BREAKING NEWS by College of the Canyons

STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING RISES

MEASURE M: REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

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BREAKING

news FALL 2013

CHANCELLOR MARKS 25 YEARS OF VISIONARY LEADERSHIP PAGE 4

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS • MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE SINCE 1969

A RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

CULINARY ARTS CENTER ON THE MENU FOR 2014 P

artIst’s reNderINg Of NeW BuILdINg.

reviewing the grandeur of the main course still being prepared, College of the Canyons hosted a groundbreaking ceremony to officially begin construction of the college’s new, oncampus Institute for Culinary Education (iCuE) on Aug. 19. Plans for the state-of-the-art culinary facility call for a roughly 12,200-squarefoot building housing a variety of kitchens, classrooms and laboratories. It will be located at the southeast corner of the Valencia campus, near Mentry Hall.

cuLINarY arts facuLtY aNd staff partIcIpate IN the grOuNdBreakINg cereMONY ON aug. 19.

SEE CULINARY ON PAGE 2

Goodwill Mission

pLaN ahead fOr eXpaNded WINter, sprINg sessIONs

WINTER SESSION REGISTRATION BEGINS NOV. 12

cOLLege Of the caNYONs studeNts reach Out tO heLp NeedY schOOLchILdreN IN NIcaragua – PAGE 3

ith the fall 2013 semester in full swing at College of the Canyons, students and community members who haven’t enrolled yet should be reminded that it’s never too late to start your academic journey. Thanks in large part to funding IMPORTANT restored by Proposition 30, students at College of the Canyons will continue to New students can have access to more class sections and receive priority regiseducational opportunities than ever tration in fall 2014. during the upcoming 2014 winter sesSEE PAGE 6 sion and spring semester. The winter session is expected to provide about 300 class sections, more than twice the number offered last winter. “There’s no shortage of classes at College of the Canyons,” college spokesman Eric Harnish said. “I encourage any student interested in attending to apply, register, and take advantage of the SEE CLASSES ON PAGE 6

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE ‘UPWARD BOUND’

College of the Canyons 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91355

INNOVATIVE PROGRAM COMPLETES FIRST YEAR

pward Bound, a program designed to increase the number of Golden Valley High School students who earn diplomas and continue their education at the college level, celebrated its first year with an awards banquet on Friday, July 26 at The Learning Center (TLC). Sixty students, including three graduating seniors who enrolled at the college this fall, were honored for their successful completion of the recent six-week Summer Academy at the college. “It is amazing to see how much the program has grown since it started,” said Omar Torres, dean of mathematics, sciences and engineering at the college and the banquet’s keynote speaker. “I SEE UPWARD BOUND ON PAGE 2

Non-Profit Organization US Postage PAID Santa Clarita CA 91355 Permit 56

ECRWSS

Postal Customer

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • FALL 2013

frOM the WhIte hOuse tO Icue

hef David Binkle, adjunct instructor of culinary arts “The campaign is going really well,” said Binkle, who at College of the Canyons, is a man who wears many went to the White House with a group of LAUSD students hats. Aside from his teaching duties, Binkle is a tour- as part of the campaign. “It’s really making an impact. ing speaker, director of food services for Obesity levels are declining.” the Los Angeles Unified School District Binkle loves to teach because it (LAUSD) and member of the “Let’s allows him to stay connected. “The most Move!” campaign, an initiative to address important thing is to give back and pass childhood obesity led by First Lady on knowledge. Cooking is such a historiMichelle Obama. cal trade. I’m interested in passing it on to “I was very busy last year,” said future generations. Teaching also allows Binkle, who moved to L.A. in 2007 when me to stay on top of trends and to stay hired by LAUSD, whose $300 million focused. I really enjoy teaching at COC. food program provides 650,000 meals The college has been very dear to me.” daily. Cindy Schwanke, culinary arts “We have been on a path for many instructor and lead iCuE faculty member, years of trying to eliminate carnival food said it’s an “absolute pleasure” to have from our schools,” he said. By carnival David as part of the COC Culinary Arts food, Binkle is referring to traditional program. “Our students gain invaluable school food staples such as pizza, chicken knowledge and experience from him,” nuggets, corn dogs and peanut butter and she said. jelly sandwiches. LAUSD menus now Binkle is especially excited about the davId BINkLe include more fresh foods and vegetables. state-of-the-art Institute for Culinary “L.A. is a big piece of the healthy tranEducation (iCuE), a 12,000-square-foot sition,” he said. “Our kids are eating edamame. No kid in building that will become the program’s permanent home. Indiana is doing that. We are trying to lead the nation.” “It really is a sign of the times,” said Binkle. Last year, the Obama administration approved new “The college is really listening and watching the trends. school lunch nutrition guidelines to quell the rise of child- The Santa Clarita Valley provides a great deal of restaurant hood obesity. These changes, paired with the efforts of the industry jobs. The connectivity of the program is really “Let’s Move!” campaign, appear to be making a difference. inspirational.”

FROm PAGE 1

College of the Canyons has embarked on a multi-year self-study and application process to reaffirm its accreditation status. Accreditation is a voluntary process to assure the quality of education – and to make those results known to the public. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is the corporate entity, consisting of three separately organized commissions within the western region, responsible for evaluating institutions of higher education. The commission responsible for community colleges is the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC). The process includes an intensive institutional self-study and outside peer evaluation. “Accreditation is critically important to California community colleges, as only accredited schools qualify for federal financial aid for their students” said Dr. Jerry Buckley, assistant superintendent/vice president of instruction. “Without accreditation, the units our students earn would not be transferable.” The college last had its accreditation reaffirmed in 2009, with WASC conferring its highest status. At that time, the commission commended the college for its strong commitment to student success, collaborative governance, fostering of community partnerships and wide array of student support services.

