Having developed a reputationacross the state as an institutionwhere innovation thrives, Col-

lege of the Canyons will take thoseefforts one step further with TEDx-CollegeoftheCanyons on April 18. “Ideas worth spreading” is the mis-

sion behind TED (Technology,Entertainment, Design) and the inde-pendently organized TEDx events thathave been inspiring audiences. Held in Long Beach, the annual

TED conference is traditionally focusedon a central theme or idea and has fea-tured a wide range of high-profile andinfluential speakers – among them BillClinton, Tim Berners Lee, Bill Gatesand Jane Goodall – who have captivat-ed audiences with their thought-pro-voking, inspirational speeches.Renowned in academic and intellec-

tual circles, TED conferences havebeen described by attendees as “theultimate brain spa” and “a four-dayjourney into the future, in the companyof those creating it.”College of the Canyons will make

its first venture into the world of TEDxwith TEDxCollegeoftheCanyons, anindependently organized event licensedby TED and focused on the topic ofconnectivity – specifically how con-nected communities can increase the

Non-ProfitOrganizationUS Postage

PAIDSanta Clarita

CA91355

Permit 56

College of the Canyons26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355

Postal Customer

E C R W S SWhen Jose Chavarria and Dasun Hemachandra arrived inFort Worth, Texas for the Society of HispanicProfessional Engineers Conference in November, they

couldn’t believe their luck. The two College of the Canyonsengineering students met up with a professional engineer whodispensed advice and tips on how to network at the conference.With the engineer’s advice, the students navigated the con-

ference and met other professional engineers and representativesfrom companies such as Boeing and Northrop Grumman.What Chavarria learned proved to be indispensable during a

recent job interview. “What I learned at the conference helpedme with how to dress and what to do on a job interview in an

Grant to Help LatinoEngineering Students

TEDx FOCUSES ON CONNECTIVITY

This summer, students at College ofthe Canyons will have access to moreclass sections and educational oppor-

tunities than ever before, thanks in largepart to restored funding levels triggered bythe passage of Prop 30 in November.The 2013 summer session will include

more than 550 class sections of high-demand “core” classes representing a widerange of academic subjects and disciplines.In all, the summer schedule of classes

represents a roughly 15 percent increase

over summer 2012, and will provide seatsfor more than 18,000 students.The majority of class sections will be

made up of courses that most students needto either graduate, transfer to a four-yearuniversity or meet prerequisites, providingan excellent opportunity for students to geta jump-start on course work before the fallsemester in August.In addition, a number of elective and

See SUMMER on Page 5

See TEDx on Page 5

See GRANT on Page 2

550-Plus In-Demand ‘Core’ Class Sections Offered

CO L L EG E O F TH E C ANYONS / S AN TA C L AR I TA COMMUN I T Y CO L L EG E D I S T R I C T S E R V I N G T H E S A N T A C L A R I T A V A L L E Y S I N C E 1 9 6 9

SCHOLARLY PRESENTATIONThe U.S. in the Middle East: A Century

of Friendship and Hostility. FREE event.PAGE 3

SUMMER SESSIONS: Registration begins Monday, April 22. Sessions start June 3, June 10 and July 8. Information: www.canyons.edu.

NEW DEGREE PROGRAMSDr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center introduces new programs.

PAGE 2

SPRING2013

Summer Sessions Grow

April 18 Event to Share‘Ideas Worth Spreading’

The College of the Canyons Mathematics,Sciences & Engineering (MSE) Division willhost 2005 Nobel Laureate Dr. Robert H.

Grubbs as part of its Speakers Symposium Series.The annual speaker series gives students and

community members an opportunity to meetrenowned research scientists and industry expertscurrently working in science, technology, engi-neering and mathematics. In addition to learningmore about each speaker’s research and area ofexpertise, attendees will be able to explore myriadcareer options in these emerging fields.

Nobel Laureate Chemist to Speak

See SPEAKERS on Page 6

connectivityDr. Satinder Dhiman John Makevich Barbara Goldberg John Milburn John Lewis Parker Raimone Roberts Daylene Meuschke

Breaking News is published by the College of the CanyonsPublic Information office to inform the community aboutprograms, events, issues and accomplishments of theSanta Clarita Valley’s community college. It is distributedto residences, P.o. boxes and businesses in the 367-square-mile Santa Clarita Community College District.Advertising is not accepted.

Mail: College of the Canyons Public Information office26455 Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355

Email: pio@canyons.edu

The Dr. Dianne G. Van HookUniversity Center at College of theCanyons will introduce four new

degree programs (see box at right) in acontinued effort to provide a wide vari-ety of advanced degree courses in theSanta Clarita Valley.“These advanced degree programs

are introduced in response to demandsfrom students and the community’s needfor qualified professionals in the fields ofnursing and the biological sciences,” saidCathy Ritz, chief operating officer forthe College of the Canyons Foundationand University Center operations.Since it opened its doors in 2002, the

University Center has strived to offerstudents the opportunity to earnadvanced degrees without leaving theSanta Clarita Valley.More than 1,700 students have grad-

uated with degrees from BrandmanUniversity, California State UniversityBakersfield, California State UniversityLos Angeles, California State UniversityNorthridge, National University andUniversity of La Verne. The current 110,000-square-foot

facility – which opened in 2009 – contin-ues to offer bachelor’s, master’s and cre-dential/certificate programs from variouspublic and private universities, all ofwhich have received approval and

accreditation from the WesternAssociation of Schools and Colleges. Cited as the college’s solution to the

lack of upper-division, graduate schooland continuing education programs inthe area, the University Center wasestablished to increase student access toadvanced degrees by forging partner-ships with surrounding four-year col-leges and universities. Those institutionsthen make their academic programsavailable to students through coursesoffered on the Valencia campus ofCollege of the Canyons.For more information about the Dr.

