Letter from the Interim
Superintendent/President
As you thumb through this inaugural issue of our new magazine, you’ll find helpful information about the many programs, events and services that College of the Canyons is proud to offer to the community.
My hope is that these pages will not only inform, but also inspire you to take advantage of the opportunities available to you at your community college.
In a word, that’s what we create at College of the Canyons: Opportunity. It begins with the opportunity to learn, and that comes in many forms. Our highly regarded academic programs leading to university transfer and career opportunities are available through classes on campus and in flexible online formats. Other options for learning include certifications and advanced degrees in the University Center, hands-on opportunities for mastering a new skill or hobby, and even career exploration camps for middle and high school students.
The Performing Arts Center offers the opportunity for entertainment, both by world-class performers, as well as our talented students whose singing, dancing, acting and playing will carry them into professional careers of their own.
With 17 intercollegiate athletic teams at College of the Canyons, you also have the opportunity to cheer. Join us on campus and support the Cougars as they compete and win on the field, on the court, and in the pool.
In addition, the opportunity to make a difference can be found by partnering with the College of the Canyons Foundation. You can help remove barriers to education and expand access to learning by investing in scholarships and other foundation initiatives that help our students succeed.
While the opportunities at College of the Canyons are many, the next step is up to you. I invite you to take advantage of the opportunity that will best help you reach your goal, whatever it might be.
And as you do, remember that we’re here to help. Part of our mission is taking every opportunity we can to assist you along the way. We look forward to seeing you make the most of what College of the Canyons offers, and celebrating your ultimate success.
Sincerely,
David C. Andrus, J.D. Interim Superintendent/President
Echo is published by the College of the Canyons Public Information Office to inform the community of college events, programs and services of interest to residents of the Santa Clarita Community College District.
College of the Canyons Canyon Country Campus
17200 Sierra Highway
Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 362-3800
Valencia Campus
26455 Rockwell Canyon Road
Santa Clarita, CA 91355 (661) 259-7800 www.canyons.edu
Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees
Dr. Edel Alonso
Mr. Fred Arnold
Dr. Carlos Guerrero
Ms. Sharlene Johnson
Ms. Darlene Trevino
Interim Superintendent/ President
David C. Andrus, J.D.
Vice President, Public Information, Advocacy & External Relations
Eric Harnish
Associate Vice President, District Communications
John Green
Editorial Team
Stephanie Corral
Jesse Munoz
Wendy Trujillo
Photos
Stephanie Corral
Marissa Kneisel
Layout & Design
Evelyn Cox
Nick Pavik
Thank you to College of the Canyons faculty, staff and administrators for their contibutions to this magazine.
NEED MONEY 4 COLLEGE?
we believe that a great education doesn’t have to be a great expense! That’s why our Financial Aid Office works to help you funding to help you achieve your academic and
Whether you’re seeking fee waivers, grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study here to guide you every step of the way.
Fee waivers like the California Promise Grant can waive enrollment fees entirely, while Stafford student loans and Parent PLUS loans can give you the financial boost you need to get to the finish line.
Prefer to earn while you learn? The Federal Work-Study program connects you with flexible on-campus jobs tailored to your while our spring Scholarship Awards program allows you to apply for dozens of scholarships with just application.
started, complete either the FAFSA or the Act application. You can access both applications through the QR code below.
WE’RE HERE TO
Our dedicated Financial team is available to on both the Valencia Canyon Country campuses Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to You can also call (661) 362-3215 or email finaid@canyons.edu
California College Promise Grant: Qualifying students may receive a waiver so they do not have to pay college enrollment fees.
Federal Grants: Receive money for college that does not have to be paid back.
Student Loans: Qualifying COC students have access to a variety of repayable funding sources, including Direct Loans and Parent PLUS loans.
Federal Work-Study: Earn money toward your enrollment fees by working flexible hours on campus.
opportunities, complete your Free Application Aid (FAFSA), using school code 008903 www.FAFSA.gov
California Dream Act Application at www.dream.csac.ca.gov
INTERESTED IN SCHOLARSHIPS?