COLLEGE NAMES NEW VP OF INSTRUCTION

VP OF PUBLIC INFORMATION ANNOUNCED

Lead Icue facuLtY MeMBer cINdY schWaNke, facILItIes vIce presIdeNt JIM schrage aNd chaNceLLOr dr. dIaNNe g. vaN hOOk pOse atOp a frONt-eNd LOader at the cuLINarY arts BuILdINg cONstructION sIte. The facility will provide students with access to culinary training programs comparable to those provided by private institutions, but at a considerably lower cost. Private programs can cost $50,000 or more, but iCuE training will typically range from $2,000 to $5,000. Culinary arts students will be able to enroll in other “core” classes needed to achieve certificates or degrees, without the inconvenience of traveling between campus and the current off-campus training site in Castaic. “Having an on-campus culinary facility will make a significant difference in the lives of students who

UPWARD BOUND FROm PAGE 1

COLLEGE PREPARES FOR ACCREDITATION

Longtime community college administrator Dr. Jerry Buckley has accepted the position of assistant superintendent/vice president of instruction at College of the Canyons. Buckley provides administrative oversight to all instructional services, in addition to numerous partnership programs. Other responsibilities include oversight of program development and support, enrollment management, partnership initiatives, accreditation, administrative support for instructional division deans and maintenance of the college’s high academic standards. “We are pleased to welcome Dr. Buckley to the JerrY BuckLeY team at College of the Canyons,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “His enthusiasm, leadership, past experiences and focus on innovation will enable us to enhance our already outstanding instructional programs, responsiveness to our community, and yield exciting new opportunities for our students.” Dr. Buckley previously served as vice president of instruction and accreditation liaison officer for San Diego Miramar College. Before that, he worked for the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District in San Diego for 21 years. He has an Ed.D. in educational leadership from San Diego State University, a master’s degree in biology from California State University, Fullerton, and a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from USC.

CULINARY When completed, iCuE will provide a modern, efficient and affordable educational center where all aspects of culinary arts will be taught. “The success of any recipe is determined by the availability and quality of the ingredients, the creativity of the chefs, their courage to try new things and their knowledge that the other chefs they work with as part of a team are there to help make a meal extraordinary,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “This project is no different. And now that we have the ingredients, and the right team in place, we can get cooking.” The center will feature demonstration, savory, sweets and banquet kitchens, as well as a chocolate room, wine studies classroom, multiple culinary labs, retail bake shop and a variety of instructor office spaces. All of iCuE’s kitchens, classrooms and labs have been designed to train students for occupations in the restaurant and food service industries – one of the nation’s largest sources of private-sector employment. It’s estimated that the Santa Clarita Valley and greater Los Angeles area have more than 2,000 restaurants of all types and sizes, which will need well-trained culinary arts professionals for generations to come. “That is particularly evident at College of the Canyons, where our skilled culinary arts graduates have gone on to work in some of the most prestigious kitchens in the L.A. area,” Dr. Van Hook said. “Their success, and the continued growth of this program, have inspired us to create a dedicated on-campus facility in which we will train the next generation of chefs and restaurant entrepreneurs.”

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have no doubt that these students will keep moving forward in order to achieve their goals.” Students enrolled in the program’s Summer Academy took courses in algebra, biological sciences, trigonometry, creative writing, Spanish and a counseling class known as SWAG (Scholars With Academic Goals). Every Friday, students took field trips to locations such as California State University, Northridge; University of California, Los Angeles; Los Angeles County Museum of Art; California Science Center and Six Flags Magic Mountain. “Upward Bound has to be considered a tremendous success considering it was our implementation year,” said Sal Frias, Golden Valley High School principal. “We had our challenging moments, but with dedicated COC

are trying to manage their time between the classroom and the kitchen and begin their careers,” said Cindy Schwanke, COC culinary arts instructor and lead iCuE faculty member. “The food service industry continues to grow, and employ millions of people. It’s exciting to know that College of the Canyons is a part of that.” The roughly $8 million project is entirely district-funded, paid for through a combination of private donations and Measure M bond funds that were remaining after completion of the recent Library expansion. It’s expected to be completed in the fall 2014 semester.

staff and GV support, we pulled through. Our students will truly benefit from this wonderful opportunity and this program will continue to strengthen.” A partnership between College of the Canyons and the William S. Hart Union High School District, the Upward Bound program is the result of a five-year, roughly $1.25 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to help high school students who have the potential to excel academically, but need enrichment and encouragement to prepare for and succeed in college. Upward Bound provides students with weekly tutoring at Golden Valley High School and Saturday academy classes at College of the Canyons in order to support the development of English and math skills. “College of the Canyons continues to be fully invested in our Upward Bound Program, and plans are under way to offer these successful Saturday Academy classes again for the 2013-14 academic school year,” said Torres.

Eric Harnish, a College of the Canyons administrator and longtime special assistant to the chancellor, has accepted the position of vice president of public information, advocacy and external relations at the college. Harnish provides administrative leadership and oversight to the Public Information Office, Switchboard, Reprographics and Graphic Design departments. His responsibilities include furthering the college’s goals and objectives through the use of various forms of strategic communications, community and media relations, legislative advocacy, public relations and marketing activities. erIc harNIsh “It gives me great pleasure to announce Eric’s transition into this new leadership role at the college,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “His ability to represent the college at the local, state and national levels, while serving as a liaison between the college and our many academic, business and community partners, will continue to have a positive impact at the college.” Harnish has bachelor’s degrees in print journalism and international relations from USC, as well as an MBA from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

BREAKING

news Breaking News is published by the College of the Canyons Public Information Office to inform the community about programs, events, issues and accomplishments of the Santa Clarita Valley’s community college. It is distributed to residences, P.O. boxes and businesses in the 367-square-mile Santa Clarita Community College District. Advertising is not accepted. MAIL

College of the Canyons Public Information Office 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 EMAIL pio@canyons.edu

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • FALL 2013

studeNt servIces BuILdINg rIses T

the steeL fraMeWOrk Is cOMpLeted (aBOve) fOr the studeNt servIces & adMINIstratION BuILdINg (depIcted IN artIst’s reNderINg, INset).

he new Student Services & Administration Building is beginning to take shape on the Valencia campus. The college received final state approval in April, allowing the project to move forward. Crews worked throughout the blistering summer to pour concrete foundations and footings and dig trenches for underground infrastructure. Crews began erecting the fabricated steel beams that form the building’s main frame in August, moving at an amazingly quick pace. “With the steel framing now finished, the project is currently scheduled for completion in late fall 2014, as was originally planned,” said Jim Schrage, vice president of facilities planning, operations and construction. The building will accommodate an expanded Admissions & Records Office with computer labs and kiosks for student use, along with a “Welcome Center” to help new students and visitors. Plans also call for a new Financial Aid Office, an expanded switchboard and mailroom, Counseling Center, Transfer Center and Career Center. The roughly $17.8 million project is being paid for with a combination of Measure M general obligation bonds and matching funds from the state.

