When the Higher Educa-tion Opportunity Actwas signed into law in

2008, an important but under-reported provision created re-quirements that have rippledthrough colleges and universitiesacross the nation. Under the newlaw that takes effect July 1, anyinstitution receiving federal finan-cial assistance is required to pro-vide specific information abouttextbooks and required coursematerials so students can makeinformed decisions about whichcourses they register for andwhere to purchase textbooks andcourse materials.

While some colleges are stillstruggling with how to implementthe law’s requirements, Collegeof the Canyons will introduce therequired changes for this sum-mer’s classes.

“We took the new require-ments seriously by putting a sys-tem in place through which

instructors could select theirmaterials and inform the adminis-tration of their choices,” said SueBozman, vice president of com-munications, marketing and ex-ternal relations at the college.“We then entered that informationinto various databases, whichmake the information automati-cally available through the onlineregistration system. The net bene-fit to our students is well worththe effort.”

The law is an acknowledge-ment by the federal governmentthat the high cost of textbooks hasbeen, and continues to be, a barri-er for many students when itcomes to achieving their educa-tional goals.

To put it simply, the lawrequires that colleges and univer-sities make the InternationalStandard Book Number (ISBN)for each book required for eachclass section available to students

College of the Canyons26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355

Postal Customer

Have you ever thought about a career in the legal profes-sion? Would you enjoy playing a role in the prosecutionof a defendant, or the filing of a civil claim on behalf of

an injured victim? Does work-ing to improve the quality oflegal services in your commu-nity appeal to you?

Even if you answered yes toat least one of those questions,attending law school just might not be possible, and would taketoo long at this point in your life and career. Right?

Instead, you may want to consider a career as a well-paid andrespected paralegal – and College of the Canyons is the perfect

See PARALEGAL on Page 10

E C R W S S

Paralegal ProgramApproved by ABA

See TEXTBOOKS on Page 9

S A N TA C L A R I TA C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E D I S T R I C T C E L E B R AT I N G O U R 4 0 T H A N N I V E R S A R Y

College TacklesTextbook Costs

The Dr. Dianne G. Van HookUniversity Center represents amodel of higher education

access that should be emulatednationwide, said Dr. Martha Kanter,under secretary of the U.S. Depart-ment of Education, during a Jan. 30dedication ceremony for the build-ing housing 43 degree, credentialand certificate programs of sevendistinct, individual universities.

Kanter’s comments joined a ver-itable chorus of praise for both theeducational concept and the drivingforce behind it: Dr. Dianne G. VanHook, the College of the Canyonschancellor who was determined tobring a wide variety of universitydegree programs to the Santa ClaritaValley. Specifically, she waged amore than decade-long effort tobuild a state-of-the-art center where

students could earn advanceddegrees, teaching credentials andassorted certificates from a collec-tion of public and private universi-ties – without the need to commuteto distant campuses.

The idea itself, nurtured fornearly 20 years by Dr. Van Hook,was to create convenient, localaccess to bachelor’s, master’s anddoctoral degree programs; help fam-ilies balance the need for highereducation while maintaining full-time jobs and responsibilities, and

respond to the needs of businessesseeking programs to help theiremployees stay competitive.

While the concept’s virtuesseem obvious today, gaining thefinancial commitment and supportin the early days of the plan proveda challenge. After all, very few con-sortiums of this magnitude – multi-ple universities bringing numerousprograms to a single location on acommunity college campus – hadbeen tried before.

The location of College of theCanyons and the resulting barriersto gaining access to upper-divisionclasses deepened Dr. Van Hook’sresolve. Access to notable universi-ties with respected programs, whilegeographically close to the SantaClarita Valley, was problematicSee UNIVERSITY CENTER on Page 5

soUL PRoVIDERMichael Bolton to kick off new

Performing Arts Center season.PAGE 7

SUMMER 2010

New Info Will Give Students More Options

U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary Kanter Praises Concept

University Center a ‘Model’ for Nation

MVP honoRsHoops standout Wakefield

named statewide MVP.PAGE 12

RELATED

NEW PROGRAMS ADDED – Ten newcredential and degree programs havebeen added at the Dr. Dianne G. Van HookUniversity Center. Page 5

RELATED

PARALEGALS IN DEMAND – Jobprospects for paralegals. Page 10

www.canyons.edu

College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook (left) stands with Myrna and Gary Condie, who werehonored for their community service during the 20th Silver Spur Award dinner at the Autry National Center onMarch 6, 2010. The Condies were honored with the Silver Spur Award for their generosity and volunteer work asmembers of the College of the Canyons Foundation Board of Directors, the Boys and Girls Club of Santa ClaritaValley, the Boy Scouts of America and numerous other charitable organizations throughout the community. Theevent returned to the Autry center in Los Angeles where it began in 1989.

Dr. Martha Kanter, under secretary of the Dept. of Education, speaksduring the dedication of the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.

HONORED FOR SERVICE

2 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010

Breaking News is published by the College of the Canyons Public Information Office. Its purpose isto inform the community about programs, events, issues and accomplishments of the Santa ClaritaValley’s community college. It is distributed to residences, post office boxes and businesses in the 367-square-mile Santa Clarita Community College District. Advertising is not accepted.

Mail: College of the CanyonsPublic Information Office26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355Email: pio@canyons.edu

A b o U T b R E A K I n G n E W s

College of the Canyons Commits to Summer

Chancellor’s Business Council CreatedThe Chancellor’s Business Council, a new partnershipbetween College of the Canyons and the business commu-nity, has been created to strengthen economic developmentand build a bridge between business and education. Basedon the success of the Feb. 4 kickoff event, “A Symposiumon 21st Century Solutions,” featuring College of theCanyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook as keynotespeaker, the group followed up with another special event, apresentation by Jay Thomas, park president of Six FlagsMagic Mountain and Hurricane Harbor, on April 27. Moreevents are planned. Membership opportunities are availablethat offer added benefits, such as tickets to special eventsand discounts on college services and facility rentals. Forinformation, contact Michele Edmonson at (661) 362-3435or michele.edmonson@canyons.edu.

Junior High Summer Institute ReturnsThe Junior High Summer Institute (JSI) at College of theCanyons will return for its third season July 5 to 30, provid-ing stimulating atmosphere where junior high students canlearn, play and grow. Available to incoming seventh- andeighth-graders, JSI allows students the option of enrolling inweek-long curriculum tracks – taught primarily by COCinstructors or field experts – in areas such as musical the-ater, welding, robotics, animation, video gaming, nursingand engineering. Each of the four one-week sessions arescheduled 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.Registration is available online. At a cost of $125 per child,per week, parents have the option of enrolling students in adifferent track for each of the four weeks. An early drop-offoption will allow students to arrive at 8 a.m. For information,call (661) 362-3304 or visit www.canyons.edu/juniorhigh.

Nursing Program Receives Grant AwardThe College of the Canyons nursing program has beenawarded more than $284,000 in grant funding through theOffice of Statewide Health Planning and Development(OSHPD) Song-Brown Program – aid that the college needsto maintain its highly regarded nursing program and continueto train nursing students despite the state budget situation. Inall, more than $2.7 million was awarded to 15 registerednurse education programs across the state. “We appreciatethat the state recognizes the tremendous need to train morenurses even in the face of the current budget shortfalls,” saidSue Albert, dean of allied health. “This additional funding willenable COC to continue to address the statewide nursingshortage by training 10 additional nursing students eachsemester.” The grant funding will also help pay for additionalnursing faculty and staff to better serve the department’sgrowing list of students, while providing tools to help improvethe program’s student retention rates.

Scholarship to Help Re-Entry StudentsA new scholarship designed to help new, returning andcontinuing adult students who have been unable to com-plete their educational goals has been established. TheDr. Dianne G. Van Hook “Dare to Dream” Endowment forRe-Entry Students will help re-entry students continuetheir studies and realize their dreams. The endowment iswell on its way to being fully funded, with approximately$92,000 in cash and pledges collected so far from friends,colleagues and community partners. It has generated thefull participation of college employees, with all depart-ments contributing personal funds. The endowment willalso qualify for a 50 percent funding match from theBernard Osher Foundation (see Page 2). The match con-tribution will significantly boost the fully pledged endow-ment’s value. The scholarship was established in Dr. VanHook’s name to recognize her outstanding dedication andleadership in opening the doors of access to all whodesire to learn. For information, call (661) 362-3434.

NEWS IN BRIEF

College of the Canyons will offerclasses this summer, but fewerclasses will be offered than summer

2009 because of inadequate funding fromthe state. Slightly more than 200 class sec-tions will be offered during three sessionsthat run from June 7 to Aug. 14.

In order to provide students flexibility,the college is offering a choice of startingdates and class lengths. A five-week ses-sion runs June 7 to July 10, an eight-weeksession runs June 7 to July 31, and a five-week session runs July 12 to Aug. 14.

“The number of classes we can offer isdictated by the amount of money we getfrom the state,” said Sue Bozman, vicepresident of communications, marketingand external relations. “Unfortunately, wecan’t afford to offer classes if we don’treceive adequate funding.”

The 220-plus sections that are beingoffered have been selected to provide stu-dents with the options to move forward on,or complete, their immediate educationalplans. The college is focusing on offeringclasses that are in high demand.

“We want students who have criticalclass needs to have a decent chance of get-ting into the classes they need so they cancomplete their degree or certificaterequirements and move on to the nextlevel,” Bozman said.

While acknowledging that they’d liketo offer more summer classes, college offi-cials say that, given the funding con-straints imposed by the state, it is moreimportant to offer the bulk of classes dur-ing the fall and spring sessions, when moststudents are able to attend.

Many California colleges have decided

to shelve their summer sessions altogether.That, combined with the limited number ofsummer courses here, has made competi-tion for seats in those classes more diffi-cult.

“The reality is that we know there willbe more demand for classes than we haveseats available,” Bozman said. “This hasbeen the case for the last few semestersand is likely to be the case for some time.”

The college’s class registration systemis based on a student-priority model thatessentially allows students with the mostearned units to register before those withfewer units.

The system is designed to provide stu-dents with the ability to complete theirstudies at College of the Canyons andmove on to other schools or into the work-place, thus creating space availability fornew students.

Students should make sure the Admis-

sions & Records Office has their currentemail addresses, telephone numbers andpostal addresses on file so they can be pro-vided with up-to-date information. Theyalso should make sure that college emailsare not blocked by firewalls and spam fil-ters.

Students are also advised to check thecollege’s Web site (www.canyons.edu) forimportant notices and to check the onlineclass schedule for additions or deletions.

Most students now apply for admissionto the college and conduct the bulk of theirclass-registration activities via theInternet. The “My Canyons” web portal isavailable for student access from 7 a.m.until 2:30 a.m. the following morning.

As another cost-saving measure, thecollege did not print paper schedules forthe summer term. All access to class list-ings are available online through the col-lege’s Web site at www.canyons.edu.

3 Sessions Scheduled Despite State Funding Cuts

More than 1,100 studentsgraduated during College ofthe Canyons’ 40th anniver-

sary commencement ceremony onJune 4. The 1,107 graduates repre-sent a slight increase over the 1,096students who graduated in 2009.

While 2009-10 is the college’s40th anniversary year – since thecollege’s first year of operation wasthe 1969-70 year – this was actuallythe college’s 41st commencementceremony. The college held a com-mencement during its first year,graduating 16 students on June 26,1970 at Hart High School, where thecollege’s first classes were held.

Those first students had trans-ferred from other colleges whenCollege of the Canyons opened onSept. 22, 1969, and they had enoughcredits to be able to graduate at theend of the college’s inaugural year.

