of generosity.
Whether you’re a long-time donor or a grateful student, we invite you to consider making a gift to the College of the Canyons Foundation. Every dollar — large or small — helps open doors for future students, just as someone opened a door for you.
Students, when you’re able, remember this moment. Your gift can help the next student take that first step, just like you did.
Let’s keep the circle of generosity going.
Professor John Anthony Turturro wasn’t just a teacher–he was a mentor, a leader, and, perhaps most importantly, a champion of education. For 20 years, across 3 campuses, he entertained and ignited the spirits of countless students. An integral part of the Architecture and Design Department at College of the Canyons, John found his true passion in the quiet, everyday “lightbulb” moments with his students. As his wife Karen puts it, he loved spending his time trying to reach “those on the perimeter.”
“John saw education as a bridge for meaningful and joyful lives.”
–Jason Oliver, Department Chair
A UCLA alum and award-winning architect, communication and consideration were among the most important aspects of his work, which spanned from designing furniture to celebrity homes. While he was originally interested in political science, John pivoted to architecture after a lightbulb moment of his own in Los Angeles during the 1984 Olympics. He quickly took on a complete approach to the form, and eventually founded his own design business, Turturro Design Studio. Throughout his career, he engaged in research, authored books, and
voraciously studied the art form. A student himself, he found his true calling in teaching.
John loved to make his students laugh. Working stints at both Ventura College and Woodbury University, John eventually landed at College of the Canyons – which became his home for over 12 years. While at the College, he fostered invaluable relationships with various faculty, staff, and students. His genuine intention to inspire left indelible marks on numerous members of the campus community, including Jason Oliver.
Ultimately, John wanted to help build a better world, where education was accessible and dreams could become reality. And he did just that, helping hundreds of students lead successful careers in architecture and design.
“Supporting students on their educational journey is incredibly meaningful to me. It was John’s wish and our way of leaving the world a better place...as far as I’m concerned, that’s the price of admission.”
remove barriers to education and open doors for generations to come. After his passing, Karen and her brother, John Donato, granted John’s wish of creating a scholarship and program endowment – founding the John Turturro Architecture and Design Endowments. Shortly after establishing the endowments, the two saw an opportunity to honor John’s legacy on an even greater scale—by naming a space on campus in his memory.
–Karen, wife of John
John passed away in 2024, at the age of 62, after a fight with metastatic cancer. According to Karen, education was everything to John. A visionary at heart, he devoted himself to shaping a legacy that would
Last May, the John Turturro Lab opened. The lab has since become a haven for students looking to express their creativity in a myriad of ways: 3D printing, architectural design, and the use of cutting-edge technology. Together, the John Turturro Lab and Architecture and Design Endowments will work to support the creative spirit of College of the Canyons, preserving a space where innovators across the Santa Clarita Valley can come together, and celebrating a lifelong architect of student success and opportunity.
This year, the College of the Canyons Foundation mourns the loss of four remarkable individuals whose passion, leadership, and generosity left an enduring mark on our college and community. We honor their memory with gratitude and commit to carrying forward the values they embodied so fully. Their contributions will continue to inspire the work of the Foundation for years to come.
Myrna Condie leaves behind a legacy of generosity and service to College of the Canyons. In 2005, the College named the Myrna R. Condie Costume Shop at the Performing Arts Center in her honor—a tribute to her tireless support for the arts and student creativity. Myrna, alongside her late husband Gary, was celebrated with the prestigious Silver Spur Award in 2010 for their commitment to the College and community. A proud alumna, former Foundation Board Member, and member of the Culinary Arts Campaign Committee, Myrna’s enduring impact is felt in every costume stitched, every curtain raised, and every student inspired to follow their passion.
Dr. X.X. “Skip” Newhall, former member of the Foundation Board of Directors, was a steadfast supporter of College of the Canyons and a valued member of the extended Newhall legacy of civic engagement in the Santa Clarita Valley. With humility and vision, he supported educational advancement and community service throughout his life, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, generosity, and lasting impact.
A cherished former member of the Foundation Board of Directors and a proud Silver Spur recipient, Diana Cusumano was a tireless champion of the culinary arts at College of the Canyons. Her advocacy and leadership played a pivotal role in the creation and success of the Institute for Culinary Education (iCUE), ensuring students had access to professional training and transformative opportunities. Her legacy lives on through the newly-named Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Building, the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Endowed Program Fund, the Cusumano Family and Friends Endowed Scholarship Fund, and in every student who finds their passion in the kitchen she helped build.