studeNts pItch IN fOr NIcaragua T hanks to the efforts of three College of the Canyons student organizations, Miravalle School students in Granada, Nicaragua will no longer have to drink water from a garden hose or miss school entirely in search of water. Five students traveled to Nicaragua in June as part of an SCV International Program (SCVIP) delegation to complete a global collaboration project for needy families near Granada. The delegation included members of Alpha Mu Gamma, Associated Student Government (ASG) and Phi Theta Kappa (PTK). They collected donations to provide Miravalle students with school supplies and access to clean water. “These COC students have made a global impact by giving these Miravalle students and their community access to clean water,” said Dr. Claudia Acosta, professor and liaison for international education. Under the direction of biology professor Dr.

Miriam Golbert, PTK students raised money to purchase a water tank. They also paid for the building of a school kitchen and installing a school gate. “This trip emphasized to me that it’s not enough to send people food or money,” COC student Jesse Warme said. “You need to understand the culture and the problems before you try to fix them.” The group met with former Nicaraguan President Enrique Bolaños for a private meeting at his home. “The trip was amazing,” said Adriana Vargas, ASG cultural student involvement officer and one of four students who traveled on ASG scholarships. “Many community members thanked us, and at the end of our trip the kids gathered around us and gave us a hug.” SCVIP is a non-profit focused on promoting and developing mutually beneficial strategic alliances and international goodwill between the people of Santa Clarita and people of international cities.

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COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • FALL 2013

dr. vaN hOOk IN 2013.

the vaLeNcIa caMpus IN earLY 2013.

25 YEARS OF VISIONARY LEADERSHIP

CHANCELLOR DR. DIANNE G. VAN HOOK HONORED FOR TRANSFORMING COLLEGE INTO LEADING INSTITUTION r. Dianne G. Van Hook arrived for her first day on the job on July 1, 1988. Aside from herself, some colleagues and the board members who hired her, no one could possibly have imagined how this new superintendent-president’s passion, energy and influence would reshape College of the Canyons. The clues were certainly there, notably an L.A. Times story whose headline proclaimed: “‘Fireball’ to Take Helm of College of the Canyons.” That headline would prove accurate, although the “fireball” moniker could easily and, perhaps more accurately, be replaced by “mover,” “shaker” or “builder.” Certainly, she also has been a “motivator” and “developer” of people, places, possibilities and potential. When hired, the then-37-year-old dean of the Lake Tahoe Community College District was the youngest person ever to serve as a district-level community college CEO in California and, at the time, one of only five women of the 70 CEOs in the state. She hit the ground running and has never looked back. Twenty-five years later, College of the Canyons resembles its former self in name only, having been transformed into one of the leading, most innovative and widely respected community colleges in the nation. Numbers help put such a radical transformation into context. The college’s budget, for example, has grown from approximately $8 million in 1988 to nearly $181 million today. Enrollment has grown from 4,000 to a high of 27,000 students. And physical space has quadrupled, climbing from just under 200,000 square feet to today’s 812,000 square feet across two campuses, with additional construction this year that will boost square footage even more. While numbers can provide context, they can also obscure what this progress really means, which is this: Dr. Van Hook’s leadership has driven a quarter century of cross-generational momentum at College of the Canyons. This commitment has provided all manner of cuttingedge educational and training opportunities for all who have sought to better them-

selves. It has embraced innovation and excellence in education. It has instilled hope, and turned dreamers into doers. Her efforts, passion and unrelenting resolve have transformed not only the college, but the lives and livelihoods of the hundreds of thousands of people who have embarked on an educational journey here. One of the few people who had a sense for what this “fireball” could do was

Michele Jenkins. A member of the Board of Trustees today and in 1988, Jenkins was the board president who led the development of the CEO search. Having overseen that process 25 years ago, she remembers vividly how one person stood out above all the rest. “At the time, I couldn’t help but smile to myself, thinking about how much of a difference she was going to make at the college because she’s just so dynamic,” Jenkins recalled. “Days later, after she had been formally introduced, I asked one of our instructors what he thought about our new president, to which he replied, ‘Administrators come and go, and it won’t really make a difference who the adminis-

trator is.’ I simply smiled again and thought to myself that he has no idea what this woman’s leadership will bring to College of the Canyons. Today, 25 years later, I’m still smiling.” Indeed, that instructor’s observation was based on the average four-year tenure of the previous College of the Canyons presidents to that point, but he clearly made an assumption that would prove wildly inaccurate in very short order. When Dr. Van Hook arrived, she immediately went to work developing the college’s first educational and facilities mas-

the caNYON cOuNtrY caMpus IN earLY 2013.

ter plan. Five plans later, the college has been radically transformed, the result of a seemingly non-stop series of construction and improvement projects that continues to this day. Dr. Brice Harris, chancellor of the California community college system, said Dr. Van Hook’s focused, dedicated service to a single college district over the course of 25 years has allowed College of the Canyons to thrive – and the Santa Clarita Valley to reap the rewards. “Such longevity is a rarity and speaks to the skilled leadership she provides to the college community day in and day out,” Dr. Harris said. “This type of stability fosters institutional focus and commitment on

a remarkable scale.” College of the Canyons has been propelled forward by a unique combination of community support and daring leadership. Aided by the passage of two multimilliondollar bond measures over the past dozen years, Dr. Van Hook has presided over the highest level of construction and preparation for the future since the college opened in temporary quarters at Hart High School in 1969. She has substantially transformed the Valencia campus – and provided the vision to create an entirely new campus in Canyon Country – to keep up with community demands, enhance access, and anticipate the educational needs of the future. When Dr. Van Hook arrived in 1988, the college was housed in eight major structures. Today, more than a dozen additional major facilities have been built or expanded, including: the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons, the Library and TLC (The Learning Center), Mentry Hall, the Family Studies and Early Childhood Education Center, Aliso Lab and Aliso Hall, Pico Canyon Hall, Hasley Hall, the East Physical Education Building and tennis courts, and, of course, the Canyon Country campus and its first permanent facility, the Applied Technology Education Center. Construction has begun on a new Student Services & Administrative Center, and a groundbreaking for the new Institute for Culinary Education is expected later this year. These wide-ranging facilities are much more than mere buildings. Each has been designed to serve a specific educational purpose and outfitted with the latest technology. Most importantly, they allow learning to happen. They enhance student access and house an ever-growing assortment of cutting-edge educational and training programs that allow students to gain the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed in the real world. If one were to ask Dr. Van Hook to reveal her secret of success, she would most likely repeat a familiar mantra that she has widely shared within the campus community: “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you dream it, you can do SEE 25 YEARS ON PAGE 6