As a way to acknowledge andhonor the college’s 40th anniversary,this year’s ceremony began with aspecial processional of 41 alumni,including a member of each of thecollege’s previous graduating class-es. While the college’s current grad-uates wore blue robes, alumni repre-sentatives wore gold.

Many of the alumni who partici-pated are previous board members,faculty, administrators and staff ofthe college.

While there were 16 graduates in1970, the class of 2010’s 1,107 grad-uates represented 46 majors. The

leading major was transfer studies,with nursing having the next largestnumber of graduates.

The class of 2010 is 36.4 percentmale and 63.6 percent female, butthe number of males (403) increasedby 4 percent this year and the num-ber of females (704) decreased by0.6 percent, a trend seen across thecountry during the current recession.In 1970, graduates were evenlydivided by gender.

In the class of 2010, the oldeststudent is 61, and there are three stu-dents in that age group. There are sixstudents in the 17-year-old age

group, youngest of the graduates. Notably, this year there were 572

ethnic minority students, as well as25 international students from ninecountries: Albania, Bulgaria, HongKong, India, Indonesia, Japan,Kazakhstan, Philippines and SouthKorea. Fourteen veterans are in thisgraduating class.

Academically, 191 studentsgraduated with honors (3.5 GPA orhigher), and there were 14 studentswith perfect 4.0 GPAs, which grant-ed them the status of valedictorians.The average GPA of the class wasunchanged from 2009 at 3.03.

2009 2010

Graduates 1,096 1,107

Majors 43 46

Females 708 704

Males 388 403

Ethnic Minorities 566 572

Average Age 26 25.5

Youngest 16 yrs (2) 17 yrs (6)

Eldest 71 yrs 61 yrs (3)

4.0 GPAs 12 14

3.5+ GPAs 190 191

Int’l Students 28 25

PACE 33 26

DSP&S Grads 63 54

EOPS Grads 63 39

Veterans 24 14

Class GPA 3.03 3.03

GRADUATIon by ThE nUMbERs

Leading Majors:Transfer Studies 259 graduatesNursing 127 graduatesBio./Phys. Science 122 graduatesAccounting 97 graduatesLiberal Arts & Science 54 graduatesSocial Science 52 graduatesEnglish 35 graduatesEarly Childhood Ed. 34 graduatesHistory 26 graduatesMathematics 25 graduatesPsychology 24 graduatesArt 23 graduatesFire Technology 23 graduatesAdmin. of Justice 22 graduates

International graduates represent Albania,Bulgaria, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia,Japan, Kazakhstan, Philippines, So. Korea.

Graduates Up Slightly Over ’091,107 Graduates in40th Anniversary Class

For the fourth consecutive year, College of theCanyons has been honored for its dedication toproviding access to service-learning educational

opportunities with inclusion in the 2009 President’sHigher Education Community Service Honor Roll withDistinction.

Administered by the Corporation for National andCommunity Service, inclusion in the honor roll is thehighest federal recognition a college can receive for itscommitment to volunteering, service learning and civicengagement.

As one of only 16 higher education institutions in thestate – and the only California community college – toearn “distinction” honors, College of the Canyons hasbeen recognized alongside the nation’s top tier of educa-tional institutions.

In fact, the college has been included every yearsince the honor roll’s inception in 2006, having earned“distinction” honors in 2007.

“College of the Canyons strives to be a resource foras many people as possible, and service-learning is anoutstanding way for us to extend our reach into the com-munity,” College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. DianneG. Van Hook said. “We look forward to creating evenmore opportunities for our students to collaborate with

our local non-profit and service organizations.”With the belief that students can make contributions

to the world while gaining educational experience,College of the Canyons strives to increase communityinvolvement, strengthen student leadership skills andbuild meaningful community relationships by carryingout various service-learning projects.

“It’s because of the hard work and dedication of ourstudents, faculty and community-based, non-profit part-ners that College of the Canyons has received thishonor,” said Jennifer Hauss, director of service-learningat the college.

Honorees are chosen based on the scope and innova-tion of service projects.

The college’s recent service-learning projectsincluded the participation of about 40 faculty members,85 non-profit community-based organizations and morethan 350 students.

Projects included a collaboration with the County ofLos Angeles Department of Children and FamilyServices Tutoring and Mentoring Project, in which stu-dents established mentor relationships with foster chil-dren. Another collaboration was the annual drive-through flu clinic, in which nursing and EMT studentsgain experience by dispensing flu vaccinations.

College Named to President’s Honor Roll

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010 3

In 2008, the Bernard Osher Foundationmade an historic $25 million financialcommitment to California’s 112-mem-

ber community college system and theFoundation for California CommunityColleges. It’s a gift that will create a per-manent endowment and provide scholar-ships for several generations of students.

In addition, the Osher Foundationpledged to provide a 50 percent match ofup to $25 million on all scholarship fundsraised by California community collegesthrough May 2011. The end result wouldbe a $100 million permanent endowment,with ongoing investment earnings used toprovide scholarships for students at everycommunity college in the state.

Armed with this opportunity, theCollege of the Canyons Foundation hasembarked on a campaign to raise as manyscholarship dollars as possible before thisunique gift-matching opportunity expires.

“This is the last chance for potentialdonors to have their gifts matched withOsher Foundation dollars,” said MurrayWood, the foundation’s chief developmentofficer. “This endowment and these schol-arships will last forever, and there are veryfew things in life that last forever.”

By participating in this effort, the col-lege received about $300,000 in endowedscholarship funds during the fall 2009semester. As a result, the college will beable to award 15 annual scholarships in theamount of $1,000 ($500 each semester).

Additionally, the COC Foundation hasraised about $142,000 since the campaignbegan, which, when matched with $71,000in matching Osher funds, creates a totalendowment of $213,000. Those new fundsequate to 24 new annual scholarships.

“If we don’t raise another dollar, westill will have provided 24 new $1,000scholarships to our students,” Wood said.“But we will be missing out on the tremen-dous opportunity to stretch those dollarseven further to better serve our studentsand, in turn, our communities.”

The foundation has received majorgifts from Western Filter/Donaldson Co.and The Betty Ferguson Foundation, andindividual scholarship endowments havebeen established, such as the Dr. DianneG. Van Hook “Dare to Dream” Endow-ment for re-entry students, established byChancellor Van Hook. The endowmenthas already received contributions from anumber of donors, including many of VanHook’s friends, colleagues and communi-ty partners, along with members of thecollege’s faculty, administration and staff.

For more information, contact Wood at(661) 362-3433.

NEW NURSES WELCOMEDMore than 60 College of the Canyons nursing stu-dents participated in a traditional pinning ceremonyDec. 9 that marked the completion of their training.Held in the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center atCollege of the Canyons, the ceremony serves as asymbolic welcoming for all those entering the nursingprofession. Faculty members presented each graduatewith a nursing pin before the group collectively recit-ed the Nightingale Pledge traditionally taken by newnurses. Since 2000, the College of the Canyons nurs-ing program has worked diligently to address thestatewide nursing shortage – experiencing significantgrowth in the process. A minimum of 100 new stu-dents are admitted into the program every year. Morethan 250 nursing students are currently enrolled atCollege of the Canyons.

With a state budget deficit of $19.1billion as a backdrop, Gov.Arnold Schwarzenegger released

an update to his proposed 2010-11 statebudget on May 14.

With few exceptions, the May Reviseof the budget mirrors the proposals intro-duced by the governor in January for com-munity colleges. Of particular importanceto students is the provision that provides$126 million to fund enrollment growth of2.21 percent in California’s communitycolleges. This would enable about 26,000new full-time students to enroll statewide.

If growth funding is approved as envi-sioned by the governor, College of theCanyons could receive as much as $1.3million in additional revenue in 2010-11.That would enable the college to offer anadditional 384 class sections, which wouldaccommodate approximately 11,500 stu-dent enrollments.

The proposal to fund added enrollmentcomes as welcome news to College of theCanyons, which has significantly reducedclass offerings in the 2009-10 academicyear in order to absorb $12 million in

budget cuts.“These budget cuts come at the worst

time for our students,” College of theCanyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. VanHook said. “We’re seeing a strong increasein demand for classes on two fronts. Thosewho have been laid off due to the recessionare coming to us as the affordable optionto obtain the skills they need to launch newcareers. And, at the same time, the CSUand UC systems are grappling with budgetcuts, so they are limiting their enrollment.As a result, students who would have oth-erwise enrolled at a UC or CSU are seeingcommunity colleges as their best hope forachieving their educational goals.”

From fall 2007 to fall 2009, College ofthe Canyons experienced a 28.5 percentincrease in applications. But because oflimited class offerings, only about half (52percent) of the students who apply to COCget into classes. Most classes are full bythe time new students register, forcingmany on to waitlists. More than 8,600 stu-dents were waitlisted at College of theCanyons during the spring 2010 semester.

“We know how frustrating this is for

our students,” Dr. Van Hook said. “Andthat’s why we’re advocating with our leg-islators in Sacramento to ensure theyunderstand the significance of this enroll-ment growth funding that Gov.Schwarzenegger has proposed.”

College of the Canyons has a website –advocacy.canyons.edu – devoted to thestate budget and other legislative issues. Itcontains the latest budget news fromSacramento, as well as sample letters andlegislator contact information that stu-dents, college employees and communitymembers can use to voice their support forCollege of the Canyons and communitycollege funding.

“If you’re a student or parent who isconcerned about access to higher educa-tion, then be sure to visit the website andlearn how you can help us make our casefor adequate funding,” Dr. Van Hook said.

In early May, Schwarzenegger metwith leaders of California’s three highereducation systems – Chancellor Jack Scottof the California Community Colleges,President Mark Yudoff from theUniversity of California, and Chancellor

Charles Reed from the California StateUniversity – to pledge his support forhigher education funding. He also threat-ened to veto any budget proposal from theLegislature that proposed less funding forhigher education than what the governorcalled for in January.

“Clearly, the governor understands thatinvesting in California’s students is aninvestment in the state’s future. A healthyhigher education system will lead to jobcreation and help pull our state out of thisrecession,” Dr. Van Hook said. “We’recounting on him to keep his word and leadthe way forward.”

Revised Budget Would Fund 2.2 Percent Growth Governor’s Spending Plan Would Allow College to Accept 11,500 Additional Student Enrollments

Show your support for College of the Canyonsand community college funding by visiting:

advocacy.canyons.edu

• News links regarding the budget and funding• Sample letters to send to lawmakers• State issues and talking points• Contact information and FAQs

hoW yoU CAn hELP

FoundationLaunchesScholarshipCampaign

4 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010

College of the Canyons students EricIbrahim and Soojeong “Kelsey” Kim havebeen named to the 2010 Phi Theta Kappa

All-California Community College Academic2nd Team in recognition of their academicachievements, demonstrated leadership abilitiesand commitment to community service.

Of the roughly 2.9 million students enrolledin the 112-member California CommunityCollege system, only 67 were selected to thisyear’s Phi Theta Kappa All-California Academicteam.

Phi Theta Kappa is the largest honor societyin American higher education with more than 2million members and 1,200 chapters in all 50states and several other countries.

The organization’s mission is to encourageacademic achievement of two-year college stu-dents, while providing opportunities for growthand development through participation in honors,leadership, service and fellowship programming.

“I am very proud of Eric and Kelsey, not onlyfor their academic accomplishments but for theircommitment to community service and leader-ship competence, displaying the true Phi ThetaKappa tradition of excellence,” said MiriamGolbert, Phi Theta Kappa advisor and biologydepartment chair. “True to College of theCanyons’ mission, they have become productive

citizens prepared to undertake their future.”Ibrahim, a sophomore business economics

major with a 3.9 cumulative GPA, is a two-yearCOC Phi Theta Kappa member and its currenttreasurer. He has helped organize a number ofcommunity service projects, while also volun-teering as a math tutor in Extended OpportunityPrograms and Services (EOPS). He plans totransfer to UCLA to acquire his bachelor’s degreein economics and hopes to work in the motionpicture industry.