Scholarship opportunities can be found by visiting www.canyons.edu/money4college and clicking on the “Types” tab. In addition, every spring you can fill out one application to be considered for close to 100 scholarships offered through our COC Scholarship Awards program. The next application period opens in February 2026.
2025-2026 Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center
This fall, the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center Spotlight Series will feature a diverse lineup of talented musicians and performers spanning the genres of swing, pop-rock, and magic, which is sure to enthrall family members of all ages.
The season also includes numerous performances from students and faculty in the Music, Theatre, and Dance Departments within the School of Visual & Performing Arts, as well as performances from community groups.
Band Light September 20 at 7 p.m.
Hailing from Nashville, The Band Light is a pop-rock group comprised of Jack Glenn, Konnor Dolberry, Garrett Goodrich, and Trevor Young. The group has become known for their old-soul musicality, captivating star power, and fresh sound that draws from classic rock.
Series
Chris Funk
The Wonderist
October 10 at 7 p.m.
Chris Funk The Wonderist is more than just a magic show –it is an engaging multimedia experience that relies on the use of instruments and livefeed cameras and interactive videos. Whether it’s a violin concerto to a magical dancing sheet of music, to impossibly suspending various instruments on stage, Chris Funk The Wonderist is an act not to be missed.
PHAT CAT SWINGER
November 8 at 8 p.m.
Led by Marco Palos and his partner-in-crime, “American Idol” runner-up Blake Lewis, Phat Cat Swinger is the ultimate pop/ hard-swing band that blends rock, swing, and jazz. With a powerhouse 11-piece group, their performances are nothing short of legendary. The raw energy they bring to the stage never fails to bring audience members to their feet.
PHYSICAL THERAPIST ASSISTANT
PROGRAM LAUNCH IN FALL 2025
new healthcare career training opportunity will be available to students this fall, with the College of the Canyons Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program having been granted Candidate for Accreditation status by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.
The program is eligible to move forward with enrolling its first 28-student cohort and will prepare students to work under physical therapists and assist patients in recovering from injuries, managing chronic conditions, and improving mobility.
“This is a transformative moment for our college and community,” said Dr. David Pevsner, director of the PTA program. “Our program will offer an affordable, high-quality pathway to a rewarding career in a rapidly growing field, and we’re excited to welcome our first cohort of future physical therapist assistants.”
The five-semester program will utilize three state-of-the-art laboratory spaces designed to simulate hospital care, home physical therapy, and outpatient clinic settings, providing students with hands-on training in real-world scenarios.
The demand for physical therapist assistants is expected to grow. The California Employment Development Department projects 41.8 percent statewide job growth from 2022 to 2032.
Physical therapist assistants work in a variety of settings including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health, skilled nursing facilities, schools, sports facilities, and more.
Students will complete a four-week clinical internship experience in the summer and two six-week internships during the program’s last semester.
Upon completing the program, students will be eligible to take the National Physical Therapy Examination for the Physical Therapist Assistant and become licensed in all 50 states.
Learn More about the Physical Therapist Assistant program
Canyon Country Campus Events STAY
The Canyon Country Campus (CCC) is set to host its 31st Star Party on Friday, Oct. 24. Students, staff and the community will venture into the world of science, here on Earth and beyond, through interactive demonstration tables, microscopes, a portable planetarium, high-powered telescopes, student presentations and guest lectures. Topics from keynote speakers in years past have covered a vast expanse, from “The Unfolding Story of Exoplanets” by COC astronomy professor Michaela Blain, to Penn State University professor of astronomy and astrophysics Dr. Jason Wright’s “Intelligent Ways to Search for Extraterrestrials.” Look beyond what’s in plain sight and explore the infinite possibilities of our world and the ever-expanding universe this fall at the Star Party.
Friday, October 24 – 7-9:30pm
Each semester, students, staff and the community “hit the trails” of the Canyon Country Campus for the Garden Walk. Leading the charge is College of the Canyons biology and environmental science professor Jeannie Chari, who educates the group on the various flora and fauna native to the area. Activities have included identifying indigenous plants, birds and insects; examining seeds, leaves and pond water using lab microscopes; and promoting campus biodiversity by planting native plants. Connect with nature and get to know your local birds, bees and trees at the next Garden Walk, coming Friday, Nov. 7.