“Dr. Van Hook is, without a doubt, the most accomplished CEO in the California community college system. Better yet, she’s our CEO. Her ability to forge relationships and partnerships has been invaluable – and her leadership, imagination and perseverance have reaped incredible rewards for so many people, businesses and organizations in our community. She has inspired those around her to learn more, to do more and, most importantly, to dream more.” MICHAEL BERGER President, College of the Canyons Board of Trustees

“Dr. Van Hook’s leadership has created an environment of outstanding educational opportunities for all of our students, which has directly enhanced the Santa Clarita Valley’s quality of life and economic well-being.” DORIS MARIE ZIMMER Chair, College of the Canyons Foundation Board of Directors

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“Having watched Dianne for 25 years, I can honestly say I have never met anyone who comes close to combining so many of her talents: extremely bright, hard working, growth mindset, caring, thoughtful, generous and flexible.” JOSEPH GERDA Faculty Member, College of the Canyons

“Dianne’s anniversary pays tribute to the board’s action to hire her 25 years ago. We knew then that she had the ability, talent and vision to help College of the Canyons grow and thrive. How right we were!” LINDA CUBBAGE Former Member, College of the Canyons Board of Trustees

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COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • FALL 2013

a 1988 aerIaL vIeW Of the vaLeNcIa caMpus prOvIdes a cONtrastINg perspectIve Of Its grOWth Over the past 25 Years.

dr. vaN hOOk IN 1988.

interview

ONE-ON-ONE WITH DR. DIANNE G. VAN HOOK What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishments? Becoming a college president by the time I was 37 was a major accomplishment. Being able to turn ideas about what a place like College of the Canyons could become into reality is another. Growing a small community college into a suburban center of higher education that has earned the regard of the community has made me very proud. And being able to do so with the help of a lot of committed, determined people working together has made all of the difference. Being able to pass two bond measures in five years with the help of our volunteers and (campaign chair) Rita Garasi has enabled us to expand access – the greatest accomplishment of all!

on our first two big buildings, Mentry Hall and the Library, in 1994. And we have just been on a fast clip ever since, because of that helicopter ride. As another positive part of that helicopter experience, as we were funded to build additional space, we were funded to expand access and serve more students and businesses. Tell us about your early career. It’s clear you wanted to be a college president. I did. While I was teaching junior high school, I went back to get a master’s degree. At the same

As a child, can you remember what you wanted to be when you grew up? In junior high, I wanted to be an architect. In those days, they wouldn’t let girls take drafting, auto mechanics, wood shop or advanced math. We could take art and music, cooking, sewing and typing. On the aptitude assessment tests I took in junior high, I always ranked high on spatial relations and mechanical reasoning. I have always had the ability to design things in my head, and I am grateful that in my position as Chancellor, I have had the chance to build them. Whether it is buildings or programs or partnerships or people (professional development) or places, I’m in the building business. You played a big role in changing state funding formulas that allowed College of the Canyons to flourish. How did you do it? In 1988, the funding formula penalized fast-growing colleges like ours as they didn’t account for the actual, real growth of our community. So I set about on a two-fold mission: First, to get the Department of Finance to fund our real growth and change our enrollment projections, and, second, to secure adequate funding for colleges where there was a large demand for access. I invited representatives from the Department of Finance to come down here and go up with us in a Sheriff’s Department helicopter so they could see firsthand the growth and building we were talking about. We were flying over Saugus when the sheriff’s pilots got a call about a robbery in Canyon Country. The helicopters zoomed over to Canyon Country, spotted the suspects and helped with their capture. When they were done with that arrest, they wanted to resume the tour but, because we were flying in curves, everybody on board was sick. I managed to just chew a lot of gum! I turned to the finance representative who was with us and asked if we should continue with the tour. She answered, “No. I’ve seen a lot and I think I want to go back.” And I replied, “Well, you haven’t seen the biggest parts of the growth in our area,” to which she responded: “It’s OK, I trust you. I believe what you say. We’ll change your projections. Please don’t make us do that ever again.” It was a very interesting day and a stellar moment! We sent them our projected enrollment changes based on the number of houses to be built. Those projections are the reason we received so much funding And that’s why we got so much growth funding and it’s why we were stepped up for eligibility for funding for future buildings. We started

time, I was teaching at night at Long Beach City College and counseling at Cerritos College. I applied for and was able to secure a one-year sabbatical leave replacement at Santa Ana College. I thought if I could get some full-time experience, I would be more marketable. So I applied at Santa Ana College and got the job. I realized that I really liked working at the community college level as a counselor and instructor and I set my sights on that career. However, I was a temporary replacement. I needed a strategy, so I went into the president’s office and said, “So this is the thing, Dr. Wenrick, I don’t want to return to junior high school teaching. I like the pace of change at the college level. I need a little assistance. How do you think I can get to stay here?” He told me I could write some grants, which, if successful, meant that positions could be added and I could stay. I had no idea what a grant was, but I was willing to learn. I wrote about five grants and received three of them. So, ultimately it all worked out and I was able to stay at Santa Ana College. So, you literally created that position for yourself. What did you do next? In my second year at Santa Ana College, I enrolled in a doctoral program in Educational Leadership at the University of La Verne. In one of my courses on organizational development, my hypothesis was that we were providing student services only for traditional students and that was not meeting the needs of the students who were there. Student services were available only between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.; we weren’t open at night or on

“I had the honor and pleasure to serve on the board for six years and witness firsthand the college’s profound impact on people’s lives. College of the Canyons is intensely focused on student access, achievement and success. That focus comes straight from Dr. Van Hook, whose vision and passion for educational excellence are boundless. The Santa Clarita Valley is truly fortunate to have had her at the college’s helm for the past 25 years.” SCOTT WILK Member, State Assembly; Former Member, College of the Canyons Board of Trustees