Kim, a history major with a 4.0 cumulativeGPA, has been involved with Phi Theta Kappa atCOC since 2009 and serves as its public relationssecretary. A member of the COC history andchemistry clubs, she volunteers in the HenryMayo Newhall Memorial Hospital emergencyroom and at a pharmacy. She is also one of only150 students nationwide to be selected as a Coca-Cola All-State Community College AcademicTeam national finalist.

Phi Theta Kappa has long been a passion andpriority for College of the Canyons ChancellorDr. Dianne G. Van Hook, who originally suggest-ed forming a chapter at the college. She alsohelped establish the organization’s All-Californiaacademic competition and annual awards lunch-eon so that community college students couldcompete for recognition and awards.

Students Named to All-State Academic Team

College of the Canyons students Eric Ibrahim and Soojeong “Kelsey” Kim (secondand third from left) pose with their Phi Theta Kappa medals. With them areChancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook (left) and Miriam Golbert, the college’s Phi ThetaKappa advisor and biology department chair.

The College of the Canyons nursing department receiveda $10,000 donation from the Facey Medical Foundationto add to the COC Foundation’s Yvonne Wiggins

Memorial Scholarship Endowment.“It’s a significant thing when a corporate supporter pres-

ents us with something we can use to help our students, and wethank the Facey Medical Foundation very much,” said MurrayWood, COC Foundation chief development officer. “Thismoney will be leveraged to benefit our students to the highestdegree.”

The Facey Medical Foundation originally established theendowment in 2008 in memory of late Facey Medical nurseand COC nursing alumna Yvonne Wiggins. With this donationthe permanent scholarship endowment now has a current valueof $20,800.

“Yvonne was the heart and soul of our nursing leadershipteam,” said Dr. Fredrick Russo, president of Facey Medical.“She loved nursing, she loved her family, she loved her cat,and she loved the Ohio State Buckeyes. I hope you’ll find agood way to spend this money on the great nursing minds ofthe future.”

Since its establishment, the Yvonne Wiggins MemorialScholarship Endowment has awarded a total of seven scholar-ships to COC nursing students. The endowment’s ongoinginvestment earnings will be used to provide scholarships toCollege of the Canyons nursing students for years to come.

“Most of our nursing students come to us as parents andworking adults, and they need this money to be able to go toschool,” said Sue Albert, COC dean of Allied Health. “It’sexpensive to go through a nursing program, so we are verygrateful and our students are very grateful for this donation.”

Dr. Russo and members of the Facey Medical Foundationvisited College of the Canyons in April to present the check tonursing faculty, students and college administrators, includingCOC Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook.

“College of the Canyons would not be what it is today ifit were not for the quality organizations and people we have inthis community, and the commitment to creating a communi-ty of care,” said Dr. Van Hook. “Your efforts to support us donot go unnoticed, and we are grateful for your support eachand every day.”

Facey Foundation Bolsters Scholarship

Dr. Fredrick Russo (center), president of Facey Medical, presents a $10,000 donation check to the College of the Canyons Foundation in the col-lege’s nursing laboratory. Standing with him are (from left) Jill Mellady, chair of the foundation’s board of directors; Diane Morey, the college’sassistant director and nursing department chair, and Sue Albert, the college’s dean of allied health.

Chancellor, Honor Society Advisor HonoredP

hi Theta Kappa, a national two-yearcollege honor society, has honoredDr. Dianne G. Van Hook, chancellor

of College of the Canyons, and Dr. PattyRobinson, dean of the social science andbusiness division.

Dr. Van Hook received the prestigiousShirley B. Gordon Award of Distinction,which is named after the society’s longestserving board chair, as well as founder andlongtime president of Washington’sHighline Community College. Collegepresidents and campus chief executiveofficers are nominated by Phi Theta Kappachapters and selected based on their out-

standing support of the organization.Robinson received the AdministratorAward of Distinction for her support of PhiTheta Kappa.

The awards were presented at the soci-ety’s annual convention at the Walt DisneyWorld Swan and Dolphin Resort inOrlando on April 9.

The honor society’s mission is to rec-ognize and encourage scholarship amongtwo-year college students and to provideopportunities for individual growth anddevelopment through participation in hon-ors, leadership, service and fellowshipprogramming. The society traces its ori-

gins to 1910, when an honor society wascreated at Stephens College in Missouri.

The Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society,headquartered in Jackson, Miss., is thelargest honor society in American highereducation, with 1,250 chapters on collegecampuses in all 50 of the United States,Canada, Germany, the Republic of Palau,the Republic of the Marshall Islands, theFederated States of Micronesia, the BritishVirgin Islands, the United Arab Emiratesand U.S. territorial possessions. More than2 million students have been inductedsince its founding in 1918, with about100,000 students inducted annually.

Medical LabTechnologyProgramIntroduced

The College of the Canyons AlliedHealth Division has introduced itsnew Medical Laboratory

Technology (MLT) program, which isdesigned to prepare students for high-demand jobs in the medical and biotechni-cal lab industries.

MLT professionals play critical rolesin collecting the data and informationneeded to provide care to patients and/orperform research used in the scientificexploration of many areas throughout thelarger medical, pharmaceutical andbiotechnology industries.

Certified MLT professionals often findemployment in hospitals, clinics, nursinghomes, public health facilities and othercommercial laboratories — where theirtraining and communication and researchskills are highly valued.

“Currently, as with all health-careoccupations, there is a shortage of person-nel qualified to work in hospital andbiotechnical labs,” said Sue Albert, deanof Allied Health at College of theCanyons. “The Medical Lab Technicianprogram will help to meet that need forlaboratory personnel.

“Thanks to the support of the localhospitals and biotechnical labs in the area,COC is the first community college in theregion to offer such a program,” Albertadded.

Integrating a mixture of classroom lec-tures, laboratory work and clinical train-ing, the MLT program fosters develop-ment of the technical, analytical and prob-lem-solving skills required of this profes-sion.

Students who complete the two-yearprogram will receive an associate in sci-ence degree in MLT and be eligible to sitfor the national certification exam.

A start date has not yet been estab-lished, as the program is awaiting approvalby the California Community CollegeChancellor’s Office and the CaliforniaDepartment of Health Services LaboratoryField Services Unit.

To be eligible for enrollment in theMLT program, students must have com-pleted English 101 or an equivalent courseand at least four units of prerequisitecoursework in anatomy, physiology,microbiology, preparatory general chem-istry and at least 4.5 units of coursework inphlebotomy.

Applications for enrollment are avail-able in the Allied Health office (Aliso LabRoom 311) on the Valencia campus. Formore information, contact Allied Health at(661) 362-3287.

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010 5

ABBREVIATIONS AND SYMBOLS

BACHELOR’S DEGREES

Applied Studies BUBusiness Administration ULVChild Development ULVCommunications CSUBComputing Technologies BUCriminal Justice BUEconomics w/ Marketing EmphasisP CSUBEngineeringP CSULAEnglish CSUBEnvironmental Resource Mgmt.P CSUBLegal Studies BULiberal Studies CSUBMathP CSULANursing (RN Completion) NUOrganizational Management ULVParalegal StudiesP NUPsychology BUSocial Science BUSociologyP CSUB

MASTER’S DEGREES

Business Administration (MBA) ULVEducation, Advanced Teaching ULVEducation, Curriculum & Instruction CSUBEducational Administration ULVEducational Counseling ULVEducational Management ULVLeadership and Management ULVLeadership in Early Childhood Dev. BUPsychology w/ MFT Emphasis BUPublic Administration (MPA) CSUNSpecial Education ULV

DOCTORAL DEGREE

Organizational Leadership ULV

CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS

Designated Subjects Adult Teaching UCLAMild/Moderate Education Specialist, ULV

Level I & II Multiple Subject Teaching CSUBPreliminary Administrative Services ULVProfessional Clear Teaching CSUBPupil Personnel Services ULVRyan Designated Subjects Adult UCLA

Education TeachingP

Ryan Designated Subjects Career UCLATech Education TeachingP

Single Subject Teaching CSUBSpecial Education Level I & II ULV

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMS

Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counseling UCLAAutism BUCLAD Through CTEL UCLACLAD/CTEL ULVFitness Instruction UCLAFundraising UCLAInterpretation and Translation UCLA

Spanish/EnglishLandscape Architecture UCLAReading CSUBTESOL UCLA

Updated May 24, 2010

Educational Programs

College of the Canyons has finalizedagreements with three educationalpartners to offer 10 new degree and

certificate programs at the Dr. Dianne G.Van Hook University Center.

New programs include a leadership inearly childhood development master’sdegree, credentials in CLAD/CTEL andRyan designated subjects career technicaleducation, and a variety of in-demand cer-tificates. Certificates include fitnessinstruction, interpretation and translation,fundraising, autism, alcohol and drugabuse counseling, and landscape architec-ture (see accompanying chart).

The short-term CLAD (Cross-culturalLanguage and Academic Development)Through CTEL (California Teachers ofEnglish Learners) certificate program isdesigned to help K-12 teachers satisfystate credential requirements.

“These programs will be a great addi-tion to the lineup of bachelor’s, master’s,doctoral and certificate programs alreadyoffered at the University Center,” saidBarry Gribbons, assistant superintendentand vice president of institutional develop-ment, technology and online services atthe college. “We hope to begin rollingthem out as quickly as possible.”

Set to debut this fall, the CLAD/CTELcertificate programs will be offered byboth UCLA Extension and University ofLa Verne to help meet the demand of stu-dents who need credentialing before thestate deadline.

Also debuting in the fall will be UCLAExtension’s fitness instruction program,which college officials believe will pro-vide immediate benefits to communitymembers.

“Fitness instruction is a field that peo-ple can go out and find a job, or start a newcareer in, almost immediately and withouthaving to spend years going through a pro-gram and being retrained,” Gribbons said.“UCLA Extension offers one of the mostreputable fitness instruction programs in

the state, so I think this will be anothergreat fit for our community.”

In addition, UCLA Extension will soonbegin offering its fundraising certificateprogram. The program will provide train-ing to current and potential fundraisingprofessionals, as well as community mem-bers in non-profit leadership roles, whileemphasizing fundraising principles, val-ues, ethics and strategies.

“We have a lot of great non-profitorganizations in Santa Clarita that do a lotof important work to help in the communi-ty,” Gribbons said. “But many non-profitvolunteers haven’t had access to any typeof formal training. This program will helpthose individuals develop the skills neededto be a more effective non-profit profes-sional.”

Cited as the college’s solution to thelack of upper-division, graduate schooland continuing education programs in thearea, the University Center was estab-lished to increase student access toadvanced degrees by forging partnershipswith four-year colleges and universities.Those institutions then make their aca-demic programs available to studentsthrough courses offered at the UniversityCenter, located on the College of theCanyons campus.

With the University Center buildingabout to enter its second year of existence,college officials expect to continually addnew courses and programs.

“We are also working to finalize addi-tional educational agreements to bringprograms in the subject areas of engineer-ing, insurance and finance to theUniversity Center,” Gribbons added.

Community members are invited toattend a University Center open housefrom 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 19. Theevent will provide prospective studentswith information about the various pro-grams and degree options offered.

For more information, call (661) 362-5474 or visit COCUniversityCenter.com.