Dianne G. Van Hook University Centeror to view a lineup of university partnersand degree and certificate programs, visitwww.cocuniversitycenter.com or call(661) 362-5474. A full list of universitiesand programs can be found on Page 3.

university Center Introduces New Degree programs

Ground Broken for New Student Services Building

engineering environment,” said Chavarria, who is plan-ning on transferring to a four-year school next semesterto study mechanical engineering. The trip and experience was made possible thanks to

the college’s AIMS2 (Attract, Inspire, Mentor andSupport Students) program that was launched in 2012through a sub award granted to College of the Canyonsby California State University, Northridge’s (CSUN)College of Engineering and Computer Science.Funded by the U.S. Department of Education, this

grant is a Hispanic Serving Institutions-STEM grantawarded to CSUN to help to support the success andtransfer of Latino and low-income engineering studentsstudying at COC. “CSUN approached several community colleges that

would be interested in helping them increase the numberof Latino and low-income graduates from their compet-itive Engineering and Computer Science programs,”said Susan Crowther, MESA program director at the col-lege. “College of the Canyons and Glendale Community

College expressed interest and both colleges are work-ing with CSUN to make their goal a reality.”The $590,000 grant – to be dispersed over the course

of five years – will provide AIMS2 scholars with tutor-ing, mentoring and academic success workshops toensure they transfer successfully to a four-year school.AIMS scholars also receive a stipend every semes-

ter, have individual appointments with COC facultymembers about their career goals and partake in specialevents and field trips, including the CSUN ProjectDesign Showcase, CSUN Tech Fest, leadership trainingand an engineering boot camp. Over the summer, five AIMS2 scholars did research

internships at CSUN. Recently, 10 AIMS2 scholars tooka field trip to Glendale Community College in order tosee the college’s planetarium and participate in engi-neering skill-building sessions in groups.

“This grant is not only uniting three campuses but itis also making transferring to a four-year school a seam-less transition for our AIMS2 scholars,” said Crowther.“We are very happy to be part of this collaboration.”

For more information about the AIMS2 program,visit www.ecs.csun.edu/aims2.

2 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAK ING NEWS • SPRING 2 013

GRANTFRoM PAGE 1

Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook (top, at right)speaks March 14 during the official ground-breaking ceremony for the new 46,000-square-foot Student Services & Administration Building.An artist’s rendering (right) depicts how the newbuilding will look when completed in early 2015.

College and community dignitariesgathered for a ceremonial ground-breaking for the new Student

Services and Administration Building onMarch 14. The event officially markedthe start of construction for the 46,000-square-foot facility.

Demolition of the previous ABuilding began in December and con-cluded before the start of the springsemester. The new building will rise atthe same location.

Included on the new building’s firstfloor will be an expanded Admissions &Records Office featuring new computerlabs and kiosks for student use, alongwith an official “welcoming center” tohelp ensure students and campus visitorsfind their way. Plans also call for a newFinancial Aid Office, and expandedswitchboard and mailroom area.

The second floor will house addition-al computer kiosks, along with severalkey student service departments such as

Counseling, the Transfer Center and theCareer Center. Additional space has beenset aside to accommodate the StudentServices, Instruction, and Public Infor-mation offices.

“The ability for students to apply andregister for classes, check the status oftheir financial aid disbursements, meetwith a counselor, explore their transferoptions or research a new career path – allin one location – will be more convenient,and time efficient, than ever before,” said

Michael Wilding, assistant superintend-ent-vice president of student services.“By providing increased access to theseservices, it’s our hope that students willbe able to seek out and explore even moreof the academic, job training and careeropportunities available at COC.”

The roughly $17.8 million projectwill be paid for with a combination ofMeasure M general obligation bond fundsand state matching funds. The building isexpected to be completed in early 2015.

NEW DEGREE PROGRAMS• Bachelor of Science in Biology

California State University, Los AngelesLaunches fall 2014

• Bachelor of Arts in Public AdministrationCalifornia State University, BakersfieldLaunches fall 2013

• Bachelor of Arts in SociologyCalifornia State University, BakersfieldLaunches fall 2014

• Doctor of Nursing PracticeBrandman UniversityLaunches January 2014

NEXT OpEN HOuSEUniversity representatives will be on hand to answer your questions.4 TO 7 P.M. THURSDAY, APRIL 18Information: (661) 362-5150

Measure M at Work

scholarly presentation examines U.s. in Middle east

Need an advanced degree? Look no further!The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center offers bachelor’s, masters,doctoral and credential/certificate programs from a variety of public and pri-vate universities. The center eliminates the need to commute to distantcampuses and allows students to complete their first two years at College of

the Canyons, then transfer to their program of choice without leaving theValencia campus. As of December 2012, 1,781 students have graduatedfrom University Center degree programs. The center’s six partner universi-ties offer a variety of programs, including:

Information: (661) 362-5474 or cocuniversitycenter.com

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAK ING NEWS • SPRING 2013 3

Brandman UniversityB.a. in applied studiesB.a. in Criminal JusticeB.a. in legal studiesB.a. in psychologyB.a. in social scienceB.s. in social WorkB.s. in Computing technologiesM.a. in psychology, Marriage & Family therapy M.a. in education, early Childhood ed. leadershipDoctor of Nursing practice

California state University, los angelesB.s. in engineering with emphasis in ManufacturingB.s. in Biology

California state University, BakersfieldB.a. in CommunicationsB.a. in englishB.a. in liberal studiesB.a. in public administrationB.a. in sociology

California state University, NorthridgeM.p.a. in public administrationM.s.W. in social Work

National UniversityB.a. in sport psychologyB.s. in NursingB.s. in paralegal studiesapplied Behavior analysis Certificate programMaster of Criminal Justice

University of la VerneB.a. in Business administrationB.s. in Child DevelopmentB.s. in organizational Managementsingle subject/Multiple subject teaching Credentialspecial education level i and ii CredentialClaD/Ctel Certificate program M.ed. special emphasisM.a. in Business administrationM.s. in special educationM.s. in school psychologyM.s. in leadership ManagementM.s. in ed. Counseling; pupil personnel services: schoolCounseling CredentialM.ed. in ed. Management; preliminary administrativeservices Credential

College of the Canyons professor,activist and scholar Dr. Ali AkbarMahdi will present a sociological

analysis of the century-long history of polit-ical challenges, regional crises and ongoinghostilities associated with U.S. interests inthe Middle East during the spring 2013Scholarly Presentation at the Santa ClaritaPerforming Arts Center on April 17.Entitled “The U.S. in the Middle East: A