Canyon Country Campus
Friday, November 7 – 9am to 11am
Green House
This fall, the Canyon Country campus will celebrate the grand opening of its greenhouse for use in environmental sciences courses, along with the potential for student research projects in the biodiversity internship course (WE 187). Expected to officially open at the start of the fall semester, it has already been in use by the Early Childhood Education (ECE) department, where the children learned how to propagate seedlings. With plans in the works to become a Bee Campus, certified by Bee Campus USA, the greenhouse will enhance local biodiversity, ultimately supporting native bee diversity. That work will be done by students, student employees and community volunteers. Stay tuned for the CCC greenhouse grand opening, which is planned for early in the fall semester.
HEALTHY OUTLOOK
The College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus will begin an exciting new chapter in fall 2025 – one that brings expanded opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare.
Canyon Country campus will focus on training students for
healthcare careers
and biological sciences. Boasting eight labs and a large lecture room, it also features multiple classrooms, workshop rooms, and student study rooms, plus student gathering places.
The new Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Pharmacy Technology certificate programs will launch with 18-student cohorts, marking the beginning of a new focus on providing healthcare training programs at the Sierra Highway campus.
Dr. Paul Wickline, associate vice president of the campus, said the initiative builds on the strengths of the campus.
“The Canyon Country campus is already home to an out-standing Takeda Science Center, which provides the prerequisites needed for the health professions programs we offer at the college.”
Spanning 55,000 square feet, the Takeda Science Center, which opened in fall 2021, is primarily devoted to physical
“Our goal is to provide students pursuing careers in the health sciences with a more streamlined education experience that will shorten or perhaps even eliminate their need to commute between both campuses,” said Dr. Thea Sweo Alvarado, interim assistant superintendent/vice president of instruction. “Faculty and staff members will also benefit from the campus’s localized health science focus, which will consolidate resources and classroom equipment.”
New Simulation Lab Taking Shape
In addition, the Health Professions Simulation Lab –currently split between multiple locations – will relocate to occupy the second floor of the Takeda Science Center.
“The new simulation lab will allow us to consolidate to one
state-of-the art location, which will be used by several of our health professions so that students from multiple disciplines will get a more realistic hospital-like experience,” said Sweo Alvarado.
Heather Dotter, a nursing professor at the college, says that while the simulation lab’s current setup has served the nursing department well, it is limited in size and capabilities.
“The expanded space will allow us to run interprofessional simulations that engage students from both health and public safety disciplines, while also integrating advanced technologies like virtual and augmented reality,” said Dotter. “We’re building a state-of-the-art simulation space that will have high-fidelity manikins and technology-driven task trainers.”
The space will also adhere to best practices in simulation
and include a dedicated control room to operate the scenarios behind the scenes and a debriefing room for students to observe and receive feedback on their performance.
“This next-generation space will enable us to deliver realistic, hands-on learning experiences that strengthen clinical judgment and enhance teamwork with new technology in healthcare education,” said Dotter.
Other Healthcare Programs in Development
CCC is expected to also welcome the college’s medical laboratory, phlebotomy, and clinical laboratory scientist programs by fall 2026.
Also on the horizon is an expansion of the certified nursing assistant program. Allocating more space for instruction will enable the program to accept more students.
to Pursue a Career in Healthcare?
Learn more about these programs coming to the Canyon Country campus
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Pharmacy Technology
Medical Laboratory Technician
Clinical Laboratory Science
The College of the Canyons foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, serves as a vital bridge between institutional funding and the real needs of students. Through strategic investments, the Foundation empowers students to pursue and achieve their unique career goals by:
• Fundraising – Securing support and investment from dedicated stakeholders.
• Grant Making – Distributing funds directly to students and college programs through scholarships and grants.
• Being a Financial Steward – Providing fiscal sponsorship to college departments, programs, and community nonprofit initiatives.