University Center Adds 10 New Degrees, CertificatesEngineering, Insurance, Finance Programs Pending;Next Open House Scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 19

BU Brandman University (Chapman)CSUB Calif. State University, BakersfieldCSULA Calif. State University, Los AngelesCSUN Calif. State University, Northridge

NU National University UCLA UCLA Extension ULV University of La VerneP Proposed Program

www.cocuniversitycenter.com

because of the notoriously congested andeasily disrupted freeway system. Studentshoping to take classes while living in theSanta Clarita Valley can seldom overcomesuch logistical issues.

“If residents can’t get to the universi-ties,” Dr. Van Hook said, “then we’ll bringthe universities to the students.” Shedeveloped the idea of building a large,state-of-the-art, conveniently located cen-ter on the college’s Valencia campus,where pre-existing infrastructure and edu-cational support services already existed.

After 10 years of planting the seeds ofthe idea, more concrete concepts began toemerge in 1999 when, with encourage-ment from local business leaders, hervision began to take shape. Momentumcontinued to build after a trip to a commu-nity college in Harris, Texas, where a com-munity college had partnered with six uni-versities, all housed in a separate facility.

“Our goal was to create an educationalcenter based on partnerships,” Dr. VanHook said, as she worked on multiplefronts to raise money locally and from thestate; to educate universities about theadvantages of participating in such a ven-ture; to inform the business communityabout the value of relevant, locally avail-able educational programs to their work-forces, and to oversee architectural plansand the work of construction crews onceconstruction started.

Longtime Trustee Michele Jenkins, aBoard of Trustees member when Dr. VanHook was hired, said, “We were searchingfor someone with vision. Someone whocould create a dream and then inspire, andcertainly, as we have all experienced, mas-sage, poke and prod others to follow increating innovative, cutting-edge servicesfor students and businesses such as thosehoused in this magnificent structure.”

Today, the 110,000-square-foot, three-level building is fulfilling Dr. Van Hook’soriginal dreams. The Board of Trusteesrecognized the role that she played inbringing the building to fruition andnamed it after her, citing her tireless com-

mitment to enhancing access to education,her belief in the power of dreaming bigand never giving up, and her premise thatwe, as individuals and institutions, becomewhat we give ourselves the power to be.

“It is appropriate that this UniversityCenter is dedicated to my good friend now,while she is here, to fully appreciate thehonor,” Dr. Diane Woodruff, formerInterim Chancellor of the California com-munity college system, said during thededication event.

“It’s a rare experience to be able tohave a dream like this – that nobody cansee, that’s never been done and nobodywants to fund – and everyone still getsbehind it,” Dr. Van Hook said. “It’s anincredible opportunity to have that experi-ence and see it come true.

Dr. Grace Mitchell-Berg, former super-

intendent-president of Cuesta College, for-mer president of the California Com-munity Colleges Chief Executive Officers,former Community College League ofCalifornia president and one of the fore-most experts in higher education masterplanning, lauded Dr. Van Hook’s history ofachievement and excellence.

“I know Dianne will say that she didn’tand couldn’t do all this by herself, and Iwill agree to some extent because over theyears she has been blessed with excellentfaculty and staff, supportive communities,and strong, caring boards of trustees,” Dr.Mitchell-Berg said. “Clearly, that includesthe board members who made the brilliantdecision to name this magnificent struc-ture the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook Univer-sity Center.”

College of the Canyons is working

with a variety of universities to bring moreprograms to the University Center (seerelated story above), as well as workingwith existing partner institutions to createsmooth transitions from the college’s pro-grams to the universities’ programs.

Many University Center partners arebringing degrees to the center throughtheir extension programs. These programsoften have fewer enrollment restrictionsthan non-extension programs. In today’sclimate of reduced access due to budgetcuts and impacted programs, students areoften admitted when they might otherwisenot be admitted at a university’s main cam-pus. This can make a big difference to stu-dents who need travel and other barriersremoved as they seek to complete theirstudies and find well-paying jobs in theworkforce.

University CenterFROM PAGE 1

Joining College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook (far left) at the dedication event were (from left, starting at second from left) formerNapa Valley College Superintendent-President and California Community Colleges Interim Chancellor Dr. Diane Woodruff, U.S. Under Secretary ofEducation Dr. Martha Kanter, former Mendocino-Lake Community College District Superintendent-President Dr. Marilyn Brock, former Kern CommunityCollege District Chancellor Dr. Jim Young and former Cuesta College Superintendent-President Dr. Grace Mitchell-Berg.

Award-winning choreographer andeducator Lula Washington complet-ed a 12-week residency at Rio Vista

and Cedar Creek elementary schools aspart of the K-12 Arts Education OutreachProgram offered by the Santa ClaritaPerforming Arts Center (PAC) at Collegeof the Canyons.

Visiting each school site twice a week,Washington worked with a group of morethan 150 fourth- and fifth-grade students tointroduce them to the fine art of dance.

Beginning with the introduction ofbasic terminology and dance fundamen-tals, students quickly progressed enoughfor Washington to start choreographingmore advanced steps and movements.

“Some of them are really getting it,”said Washington, founder and artisticdirector of the acclaimed Lula WashingtonDance Theatre. “Dance, like any activity,is something that comes at a pace, andsome kids move faster than others.”

Armed with a microphone and a no-nonsense manner, Washington treated eachstudent with respect and encouragement.In return, she commanded the students’focus and attention.

“We’ve been working on timing,tempo, rhythm and staying on the samecount and pace as everyone,” Washingtonsaid. “Twelve weeks is not really a lot oftime, but I think you can see, from the firstday on, some improvement in a lot of thekids.”

Students from both schools wereselected to perform alongside members ofthe Lula Washington Dance Theatre dur-ing a special segment of the company’sPAC performance on April 30.

“Being able to watch the studentsmove, follow Lula’s direction and developenough to learn these dance steps andeventually take the stage has been trulyremarkable,” said Adam Philipson, PACmanaging director. “During Lula’s resi-dency the students have experienced atransformation from a state of discomfortand hesitation to one of grace and gigglesof joy. This speaks volumes about thepower arts can have on young students.”

Based in South Central Los Angeles,the Lula Washington Dance Theatre wasfounded in 1980 with a $25 loan and adream. Today, the company is one of thelargest and most admired African-American dance companies in the West.

Known for exploring theatrical, enter-taining and energetic works that are acces-sible to all audiences, the company chore-ographs its performances to a range ofmusic – from experimental harmonies to

traditional blues.Through public performances and

community outreach, the company seeksto build bridges between people of differ-ent cultures and ethnic backgrounds, whilethe company’s school outreach programsaim to inspire and educate childrenthroughout Los Angeles and the nation.

“The outreach programs give me theopportunity to meet with students andintroduce them to the art of dance, and the

rewards that dance can bring to them,”Washington said. “The discipline of dance,or any art form, is the same disciplinethey’ll need to achieve in school and alsoto succeed in life.”

The PAC’s K-12 Arts EducationOutreach Program seeks to use the col-lege’s cultural and community resources toexpose students to the visual and perform-ing arts, while collaborating with teachersand administrators in school districts

throughout the area to develop anenhanced arts education curriculum and avariety of unique educational opportuni-ties for all students.

The Lula Washington Dance Theatreresidency was funded by a grant from theCalifornia Arts Council and support fromthe Found Penny Foundation.

For more information about the PAC’sK-12 Arts Education Outreach Program,call Philipson at (661) 362-5305.

Choreographer Introduces Students to Dance6 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010

Lula Washington (left), founder of the dance company that bears her name, guides local elementary school students through some dance moves.

The Lula Washington Dance Theatre became part ofHollywood history with its involvement in the block-buster film “Avatar.” The dance company is responsible

for the movements of the film’s “Na’vi” people.Lula Washington, founder and artistic director of the dance

company, has received critical acclaim for her choreographyof several of the movie’s dance and ceremonial movements.

Using an innovative performance-capture process and 3Dcamera, director James Cameron shot the company’s dancers –clad in special suits equipped with computer and camera sen-sors – in a computer-generated virtual environment that wouldeventually become the fictional planet Pandora.

Cameron coordinated his production schedule so that thecompany could shoot around its schedule of touring dates.

“We would come in and work for two or three weeks realsolid, and then would have to be gone for a while. We werefortunate that he allowed us to work that way,” Washingtonsaid. “Being asked to work with someone as amazing as JamesCameron was a great honor, and I really enjoyed the experi-ence.”

In all, Washington choreographed a series of five move-ment pieces that Cameron requested, with all of the company’s10 dancers having been involved with the project.

“I’ve worked on movies before, but nothing this major.This is an amazing project that is going to impact film forev-er,” said Washington. “We all feel like we’re a part of(Cameron’s) village now, the tribe of Na’vi, and we’re grate-ful.”

The Santa Clarita Performing ArtsCenter (PAC) at College of theCanyons and its educational part-

ners – the Newhall, Saugus and SulphurSprings school districts – participated inthe Partners in Education Institute at theprestigious John F. Kennedy Center for thePerforming Arts in Washington, D.C. onMay 5 to 8.

The program is designed to help artsorganizations develop or expand educa-tional partnerships with school systems toestablish arts-based professional develop-ment programs for teachers.

The Kennedy Center invited the PACand local school districts to participate inthe program, which is based on the beliefthat educating teachers is an essentialcomponent of any effort to increase theartistic literacy of young people.

“As one of only 14 national teams tohave been selected, this is a great honor forCollege of the Canyons, our program part-ners and the City of Santa Clarita,” saidAdam Philipson, PAC managing director.

The Kennedy Center program present-ed partnership teams, consisting of a mem-ber of an arts organization and a senior-level administrator of a neighboringschool district, with a model and planningstrategies on how to launch arts-orientatedprofessional development programs.

“What’s most exciting is that while ourteam consisted of four members, what webrought back will serve all five localschool districts and the entire Santa ClaritaValley,” Philipson said.

Follow-up consultations and annualmeetings will help teams stay on course.

“What we learn during the institutewill allow us to build on our passion andexpand the vision for arts education in theSCV,” said Joan Lucid, Saugus UnionSchool District assistant superintendent ofinstruction.

The PAC’s K-12 Arts EducationOutreach Program seeks to use the col-lege’s cultural and community resources toexpose students to the visual and perform-ing arts, while collaborating with teachersand administrators to develop an enhancedarts education curriculum and unique edu-cational opportunities for all students.

“Through this collaboration, we willtouch thousands of children across the val-ley for years to come,” said Kathy Harris,Sulphur Springs School District assistantsuperintendent of instruction and curricu-lum. “Who knows how many futureartists, dancers, musicians and performerswe might help inspire along the way?”

For information about the ArtsEducation Outreach Program or to getinvolved, call Philipson at (661) 362-5305.

Troupe’s Moves Featured in Blockbuster ‘Avatar’

Residency Arranged byArts Outreach Program

PAC, Schools Participate inKennedy Center Program

From chart-topping pop, R&B androck classics, to traditionalBroadway, opera and mariachi to

dance and acrobatics, family matinees andevening cabaret – and a special openingnight performance by Grammy Award-winning vocalist Michael Bolton – the2010-11 season at the Santa ClaritaPerforming Arts Center at College of theCanyons includes something for everyone.

With more than 53 million albums soldand numerous Grammy Awards for bestmale vocalist, Bolton and his “One WorldOne Love” tour will visit the PerformingArts Center (PAC) on opening night,Saturday, Aug. 21, as part of theChancellor’s Choice series.

“To land an artist as talented and worldrenowned as Michael Bolton for our open-ing night performance is a tremendouscoup for the PAC, College of the Canyonsand all of Santa Clarita,” said AdamPhilipson, PAC managing director. “Thisis a testament to the growth and maturationof the PAC, as well as the tremendous sup-port our patrons have shown for the per-forming arts.”