Century of Friendship and Hostility,” thepresentation will begin with a geographicalexplanation of the region, as well a briefoverview of the United States’ historicalbackground with several key Middle Easternnations, including Iran, Iraq and Israel.“The United States has been involved in

the Middle East since the late 19th century,”Mahdi said. “Whether it be establishing amilitary footing in the region, attempting toengineer social change, or simply securingan interest in the region’s vast oil reserves,the U.S. has had longstanding interests inmaintaining its influence in this part of theworld.”Mahdi will then discuss several of the

most current and politically relevant issues

facing the U.S. today, including some of thealtering points of view and criticisms othernations cite concerning contradictions ofcurrent U.S. foreign policy.“The Middle East is a diverse region in

which our continued interests face seriouschallenges as we approach countries withdifferent traditions, cultures and nationalinterests,” Mahdi said. “Our policies andrelationships in the Middle East have oftenappeared contradictory, and as a result theU.S. is sometimes viewed as hypocritical.”Other areas of focus will include: • the Iranian nuclear program• ending wars in Afghanistan and Iraq• Islamic extremists and jihadist groups

THE U.S. IN THE MIDDLE EASTa Century of Friendship & Hostility

Dr. Ali Akbar MahdiCollege of the Canyons ProfessorActivist and Scholar

sCHolarly preseNtatioNSanta Clarita Performing Arts Centerat College of the Canyons6 P.M. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17FREE Admission

College of the Canyons and The Signal will host twoJob & Career Fairs – one at each campus – in Apriland May. Both events are free to all students and com-

munity members. The events are scheduled:

• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, April 24Valencia Campus, Student Center

• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, May 8Canyon Country CampusCarl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater

For more information, call Career Services at (661) 362-3286 or visit www.canyons.edu/careercenter.

The Santa Clarita CommunityCollege District Board ofTrustees has appointed attor-

ney and former Newhall Land exec-utive Steven D. Zimmer to Seat 5.The appointment was made Jan.

14 following a special board meetingduring which 13 applicants wereinterviewed.“The number and quality of can-

didates who applied for this positionwere impressive,” Chancellor Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook said. “It was anhonor for our district to have such afield of outstanding communitymembers desire to serve on theboard.”

Zimmer fills the seat vacated byScott Wilk, who was elected to theState Assembly in November.

“I personally look forward to thedynamism Mr. Zimmer will bring tothe board as we enter an extraordi-narily busy and exciting time here atCollege of the Canyons,” Dr. VanHook added.A longtime resident of the Santa

Clarita Valley, Zimmer served as anexecutive at The Newhall Land andFarming Co. from 1999 to 2011. Heoperates his own law practice andserves on the boards of several com-munity service organizations,including the COC Foundation.

Need a Job? We Can Help! Board Appoints Zimmer to Open Seat

STEVEN D. ZIMMER

See SCHOLARLY on Page 4

4 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAK ING NEWS • SPRING 2 013

Nobel Laureate (2005) in ChemistryCalifornia Institute of Technology,Division of Chemistry and ChemicalEngineering

Dr. Robert Grubbs

Nobel Prize Winner Dr. Robert GrubbsMSEMATHEMATICS, SCIENCES & ENGINEErING

Speakers Symposium Series P R E S E N T S . . .

Please join us for this FREE presentation by Nobel LaureateChemist Dr. Robert Grubbs, whose topic will be:

Fundamental Research toCommercial Products: Applicationsof Olefin Metathesis Catalysts

Information: (661) 362-3135 • www.canyons.edu/Divisions/MathSci

7 pm Tuesday, April 30Santa Clarita performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons

• ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict• U.S. response to Arab Spring• current challenges in countries such as

Syria, Libya, Egypt and Bahrain.“It is clear that the United States has had

to deal with numerous regional crises, con-tradictory demands from allies, and difficultchallenges from forces opposed to our pres-ence in the region,” Mahdi said. “As a result,the U.S. engagement in the Middle East hasbecome much more tasking than ever imag-ined. So today we find ourselves in a verydifficult situation.”Mahdi is a critical sociologist specializ-

ing in the political economy of change, gen-der and development in the Middle East. Hereceived his Ph.D. and master of arts in soci-ology from Michigan State University, and abachelor of arts in sociology from The

National University of Iran in Tehran.In addition to teaching at College of the

Canyons, he is an adjunct faculty member atCalifornia State University, Northridge, andprofessor emeritus of sociology at OhioWesleyan University. He has taught atMichigan State University, Adrian Collegeand Central State University. Mahdi is a former recipient of the Bishop

Herbert Welch Meritorious Teaching Awardat Ohio Wesleyan University (2008), theMarvin E. Olsen Service Award from theNorth Central Sociological Association(1994), the Teaching Excellence Award fromMichigan Sociological Association (1990),the Sears Foundation Teaching Excellenceand Campus Leadership Award at AdrianCollege (1990), and the Excellence-in-Teaching Citation Award at Michigan StateUniversity (1983). He has written books such as “Culture

and Customs of Iran” (co-author),“Sociology in Iran” (co-author), “Sociology

of the Iranian Family,” and “Iranian Culture,Civil Society, and Concern for Democracy.”He has written numerous articles andreviews on topics ranging from sociology ofknowledge to the political economy of Iranand Islam. In addition, Mahdi is regularly inter-

viewed by American and Middle Easternnews media, supplying expert opinion andcommentary to journalists from a wide rangeof programs and publications.He is a frequent public lecturer and has

served as executive director of the Center forIranian Research and Analysis, editor of

Michigan Sociological Review, and presi-dent of the Michigan SociologicalAssociation. The Scholarly Presentation is scheduled

6 p.m. Wednesday, April 17, at the SantaClarita Performing Arts Center.Admission is free and open to the public.

Seating will begin 30 minutes prior to theprogram’s start time, and is available on afirst-come, first-served basis. Attendees canpark free in college lots 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, locat-ed off Rockwell Canyon Road.For more information, call the COC

Foundation at (661) 362-3434.