INVESTING
• 90 endowments strong
• More than $3 million under management
• 123% growth fueling our future
Since 2021, the foundation has grown endowed assets with exceptional momentum – Through its fiscal sponsorship model, it provides 501(c)(3) status and financial oversight, so you can stay mission-focused. Bring your projects, and the foundation will manage your assets!
INFINITE POSSIBILITIES
THE DIFFERENCE MAKERS
A Lasting Gift, A Living Mission
John Turturro changed lives through the power of design. For 12 years, this award-winning architect didn’t just teach at COC – he led student design teams to championship victories and laid the groundwork for a thriving Architecture and Interior Design program. Following John’s passing, his wife Karen honored his legacy by establishing the John Turturro Memorial Scholarship and naming the John Turturro Design Lab on campus. Together, their legacy reflects a shared belief: that every student deserves the opportunity to build their dreams.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
Investing in Our Heroes commitment to students and veterans, cousins Gabriel Chavez established the Mayra Barajas and Gabriel Chavez Scholarship Endowment. Gabriel, a proud COC alumnus and U.S. Marine Corps veteran, said, “Higher education gives us the confidence and drive to become leaders, innoentrepreneurs.” Mayra explained, “I believe deeply in supporting students, and giving back to those serve our country.”
• Join our Young Professionals Group: Help us support developing students by serving on our new board subcommittee. You’ll network, influence, and help shape the future of philanthropy at COC.
• Become a Foundation Volunteer: We’re seeking volunteers to lend their talents to upcoming events and vital fundraising initiatives.
• Invest in Our Students: Your financial support fuels student success, program excellence, and a future of infinite possibilities. Ready to invest in our students today? Scan the QR code to donate now. Want to learn more? Make an appointment with one of our philanthropy professionals and explore how we can build a better future, together.
College of the Canyons Community Education invites learners of all ages to explore their interests and enhance their talents with affordable and convenient short-term classes taught by enthusiastic, knowledgeable instructors. It’s learning made simple – and fun!
Whether it’s picking up a paintbrush, mastering a new language, earning a new certification, or diving into digital photography, there’s something for everyone – and it all starts here.
Culinary Classes
Learn to make delicious sweet pastries and savory dishes with hands-on instruction from Chef Kristi. Classes are held in the state-of-the-art College of the Canyons Institute for Culinary Education. Upcoming classes will focus on making:
• Macarons • Holiday Pies • Fruit Tarts
• Fancy Pastries
• Laminated Dough
Language for Travelers
Prepare for your next international adventure by learning key phrases and terminology to talk to the locals, ask for more information, or order your food. Upcoming classes include Italian for Travelers and German for Travelers.
Healthcare Classes
New courses for healthcare professionals include Nursing Continuing Education, American Heart Association CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation) and BLS (Basic Life Support) for healthcare providers, and the Healthcare Fire Safety Certification course for the Los Angeles and Life Safety
Art Classes
Art is accessible anyone, and our beginner-friendly classes will give you the confidence to bring your creative vision to life. Upcoming will focus on: • Watercolors • Charcoal • Acrylic
Education
Level Up a Skill. And Have Fun!
Students Get Hands-on Career Experience
Middle school and high school students get a sneak peek at career opportunities in fields ranging from animation to welding at camps offered by Community Education.
Career Exploration
• Animation • Architecture • Art
• Automotive • Babysitters Club
• Cybersecurity • Esports
Open to sixth, seventh, and eighth graders, Career Exploration Camps run during winter, spring and summer breaks, and feature hands-on learning opportunities in:
Pathway to Law School Mock Trial Camp
• Interior Design • Sports Medicine
2026 Camp Dates
Winter Institute: January 5-9
Spring Institute: April 6-10
Summer Institute: June 22-26
Working with paralegal instructors, high school students explore the legal field, strengthen public speaking skills, and build industry connections within the legal community. Scheduled for June 2026.
Welding and Fabrication Camp
High school students gain hands-on welding and metal fabrication experience from expert welding instructors. Scheduled for Summer 2026.