Other headlining acts for the new sea-son include War, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy,Vicki Lawrence, the San Francisco OperaGrand Opera Cinema, Pilobolus, OneNight of Queen, Gloriana, Mariachi LosCamperos de Nati Cano, “All Shook Up,”“Seussical” and the Peking Acrobats.

The 2010-11 schedule will offer showsspread across six series selections:Chancellor’s Choice, Great Performances,In Motion, Cabaret on Stage, Almost FreeFamily Series and the all-new Broadway atCOC series.

A number of College of the Canyonsand community theater productions alsoare planned.

Series subscription sales will begin11:30 a.m. Thursday, June 10, while indi-vidual tickets for Michael Bolton and allother performances will go on sale 9 a.m.Saturday, July 17.

It’s recommended that you purchasetickets early for Michael Bolton, as thisperformance will likely sell out fast.

The new season, organized by series,will feature:

ChanCellor’s ChoiCe

Michael Bolton8 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, 2010From Shanghai to Singapore and now

the Santa Clarita Valley, this stop onBolton’s “One World One Love” tour willbe a performance sure to be talked aboutfor years to come. Bolton has had a steadystream of hits, including “Soul Provider,”“When a Man Loves a Woman,” “HowAm I Supposed to Live Without You” and“Missing You Now,” among others.

Big Bad Voodoo Daddy8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, 2010With irresistible live shows and a sin-

gular swingin’ sound, Big Bad VoodooDaddy quickly established itself as thestandout group that launched the ’90sswing revival. This high-energy concert issure to rock the PAC.

War8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011Even after four decades of performanc-

es and nearly 10 dozen albums, War’s crit-ically acclaimed sounds are as fresh andtimely as ever. With hit singles such as“Low Rider,” “Spill the Wine” and“Slippin’ Into Darkness,” the group bringspeople together, regardless of race, gener-ation or genre.

Vicki lawrence8 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2011Vicki Lawrence, the hilarious star of

the TV Show “Mama’s Family,” brings herstage show “Vicki Lawrence and Mama, ATwo Woman Show” to the PAC. With adecades-long career that began as a reoc-curring character on the legendary “CarolBurnett Show,” Lawrence is a veteran ofstage and screen, having appeared innumerous theatrical productions and host-

ed her own daytime talk show, “Vicki.”

in Motion

Pilobolus7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3, 2010Renowned around the world for its

imaginative and athletic exploration ofcreative collaboration, Pilobolus will cele-brate its 40th year during the 2010-11 sea-son. The company’s works are not drawnfrom traditional dance movement, but are

invented, often emerging from intenseperiods of improvisation and creative play.

Ballet Folklorico ‘Quetzalli’ deVeracruz8 p.m. Sunday, May 1, 2011Just in time to celebrate Cinco de

Mayo comes the 25th anniversary tour ofBallet Folklorico “Quetzalli” de Veracruz,which has crisscrossed the globe and per-formed for audiences of all ages with avisual fiesta of culture, live music and tra-

ditional folkloric dance.

Great PerForManCes

Mariachi los Camperos de nati Cano - Festival navidad8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 2010One of the most popular mariachi

ensembles in the U.S., Mariachi LosCamperos is renowned for its innovativeshows and distinction as a Grammy

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010 7

Season Includes War, BigBad Voodoo Daddy, JayJohnson, Vicki Lawrence,Peking Acrobats, Gloriana

Michael Bolton to Kick Off New PAC Season

Michael boltonAug. 21, 2010

Vicki LawrenceJune 3, 2011

big bad Voodoo DaddyNov. 20, 2010

WarJan. 15, 2011

Peking AcrobatsJan. 23, 2011

TICKETs

Series SubscriptionsOn sale starting at 11:30a.m. Thursday, June 10.

Individual TicketsOn sale starting at 9 a.m.Saturday, July 17.

• (661) 362-5304• CanyonsPAC.com• Box Office11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Monday through Friday.The Box Office is locatedat the front of the PAC,26455 Rockwell CanyonRoad, Santa Clarita.

See NEW SEASON on Page 8

8 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010

Award-winning concert ensemble that hasthrilled audiences for nearly 50 years.

Peking acrobats7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011Daring maneuvers atop a precarious

pagoda of chairs... treacherous wire walk-ing... a trick cycling kaleidoscope of mag-nificent movement... powerful precisiontumbling, somersaulting and gymnastics...amazing displays of contortion, flexibilityand control... incredible balancing featsshowcasing tremendous skill and ability...extraordinary exhibits of agility andgrace... high-tech special effects and allthe excitement, pageantry and atmosphereof a Chinese carnival. This is just a part ofthe magnificent show offered by thePeking Acrobats.

one night of Queen8 p.m. Friday, March 18, 2011One Night Of Queen has rocked sold-

out audiences around the world, includingthe UK, Germany, Holland, France, NewZealand – and now Santa Clarita. Freshfrom their second tour of the U.S., singerGary Mullen and “The Works” return witha stunning live concert that includes all ofQueen’s greatest hits, including “We Arethe Champions,” “Somebody to Love” and“Bohemian Rhapsody,” set together withfantastic staging, sound and lights. Thisshow will rock you.

CaBaret on staGe

sam harris8 p.m. Friday, Sept. 24, 2010With a career that has spanned more

than two decades and run the gamut fromsinging, songwriting, and involvementwith performances on stage and screen asan actor, producer and director, Sam Harrishas epitomized the true Hollywood story,having risen to fame after being discov-ered on “Star Search.” His phenomenalsuccess has included a successful record-ing career, concert tours, creating and writ-ing a sitcom for TBS and roles in severalnotable Broadway productions. Now, SamHarris brings his triumphant live show tothe Cabaret on Stage setting in a treat notto be missed. Light fare at 7:30 p.m.

David Burnham8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011Spend a romantic evening with two of

Broadway’s finest stars, David Burnhamand his special guest Karen FinemanRoberts. Burnham has lent his engagingpersona to productions of Andrew LloydWebber’s “Joseph and the AmazingTechnicolor Dreamcoat” and “Jesus ChristSuperstar,” and recently starred as Fiyeroin the Broadway production of “Wicked.”He’ll share the stage with Roberts, who,besides performing in her own cabaret actat the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, hasappeared in several television shows andcommercials. Light fare at 7:30 p.m.

BroaDWay at CoC

“Jay Johnson: the two and only!”8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29, 2010During his 30-year career, Jay Johnson

has rallied generations of Americans to theworld of ventriloquism with his charm,anarchy and innovative wit. In the TonyAward-winning “Jay Johnson: The Twoand Only!” he takes audiences on a multi-dimensional journey that combines hisskills with a parade of hysterical charac-ters. Hailed as “extremely funny” by theWall Street Journal and “a knock ’em deadshow” by the New York Times, this showis sure to delight.

“all shook Up”7 p.m. Sunday, March 6, 2011Described as “Footloose,” “Grease”

and “Happy Days” all rolled into one zanystory, this Elvis-inspired production fea-tures more than two dozen of The King’shits. Audiences will experience a chainreaction of romance and rebelliondescribed through the power of rock ‘n’roll, as mistaken identities and outlandishmix-ups ensue. This feel-good story ofcrazy love triangles and laugh-out-loudcomedy will have you jumpin’ out of yourblue suede shoes.

alMost Free FaMily seriesSponsored by McDonald’s of Santa

Clarita, Schutz Organization

“Click, Clack, Moo”2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 30, 2010“Cows that type? Hens on strike!

Whoever heard of such a thing?” WhenFarmer Brown’s granddaughter Jenny

comes for a visit, Farmer Brown declaresthe farm a “tech-free zone,” placing herlaptop in the cold barn along with the shiv-ering cows – who proceed to use her com-puter to type messages requesting blan-kets. Eventually the cows go on strike,with the chickens joining the cows in soli-darity: “No blankets: no milk, no eggs!”Will Farmer Brown give in to the animals’demands? Will Jenny get her computerback? Find out in the hilariously “mooooo-ving” new musical about negotiation andcompromise, based on the CaldecottHonor Book by Doreen Cronin and BetsyLewin.

Pushcart Players: “happily ever after, a Cinderella tale”2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 2011Based on the beloved classic tale of

Cinderella, “Happily Ever After” takesaudiences on a timeless journey of trans-formation filled with themes of inner beau-ty, courage, kindness and triumph overgreed, arrogance and bullying behavior.Enhanced by heart-warming music andinnovative scenic designs, “Happily EverAfter” provides a captivating moment oftheatre for young audience members tocelebrate.

seussical: “oh, the thinks you can think!”2 p.m. Saturday, April 16, 2011The Cat in the Hat serves as host and

emcee (and all-around mischief-maker) inthis fun-filled romp through all the Seussclassics! When the sweet, good-naturedelephant Horton hears a small cry for helpcoming from a small speck of dust, hepromises to rescue and guard it because “aperson’s a person, no matter how small.”On that small speck of dust lives JoJo, animaginative young Who. JoJo has astound-ing “thinks,” in which anything’s possible,but his parents believe this creativity isinappropriate for the son of the Mayor ofWho-Ville. Adapted from the Broadwayproduction, “Seussical” brings Dr. Seuss’sbeloved classic characters together in anincredible crazy-quilt adventure.

other PerForManCes

air Force Band of the Golden West7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 17, 2010Returning to the PAC for a third sea-

son, the Band of the Golden West concert

will focus on a variety of styles, includingtraditional band repertoire and patrioticmusic and marches.

san Francisco opera Grand opera Cinema: “Madama Butterfly”7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2010One of the world’s leading opera com-

panies, San Francisco Opera remains a topdestination for international singers, con-ductors, stage directors and designers alikebecause of the company’s unique brand oftheatrical production and strong, cherishedtradition. One of the world’s most belovedand dramatic operas, “Madama Butterfly”is a classic tale of colliding hearts and cul-tures set in 19th-century Japan and featur-ing some of Puccini’s most popular music.A pre-show lecture about the opera willbegin at 6 p.m.

Gloriana7 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010Go Country105 FM returns to the PAC

for its annual Holiday Concert with a bandthat is steadily gaining legions of fans.Nominated for the Academy of CountryMusic’s Top New Artist award and freshoff its tour opening for pop sensationTaylor Swift, Gloriana is one of the hottestnew groups in country music today. Withsoaring harmonies and an electric stagepresence, Gloriana is an exciting, new andvibrant force in country music, well on theway to becoming a household name. Don’tmiss your chance to see a band destinedfor greatness.

san Francisco opera Grand operaCinema: “Don Giovanni”7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011The Don Juan legend crackles to life in

the hands of the world’s most well knownclassical composer, Wolfgang AmadeusMozart. Carefully balancing brilliant com-edy with heaping amounts of seductionand ultimate tragedy, “Don Giovanni” isoften referred to as the greatest opera evercomposed. From the sparkling overture toone hit musical number after another,Mozart’s score comes to life in this fast-paced San Francisco Opera production. Apre-show lecture will begin at 6 p.m.

For more information about the 2010-11 season or to purchase tickets, visitwww.CanyonsPAC.com or call the boxoffice at (661) 362-5304.

GlorianaDec. 5, 2010

seussicalApril 16, 2011

PilobolusOct. 3, 2010

Jay JohnsonOct. 29, 2010

Don GiovanniJan. 25, 2011

sam harrisSept. 24, 2010

New SeasonFROM PAGE 7

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010 9

in advance so they can determine the true cost of takingany class. The ISBN is a 10- to 13-digit number thatuniquely identifies books and book-like products pub-lished internationally.

Armed with the ISBN, students can shop for classesand make informed financial choices about the classesthey take.