........................................................ “Dr. Van Hook has been a blessing not only for College of the Canyons, but for the entire Santa Clarita Valley. Her thumbprint is on everything that is good about the valley – and we cannot thank her enough for all she has done.” BOB KELLAR Mayor, City of Santa Clarita

weekends. We weren’t supplying services sensitive to the needs of re-entry adults. And, frankly, our counselors did not represent the students we were serving. So I developed a proposal to have a non-traditional counseling center called New Horizons, which would serve women on welfare trying to obtain skills to go to work, support women to move into “non-traditional careers,” provide support services to non-native English speakers and develop programs for older adults. At the end of the term, I made my presentation to the president of Santa Ana College and immediately I left for a summer residency at La Verne. To my surprise, he called two days later and said, “You know, Dianne, we want to implement your proposal.” I had strategically written in a counselor position into each component; I wanted a fulltime job because I was on soft funding from a grant that was due to end the next year! So I assumed he wanted me to fill one of those positions. But he said, “No, you’re not going to be a counselor. You’re going to run the program.” So I became the coordinator of New Horizons, which evolved into a model program that in 1984 was deployed statewide. You made a name for yourself in Santa Ana making it easier for businesses to train their employees. Can you explain? I finished my doctoral program and along the way I became involved in an initiative with Congressman Jerry Patterson; our dean of vocational education, Dr. Kathy Lusk; and Dr. Bernie Luskin, who was the chancellor down at Coast Community College District. We decided that we needed to do something differently to figure out how to match companies that wanted to move into Orange County with the right college for the training they needed, so when they relocated from other areas or states, they could have a turnkey operation and we could place our students in real jobs that had a future. That was a challenge in those days because we didn’t have “free flow,” so you had to go to the community college where you lived. The only way you could go anywhere else was if the major you wanted wasn’t available at your local college. We came up with a model and interacted in the establishment of the Technology Exchange Center in Garden Grove. It served all four community college districts in Orange County. All four of the community college districts agreed to let people and employees of companies that wanted to locate in their areas go to the college where their training needs could best be met. That was 1981, and it got a lot of press in Southern California. When did College of the Canyons first appear on your radar? When this job (Superintendent-President of College of the Canyons) opened in 1983, there were several CEOs who nominated me because of my efforts SEE INTERVIEW ON PAGE 6

“Her impact on the local business and educational communities cannot be measured by traditional standards, but rather by the across-the-board progress we have made through her efforts. Over the years I have heard her say on many occasions, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it.’ The results of her dreams are proof positive she is a get-it-done person.” DON FLEMING President, Santa Clarita Valley Automobile Dealers Association; General Manager, Valencia Acura

........................................................ “Dr. Van Hook’s dedication to students, faculty and staff has been nothing short of inspirational. She continues to elevate the college as a premier place of education. Her charisma, passion and tireless work ethic are positively infectious.” JILL MELLADY Immediate Past Chair, College of the Canyons Foundation Board of Directors

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • FALL 2013

25 YEARS FROm PAGE 4

it.” It’s a philosophy that has been taken to heart – and is at the core of most, if not all, college initiatives that bear her trademark of excellence and innovation. It also drives the adventurous, entrepreneurial spirit behind so many successful programs – and a track record that other colleges can only dream about. “People who believe in themselves and the power of teamwork inspire vision, energy, commitment and courageous leadership at every level,” Dr. Van Hook said. “Those qualities propel College of the Canyons to new possibilities and exciting outcomes. The result? Expansion of instructional programs, securing significant increases in funding, launching a robust building program, and increasing our full-time staff by more than 300 percent. These qualities have helped us develop partnerships and collaborative initiatives, take calculated risks, be entrepreneurial and, most importantly, believe that we could create our own future. And, together, we have done just that!” The belief that everyone has the ability

to develop themselves to their fullest potential is a key component of Dr. Van Hook’s philosophy of personal empowerment, but it actually goes further than that. She passionately believes and understands well the value of inspirational mentors. She attributes much of her early drive to excel to a college administrator who instilled in her the confidence that she could become whatever she wanted to be. The positive influence on her self-confidence and ultimate development of her potential was a turning point that opened her eyes to the possibilities, which is precisely what she now does for others. Years of mentoring have given her the ability to see in people what others do not yet see, inspiring and empowering them to aim high and achieve their highest potentials. That philosophy has contributed to an environment where absolutely anything is possible. A strong believer in California’s community college system, Dr. Van Hook began her higher education journey at Long Beach City College. From there, she went to California State University, Long Beach, which, incidentally, honored her recently as its 2013 Distinguished Alumna for the College of Liberal Arts. She gradu-

ated with a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1972. While attending classes, she worked as a Head Start preschool teacher, and upon graduation became a junior high school teacher. She later went on to earn both her master’s degree and doctorate from the University of La Verne. While working as a counselor at Santa Ana College, she launched the highly regarded New Horizons program, which helps re-entry students succeed in college. The program was ultimately implemented at 60 community colleges throughout the state. From there she went to Feather River College to serve as dean of instruction/student service in 1984. Two years later she became dean of the Lake Tahoe Community College District — her last stop before returning to Southern California to take the top post at College of the Canyons. A quarter century later, Dr. Van Hook is not only the longest-serving community college CEO in the state, she is a widely respected visionary and leader – the go-to CEO of California’s community colleges. Named chancellor of the Santa Clarita Community College District in 2008, she is widely regarded as a strong, knowledgeable and consistent advocate for communi-

ty colleges statewide and nationally. Her experience, expertise and passion for higher education have contributed to her receiving every statewide recognition that can be bestowed on a California community college CEO. A popular metaphor describes time as a flowing river whose current carries those who don’t resist it through happy, easy days – living, unquestioning, in the moment. That may be relevant for most, but not Dr. Van Hook. While no one can control the current of time, some adventurous souls have the courage and ability to change its course into magnificent territory. And so it has been for 25 years at College of the Canyons. “At every stage, Dianne has been a leader in terms of innovation, always thinking outside the box, and always with the perseverance and ability to rally people around an idea and see that idea expressed in reality,” said Dr. Jack Scott, immediate past chancellor of California’s community colleges. “She has left an indelible imprint upon all of California’s community colleges – particularly on College of the Canyons and the entire Santa Clarita Valley.”