‘All-Sports’ Season Passes On Sale
The fall 2025 semester will see the start of the Cougars’ football, women’s volleyball, women’s golf, men’s and women’s cross country, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s and women’s basketball seasons, providing more than 60 opportunities for community members to experience COC Athletics live at the Valencia campus.
Don’t miss a minute of the action! Purchase your Cougars All-Sports Pass, providing admission for you and a guest to every COC home game throughout the fall and seasons. Passes are just $99 and available for sale online. Plus, you’ll also receive a COC Athletics T-shirt to keep you ready for Game Day all year long.
Individual (single admission) fall sports season ticket passes (football, men’s soccer, women’s soccer, women’s volleyball, men’s basketball, women’s basketball) are also available for $50.
COUGARS SPORTS NETWORK ENTERS FIFTH SEASON
Can’t make it to the next home game? Do out-of-town family and friends want to watch your student-athlete compete? Looking for game tape from your own COC Athletics playing days?
No matter the reason, you can experience Cougars athletics at any time of day and from anywhere in the world, with the Cougars Sports Network YouTube channel. This fall, the Cougars Sports Network (CSN) is set to begin its fifth season
of providing FREE live stream productions of COC Athletics home games to fans and supporters across the globe. CSN broadcasted 87 games this past year, attracting a viewership of nearly 40,000 sports fans who tuned in to watch Cougars football, women’s volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s basketball, baseball, softball and – for the very first time in program history – women’s tennis.
There are also a growing number of “Classic Games” and “Alumni Spotlight” videos featuring former Cougar studentathletes available, with more coming each week.
The college’s 2025 graduating class included more than 110 student-athletes, with a combined GPA above 3.38, who earned an associate degree and/or transferred to a four-year school. Those numbers included individuals from 15 of the college’s intercollegiate athletic dual-sport student-athletes.
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Get Ready to Run!
17th Annual Turkey Trot Nov. 27
Community members of all ages are invited to run, walk, or jog in the 17th annual Thanksgiving Day “Turkey Trot” benefiting the college’s cross country and track & field programs. Participants will run a 3-mile cross country course through the COC Valencia campus and finish inside Cougar Stadium.
The fun begins at 8 a.m. Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 27. An entry fee of $30 per runner includes a race T-shirt.
CAMPUS LIFE & STUDENT ENGAGEMENT
President Amna Fadel
As ASG President for the 2025–2026 year, my top priority is to increase student involvement across campus. I plan to create a more inclusive campus for students to connect, lead, and make their voices heard. I’m excited to work with my Associated Student Government (ASG) team to create a more engaged community at College of the Canyons!
Associated Student Government (ASG)
Student Trustee Areesh Fatima
Iam dedicated to becoming the bridge between students and the government by ensuring that all voices are advocated for across the community. By focusing on educational excellence, student needs and advancements within the campus, I hope to contribute towards a successful student environment.
Vice President of Inter Club Council Chelsea Yu
Iwill be serving as your Vice President of the Interclub Council for the upcoming school year! Being part of a club in the past year truly made my college experience all the more fulfilling, and so I am incredibly honored to take on this role at COC in hopes of sharing that same joy with you all. As VP of the ICC, I am here to help clubs thrive by improving clubs’ access to resources, opening up more opportunities for fun, growth, and new experiences. I can’t wait to see what this year has in store for all of us.
Vice President of Communication Ava Hernandez
I’m Ava Hernandez and I am so excited to continue making and sharing content about COC as the 2025-2026 Vice President of Communications. I plan to connect with more departments and student-led clubs on campus to discuss some opportunities for students to engage with during their time here at COC. If you’d like to stay updated with our ASG events and school updates, feel free to follow @coc_asg on Instagram and Facebook!
Vice President of Advocacy Taha Saiyed
Iam committed to fostering impactful advocacy and legislative engagement. I will organize and host events that highlight key advocacy issues, creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue. By working closely with the President and Student Trustee, I will ensure our school’s voice is strongly represented at the statewide level. My goal is to build a unified student presence that influences policy decisions and promotes the interests of our community. Together, we can advocate for positive change, ensuring that our concerns are heard and addressed in the legislative process.