Steve Zimmer served as past Chair and Vice Chair of the Foundation Board of Directors and as a Trustee on the College of the Canyons Board of Trustees. A dedicated steward of access and excellence in education, Steve brought wisdom, integrity, and dedicated commitment to every role he held. His thoughtful leadership helped shape the Foundation’s mission and growth, and his absence is deeply felt across our campus and boardroom alike.
Since joining the Foundation in 2021, Shawna Mann has brought a passion for organizational excellence and a sharp eye for strategy. With over two decades of experience in disability services and an MBA in organizational psychology, Shawna is known for her operational leadership and systems-focused thinking. She is an avid concertgoer, roller-derby enthusiast, and lifelong learner. A proud mother of two, both of whom are currently enrolled at COC, Shawna leads with both heart and insight, ensuring the Foundation’s mission remains focused and impactful.
Melayn Poladian has spent her career serving the nonprofit sector, where her talent for communication and coordination has been instrumental in connecting people to purpose. In addition to her role at the Foundation, she owns a successful interpreting company, furthering her belief in the power of language and cross-cultural understanding. Married for 36 years and the proud mother of four, Melayn brings warmth, heart, and dedication to her work every day.
With 25 years of experience in philanthropy, Desiree Dodd brings both depth and breadth to her role overseeing donor engagement and development strategy. Her expertise spans major gifts, donor relations, and community partnerships. A graduate of CSUN with a degree in Consumer Affairs, Desiree is also a proud member of Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley and board member of the CLASS Foundation. She lives in Canyon Country with her husband, Mike, and their daughter, Ellie, and is passionate about building relationships that drive transformational giving.
A recent UCLA alumnus with a background in entertainment marketing, Dylan Mahoney transitioned into the role of Events and Marketing Coordinator after serving as the Foundation’s Administrative Assistant. With a strong creative sensibility and a deep commitment to the Foundation’s mission, Dylan now leads our event planning, digital strategy, and social media outreach. His energy, vision, and attention to detail help ensure that our programs engage the community and reflect the impact of our work.
Together, this dynamic team advances the Foundation’s mission to provide access to affordable, high-quality education at College of the Canyons. Their combined expertise, creativity, and compassion are instrumental in transforming lives—one student, one story, one gift at a time.
Gary Horton, MBA, Chair
Chief Executive Officer
Landscape Development
Shawna Mann, MBA, Executive Director
Chief Executive Officer
College of the Canyons Foundation
Dawn Abasta
Senior VP of Commercial Lines
LBW Insurance and Financial Services
Steve Corn
Retired Chief Executive Officer
Newhall Escrow Company
Tom Dierckman
Retired Senior Vice President
Newhall Land and Farming
Shawn Fonder
Chief Executive Officer and Executive Vice President, Project Development Fonder-Salari Inc.
Bruce Fortine
Retired Trustee and Founder College of the Canyons
Tamara Gurney
Chief Operating Officer
Mission Valley Bank
William Harwood
Instrumentation Engineer
Nominal
Malik Jackson
Retired NFL Pro Bowler and Chief Executive Officer
The Care League
Arnoldo “A.J.” Jaquez
District Manager
Farmers Insurance
Jason Hinkle, MBA, Treasurer Owner
Santa Clarita Soccer Center
Lisa Burke, Finance Chair President
Santa Clarita Concessions
Joyce Carson, Audit Chair
Retired Teacher
Sulphur Springs School District
Taylor Kellstrom
Real Estate Agent
Taylor Kellstrom Real Estate
Brian Koegle, J.D.
Managing Partner
Koegle Law Group APC
Jesse McClure
Owner
Country Antique Fair Mall
Jill Mellady President
Mellady Direct Marketing
Terrence “T” Meyer Jr., CLTC
Wealth Management Advisor
Northwestern Mutual
Leticia Meza-Guerrero
Senior Vice President, Retail Banking and Loan Center
Logix Federal Credit Union
Karina Momary, Ed.D., Principal
Bishop Alemany High School
Randy Moberg, CLTC
Chief Operating Officer
LBW Insurance and Financial Services
Jeremy Patrich, MS Professor and Department Chair
College of the Canyons
George Reyes, MBA
Director of Wealth Management and Planning
Stern, Kory, Sreden, and Morgan AAC (SKSM)
Jasmine Ruys, Ed.D. Interim Superintendent-President College of the Canyons
Scott Schauer Owner
Santa Clarita Soccer Center
Doreen Shine Retired Real Estate Agent
Joyce Shulman, Ph.D. Counselor and Psychologist
Matt Sreden
Senior Vice President
Spectrum Commercial Real Estate
Cindy Stephens, MA Professor College of the Canyons
Paul Wickline, Ed.D. Associate Vice President, Canyon Country Campus College of the Canyons