INTERVIEW FROm PAGE 5 in establishing the Technology Exchange Center. I applied to College of the Canyons for the President’s position and was invited for an interview. And despite the directions of the interviewer to not introduce myself and shake hands, I did so anyway. I went around and tried to memorize the names of the people around the room. I knew I wouldn’t get forwarded (as a finalist) because I broke the rules! It sounds like your strategy changed a bit. Can you elaborate? I decided that I needed to apply for some other jobs, so I applied and became a finalist for positions as Dean of Student Services. At the same time, I realized that if I really wanted to be a college president, I needed institutional experience. That was the path to the presidency in those days. About that time, the Dean of Instruction/Student Service (Dean of the College) opened up at Feather River College and I applied. I got to Quincy for the interview and thought, “What have I done?” When I went to the interview the next day on the beautiful little campus, I caught my high heel on a railroad tie sidewalk that ran along the forest and tripped on the way to the interview. But I did my best and was honest in the interview. I considered it was a little too rural. I was offered the job. After I turned it down three times because it was “very out there”, I finally decided to take it. Two years later, the Vice President position opened at College of the Canyons and I applied. I was the No. 2 candidate. You worked in Lake Tahoe for a while. How did that come about? About the time I did not get the Vice President position at College of the Canyons, I was speaking at a conference in Lake Tahoe. My husband and I always thought it’d be fun to work in Lake Tahoe. So, when I drove by the temporary campus of Lake Tahoe Community College, I picked up the paperwork and applied. Two months later I was hired as Dean of the Lake Tahoe Community College District. I started July 1, 1986. By now, I had become very involved in the state, had a bunch of leadership roles and met a lot of people, including Linda Cubbage, who was a board member at College of the Canyons. When the Superintendent-President’s position at College of the Canyons opened again in 1988, I applied. It was the only presidency I had applied for. I wanted to work at College of the Canyons. It took me three times of applying to be hired here, but I knew it was a great fit for me. When I saw the Valencia/Santa Clarita area, I thought, “There are a lot of houses to be built here and a lot of businesses to be started. It’s not landlocked like some colleges that have 25,000 students on 60-acre campuses.” I thought, “There’s a lot of potential here.” That’s why I kept trying. So, you had your eye on College of the Canyons since 1983 and were determined to come here. Yes. I don’t give up. For me, coming to College of the Canyons was something I wanted to do, and I was going to get there. I thought I would become a college president in a multi-college district by the time I was 40, and within another five or six years my goal was to be in charge of a district. I was a contender to become a district-level CEO directly and eliminate a large step. I was able to cut out 12 to 16 years of sitting in various jobs to get where I wanted to be – here at College of the Canyons! If one is a quick learner, is flexible, and is willing to just do it (and if you don’t do it right the first time, don’t give up), you can get where you dream to be. Instead, I went from being a faculty member to a superintendent-president in four years. I cut out all kinds of time, which was good for me – because I am impatient!

dr. dIaNNe vaN hOOk aNd her husBaNd rOger Were hONOred WIth the Leaders Of character aWard IN 2007. the hONOr Was BestOWed BY the WesterN LOs aNgeLes cOuNtY cOuNcIL Of the BOY scOuts Of aMerIca. In a sense, you and College of the Canyons found each other. You’ve spent the bulk of your career here, and the college has been under your leadership for most of its existence. Looking back at the last 25 years here, what are you most proud of? I’m most proud of being able to really open the doors to access. When I came here, we had about 4,800 students, and we’ve had as many as 26,000 students in recent years. That is a significant change. That means that at any given time, one of every six adults in our community has a connection to College of the Canyons. As a CEO of a California Community College District, you don’t get to expand access like that very often. Whether it was getting growth formulas changed so we can get more funding to educate more people, obtaining the funding for developing new buildings so we could create and add new programs, developing training partnerships with industry, building the University Center, or creating Career Technical Education and the Economic Development Division, we’ve touched people’s lives, their companies, their relatives and their neighbors. We really have an impact on this community. Not every college can say that. Every community college certainly does a great job of providing people chances to get a jump-start on their college education, to pursue transfer education and to get trained to be able to make a meaningful living for themselves in some fields. But what I care about is that we don’t just stick to that traditional mission. We were doing Economic Development before it was formally added to the mission of community colleges. We began doing contract training in 1989, and we started growing our Foundation when a lot of colleges didn’t have foundations. We’ve been writing grants and developing partnerships, and we haven’t stopped doing any of that during any of the five economic downturns that I’ve lived through here at College of the Canyons. We have kept our doors open, and we have expanded our programs. Now we have a campus in Canyon Country, where 2,400 of our students take classes exclusively and 3,000 take some of their course load.

prIOrItY regIstratION tO chaNge IN ’14

ew state regulations will give priority registration to first-time students for the fall 2014 semester, provided that students complete all steps of the mandatory matriculation process by June 30, 2014. Steps include completing an application for admission, submitting required transcripts, completing math and English assessments, completing an online orientation and attending a new student advisement session.

Online advisement will be available beginning April 1, 2014. Details of these steps, as well as additional information, are available by clicking the “New Students” button at www.canyons.edu/admissions. Students can begin this process starting Jan. 1, 2014. Registration dates for the fall 2014 semester will be assigned beginning July 1, 2014 for those students who have completed all of the required steps.

When we get the state to pass a bond measure, we can leverage our local money and bring on another three buildings at the Canyon Country Campus. It’s going to be huge for this community. Because of the amazing team of people, College of the Canyons has earned the regard of this community in ways that most colleges can only dream about. The team of people and what we have done is what I am most proud of. What does the future hold for College of the Canyons? Soon we’ll be done with the build-out of the Valencia campus in accordance with the Educational & Facilities Master Plan that we started in 1989. The existing facilities – whether the original four or five buildings, or the subsequent ones – will continually require upgrades to accommodate emerging progress and technology, but the physical structures themselves will be done. Our next frontier is Canyon Country. We’re already there, and we have the money set aside for three permanent classroom buildings. The first building is the science classroom and laboratory building. The University Center and what we offer here will continue to expand. It’s becoming even more popular than it already is. We’ve had about 26,000 people take classes in the University Center, and we’re adding more programs so that people with busy lives can be lifelong learners. People will always need to learn new things all the time. We’re streamlining our process to transfer students to the Cal State University system. We’re expanding our role in working with business and industry to make a high-quality workforce. We’re going to our high schools to help students jump-start their college careers. It’s all about expanding access with the quality that College of the Canyons has been known for. It’s about opportunity. It’s about having the courage to imagine it, to dream it, to achieve it and to do it for the benefit of our community. It is a bright future indeed!