In the college’s class schedule, each class section hasan ISBN for each textbook the instructor has indicatedwill be used. Each class listing will have the ISBNs for thebooks used in that class.

An actual example from this summer’s schedule:

ANTHRO 101 PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGYUnits: 3.00 - UC:CSU, May Be Taken Once for CreditStudies human and lower primates over the past 70 million years, primarily from the biological perspective. 68199 08:00AM-10:50AM MTW A. Altounian BYKH-10206/15/09-07/15/09Textbook: Introduction to Physical Anthropology, by RobertJurmain, 12th Edition, ISBN: 0978095599791

These numbers are also included in all online versionsof the class schedules. Students can use these numbers todetermine the cost of the required textbooks by visitingthe college bookstore’s Web site at:http://coc.bncollege.com or by using the ISBN informa-tion to shop for books elsewhere.

It is the federal government’s and the college’s hopethat this additional information will make the process ofselecting classes more straightforward and that studentswill be better able to manage the financial aspects of theircollege careers.

Purchasing textbooks is only one of many ways forstudents to obtain materials needed for classes. There area number of other options, including the relatively newand free Open Educational Resources (OER).

The OER program encourages the creation of free,high-quality content for community college courses toreplace commonly used textbooks. The aim of the grow-ing movement is to tap into the wealth of public domainand fair-use learning materials that are currently availablevia the Internet, which can be used in classes to replacesome of the books required for purchase by students. Anew, and growing, OER library is currently available atthe College of the Canyons Distance Learning Web site at:www.canyons.edu/Offices/Distance_Learning/OER/

The following options also are available:• textbook rental Program (triP) – This self-

explanatory program is administered by the college’sFinancial Aid Office;

• textbook rental resources – A list of links to text-book rental sites is available from the college’sCounseling Department Web site;

• textbook Borrowing Program – This program isavailable via the Career Technical Education (CTE)office’s Web site;

• textbook rental, Purchase and Buyback – Theseservices are offered by the college’s bookstore(http://coc.bn.college.com).

TextbooksFROM PAGE 1

Enhanced Honors Program to Ease TransfersC

ollege of the Canyons has revamped its honors pro-gram to provide enhanced educational opportuni-ties and curriculum options for the college’s most

academically motivated students.The College of the Canyons Honors Program offers an

enriched curriculum to students with a strong academicrecord in order to help increase their chances for success-ful transfer to competitive four-year institutions.

Through interactive learning, special projects andcommunity activities, the program provides extendedopportunities for critical thinking, extensive writing andin-depth learning in a variety of transferable general edu-cation courses each semester.

College officials believe the Honors Program curricu-lum will allow for more innovative class experiences, thefuture exploration of on-campus learning communitiesformed by students and the increased presence of varioustypes of extra-curricular and community service activitiesthat can be organized by students and experienced by all.

Previously, the college offered its highest-achievingstudents the opportunity to participate in the HighIntensity Transfer Enrichment student club, which was

based on the completion of “honors projects” or “con-tracts,” as opposed to actual honors courses.

By offering honors-level curriculum, the college hasbegun to align itself with the majority of California com-munity colleges and niversities that focus on the presenceof honors courses on student transcripts.

All of the honors courses have been approved by theCalifornia Community Colleges Chancellor’s OfficeCurriculum Committee and will be identified by full titleand denoted “honors” on a student’s transcript.

In addition, students interested in transferring toUCLA through the Transfer Alliance Program (TAP) canreceive priority admission consideration to UCLA’sCollege of Letters and Science by graduating from theCOC Honors Program.

Involvement with the COC Honors Program also pro-vides students with additional advantages at other four-year universities.

“As college entrance requirements become more strin-gent and admission numbers dwindle, it’s imperative forpotential transfer students to maximize their chances ofacceptance,” said Dr. Patty Robinson, dean of the Social

Science and Business Division. “Fulfilling the rigorousrequirements of the COC Honors Program will demon-strate a student’s academic motivation and dedication topotential colleges.”

To be eligible for admission into the College of theCanyons Honors Program, a student must submit a formalapplication and meet eligibility requirements:

• Completion of a minimum of 12 UC/CSU transfer-able units with a 3.25 GPA or higher. Any student withfewer than 12 units of transferable units or who is enter-ing the program directly from high school must have aGPA of 3.5 or higher.

• Be eligible to enroll in English 101 or have complet-ed English 101, English 101H or an equivalent collegecourse with at least a “B” grade.

• Completion of a personal statement indicating whatthe student hopes to gain from the Honors Program, aswell as what he or she can contribute to the program.

For information about the Honors Program or to viewa complete listing of available honors courses, send anemail to Robinson at honors@canyons.edu or visitwww.canyons.edu/Offices/Honors/.

Dr. Ram Manvi, a brilliant engineer and dedicatededucator who entrenched himself in the cultureof College of the Canyons in just two short years

on campus, died Feb. 1, 2010. He was 71.As dean of mathematics, sciences and engineering

technologies at the college, Manvi had a wry sense ofhumor, keen intellect and outgoing joy for life that leftan indelible mark on both students and colleagues.

During an on-campus memorial service in hishonor, Manvi’s friends and colleagues shared theirthoughts and feelings about a man who was repeatedlydescribed as inquisitive, energetic, caring, accom-plished and, perhaps most appropriately, brilliant.

“Ram Manvi was a special person to so many peo-ple, and to College of the Canyons he was a breath offresh air,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook. “He was a great leader whoinspired, guided and motivated others, who never failedto brighten every room he entered and inspired us overand over again.

“Ram came to COC and quickly became an integralpart of our college, adding value to everything he wasassociated with,” Van Hook said. “He made an amazingdifference here, and we’re all better for how he taughtus, what he gave us, how he listened to us and how heinspired us to be the best we can be. None of us willever be the same.”

Manvi arrived at the college in January 2008 withan extensive resume filled with more than four decadesof international- and national-level work experience inmath, science and engineering, including industryemployment, consulting and teaching experience onseveral levels.

“One of the negatives to being an engineer on a col-lege campus is that everyone expects you to know howeverything works – whether it be mechanically, struc-turally or electrically related,” said David Martinez, anengineering instructor at the college. “So when Ramcame on board, I was relieved in the sense that now hecould help field some of these questions.

“But what I quickly found out was that Ram reallydid know how everything worked. The man was anencyclopedia of knowledge for all things engineering,”Martinez said.

Manvi received his Ph.D. from Washington StateUniversity in 1968, specializing in mechanical engi-neering and shock physics. Before even completing hiseducation, Manvi served as an engineer trainee at theCentre Etudes Nucleaire in Saclay, France, and as sen-ior scientific officer at the Atomic Energy

Establishment in what is now Mumbai, India. After his time at Washington State, Manvi worked

as a visiting professor at what is now Shiraz Universityin Iran before accepting teaching positions at UCLAExtension and eventually California State University,Los Angeles, where he taught undergraduate and grad-uate-level courses and served as a department chair anddean of the college’s School of Engineering andTechnology.

Manvi’s Passing Saddens Campus Community

Dr. Ram Manvi, dean of mathematics, sciences and engineering technologies, speaks during an event on the college campus.

See MANVI on Page 10

Math, Science, Engineering DeanHad Impact on College, Students

Fame’s 2005 inaugural class, Smelser built the college’sbasketball program from the ground up – beginning withthe college’s opening in 1969.

In the 31 consecutive years of coaching that fol-lowed, Smelser established a thriving, vibrant program.He guided his teams to five conference championships(1977-78, 84-85, 90-91, 91-92 and 93-94) – producing73 All-Conference players and earning ConferenceCoach of the Year honors four times.

Between the 1990-91 and 1993-94 seasons,Smelser’s teams amassed an amazing 80-42 record enroute to three consecutive conference championships.

After the 2000-01 campaign, Smelser retired, havingcompiled a career record of 455-512. However, he con-tinued to serve as an assistant on current head coachFisher’s team for two more seasons.

“His handprint is recognizable in our basketball pro-gram even today,” Fisher said. “The number of formerplayers and coaches who remain in contact with CoachSmelser and still support the program speaks volumesabout what he has meant to COC basketball and ourcommunity.”

Smelser also served as the college’s athletic directorfor five years and head golf coach for two seasons, andlaunched the softball team in 1984 and served as headcoach through the 1985 season. He was inducted into theCalifornia Community College Basketball CoachesAssociation Hall of Fame in 2002.

SmelserFROM PAGE 12

The College of the Canyons AnthropologyDepartment has unveiled a new laboratory on theCanyon Country campus, providing a state-of-the-

art facility for students to earn lab science credits whileworking with the department’s collection of bones, skulls,fossils and artifacts.

Located in Quad 5, the 660-square-foot lab featuressix workstations, which can accommodate as many as 24students, perimeter lab tables and counter space, and anarray of easily accessible glass-front shelves and cabi-netry to store the department’s large collection of learningmaterials.

“Having a lab on campus designed specifically foranthropology is an unheard of luxury at other communitycolleges,” said Richard Martinez, chair of theAnthropology Department. “This laboratory will enhanceour entire department.”

By housing an extensive osteological collection ofboth human and non-human skulls and bones, fossils andphotos directly on campus, lab instructors will now beable to conduct a wider variety and more in-depth seriesof experiments and in-class activities – without having toworry about transporting delicate materials between thecollege’s two campuses.

“The key is having these materials easily accessible toboth staff and students,” Martinez said. “It’s pointlesshaving all this great stuff if the students can’t use it effec-tively.”

Designed with non-science majors in mind, anthropol-ogy lab courses debuted at College of the Canyons in2003 as an alternative course option for students uninter-ested in the traditional lab science disciplines.

Anthropology Lab Opens at Canyon Country Campus10 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010

Manvi also worked at NASA’s Jet PropulsionLaboratory (JPL) for more than 30 years in the areas ofadvanced energy systems, spacecraft thermal control,nuclear space power, evaluation and assessment ofadvanced space technologies, systems engineering andMars exploration.

“Ram’s quiet intelligence and kind spirit were a gift toall of us at COC. His fascination of how complex instru-ments work and how complex problems are solved werepart of what made him so special,” said Susan Crowther,director of the college’s Mathematics, Engineering,Science Achievement (MESA) program.

“When we heard of Ram’s passing,” Crowther added,“I was talking to a mutual friend of ours, and she pointedout, ‘Well, he’s up there right now, learning all of the mir-acles of physics, all of the unanswered questions, all of theengineering problems that he’s looked at over the years.He’s got all the answers now.’ ”

While at College of the Canyons, Manvi worked toestablish the college’s Emerging Technologies Institute,the General and Emerging Technologies (GET) LabTechnician academic program and the college’s state-of-the-art Emerging Technologies InstrumentationLaboratory and Cleanroom facility.

An invaluable member of the college family, Manvitook an active role in campus leadership and was passion-ate about striving for academic excellence and innovation.

A strong advocate for the advancement of women inthe fields of math, science and engineering, Manvi servedas a student adviser and mentor for the college’s MESA

and National Science Foundation programs. He workedtirelessly to bring other engineers, astronomers and sci-ence professionals onto campus for special events, one ofwhich was the “Star Party” night sky-gazing event at thecollege’s Canyon Country campus.

“The first time I met Dr. Manvi, before I even shookhis hand, you could just sense this positive attitude andgood vibe when you came up to him,” said Hakob

Karaoglanian, one of Manvi’s former students at Collegeof the Canyons.

“He always made an effort to reach out to us students,”said former student Angela Grayr. “It was impressive tohave someone that high up the academic ladder that want-ed to talk to you and really get to know you.”