SCHOLARLYFRoM PAGE 3

College Mourns Loss of Jazz pioneer Dirk FischerRenowned musician, composer and longtime

College of the Canyons jazz professor StewartRoussin Fischer – known to most as “Dirk” –

died Feb. 25 in Santa Clarita. He was 88.Fischer began his teaching career at College of the

Canyons in 1977 at a time when most academic insti-tutions had yet to fully embrace jazz studies.In fact, it was Fischer’s venture back into student

life in the mid-’70s, while looking for fellow musi-cians to play with, that led to a chance encounter withformer COC music instructor RK Downs.A few years later, he would be named COC’s first

instructor of jazz studies and director of its jazz band.He dedicated 28 years to building the music depart-ment before retiring in 2005.“Dirk was equally devoted to music and teaching.

He was uniquely gifted in both areas, and we wereblessed that he shared those gifts so freely with us fornearly three decades,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. VanHook said. “I will miss him greatly.”Fischer also worked extensively with other profes-

sional orchestras and student musical groups. His com-positions and arrangements were performed by jazzensembles in high schools, colleges and professionalbands and orchestras throughout the U.S. and abroad.In 2010, Fischer had the opportunity to catch up

with one of his most successful former students, BigBad Voodoo Daddy’s lead trumpeter Glen Marhevka,who was in town to play a show at the Santa ClaritaPerforming Arts Center at College of the Canyons.“He was amazing … he is one of the most talented

arrangers I’ve ever met,” Marhevka said. “He gave mepassion for music and is a big reason I am here today.COC was a huge learning phase in my life, and I owea lot to Dirk and the college.”

Dirk Fischer conducts the COC Jazz Band (top) during the Alumni Barbecue in 2002, conducts the band in an undated photo(above, left), and meets with former student Glen Marhevka (above, right), who went on to become the lead trumpeter forBig Bad Voodoo Daddy. The Music Department will perform a tribute to Fischer during its annual pOpS! Concert on May 3.

‘The u.S. engagement in the Middle East has becomemuch more tasking than ever imagined. So today we

find ourselves in a very difficult situation.’

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAK ING NEWS • SPRING 2013 5

well-being of individuals, and as a result, improve global wel-fare. “At COC, we have a culture of connectivity within the

campus and throughout the community,” said Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine, COC professor and TEDx faculty advisor. “The pur-pose of this conference is to reach a new level of human well-being worldwide by challenging humanity to promote theincrease of intellectual discussion and to develop newapproaches and methods in connectivity.” TEDxCollegeoftheCanyons will follow TED’s format of

18-minute presentations, as well as other performances anddemonstrations. Attendees will be able to view acclaimedTEDTalks videos of past speakers.Dr. Satinder Dhiman, author of “Seven Habits of Highly

Fulfilled People,” will speak on connectivity in relation to oraltradition and sustainability. Other speakers include:• John Makevich, director of distance and accelerated

learning at College of the Canyons• Barbara Goldberg, founder of Wells Bring Hope• John Milburn, director of the Employee Training

Institute at College of the Canyons• John Lewis Parker, award-winning songwriter, producer

and music executive• Raimone Roberts, chief strategy officer for Empire

Construction• Daylene Meuschke, director of institutional research at

College of the Canyons. TEDxCollegeoftheCanyons is scheduled 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Thursday, April 18, in Mentry Hall, Room 305, on the Valenciacampus. Admission is $30. It will be hosted by the college’sTEDx Club and sponsored by COC Associated StudentGovernment, Small Business Development Center YoungEntrepreneurship Program and Logix. To register, contact Cheng-Levine at (661) 362-5806 or

visit www.TEDxCollegeoftheCanyons.com. For more infor-mation about TED, visit www.ted.com.

The California State University, Long Beach (CSULB)Alumni Association has selected College of theCanyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook as its

2013 Distinguished Alumna for the College of Liberal Arts,in honor of her tremendous professional achievements, ded-ication to the field of education and ongoing contributions tothe community.The CSULB 2013 Alumni Awards Banquet will be held

at the Hyatt Regency Long Beach on May 9.Dr. Van Hook will be recognized as the distinguished

alumna from the College of Liberal Arts, the largest of theuniversity’s nine schools. She also has been invited to theCollege of Liberal Arts’ May 23 commencement, where shewill be recognized before graduates and guests.“At College of the Canyons, we believe ‘if you can

imagine it, you can achieve it; if you dream it, you can doit,’” she said about COC’s success. “By employing this phi-losophy, COC as a whole has vision, energy, commitment,flexibility and courageous leadership at every level. That, inturn, inspires us to plan and expand instructional programs,secure significant increases in funding, launch a robust build-ing program, develop partnerships and collaborate initia-tives, take risks, be entrepreneurial and believe in ourselvesevery day.”Dr. Van Hook graduated from CSULB in 1972 with a

bachelor’s of arts in sociology. She worked as a Head Startpreschool teacher during college and, after graduating,became a junior high school teacher. She went on to earn both her master’s degree and doctor-

TEDxFRoM PAGE 1

SUMMERFRoM PAGE 1

exploratory courses – which studentsoften use to help determine theirdesired educational or career tracks –have also been included in the sum-mer schedule.The college’s first five-week sum-

mer session will run June 3 to July 5.A second eight-week session will runJune 10 to Aug. 2, and the final five-week session has been scheduled July8 to Aug. 16.The schedule of classes will be

posted online at www.canyons.edu. Aprinted schedule will not be offered.Summer session registration for

new students will begin May 13. Aregistration period for high school stu-dents in the 11th and 12th grades willbegin May 22, with a final late regis-tration period scheduled to begin May28.Despite the increased number of

class sections being offered this sum-mer, students are still encouraged notto wait until the last minute to apply tothe college and/or register for summersessions. Classes are expected to fillquickly.Summer 2013 enrollment fees at

all 112 California CommunityColleges will remain at $46 per unit,as mandated by the state of California.For more information about the

2013 summer session, contactAdmissions & Records at (661) 362-3280 or visit www.canyons.edu.

Chancellor to be Honored as Distinguished Alumna

Canyon Country Campusto Host Spring Star party

‘If you can imagine it, you can achieveit. If you dream it, you can do it.’