Vice President of Equity Christina Geuvjehizian
As the former Director of Equity, I have worked to foster inclusion through committee engagement, focus groups, and equity projects. As Vice President of Equity, I will expand these efforts by strengthening DEI workshops, amplifying student voices, and ensuring ASG takes meaningful action toward equity. I am committed to making College of the Canyons a more inclusive space for all. I look forward to continuing this work and am honored to serve in this role.
Campus Life Services
Digital student IDs
Campus poster & flier approval
Campus vendors
Bus TAP card sales
Campus Life Programs
Associated Student Government
Campus clubs & organizations
Student Support Fee Benefits
Free printing at designated print stations
Multiple locations on both campuses
Discount movie tickets
Discount theme park tickets
Free DoorDash DashPass (limited amount per semester)
25 SCORE cards upon request Eligibility for ASG Scholarships
Use of ASG Study Lounge at the Canyon Country campus
Campus Clubs & Organizations
Check the club website for the updated list of clubs & organizations
COLLEGE’S FIRST BACHELOR’S DEGREE CLASS SET TO GRADUATE IN SPRING 2026
The first cohort of the College of the Canyons Bachelor of Science in Building Performance (BSBP) program, which launched in January 2025, is on track to graduate in spring 2026.
Approximately half of the program’s 15 current students have expressed an interest in immediately pursuing architectural licensure upon graduation, with the remainder intending to continue with graduate level studies in Master of Architecture (master’s of architecture) programs at local universities.
Jason Oliver, chair of the college’s architecture and interior design program, says over half of current BSBP students are already employed with architecture and engineering firms, while pursuing upper division studies.
“This employment provides current students with well-paying income while they accrue professional experience hours towards licensure,” said Oliver.
The BSBP program is an extension of COC’s architectural drafting and technology associate of science degree program.
The first of its kind in California, the 120-unit degree program provides a cost-effective pathway to careers involved with creating high performance buildings by preparing students for the state-recognized Certified Energy Analysist exam, and growing employment opportunities in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industry.
Students enrolled in the BSBP program will learn how to examine the effects of environmental factors and resource consumption on the performance of building projects using a variety of analytical and simulation methodologies. Utilizing advanced Building Energy Modeling (BEM) and Building Information Modeling (BIM) methods, graduates will be prepared to help architectural projects achieve code compliance, improve building performance, and attain sustainable rating system certification.
Students will be required to complete a project-based learning internship to apply the skills they’ve learned in the program to improve their readiness for employment in the AEC industry upon graduation. Students will be equipped for careers as Building Energy Modelers (BEM), Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technicians or as Sustainable Building Certification System consultants.
For more information about the BSBP, visit canyons.edu/BSBP.
Earning a four-year college degree without commuting out of the Santa Clarita Valley is easier than ever, thanks to the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center at College of the Canyons.
Located on the Valencia campus, the University Center features 21 degree and certificate options offered through the University of La Verne and National University.
Together, the two universities offer 11 bachelor’s degrees, four master’s degrees, three master’s degrees with credentials, two credential programs, and one doctoral program.
Students looking to advance their tech careers can take advantage of a new program from National University launching this fall – a bachelor of science in electrical and computer engineering.
In the two decades since it opened, the center has become a proven and valued resource for students seeking to grow their careers. More than 4,400 students have earned degrees from partnering universities at the center.
Bachelor’s Programs
Electrical and Computer Engineering (New for Fall 2025)
Sport Psychology
Nursing
Clinical Lab Science
Cybersecurity
Paralegal Studies
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Master’s Programs
Applied Behavior Analysis
Criminal Justice
Bachelor’s Programs
Accounting
Business Administration
Elementary Education
Organizational Management
Master’s Programs
Business Administration
Leadership and Management
Educational Counseling with Pupil Personnel Services:
School Counseling Credential
Teaching with the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential
Teaching with Inclusive Education Mild/ Moderate Support Needs
Teaching Credentials
Mild-Moderate Education Specialist Preliminary Credential
Multiple Subject Teaching
Doctoral Program
Organizational Leadership (Ed.D)
HOMECOMING CELEBRATION
Thursday,
October 9
3 p.m. Pre-game Festivities – Music, lawn games, information booths and demonstrations, giveaways
5 p.m. Kickoff against Fullerton College
$10 – General Admission
$5 – Seniors and children 12 and under Free – College staff and students with ID
Cougarfest
Learn about campus resources, clubs, and alliances while talking to faculty, staff and fellow students about how YOU can get involved.