IMPORTANT DATES WINTER SESSION JAN. 6 THROUGH FEB. 7, 2014 REGISTRATION BEGINS: NOV. 12, 2013

SPRING SEMESTER FEB. 10 THROUGH JUNE 5, 2014 REGISTRATION BEGINS: JAN. 6, 2014

CLASSES FROm PAGE 1

wide variety of classes we’re offering.” The winter schedule of classes will consist primarily of “core” general education classes that all students need to graduate, transfer to four-year schools or meet course prerequisites associated with their immediate educational plans. At $46 per unit, the winter session is a great value for California State University (CSU) and University of California (UC) students who need more units. Currently registered College of the Canyons will receive notification of specific registration periods in coming weeks.

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • FALL 2013

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY

aN artIst’s reNderINg Of the INstItute fOr cuLINarY educatION, WhIch Is NOW uNder cONstructION.

MEASURE M: BOND MEASURE FUELS PROGRESS College of the Canyons has experienced an unprecedented level of progress fed in large part by Measure M, the $160 million bond measure that local voters approved in 2006. This success would not have been possible without the optimism of an historically supportive community and the resolve of college leaders to make good on the promises of Measure M.

The most visible signs of progress can be found from one side of the Santa Clarita Valley to the other. On the east, an entirely new college campus has been created in Canyon Country. On the west, the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center was built atop a prominent perch along Interstate 5. Other Measure M-funded projects include the Applied Technology Education Center, the first permanent facility to be built at the Canyon Country campus, and the dramatic expansions of both Mentry Hall and the Library, the latter of which provides an expansive, state-of-the-art home to the heavily utilized TLC (The Learning Center). Two more major projects are under construction now: the Institute for Culinary Education, which will provide a long-sought permanent home for the college’s culinary arts program, and the new Student Services & Administration Building. These last two buildings, expected to open in late 2014, will complete the buildout of the Valencia campus. Attention will then turn to the Canyon Country campus, where additional permanent buildings have been designed and planned for construction.

“We view this as an investment whose ultimate value will be measured in terms of how we’ve been able to transform people’s lives for the better.” DR. DIANNE G. VAN HOOK, CHANCELLOR Measure M has provided the funding to construct new facilities to accommodate an everincreasing number of innovative educational and training programs. The beneficiaries are those who come to College of the Canyons for education, training and inspiration now and in the future. The bond measure is a key component driving the college’s recent progress, but a lesser-known factor has played an equally important role. The college has maximized every bond-issued dollar by leveraging other resources. The original $160 million bond authorization’s actual value is now in the neighborhood of $232.8 million. The value has increased with the addition of more than $5.3 million in earned interest as of June 30, 2013, as well as approximately $67.5 million in state matching funds. Moreover, the college has capitalized on market conditions by refunding bonds to reduce the number of years of taxpayer payments. All of this has been accomplished through prudent fiscal measures undertaken by college leaders and the careful oversight provided by the Measure M Citizens Oversight Committee. In the end, the value of Measure M will far exceed its original valuation – and save taxpayers money in the process. “College of the Canyons has been extremely diligent about making good on the promises of Measure M – and exceeding them,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “The community has entrusted us with building the best community college ever imagined. We’re making that happen by leveraging Measure M bond funds to attain the absolute maximum value possible.” “We view this as an investment whose ultimate value will be measured in terms of how we’ve been able to transform people’s lives for the better.”

studeNt servIces aNd adMINIstratION BuILdINg reNderINg.

spacIOus cOrrIdOrs IN MeNtrY haLL feature studY areas. STUDENT SERVICES & ADMINISTRATION BUILDING Valencia Campus Status: Under construction, estimated completion fall 2014 Size: 46,370 square feet Cost: $16.4 million The new Student Services & Administration Building, one of only three community college projects approved for construction statewide in 2011-12, will allow the college to dramatically expand a variety of key student services. It will accommodate an expanded Admissions & Records Office that will feature new computer labs and kiosks for student use, as well as a new “Welcome Center,” a first stop for new students and visitors. The building will also house areas for the Financial Aid Office, Counseling Center, Transfer Center, Career Services Office, Student Services Office, Instruction Office and various administrative offices. INSTITUTE FOR CULINARY EDUCATION Valencia Campus Status: Under construction, estimated completion fall 2014 Size: 12,208 square feet Cost: $8.5 million The new permanent home for the college’s culinary arts program is being built in an architectural style that lends an elegant sophistication appropriate for a building that will serve both educational and social functions. Approximately $3 million of the construction costs come from bid savings on the Library project. The building will include a Show Kitchen, Savory Kitchen, Sweets Kitchen, an area for Wine Studies, a Culinary Lab space and instructor office spaces. Most importantly, the facility will showcase and expand a premier culinary arts program whose quality is comparable to those offered by private culinary arts institutions, but at considerably less expense. LIBRARY EXPANSION Valencia Campus Status: Completed fall 2012 Size: 51,435 square feet added (total size now 86,606 square feet) Cost: $15.8 million The Library was dramatically expanded and now provides a home for the heavily utilized TLC (The Learning Center), which occupies 41,435 square feet on a single level. The Library now occupies 45,171

square feet on two levels. The expanded facility oﬀers a new Computer Commons area with 100 student workstations, group-study rooms, and a Special Collections area to accommodate rotating exhibits of student and community art.

APPLIED TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION CENTER Canyon Country Campus Status: Completed 2011 Size: 10,315 square feet Cost: $7.1 million

DR. DIANNE G. VAN HOOK UNIVERSITY CENTER Valencia Campus Status: Completed 2009 Size: 110,000 square feet Cost: $39.8 million

The Applied Technology Education Center, the ﬁrst permanent building on the Canyon Country campus, houses a variety of new educational and training programs, including alternative energy management, automotive technology, construction management, building inspection, landscape management and water systems technology.