DR. DIANNE G. VAN Hook

See CHANCELLOR on Page 7

A Foundation for Student SuccessSince its inception in 1987, the College of the

Canyons Foundation has sought new ways toprovide students with increased access to edu-

cational opportunities and an enhanced academicexperience that reflects the tradition of excellenceestablished at COC.The College of the Canyons Foundation is a non-

profit 501(c)(3) auxiliary organization that supportsthe Santa Clarita Community College District bygenerating funds to support programs dedicated tostudent success.For more than 25 years the foundation and its

more than 10,000 donors and community partnershave worked together to provide the college with thefinancial resources to award student scholarships,make innovative classroom and facility improve-ments, and offer the types of supplemental learningopportunities and student experiences that separateCOC from other community colleges.“These vital resources really can make the differ-

ence between an ordinary and extraordinary college

experience for our students,” said Murray Wood, thefoundation’s chief development officer. “With thecontinued support of our partners, College of theCanyons will remain a pillar in this community foryears to come, educating everyone interested inlearning and ensuring our students’ success.”In support of the college’s ongoing mission to

provide all students with an accessible, enriched edu-cation, last summer the foundation launched a new,three-year fundraising initiative designed to generate$300,000 in student scholarship funds before July 1,2014.“Now more than ever, during these challenging

economic times, our students need additional finan-cial support in order to be able to pursue their educa-tion and follow their dreams,” said MicheleEdmonson, the foundation’s director of develop-ment. “We’ve tried to identify the student popula-tions that are most in need of this support, and this

The ever-expanding universe and its stars – the doublestar Regulus, in particular – will be brought into focusat the Spring Star Party at the Canyon Country campus

on May 3. The free event is scheduled 7:30 to 10 p.m. at theCarl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater.Dr. Gerard van Belle, a Lowell Observatory astronomer,

will share his findings and research on optical interferome-try, in which small telescopes are used simultaneously to cre-ate a single large telescope, providing astronomers withhigh-resolution images of stars. A Q&A session will follow.Members of the college’s Physics/Astronomy Club, The

Local Group Astronomy Club of Santa Clarita and theBurbank Astronomy Group will aim telescopes at visiblecelestial bodies, which attendees can view. COC astronomy professor Teresa Ciardi will lead a

demonstration with the aid of star models, which children inthe audience can take home. Though seating will be provided, attendees are encour-

aged to arrive early with blankets, lawn chairs and picnicbaskets. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.A portion of concession sales will be donated to the Dr. RamManvi Memorial Scholarship to benefit students who aremajoring in mathematics, science or engineering technology.

See FOUNDATION on Page 7

The campus of California State university, Long Beach

‘Fabric paintings’

What’s Happening at the PAC? Plenty!

6 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAK ING NEWS • SPRING 2 013

The College of the Canyons Art Gallery will con-tinue its spring exhibit schedule with a presenta-tion by local painter and “narrative quilt maker”

Dinah Sargeant.“Fabric Paintings,” on display through April 25,

features a selection of Sargeant’s work spanning 20years, with an emphasis on the artist’s passion for cre-ating hand painted/collaged narrative quilts and dolls.“When I view Dinah’s quilt work, I see paintings

first,” said Larry Hurst, director of the COC ArtGallery. “But closer inspection reveals the intricatestitching and collage treatment of the surfaces.Meanwhile, her dolls act as three-dimensional figuresderived from those paintings.“Her works are pure magic, filled with subliminal

meaning and powerful imagery,” Hurst said.Sargeant earned her master of arts in painting from

Chico State University. Her work as a quilt and dollmaker – stemming from her experiences painting andsewing with her mother – emerged later in her career.“I paint fabric, then search for narratives within the

colors and shapes,” Sargeant said. “Between what I seeand what I intuit, a story unfolds. I collage the imagery,then stitch it into quilts and dolls.”The Art Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday

through Thursday. All exhibits are free. For more information, visit www.canyons.edu/art-

gallery. For information about the artist, visitwww.dinahsargeant.com.

“Torpor Space” by Dinah Sargeant

The Santa Clarita CommunityCollege District has announced thehiring of nationally recognized arts

professional Evy Warshawski as its newexecutive director of the Santa ClaritaPerforming Arts Center at College of theCanyons.Warshawski fills the position vacated

by Adam Philipson, who resigned inSeptember to become CEO of the CountBasie Theatre in Red Bank, N.J. “We are very excited to welcome Evy

Warshawski to College of the Canyons,”said Joseph Gerda, assistant superintend-ent/vice president of instruction. “Evy isa proven arts professional with an

impressive reputation throughout theindustry, who we are confident will con-tinue to build upon the tradition of excel-lence that exists at the Performing ArtsCenter.”With more than 25 years of experi-

ence, Warshawski most recently servedas executive/artistic director at the NapaValley Opera House from 2004 to 2011.“I am so excited to be joining the

team at COC, and I look forward to learn-ing about the college and community,”she said. “My career has been focused onbringing artistic excellence to diversecommunities and deepening that experi-ence for participants of all ages.

Each of the scheduled speakingengagements will consist of a roughly 60-minute presentation, culminating in anopen-forum discussion that will allowaudience members to ask questions, inter-act with the speakers and delve deeper intothe subject matter.“Once again, we are happy to offer our

students and community the opportunityto learn about a wide range of research andtechnological advances made in the STEMfields,” said Omar Torres, dean of the col-lege’s MSE Division. “This year’s sympo-sium promises to offer a variety ofenhanced opportunities for guests to learnmore about materials science, biobehav-ioral science and chemistry.”All but the final presentation are

scheduled for 7 p.m. on selected Tuesdaysthroughout the spring semester in BoykinHall, Room 105, on the College of theCanyons Valencia campus. The culminating event in the series is a

presentation by Nobel Laureate Dr. RobertH. Grubbs, who will speak about“Fundamental Research to CommercialProducts: Applications of Olefin Meta-thesis Catalysts.” The event is scheduled 7to 8 p.m. Tuesday, April 30, in the SantaClarita Performing Arts Center at Collegeof the Canyons. Grubbs received the 2005Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work inthe field of olefin metathesis, which is thesubject of his presentation.All presentations are free and open to

the public, but seating may be limited.For more information about the

College of the Canyons MSE SpeakersSymposium Series, contact Torres at (661)362-3135 or omar.torres@canyons.edu.To read full presentation abstracts andspeaker profiles, visit www.canyons.edu-/divisions/mathsci/.

