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College of the Canyons26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355

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E C R W S SCollege of the Canyons honored its 2014 graduating class –the largest in college history – during the 45th annual com-mencement ceremony at the Valencia campus on June 6.

The class of 2014 had 1,343 students who petitioned for grad-uation, representing a roughly 2 percent increase over 2013’s1,317 graduates.

The 2014 class represented 85 majors, with accounting rank-ing as the leading field of study with 153 graduates, followed bynursing (99), psychology for CSU transfer (71), administration ofjustice (71), liberal arts and sciences (68) and biological and phys-ical sciences (63 students).

Sixty students graduated with two degrees, and two studentsearned three degrees.

The class of 2014 was 59 percent male (793) and 41 percent

2014 GRADUATING CLASSLARGEST IN COC HISTORY

One of the largest fall semesters in recent history is inthe works at College of the Canyons, which willoffer students nearly 6,000 class sections.

The college now offers 76associate degree programs,most of which transfer tofour-year universities, as wellas 70 certificate programs.

“There’s no better time totake advantage of these edu-cational opportunities,” saidJerry Buckley, assistant superintendent/vice president ofinstruction. “This is one of the most robust selections ofclasses I’ve seen.”

Explore the schedule of classes at www.canyons.edu.

SEE COMMENCEMENT ON PAGE 6

GET READY FOR FALL!

A DECADE OF OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINMENT

VINEYARD PLANTED AT COLLEGEPAGE 4

BREAKING

newsCOLLEGE OF THE CANYONS • MAKING DREAMS COME TRUE SINCE 1969SUMMER 2014

STUDENTS NAMEDTO ALL-CALIFORNIAACADEMIC TEAMPAGE 2

FIRST SCULPTURE INSTALLEDPAGE 3

College of the Canyons will launch a new learningoption that will give working adults an opportunityto complete their general-education courses

required to transfer. It’s called Weekend College, and it will debut during

the fall 2014 semester at the Canyon Country campus. How does it help those who work and may not think

they have time for higher education? Weekend Collegeclasses are held every other Saturday, but most courseworkis completed online.

Students enroll in a predetermined schedule of coursesthat meet CSU and UC transfer requirements. They taketwo classes at a time in a condensed eight-week format andfinish four classes a semester.

Weekend College offers a predictable schedule, withguaranteed classes – and only classes needed to transfer.Here’s the most exciting part: Students can complete class-es needed to transfer in just one year.

Weekend College also is a great way for new studentsto begin their college careers. Many first-time freshmenhaven’t chosen a major, or they’re unsure which classes totake. Weekend College removes the guesswork. It ensuresyou take only the general-education classes required for anassociate degree. And, with fees at $46 per unit, it’s afford-able too.

So, how can you get started? Visit canyons.edu/week-endcollege for details on submitting an application andcompleting assessment testing and online orientation.

OCT. 15, 2004 – OPENING NIGHT FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

WEEKEND COLLEGE TO DEBUT THIS FALLNew program designed for busy, working adults

10th Anniversary Season

Offering audiences a “Season ofCelebration,” the 2014-15 Seasonat the Santa Clarita Performing

Arts Center (PAC) at College of theCanyons will feature a wealth of world-class talent for audiences of all ages toexperience and enjoy.

“The PAC’s 10thAnniversary Season ofprograms has been care-fully crafted to offer ourvalued patrons a wealth ofartistic options fromwhich to choose,” saidEvy Warshawski, execu-tive director of the PAC.“I invite you to join us as

participants in this season, and engage inall that the PAC brings to this community.

“This will definitely be a year-longbirthday party that you won’t want tomiss,” Warshawski said.

Throughout the 10th AnniversarySeason, local residents will have theopportunity to experience an exciting andeclectic mix of internationally acclaimed

Tickets(661) 362-5304canyonspac.comSEE SEASONON PAGE 5

SEE PAC ON PAGE 5

BOBBY MCFERRINLEANN RIMES DAVE MASON PAULA POUNDSTONE JACK HANNA ARLO GUTHRIE MAVIS STAPLES

The DetailsSEMESTER STARTS AUG. 25TOTAL CLASS SECTIONS: 5,976ADMISSIONS: (661) 362-3280

BREAKING

newsBreaking News is published by the College of the Canyons Public InformationOffice to inform the community about programs, events, issues and accomplish-ments of the Santa Clarita Valley’s community college. It is distributed to resi-dences, P.O. boxes and businesses in the 367-square-mile Santa ClaritaCommunity 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

News Briefs

STUDENTS HELP BUILD HOMES FOR VETS Twenty students from the college’s chapter of the National StudentNurse Association (NSNA) took part in the Habitat for Humanity SylmarVeteran “Enriched Neighborhood” project, which is dedicated to build-ing new homes for U.S. veterans. As part of the project, 12 new homeswere built for low-income veteran families. The chapter’s mission is tomentor students preparing for initial licensure as registered nurses andto convey the standards, ethics and skills they will need as responsible,accountable members of the nursing profession.

COLLEGE TO WELCOME ACCREDITATION TEAMCollege of the Canyons will host a team from the AccreditingCommission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) for a site visitand peer review Sept. 29 through Oct. 2. The visit is part of the col-lege’s multi-year self-study and application process to reaffirm accredi-tation. The Accreditation Team will review the college’s adherence toset standards of good practice, while providing an analysis of the over-all quality of programs and services. Accreditation is a voluntaryprocess to evaluate and assure the quality of education. The WesternAssociation of Schools and Colleges (WASC) is composed of three sepa-rate western region commissions that monitor and evaluate institu-tions of higher education. The commission responsible for communitycolleges is the Accrediting Commission for Community and JuniorColleges (ACCJC). The college’s accreditation was last reaffirmed in2009, with the commission conferring its highest status and com-mending the college for its strong commitment to student success, col-laborative governance, fostering of community partnerships, and widearray of student support services.