Canyon Country campus
September 16, 2025 @11-1pm
Upper Plaza, next to the Takeda Science Center
Valencia campus
September 17, 2025 @11-1pm
Honor Grove and in front of Intercultural Center
News & Notes
Measure E Receives Clean Audit
The latest financial and performance audits have given Measure E a clean bill of health. In auditing parlance, the college received an “unmodified opinion” – the best rating possible – for its handling of bond funds during fiscal year 2023/24. Conducted independently by Eide Bailly LLP, the annual audit confirmed proper accounting of all bond expenditures and noted no adjustments, audit findings, questioned costs, or instances of noncompliance.
“That's a significant piece of assurance,” CPA James de Bree noted about the absence of adverse findings. De Bree is the newly appointed chair of the Independent Citizens Bond Oversight Committee, which accepted the audit results on June 30. “Everybody always glosses over this. But in my career, I have seen numerous instances where things weren't so great. So, the fact that the pages which report adverse findings are blank is really a good result.”
The audit showed that $15.6 million in Measure E funds were spent during 2023/24, primarily to modernize Boykin Hall, remodel counseling offices, and implement ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) upgrades. The $230 million bond measure was approved by local voters in 2016 to allow the college to invest in facilities upgrades.
SANTA CLARITA
JOB FAIR
COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS COMING OCT. 17
Attention, job seekers! The College of the Canyons Career Center will host the Santa Clarita Valley Job Fair on Friday, Oct. 17. The biannual event at the Valencia campus typically attracts more than 100 employers seeking to fill a variety of entry- and mid-level positions. Hours are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the West PE gymnasium, with free parking for the duration of the event.
The fair is presented in partnership with the City of Santa Clarita, America’s Job Center of California, SCV Economic Development Corp., and Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce. For additional details, please visit MySCVJobFair.com
COLLEGE HOSTS STATEWIDE ZTC SUMMIT
Community college leaders from throughout California converged on College of Canyons to share their progress during the second year of a statewide ZTC Textbook Costs) grant. The May 9 convening conference was the second such summit hosted by the college, which serves as the technical assistance provider for the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
Hildegarde Aguinaldo, president of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, and David C. Andrus, J.D., interim superintendent-president of College of the Canyons, offered their remarks to attendees, who also participated in a variety of topical breakout sessions.
Hildegarde Aguinaldo, president of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors, served as keynote speaker during the statewide ZTC Summit at College of the Canyons.
The College of the Canyons Foundation honored community leader Marlee Lauffer with the 2025 Silver Spur Award in recognition of her longtime support of the college and service throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. Lauffer received the recognition during the 33rd annual Silver Spur gala at The Langham Huntington in Pasadena on May 17.
“Marlee Lauffer has continuously given her time and talents to our community for many years now,” Silver Spur Committee Chair Dawn Abasta said. “It is not possible to think of Valencia’s history without thinking of her. Her leadership and ability to cultivate and develop strong community relationships have given the Santa Clarita Valley and its many non-profits so many opportunities and successes.”
Lauffer has served as president of the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation and vice president of the hospital’s marketing and communications since 2015. She oversaw an ambitious capital campaign that helped finance the hospital’s new patient tower and an employee-giving campaign that raised more than $1.5 million.
LAUFFER HONORED WITH SILVER SPUR AWARD GOLF
Athletic Stars Enshrined in Hall of Fame
College of the Canyons rolled out the blue carpet for honorees inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame during a gala event at the Performing Arts Center on March 19. “We are extremely proud of this year’s class and their collective commitment to excellence that comes with being a College of the Canyons Cougar,” said Chad Peters, dean of kinesiology and athletics.