This year’s Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center(PAC) season at may be drawing to a close, butthere are still many great shows lined up for the

next three months. “This year’s PAC season has been fantastic, and I’m

very excited to be part of it,” said Evy Warshawski, thecenter’s new executive director (see story below).“There really is no reason to leave the Santa ClaritaValley for quality entertainment thanks to the PAC.”

New Works Festival – The critically acclaimedfestival, directed by David Stiers, returns April 25 to28. Celebrating its 13th year, the festival takes submis-sions from aspiring playwrights and puts them on stagefor the first time, creating a diverse and refreshing vari-ety of performances.

Abbamania – This special concert-style perform-ance will pay tribute to Sweden’s most famous export,ABBA, on April 26. The ’70s pop sensation made a

worldwide splash with hits such as “Dancing Queen,”“Waterloo” and “Super Trooper.” The show’s amazingsingers, authentic costumes and lighting are sure tohave audience members wondering if they are experi-encing the real Bjorn, Benny, Agnetha and Frida.

COC Dance Company – The dance troupe willshare its vision of the future with “Spring Into Future:Dance 2022” on May 16 and 17. A special Q&A ses-sion will follow the performance.

Lily Tomlin – The Emmy and Tony Award-winningactress and comedian will perform at the PAC on June1. Tomlin’s witty observations about the human condi-tion have captivated audiences for generations. Tomlingot her start on the sketch-comedy show “Rowan andMartin’s Laugh-In” with uproarious characters such asErnestine, Mrs. Beasley and Edith Ann. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit

www.canyonspac.com.

SPEAKERSFRoM PAGE 1 A p r I L 1 6

Fossil Treasures of Santa Clarita ValleyDr. Richard Squires, CSUN, Department of Geological SciencesAbstract: Rocks and their fossil contents are vastly different between the southern part (EasternVentura Basin) and northern part (Soledad Basin) of Santa Clarita Valley. The reason is primarilythe San Gabriel Fault, which bisects the valley. Movements along this fault, as well as along theassociated San Andreas Fault, juxtaposed marine (ocean) deposits in the southern part of the val-ley against mostly non-marine (river and lake) deposits in the northern part. Even though the twobasins were created at approximately the same time, they have had very different geologic histo-ries, which will both be examined at this presentation.

A p r I L 2 3reward, Interrupted: Inhibitory Control & its relevance to Addictions

Dr. J. David Jentsch, UCLA, Department of PsychologyAbstract: Addiction is a disease. It is defined medically and scientifically as a clinically impairingpattern of compulsive and inflexible reward seeking. All addictions involve the pursuit of rewards(whether they be drugs, food, sex or thrill) that almost all humans find pleasurable, but whichonly a small proportion of people become addicted to. The research used in this presentationfocuses on a number of important questions, while examining why, biologically, it is so hard forsome to resist the attraction of drugs, even when they are trying hard to do so. A discussion of thebrain mechanisms that contribute to vulnerability and resilience to addiction, along with anunderstanding about how brain molecules contribute to addiction will also be included. This pres-

entation will address an assortment of issues and attempt to show how neuroscientific research caninform the social understanding of a long misunderstood disease.

A p r I L 3 0Fundamental research to Commercial products: Applications of Olefin Metathesis Catalysts

Dr. Robert H. Grubbs, Nobel Laureate (2005) in Chemistry, California Institute ofTechnology, Division of Chemistry & Chemical EngineeringAbstract: The olefin metathesis was discovered in the 1960s as a method for the inter-conversionof hydrocarbons. The nature of the catalysts and the mechanism of the reaction was unknown.Fundamental studies of the possible mechanisms of the transformation led to the developmentof well-defined catalysts that would promote the transformation. Evolution of the catalyst struc-tures resulted in the formation of a family of catalysts, based on ruthenium, that promote thereaction under practical conditions and in the presence of a variety of functionality. The availabil-

ity of a catalyst that promotes scrambling of the fragments of carbon-carbon double bond by ametathesis reaction in the presence of a variety of functional groups, and under normal reaction condi-tions, has opened a variety of applications that range from the production of tough polymers that areseeing a variety of uses, from the production of highly functionalized pharmaceuticals. The catalystsfacilitate synthesis of olefinic materials and have few side reactions. Part of their use in “green” chem-istry has been their application to the conversion of renewable materials to useful chemicals.

Lily Tomlin

Abbamania

The Art Gallery Presents...

New Director at performing Arts Center

EVY WARSHAWSKI

C O L LE G E O F TH E C A N Y O N S B R E A K I N G N E WS • S P R I N G 2 0 1 3 7

College Selected for‘Roadmap Project’

Register Now for Summer Institute

College of the Canyons has been selected as one of 10 com-munity colleges nationwide to participate in Phase 2 of theAssociation of American Colleges and Universities

Developing a Community College Student Roadmap Project. Theproject helps community colleges create academic support pro-grams – tied to expected learning outcomes – that teach studentshow to become active partners in their quest for success. The project will “connect the dots” among the varied student

support programs available at community colleges throughout thecountry by creating “roadmaps for success” that are applicable atmultiple institutions. “Through collaboration with these institutions we can learn

from their triumphs and mistakes, while improving existing pro-grams and developing additional student support opportunities,”said Audrey Green, associate vice president of academic affairs.