During his time away from work, Manvi enjoyed trav-eling with his wife Sati and spending time with his sixbrothers and seven nieces, whom he always encouraged intheir academic and artistic pursuits. Manvi was alwaysfond of a good joke. His hobbies included listening toclassical music, visiting museums, hiking, camping andnature walks. He loved meeting new people during histravels, and particularly enjoyed engaging in conversa-tions with children.

In honor of Dr. Manvi’s life and work, the EmergingTechnologies Instrumentation Laboratory and Cleanroomfacility has been dedicated in his honor. An on-campusgarden area also will be dedicated to his memory.

In addition, the College of the Canyons Foundationhas established a scholarship fund in Manvi’s honor, at therequest of his many colleagues in the Mathematics,Sciences and Engineering Technologies Division.

The scholarship will be awarded to COC studentsmajoring in math, science or engineering technology, whowill carry on Manvi’s legacy of research, innovation andconstant learning. To donate, call the COC Foundation at(661) 362-3434.

“We want to remember Ram, and we want to see evi-dence of him every day here on campus,” said Van Hook.“He was a very candid person with incredible character,integrity, dignity and grace. We at College of the Canyonswill all miss him, but he will live in our hearts and mindsfor many years to come.”

ManviFROM PAGE 9

Anthropology instructor Richard Martinez (left), who also serves as chair of the anthropology department, shows off a lab display.

Dr. Ram Manvi and his wife Sati during an event at the college.

Despite the current economic climateand sagging job market, the hiringof paralegals and legal assistants is

one area of employment projected to growthroughout the decade.

With many employers attempting tocut costs, balance budgets and do morework with fewer resources, paralegals areincreasingly being hired to perform thetasks once handled by lawyers.

As such, employment of paralegals isprojected to grow by 28 percent between2008 and 2018 — a rate much faster thanthe average for all occupations.

Paralegals can work in many differenttypes of organizations, but most findemployment in law firms, corporate legaldepartments and various governmentaloffices.

According to statistics provided by theUnited States Department of Labor, a cer-tified paralegal in the state of Californiatypically earns a median income of morethan $56,000 a year.

Typical activities paralegals performinclude: factual and legal research; organi-zation of client matters; drafting corre-spondence, pleadings and discovery forattorney review; legal calendaring; prepa-ration of databases of documents; interac-tion with clients, court personnel, andopposing attorneys; the review, evaluationand summarization of medical, business,commercial and other types of records for

attorneys; and the review of legal docu-ments (contracts, insurance policies, etc.)to spot controversial issues.

However, a paralegal’s job descriptioncan differ widely according to the type oforganization for which they work.

Though paralegals often work in manydifferent areas of the law and can be dele-gated the tasks of lawyers, they are strictlyprohibited from carrying out duties con-sidered to be the practice of law — such asgiving legal advice, setting fees, signinglegal documents and presenting cases incourt.

Competition for paralegal jobs is alsoexpected to continue to grow as peoplelook to move into the fast-growing profes-sion. Such positions often attract manyapplicants and as a result, formally trainedand experienced paralegals will have thebest employment opportunities.

Most paralegal applicants hold anassociate degree in paralegal studies, or abachelor’s degree coupled with a certifi-cate in paralegal studies. Paralegal intern-ship experience is also a tremendous assetwhen seeking employment with the legalfield.

Although some employers may notrequire such credentials, graduation froman American Bar Association (ABA)approved paralegal studies program great-ly enhances one’s employment opportuni-ties.

Paralegal Employment Expected to Grow Through 2018

place to start.The college’s paralegal studies pro-

gram prepares students for positions asparalegals, while designed to improvethe accessibility, quality and affordabil-ity of the community’s legal services.

The American Bar Association(ABA) has given full approval to theparalegal studies program.

“This program is another exampleof our ongoing commitment to createmore options for students to help themachieve their goals and secure well-paying jobs that will lead to furthercareer advancement,” Chancellor Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook said.

The paralegal studies program isnow the only ABA-approved programof its kind in the Santa Clarita andAntelope valleys – and one of approxi-mately 30 such programs in the state.

“The ABA only approves programsthat are dedicated to the highest qualityof education and which provide gradu-ates with the tools to become successfulparalegals,” said Nicole Lucy, chair ofthe Paralegal Studies Department.

Paralegals can work in many types

of organizations, but most find employ-ment in law firms, corporate legaldepartments and governmental offices.According to the U.S. Department ofLabor, a California paralegal typicallyearns more than $56,000 a year.

Despite the economic climate andhigher unemployment, hiring of parale-gals and legal assistants is projected togrow throughout the next decade.

Paralegals are increasingly beingused to perform jobs once handled bylawyers. Employment is projected togrow 28 percent between 2008 and 2018.

Van Hook lauded Lucy’s efforts tosecure the bar association’s approval.“This accomplishment speaks to herpersistence and tenacity, as well as hercommitment to creating opportunitiesfor our students,” Van Hook said

Competition for paralegal jobs isexpected to continue to grow as peoplemove into the fast-growing profession.Such positions often attract many appli-cants, and formally trained and experi-enced paralegals will have the bestemployment opportunities.

The program is designed for work-ing professionals, with most classes inthe evening. For information, visitwww.canyons.edu/departments/parlglor contact Lucy at (661) 362-5377.

ParalegalFROM PAGE 1

WorkSource Center Moves to College

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010 11

Providing a “one-stop shopping” experience for com-munity members in search of employment and busi-nesses looking to hire, the Santa Clarita WorkSource

Center has moved to its new home in the Dr. Dianne G. VanHook University Center at College of the Canyons.

The WorkSource Center, operated by the City of SantaClarita through funds provided by the federal WorkforceInvestment Act, brings businesses and job seekers togetherin one location and provides an array of free services.

Job seekers can search employment listings while usingthe center’s computers, high-speed Internet connection,phone and fax lines, and copy machines to file applications,prepare resumes and connect with potential employers.

The center hosts a monthly job fair, as well as ongoingworkshops and training courses.

Businesses can post job openings, access job candi-dates, conduct applicant pre-screenings and hold on-siteinterviews in the center’s conference rooms – all whilelearning more about money-saving programs available tobusinesses in the Santa Clarita Enterprise Zone.

“Economic development in the City of Santa Clarita isa top priority, and that includes providing our residents

with quality job opportunities and operating our businesseswith a very strong and qualified workforce,” MayorLaurene Weste said during ribbon-cutting ceremonies.

College officials believe the center complements theservices offered by the college and its EconomicDevelopment Division, which is located nearby.

“We’re excited about this opportunity for the city andthe college to partner in support of the economic vitality ofthe entire community,” said Dena Maloney, vice presidentof economic development. “Moving the WorkSourceCenter into the University Center enables businesses andjob seekers alike to tap into the college’s vast resources.”

The WorkSource Center is located in Suite 250 of theUniversity Center, on the college’s Valencia campus. Officehours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Services are provided at no cost by the federalWorkforce Investment Act and City of Santa Clarita, part-nered with Goodwill Southern California, the EmploymentDevelopment Department, College of the Canyons andL.A. County Community and Senior Services.

For more information, call (661) 799-WORK (9675) orvisit www.SCWorkSource.com.

on the experience of playing in last season’s tourna-ment,” said head coach John Taferner. “We were farmore prepared for what to expect this time around.”

Mixing a fierce offensive attack with a stoutdefense and nearly impenetrable goaltender, theCougars skated to an impressive 21-3 regular seasonrecord, including nine straight victories to close out the2010 campaign.

COC outscored its opponents nearly 3 to 1, reach-ing double-digit goal totals in nine games, while hold-ing opponents to three goals or less in 14 contests.

As the region’s No. 1 ranked team, the Cougarsstormed through the 2010 PCHA playoffs in LakeTahoe in February. By knocking off Santa ClaraUniversity and rival California State University,Northridge, the Cougars again claimed the covetedAdams Cup and advanced to the ACHA NationalChampionships in Fort Myers from March 10 to 13.

“The level of hockey talent in Southern Californiais a lot broader and deeper than most people think,”Taferner said.

HockeyFROM PAGE 12

The College of the Canyons Employ-ee TrainingInstitute (ETI) has received a $150,000 grant fromthe state Chancellor’s Economic and Work-force

Development program to provide training to more than100 Boston Scientific employees in the company’s bur-geoning neuromodulation division.

The college’s ETI will deliver short-term responsivetraining sessions designed to help Boston Scientificreduce product development time, cut development costsand increase productivity – and provide a boost to thelocal economy.

“The college has a long and successful track record ofadvancing the economic development mission of theCalifornia Community College system,” said KristinHouser, ETI director. “With this grant we will be able tohelp Boston Scientific meet their corporate goals ofdeveloping and launching new products, while openingthe door for potential job growth and economic expansionin the local and regional manufacturing industries.”

Boston Scientific develops, manufactures and marketsmedical devices that advance the practice of less-invasivemedicine. Its Santa Clarita-based neuromodulation divi-sion, Boston Scientific Neuromodulation (BSN), is aleading developer of microelectronic devices that modu-late nerve activity to treat disabling disorders such aschronic pain.

In 2008, BSN received FDA approval on its 180,000-square-foot manufacturing plant, which employs roughly900 people.

“Boston Scientific is excited to partner with theCollege of the Canyons Employee Training Institute,”said Lorraine Munoz, BSN director of training and devel-opment. “This partnership will enable us to deliver highquality training to our employees that is focused on devel-oping and enhancing the skills necessary to achieve ourcompany’s mission. That mission is to benefit patients byimproving current neuromodulation therapies and bring-ing disruptive new technologies to market.”

Demand for implantable medical devices in the U.S. isprojected to grow 8 percent a year through 2015, accord-ing to research firm GlobalData. In Los Angeles alone, theindustry employs about 39,000 workers and is the No. 1employment market for the industry in the nation, accord-ing to U.S. Bureau of Labor statistics.

Growth in the neuromoduloation market is projectedto be nearly triple that of implantable devices, as the sizeof the potential treatment population expands.

The program to be delivered by the college’s ETI willconsist of intensive training in project management skills,medical device software testing, electrotechnical qualitystandards, and computer-aided product design. Trainingwill be delivered at the Boston Scientific facility and atthe college’s Center for Applied CompetitiveTechnologies (CACT).

Training is scheduled to begin this fall, pending pas-sage of the state budget.

The college’s ETI offers easily accessible profession-al and organizational development services and employeeskills improvement and training courses, taught by expe-rienced consultants and trainers with strong industryknowledge.

ETI classes provide employees with the improved jobskills needed to keep pace with changing technologies,increase employee satisfaction and productivity and pro-vide businesses with the ability to meet changing marketdemands.

During the last 10 years, ETI has delivered training tomore than 13,000 incumbent workers. In 2008-09 alone,it delivered its services to more than 900 employees of 40local employers.

“It’s our goal to be a valued partner to businessesthroughout the SCV,” said Houser. “Just as our clientbusinesses have had to adapt to these challenging neweconomic times, ETI is also flexing and developing newtraining formats and topics in response to our clients’many needs.”

Training to Benefit Boston Scientific

The College of the Canyons I3 AdvancedTechnology Incubator has reopened with anew location in the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook

University Center – and a mission to attract, launch,grow and graduate advanced-technology businessesinto the local economy.

A component of the Small BusinessDevelopment Center (SBDC) hosted by College ofthe Canyons, the I3 program ‘incubates’ technolo-gy-based start-up companies by offering access to awide range of support services focused on eachclient’s long-term success.

Originally launched in early 2007, the programwas put on hiatus in 2009 as a result of the statebudget crisis and ongoing economic climate.

However, by utilizing a transition grant from thestate Chancellor’s office Economic and WorkforceDevelopment program and incorporating I3 into thelarger SBDC, the program will now have theresources needed to grow and help boost the localeconomy.