The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center provides instructional and support space for numerous degree programs offered by partner universities such as Brandman University, California State University Bakersfield, Cal State L.A., Cal State Northridge, the University of La Verne and National University. As of June 2013, 1,839 people had graduated from its various degree programs, with master’s and doctoral programs accounting for 1,206 of those graduates. Since 2002, when University Center programs were housed in an interim facility, nearly 30,000 students have been enrolled in degree, certificate and credential programs. The new facility also houses the TEACH program, the William S. Hart Union High School District’s Academy of the Canyons, the City of Santa Clarita’s WorkSource Center and a variety of key college departments, many of which will relocate to the Student Services & Administration Building when it’s completed in late 2014. The center’s unique approach to providing easy access to degree programs from multiple universities was summed up by U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary Dr. Martha Kanter, who lauded it as a model of higher education access that should be emulated nationwide. CANYON COUNTRY CAMPUS Status: Phase 1 completed 2007 Size: 70 acres Cost: $58 million The Canyon Country campus welcomed more than 3,000 students when it opened in 2007, fulfilling the community’s need for convenient access to college programs in the eastern Santa Clarita Valley. The campus has made a huge contribution toward meeting the area’s educational and training demands. The campus has benefited from a number of improvements, including the opening of the Carl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater, a free-standing food concession and extensive landscaping improvements.

MENTRY HALL EXPANSION Valencia Campus Status: Completed 2010 Size: 28,000 square feet added (total size now 78,237 square feet) Cost: $12.3 million The Mentry Hall expansion, a design-build project that was completed in less than a year, added more than 32,000 square feet of instructional space, including two computer labs, a large lecture room, 11 classrooms, a 2-D drawing classroom, a life/drawing classroom, two conference rooms and 12 offices. Spacious corridors feature lounge areas where students meet and study. The expansion increased the overall size of Mentry Hall to 78,237 square feet. CANYON COUNTRY CAMPUS PARKING LOT 2 Status: Completed 2010 Cost: $1 million TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES Status: Completed Cost: $1 million Other Measure M-funded improvements include secondary effects in Bonelli Hall and Mentry Hall ($3.4 million), the Facilities Master Plan ($253,000), and various health and safety upgrades ($50,000) primarily on the Valencia campus. The Measure M construction pipeline is filled with myriad projects that are planned in the future, including several permanent buildings at the Canyon Country campus, upgrades at the Del Valle firefighter training facility near Val Verde, replacement of equipment, scheduled maintenance and other secondary effects.

CONSTRUCTION UPDATE

STAY INFORMED

SNAP THE QR CODE AT LEFT FOR A VIDEO UPDATE OF CONSTRUCTION ON THE VALENCIA CAMPUS, OR VISIT YOUTUBE.COM/COLLEGEOFTHECANYONS.

FOR UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ABOUT MEASURE M, CITIzENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETINGS, AGENDAS AND MINUTES, AND MORE, VISIT:

canyons.edu/pio

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • FALL 2013

sOccer pLaYers practIce ON the NeWLY reNOvated pLaYINg fIeLd.

the resurfaced track.

FIELD OF DREAMS

COUGAR STADIUM FIELD AND TRACK RENOVATED

ougar Stadium is ready for fall sports! The largest athletic stadium in the Santa Clarita Valley underwent a summer renovation that resurfaced the running track and replaced the playing surface with a higher grade of artificial turf. The process of removing the previous artificial turf, which was installed 10 years ago, began June 17. It was replaced with a state-of-the-art surface called FieldTurf Revolution, designed to provide an unparalleled level of player safety

at a surface temperature up to 40 degrees cooler than traditional artificial turf. The same type of artificial turf is utilized by Division I schools such as the University of Texas, University of Missouri and U.S. Naval Academy. The stadium track also was completely resurfaced with a new 7-mm layer of rubber and granules before being restriped with official collegiate track & field markings. The pole vault/long jump/triple jump runways were completely resurfaced as well.

The approximately $780,000 renovation was funded by a deferred maintenance and replacement account set up jointly by the Santa Clarita Community College District and the William S. Hart Union High School District, whose schools make routine use of the facility. Both districts have contributed equally to the account since the original artificial turf was installed in 2003. The remaining balance was funded by Measure M bond funds, which local voters approved for such purposes in 2006.

WOrkers rOLL Out NeW sYNthetIc turf.

MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF A CHANGING WORLD...

TOGETHER! The Chancellor’s Circle is a partnership between College of the Canyons and a diverse group of businesses, community members, non-proﬁt groups, government leaders and others who are committed to strengthening our community – by actively supporting a strong community college. The underlying tenet of the Chancellor’s Circle is the strong belief that by working together we can add value to a community college education, provide support for creative and innovative programs that enrich the educational experience of students, and provide needed workforce skills that will strengthen and sustain our economy – that we can

Please consider joining us!

achieve, by working together, much more than we can by working alone.

• Call the College of the Canyons Foundation at (661) 362-3435 • Visit canyonsfoundation.org and click the Support Groups button

CHAMPION AT&T Morton Manufacturing Inc. LEADER Boston Scientiﬁc Neuromodulation Honda Performance Development Inc. LED Inc. – Chris Fall Mark Jenkins and Roxie Ramey SoCal Edison – Anna Frutos-Sanchez

ADVOCATE Aerospace Dynamics International AMG & Associates – Albert M. Giacomazzi AM – Touch Dental Bradley J. Kirst D.D.S. Inc. Gary and Diana Cusumano Haas Automation Inc. Andrew and Elisa Horowitz Dr. Susan Komsky

Math Support Services Inc. Jim and Jill Mellady Bill Miranda Mitzi and Randy Moberg Mortensen Law, Tax, Trust & Estate Attorneys Dr. Skip Newhall NE Systems Inc. – Ed Padilla Newhall Escrow Co. – Steve Corn Kirk and Ana Palmer

Harold and Jacquie Petersen Shepard Insurance Agency Lloyd Sreden, CPA Dr. Dianne and Mr. Roger Van Hook Wells Fargo LIFETIME MEMBERS Lou and Rita Garasi Tom and Colleen Lee