Registration is now open for the popular career explo-ration themed College of the Canyons SummerInstitute, with three sessions running throughout the

month of July.The College of the Canyons Summer Institute is open to

students entering the seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth grades.The institute provides hands-on career exploration and learn-ing opportunities to students in subjects such as: robotics,motion picture special effects, video game design, sportsmedicine, digital photography, architecture, welding andalternative energy fabrication. All Summer Institute instructors are COC professors,

student teachers or industry professionals who have tailoredtheir curriculum to junior high and high school students.Each track allows students to discover a multitude of careerpossibilities through a unique blend of innovative lessonplans and hands-on activities that are scheduled each week.“The COC Summer Institute is much more than your

typical summer camp,” said Adriana Estrada, SummerInstitute coordinator. “It’s an opportunity for your child to

discover a potential career path, and have some fun at thesame time. You don’t want to let your teenager miss out onthis amazing experience.” The 2013 COC Summer Institute will run July 15

through Aug. 2 (see sessions information above).Enrollment fees range in price from $160 to $180 per

child per week, depending on each track’s associated mate-rials fee. For more information, visit canyons.edu/sum-merinstitute.

ate from the University of La Verne. As a counselor at SantaAna College, she launched the New Horizons program,which helped re-entry students succeed. The program waslater implemented at 60 California community colleges. In 1984, she became dean of instruction/student service

at Feather River College, and two years later became dean ofthe college district at Lake Tahoe Community College. “Dr. Van Hook’s lifelong dedication to education and the

leadership she has provided to College of the Canyons haspositively affected the lives of tens of thousands of students,”said Diane Fiero, COC’s assistant superintendent/vice presi-dent of human resources. “She is a tireless advocate for com-munity college education, building partnerships and com-munity involvement. She gives freely of her time, expertiseand talents in helping others realize their own potential. Sheis so very deserving of this honor, and we are thrilled forher.”Dr. Van Hook returned to Southern California in 1988 to

become superintendent-president of COC. At 37, shebecame the youngest-serving California community collegeCEO – and one of only five women to serve as district-levelCEOs for the state’s 70 community college districts. “I was fortunate to have served as the president of the

Board of Trustees when the college hired Dr. Van Hook,”said Michele Jenkins, Santa Clarita Community CollegeDistrict board member. “At the time, I couldn’t help butsmile to myself, thinking about how much of a differenceshe was going to make at the college, because she’s just sodynamic.“Days later, after she had been formally introduced, I

asked one of our instructors what he thought about our newpresident, to which he replied, ‘Administrators come and go,and it won’t really make a difference who the administratoris,’ ” Jenkins said. “I simply smiled again and thought tomyself, he has no idea what this woman's leadership willbring to College of the Canyons. Today, nearly 25 years later,I’m still smiling.”Dr. Van Hook is the longest-serving CEO in the

California community college system – and a widelyrespected visionary and leader throughout the state.“Dr. Van Hook is one of the most influential women in

the state. Her career working both at COC and at campusesthroughout the California community college system hashad a positive effect on millions of students,” said MichaelBerger, president of the Santa Clarita Community CollegeDistrict Board of Trustees. “Her interactions and relation-

ships with staff, students, and business and community part-ners inspire those around her to learn more, do more and,most importantly, dream more.”Since 1988, the college’s budget has risen from $8 mil-

lion to $180.8 million, and its physical space has grown fromjust under 200,000 square feet to 812,000 square feet on twocampuses. Student enrollment has climbed from 4,000 to ahigh of 27,000. COC is the sixth-largest employer in theSanta Clarita Valley, and community leaders describe thecollege as an “innovative, cutting-edge, responsive, flexible,resourceful, high-quality institution of higher learning.”“Our success as a college is a result of the great team of

people we have in place here,” Dr. Van Hook said. “Theircare for students, their innovative and entrepreneurial spirits,and their determination enable us to achieve results that oth-ers can only dream about.”Dr. Van Hook is a strong and consistent advocate for

community colleges at both the state and national levels,

with her leadership recognized by a wide range of organiza-tions (see “Awards” at left). She has received everystatewide recognition that can be bestowed on a Californiacommunity college CEO. “Dr. Van Hook is a passionate visionary who is commit-

ted to uncompromising excellence and building the finestcommunity learning institution possible. With unfailingcourage, she boldly goes where many fear to even think, andher vision is regularly brought to concrete reality,” said DorisMarie Zimmer, chair of the COC Foundation’s Board ofDirectors. “Over the years, Dianne’s trust in her staff, stu-dents and volunteers have allowed College of the Canyonsto excel, while creating cutting-edge educational opportuni-ties for all students.”Passionately committed to higher education and its inte-

gral role in economic development, Dr. Van Hook has alsoled the way in forging educational and training partnershipswith community organizations, government agencies andprivate industry to ensure that citizens possess the high-tech-nology skills that will sustain California’s economic growth. In the community, she is actively involved with many

organizations. She has served as a board member of the RedCross, SCV Chamber of Commerce Education Foundation,United Way Executive Cabinet and the SCV Fine ArtsCouncil, as well as the Henry Mayo Newhall MemorialHospital Governance Committee and the Michael HoefflinFoundation for Children’s Cancer Board of Directors. Shehelped launch the SCV Economic Development Corp., forwhich she still serves on its board of directors. “Dr. Van Hook's visionary leadership is evident and far

reaching, but what truly sets her apart is her passion andcompassion toward those around her,” COC professor Jia-YiCheng-Levine said. “She cares about the students at COC.She cares about the future of the Santa Clarita Valley and theacademic success of local K-12 students who never attendCOC. Most importantly, she cares about those who try tofind a new path in their personal and professional lives bymentoring them patiently and graciously.”Herself a graduate of a community college – Long

Beach City College – she is committed to creating outstand-ing educational opportunities for the benefit of all thoseserved by College of the Canyons.“As someone who raised the bar of excellence for every-

one around them, Dr. Van Hook is truly an inspiration tome,” said Michael Kramer, president of the College of theCanyons Associated Student Government. “Watching herimmense passion for higher education and our students hashelped mold me into the student leader I am today. I’m grate-ful to have someone like Dr. Van Hook who I can look up tofor guidance in my life.”