“The re-emergence of the I3 AdvancedTechnology Incubator at COC will provide localentrepreneurs with yet another innovative way tolearn, compete and grow in the current economy,”said COC Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook.“This is a significant boost for the continued eco-nomic development of our community.”

Specifically targeted at technology-mindedentrepreneurs in the early stages of a business start-up, the incubator utilizes the knowledge and experi-ence of SBDC business advisors who are availableto provide I3 clients with a number of servicesincluding:

• Assistance drafting an effective business plan• Ongoing workshops and seminars on a variety

of new business subjects• Access to entrepreneurial-related college

curriculum• Connections with student interns• Introductions to potential business investors• The use of University Center offices, meeting

rooms and video-conferencing facilitiesAdditionally, client companies will receive sup-

port from an I3 mentor organization comprised oflocal subject-matter-expert business professionalsthat provide pro bono services designed to comple-ment those offered by SBDC advisors.

“Allowing the resources of the SBDC and its 15professional business advisors to be deployed onbehalf of our I3 clients will reenergize the programand allow it to finally reach its potential,” said SteveTannehill, director of the SBDC hosted by COC.

College officials also hope that the presence ofI3 will encourage the emergence of new start-upcompanies from several key high-technology indus-tries – including biotechnology, nanotechnology,digital manufacturing, aerospace, IT services and‘green’ technologies – which the college hopes toattract to, and/or see their presence expanded in, theSanta Clarita Valley.

“Housing I3 in the University Center as anSBDC program will provide local entrepreneurswith a range of unique benefits including the poten-tial for new and innovative partnerships betweenentrepreneurs and educators and increased opportu-nities to cross-pollenate ideas and successful busi-ness strategies,” said Joe Klocko, interim director ofthe I3 Advanced Technology Incubator.

Klocko comes to College of the Canyons withmore than 35 years of business experience in theaerospace and industrial manufacturing industries.

For more information, contact the SmallBusiness Development Center hosted by College ofthe Canyons at (661) 362-5900 or visit www.cocsb-dc.com.

Tech IncubatorBack in Business

Visitors discover the College of the Canyons welding department’s “Road Show” trailer during the Discovering Careers 2010event at the college on April 17. Welding faculty, staff and volunteers demonstrated various types of welding processes andequipment in an effort to spark interest in welding among young people. An estimated 3,000 people attended the event spon-sored by the William S. Hart Union High School District, the SCV School & Business Alliance and College of the Canyons.

Discovering Careers

The College of the Canyons women’s basketballteam has a reputation of nurturing athletes whoexcel on the court. The Cougars have two players in

the California Community College Women’s BasketballCoaches Association Hall of Fame, a handful of formerplayers have turned pro, and seven women’s basketballplayers have received conference MVP awards.

But one award has eluded the Cougars: the state MVP.Since the start of women’s basketball, no Cougar has beennamed California’s top female player – until now.

On March 10, Ashley Wakefield was namedCalifornia Community College Women’s BasketballCoaches Association Co-Player of the Year for her effortsduring her 2009-10 sophomore season. She shared thehonor with Fresno City College’s Sumiya Darden.

“It is a tremendous honor for Ashley to receive thisrecognition from the California Community CollegeWomen’s Coaches Association,” said College of theCanyons head coach Greg Herrick. “She is certainlydeserving of the award, and we are very proud of heraccomplishments as a player, her contributions to the pro-gram and her commitment to her teammates.”

Wakefield averaged 18.6 points, 12.9 rebounds and2.7 steals per game during the 2009-10 campaign. TheWashington Prep of Los Angeles alum also recorded herfirst collegiate triple-double with 15 points, 19 reboundsand 10 assists against Bakersfield College on Jan. 13,while collecting 22 double-doubles in the Cougars’ 27-game season. She ranked ninth among all COC scorerswith 903 points during her two-year career.

She helped the team to a perfect 24-0 record in WSC,South Division play during the 2009 and ’10 seasons, twoconference titles and a 46-14 overall record.

“Historically, our program has been fortunate to pro-duce some of the finest community college players in thestate, but none have ever been recognized as the state’svery best,” Herrick said. “We are pleased to have been apart of Ashley’s development, and we wish her the verybest as she embarks on a new career at the next level.”

The honor came on the heels of her 2010 WesternState Conference, South Division, Most Valuable Playeraward and her all-conference awards in 2009 and 2010.Wakefield now focuses her attention on transferring to afour-year university.

State and conference MVP Ashley Wakefield and head women’sbasketball coach Greg Herrick, who was named coach of the year.

Wakefield Receives Top Nod, a First for Cougars

The College of the Canyons men’sbasketball team has retired jerseyNo. 1 in recognition of former long-

time head coach Lee Smelser and his morethan 30 years of service to the college.

A retirement cere-mony for Smelser’sjersey was held Dec.27, prior to theCougars’ first-roundgame of the 20thAnnual Cougar Holi-day Classic tourna-ment.

“Coach Smelser isa man of integrity andsomeone that I havealways admired asboth a basketball coach and person. I amgrateful to have had the opportunity towork for and with him and am honored toparticipate in this ceremony,” said men’sbasketball head coach Howard Fisher.

Simply put, the name Lee Smelser issynonymous with College of the Canyonsbasketball.

A member of the COC Athletic Hall of

For the second time in as many years, the College of theCanyons hockey team took the ice at the AmericanCollegiate Hockey Association (ACHA) National

Championships.Winner of 34 regular-season games, eight playoff victo-

ries and back-to-back Pacific Coast Hockey Association(PCHA) Adams Cups the last two seasons, the Cougarstraveled to Fort Myers, Fla., in March as part of their questto capture the one title missing from their trophy case: anACHA Division-III National Championship.

The quest will continue next season, as the Cougarswere eliminated in the quarterfinal round by Division-IIINational Champs Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU).

By finishing fifth among the 16-team field, the Cougarscouldn’t quite find a way to come home with the hardwarethey sought. But people are talking about this team.

One of just two community colleges in the tournament,the Cougars skated to victories against four-year institu-tions such as Florida University and Robert MorrisUniversity. They held the high-scoring SVSU team to justfour goals in the quarterfinal round. Prior to their matchupwith the Cougars, SVSU had scored a combined 29 goals inthe first two games of the tournament.

Several players – including standout goaltender MikeMcGrath – were asked to skate in the Division-III All Stargame, held the day before the National Championship.

A tournament’s play-by-play announcer even referred tothe COC hockey program as “a national powerhouse.”

“I was really proud with how our team was able to build

‘NATIONAL POWERHOUSE’?

12 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2010

See SMELSER on Page 9See HOCKEY on Page 11

First BasketballCoach’s JerseyOfficially RetiredLee Smelser Recognized for30-Plus Years of Coaching

LEE SMELSER

Cougars Conquer Numerous 4-YearUniversities in Championship Quest

Women’s BasketballThe women’s basketball team complet-ed another amazing season, led by 18-year head coach Greg Herrick. He col-lected his 400th win at COC this sea-son, making him the most successfulwomen’s basketball coach ever atCollege of the Canyons. The team alsowon an incredible 19 consecutivegames. The winning streak started onDec. 12 with a victory over Mt. SanAntonio College, who the Cougars hadnot beaten in 15 matchups dating backto 2002. Unfortunately, the WesternState Conference Champion Cougarslost in the first round of the playoffs toL.A. Trade Tech.

Men’s BasketballThe men’s basketball team struggled in the 2009-10 sea-son with a young squad. Despite having only two sopho-mores on the team, the freshmen acquired invaluableexperience for next year. COC finished in fifth place with a13-win season. Sophomores Brannon Bradley and BrianKimble were named first-team all-conference, and fresh-man Parker Dominguez was an honorable mention.

BaseballThe College of the Canyons baseball team notched a 5-7record in the month of April, dropping them to fourth placein the conference and out of contention for the playoffs. Itwas the first time in two years that COC had not made it tothe playoffs, but they still saw seven student-athletes earnall-conference honors.

Men’s GolfAfter breezing through 10 conference matches and finish-ing with a 50-10 record, the Western State ConferenceChampion College of the Canyons men’s golf team had atough time in the Southern California Regionals. TheCougars recorded a 39-over 759 (375-384) on May 10 at

the regional tournament at the par-72SCGA Member’s Club at RanchoCalifornia. The top four teams in the10-team field and the top six individu-als outside of those four top teamsearned a spot in the StateChampionship on May 17. COC camein fifth place, two strokes behindfourth-place finisher Cypress College.The Cougars’ top golfer, CollinWheeler, strung together an eagle, twobirdies and 12 pars in the first round ofplay to finish even, but dropped to a 4-over 76 in the second round. He fin-ished in 13th place and was the top fin-isher for Canyons.

SoftballThe softball team won its second consecutive conferencechampionship in 2010, but struggled in the first round ofthe playoffs against Grossmont College. Postseasonawards helped take the sting out of the early exit from theplayoffs, though. Leading the team with awards wereinfielder Ruby Herrera and outfielder Melissa Herndon,who were both named All-American. This marked the firsttime that COC softball head coach John Wissmath had twoAll-American honorees on one team. Herndon was alsonamed the Player of the Year for the conference, along withtwo-time conference Pitcher of the Year Ashley Imperial.

Swimming & DivingThe College of the Canyons men’s and women’s swimteam finished in sixth place at the Western StateConference Championship and also broke three schoolrecords along the way. The 200-yard medley relay team ofCourtney Smith, Leanna Walter, Taylor Bellina and KaleyMeister turned in a record time of 1:59.72, which was goodfor fourth place. On the men’s side, the 400-yard medleyrelay came in at 3:49.77 and John Luppens notched a17:31.33 in the 1,650-yard freestyle to break two moreschool records.

Track & FieldWestern State Conference and Southern CaliforniaChampion Corey Honeycutt added one more honor to heralready amazing 2010 season with a state title in the 800-meter run at the California Community College AthleticAssociation Track and Field State Championships on May22. Honeycutt ran a 2:15.93 in very cold and windy condi-tions and beat out Danielle Low of L.A. Trade Tech, who fin-ished less than a second behind her. The individual statetitle is the first for head coach Lindie Kane who is in her16th season. Kane came close to helping a student-athletewin a title in 2008 when Alfredo Coronado came in secondplace in the 1,500-meter run at the state meet. Also com-peting in the meet was decathlete Mario Wright and highjumper Ashley Mason. Wright came in eighth place with5,664 points despite not clearing a height in the pole vault.Mason leaped 1.54 meters (5-1) in the high jump, good for10th place.

FootballNine football players signed national letters of intent onNational Signing Day. “Every single one of these playershas persevered through the struggles of being a studentathlete, and today is the day that all that hard work comesto fruition,” head football coach Garett Tujague said. FourCougars from the 2008 and ‘09 squads signed withDivision I Football Bowl Subdivision universities. Safetyand Valencia alum Josh Gibbs already transferred toUniversity of Kentucky, while tight end Mychal Rivera willspend his final two years at University of Tennessee.Second-Team All-Conference honoree and outside line-backer Evan Harrington will transfer to University ofColorado, while offensive lineman Louiszell Alexanderheads to Syracuse University. After sitting out the ‘09 sea-son, Marquis Jackson, 2008 National Division, NorthernConference Defensive Player of the Year, is weighing hisoptions and has yet to sign. He will sign following thespring semester when he receives his associate degree.As the academic year continues, Tujague expects moreCollege of the Canyons football players to commit to four-year schools.

College of the Canyons’ Shane Moore moves the puck down the ice. Photo courtesy of JAYNE ONCEA/FastJaynePhotography.com