TEAM WINS State Championship
Inducted into the 2025 hall of fame were:
Greg Herrick – Head Coach, Women’s Basketball (1992-2022)
Ruby Herrera – Softball, 2010 & 2012 All-American
Corey Honeycutt – Track & Field, 2010 State Champion (800m)
Carlton Spencer – Men’s Basketball, 2004 & 2005 WSC Player of the Year
2010 State Runner-Up Men's Soccer Team
For the second year in a row and 12th time in team history, the men’s golf team won the State Championship. The team overcame an elite field and championship-caliber course during the 36-hole tournament at Bayonet in Seaside on May 11 and 12. A team score of 762 secured the state title, three shots ahead of runner-up Reedley College.
COC sophomore Carson Diaz claimed the 2025 Men’s Golf Individual State Championship, the fourth in COC men’s golf program history.
A Competitive Advantage
College offers affordable customized corporate training
The Employee Training Institute (ETI) at College of the Canyons works together with the Employment Training Panel (ETP) to provide Santa Clarita Valley businesses with low-cost, subsidized training programs that are specifically tailored to advance skills, productivity, and retention.
Taught by industry professionals and subject matter experts, training is delivered on site or remotely and can be scaled to serve large or small class sizes.
Training solutions include:
• Lean Six Sigma & Process Improvement
• Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing (GD&T)
• Inspection and Measurement
• Supervisory Skills for Emerging Leaders
• Print Reading & Shop Math
• Microsoft Excel & Office Tools: For Operations
• Customer Service & Sales Strategies
• Project & Supply Chain Management
• Leadership Communication & Emotional Intelligence ETI can also develop and deliver customized training solutions designed to meet specific client needs.
FAST-TRACK PROGRAMS
In addition to serving business clients, ETI offers a number of accelerated programs designed to help individuals build in-demand skills and enter the workforce quickly.
Hands-on training programs include:
• CNC Machinist (Advanced manufacturing and aerospace focus)
• Low Observable Technician (Stealth coatings & finishing)
• Forklift Certification (OSHA-compliant, hands-on experience)
• Healthcare Continuing Education (For EMTs, Nurses, Paramedics)
Another popular ETI program is the Uniquely Abled Academy (UAA). The short-term program offers specialized CNC training for individuals with highfunctioning autism — combining job readiness, skillbuilding, and employment support.
CONTRACT EDUCATION
For companies that do not qualify for state-funded training, ETI still offers access to more than 60 workforce courses designed to help individuals and teams build real-world, job-ready skills — all at competitive prices.
The most popular offerings include:
• Leadership Communication & Emotional Intelligence
• Communication (Crucial Conversations) & Team Building
• Lean Six Sigma & Project Management
• OSHA & Workplace Safety
Client companies have found these classes to be helpful for employee career growth, upskilling, and onboarding new hires.
Building Tomorrow’s Workforce Today
Imagine a place on campus where you can use lasers, program robots, and learn through virtual reality. It sounds futuristic, but it’s being planned now.
The Advanced Technology Center, or ATC, will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities that will equip them with the skills needed to launch careers in cutting-edge fields.
Planned as a two-story, 75,000-square-foot facility at the Valencia campus, the ATC will feature labs and classrooms equipped with the technology to teach laser welding, robotics, mechatronics, metrology, welding, and computer-numerically-controlled (CNC) machining.
These skills are in demand by regional aerospace and manufacturing companies, which offer wellpaying jobs to trained candidates.
Architectural plans for this new facility are on track to be completed in November 2025, and then submitted for state approval. The review process takes between six and eight months, setting the stage for construction of the ATC to begin later in 2026.
The college’s interim Advanced Technology Center, located in the Centre Pointe business park off Golden Valley Road, already offers some of this training, with classes available in fall 2025.
Visit canyons.edu/schedule for a complete list of classes.
Dr. Edel Alonso
Mr. Fred K. Arnold
Dr. Carlos R. Guerrero
Ms. Sharlene R. Johnson
Ms. Darlene Trevino
Mr. David C. Andrus, J.D. Interim Superintendent/President