campaign will directly benefit those stu-dents.”Included in this group are veterans

returning home from the conflicts inAfghanistan and Iraq, single parents andadult re-entry students seeking to completetheir education and jump-start new careers,students enrolled in Career TechnicalEducation training programs, students pur-suing degrees in a STEM (science, technol-ogy, engineering and mathematics) field, aswell as other students who demonstrate afinancial need, but may not necessarilyqualify for other forms of student aid.The foundation will continue the schol-

arship campaign by hosting its 23rd AnnualGolf Tournament at Valencia Country Clubon Aug. 5. The event attracts more than 100golfers annually.In addition to its ongoing scholarship

campaign, the foundation also has overseenthe Culinary Arts Capital Campaign to raise

funds to build a permanent, state-of-the-artbuilding for the Institute for CulinaryEducation (iCuE), which will greatlyexpand training opportunities and studentsuccess in the culinary industry.A permanent iCuE facility would also

allow culinary arts students to enroll inother general-education college coursesneeded to earn certificates or degrees, with-out the inconvenience of having to travelback and forth between the current culinaryfacility in Castaic and the college’s campus-

es in Valencia and Canyon Country.“Having a permanent on-campus culi-

nary facility is going to make a significantdifference in the lives of students who aretrying to manage their time between theclassroom and the kitchen,” said CindySchwanke, culinary arts instructor and leadiCuE faculty member.Most recently, the foundation sponsored

the COC Model United Nations Team’s tripto Harvard University, where the teamcompeted in its first national competition. Of the more than 300 colleges and uni-

versities in attendance, COC was one ofonly four community colleges in thenation – and the only one from California –that participated.“Being able to provide our students

with the opportunity to push themselvesacademically and grow as individuals,while representing College of the Canyonson a national stage, was truly rewarding,”added Wood. For more information about the founda-

tion, visit www.canyonsfoundation.org orcall (661) 362-3434.

CHANCELLORFROM PAGE 5

FOUNDATIONFROM PAGE 5

COC SUMMER INSTITUTE SESSIONSAll are 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

• JULY 15 TO 19 – JUNIOR HIGH• JULY 22 TO 26 – JUNIOR HIGH• JULY 29 TO AUG. 2 – HIGH SCHOOL

‘Dr. Van Hook is a passionatevisionary who is committed touncompromising excellence...’

DORIS MARIE ZIMMER

AWARDSAmong the numerous awards Dr. Van Hook has received:

• Community College League of California Five Star Leader Award• Association of California Community Colleges Administrators

Harry Buttimer Distinguished Administrator Award• 4CSD (California Community College Council for Staff

Development) Presidential Leadership Award• Network of California Community College Foundations (NCCCF)

Presidential Leadership Award• North American Council for Staff, Program and Organizational

Development (NCSPOD) President’s Award• Phi Theta Kappa (community college honor society) Shirley B.

Gordon Award of Distinction• Santa Clarita Valley Press Club Newsmaker of the Year• Boy Scouts of America – Leaders of Character Honoree (2007)• Betty Ferguson Foundation Woman of Honor (2009)• Fifth Supervisorial District L.A. County Woman of the Year (2009)

8 C O L L E G E O F T H E CA N Y O N S B R E A K I N G N E W S • S P R I N G 2 0 1 3

Barry and Pati Gump, the driving force behind the family business Andy Gump Inc., were honored withthe college’s Silver Spur Award for Community Service during a gala event at Universal Studios’ GlobeTheatre (top) on March 2. Guests socialize along the 1920s-era London Street (above, left). Chancellor Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook (above, right) speaks to the crowd before posing with the Gumps (above, center).

Gumps Honored forCommunity Service

The Chancellor’s Circle is a partnership between College of the Canyons and a

diverse group of businesses, community members, non-profit groups, govern-

ment leaders and others who are committed to strengthening our community –

by actively supporting a strong community college. The underlying tenet of the

Chancellor’s Circle is the strong belief that by working together we can add value

to a community college education, provide support for creative and innovative

programs that enrich the educational experience of students, and provide need-

ed workforce skills that will strengthen and sustain our economy – that we can

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

MEETING THE CHALLENGESOF A CHANGING WORLD...

TOGETHER!

CHAMPIONAT&TMorton Manufacturing Inc.

LEADERBoston Scientific NeuromodulationHonda Performance Development Inc.Mark Jenkins and Roxie Ramey

SoCal Edison – Anna Frutos-Sanchez

ADVOCATEAerospace Dynamics InternationalAMG & Associates – Albert M. GiacomazziAM – Touch DentalBradley J. Kirst D.D.S. Inc.Gary and Diana Cusumano

Haas Automation Inc.Andrew and Elisa HorowitzDr. Susan KomskyMath Support Services Inc.Jim and Jill MelladyMitzi and Randy MobergDr. Skip NewhallNE Systems Inc. – Ed Padilla

Harold and Jacquie PetersenShepard Insurance AgencyDr. Dianne and Mr. Roger Van HookWells Fargo

LIFETIME MEMBERS Lou and Rita GarasiTom and Colleen Lee

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

The Santa Clarita Community CollegeDistrict’s “AA” bond ratings have beenreaffirmed by Standard & Poor’s and

Fitch in advance of the college’s bondrefunding. In addition, the $20.4 million inoutstanding certificates of participationreceived an affirmed “AA-” status.

The agencies issued their reports inresponse to a resolution passed by the SantaClarita Community College District Board ofTrustees on Jan. 16 to move ahead with therefunding of a portion of the Measure C andMeasure M general obligation bonds.

Bond refunding is similar to refinancinga mortgage, with savings achieved fromlower interest rates. The process creates thepotential for millions of dollars in savings tobe passed on to local property owners in theform of lowered property taxes.

The “AA” rating is in keeping with mostother community colleges and K-12 schooldistricts across the state. By comparison, thestate of California’s general obligation bondshave an “A” rating.

Standard & Poor’s rating was based on:• strong available general fund reserves• low-to-moderate overall debt with no

additional debt plansThe Fitch rating was based on:• improved long-term financial prospects

based on the passage of Proposition 30 andthe elimination of mid-year budget cuts

• a strong economic base in the SCV“The ‘AA’ ratings underscore the col-

lege’s commitment to strong fiscal manage-ment despite severe state funding cuts due tothe recession,” said Sharlene Coleal, vicepresident of business services. “The futurefor education is bright and we look forwardto continuing to be a good partner with ourcommunity.”

District’s ‘AA’Bond RatingsReaffirmed