ADULT RE-ENTRY INFORMATION SESSIONSThe College of the Canyons Adult Re-Entry Program has scheduled twoinformation sessions for adults considering returning to college. Thesessions will provide prospective and returning students with a varietyof information and resources, such as the wide variety of degree andcertificate programs available, transfer requirements, assessmentinformation, campus resources and online services. Representativesfrom the University Center, Job & Career Center, Student BusinessOffice, EOPS (Extended Opportunity Programs & Services) and DSPS(Disabled Students Programs & Services) will also be on hand to pro-vide information. Sessions are scheduled 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 17at the Canyon Country campus, Quad 400, and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday,July 24 at the Valencia campus, Hasley Hall, Room 234. For more infor-mation, call (661) 362-3469.

STUDIO JAZZ ENSEMBLE RACKS UP AWARDSThe College of the Canyons Studio Jazz Ensemble, under the directionof KC Manji, has been crowned community college-level state champi-ons in the Third Annual California Jazz (CAJ) State Championships.Unique in its format, the CAJ Championships require groups to uploadvideos of recorded festival performances, which are then judged by apanel of jazz educators. With no travel or lodging expenses to consider,the competition attracts bands of all skill levels and sizes from acrossthe state. Prior to its state championship run, the Studio Jazz Ensemblewas also awarded third place for its performance at the 52nd AnnualReno Jazz Festival. As is usually the case, this year’s competition wasquite rigorous, with bands traveling from as far as Pennsylvania tocompete in the prestigious music festival. The ensemble received manypositive comments from the judges of both competitions.

In recognition of their academicachievements, demonstrated lead-ership abilities and commitment to

community service, College of theCanyons students Craig Dermody,Ryan McPeters, Shawnee Stump andJessie Warme have been named to the2014 Phi Theta Kappa All-CaliforniaCommunity College Academic Team.

The four COC students wereamong the 75 California communitycollege students who were selected forthis honor in April.

In addition to receiving the PhiTheta Kappa team honors, Dermodywas also named the Coca-ColaFoundation Gold Scholar and receiveda $1,500 scholarship.

“I am very proud of these student’saccomplishments,” said MiriamGolbert, Phi Theta Kappa advisor andbiology department chair. “They repre-sent the best of the 2 million studentsenrolled in California’s 113 communi-ty colleges. This win rewards their out-standing academic efforts along withtheir deep commitment to communityservice, two of the Phi Theta Kappamajor hallmarks.”

The college’s Phi Theta Kappachapter (Alpha Nu Xi) was also hon-ored with a Distinguished ChapterOfficer Team Award, along with 29other chapters, at NerdNation 2014,Phi Theta Kappa’s annual conventionheld in Orlando, Florida from April24-26. The college’s Phi Theta Kappachapter also won the DistinguishedChapter Award and DistinguishedHonors in Action Project Award.

Students work during the wholeyear researching and writing a scholar-ly research paper worthy of enteringthese awards,” said Golbert. “They uti-lize their research to develop a projectthat would benefit the college and thecommunity. Their project this year was‘Green Infrastructure’ with a presenta-tion to the City Council about ideas onhow the Santa Clarita Valley can con-serve water.”

Phi Theta Kappa chapter officer

teams are chosen based on the team’sdemonstration of exceptional team-work, leadership, Phi Theta Kappasociety engagement and enthusiasmfor the Hallmarks of the Society(Scholarship, Leadership, Service andFellowship).

Phi Theta Kappa is the largesthonor society in American higher edu-cation with more than 2 million mem-bers and 1,300 chapters located in all50 of the United States, U.S. territo-

ries, British Virgin Islands, Canada,Germany, Marshall Islands,Micronesia, United Arab Emirates andPalau.

The organization’s mission is torecognize and encourage the academicachievement of two-year college stu-dents, while providing opportunitiesfor individual growth and develop-ment through participation in honors,leadership, service and fellowship pro-gramming.

With the leadership of nurs-ing faculty advisers MaryCorbett and Rachel

Houghton, College of the Canyonsnursing students have establishedthe Gamma Eta Chapter of theAlpha Delta Nu Nursing HonorSociety. This is the first charteredchapter of this nursing honor socie-ty in California.

This would not have happenedwithout the hard work of nursingstudents who formed the foundingleadership, wrote the constitution,and moved through the requiredsteps on campus and with thenational organization, said CynthiaDorroh, division dean of alliedhealth and public safety.

With national approval receivedin the final weeks of the spring2014 semester, an induction cere-mony was quickly put together toallow the completing nursing stu-dents the opportunity to be inductedand receive certificates, pins, andcords reflecting membership whilethey were still students.

The ceremony was heldMonday, June 9, with 41 studentseligible and a gathering of familyand friends present. Announcedduring the ceremony was the factthat this was a historic moment,with the first-ever nursing studentsinducted into this honor society notonly at College of the Canyons, butin the entire state of California.

4 STUDENTS NAMED ALL-CALIFORNIA

FIRST NURSING HONOR SOCIETY CHAPTER

2 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2014

The Fine PrintStudents who would like to join Phi Theta Kappa must:

• have completed at least 12 units of transferable coursework;• maintain a cumulative GPA of at least 3.5;• adhere to the moral standards of Phi Theta Kappa;• receive an invitation to join from the campus chapter.

MORE INFORMATION:Miriam Golbert: miriam.golbert@canyons.edu

www.canyons.edu/offices/honors/phithetahome.asp

College of the Canyons students establish first chapter in California

The Fine PrintNursing students who would like to

join Alpha Delta Nu must:• have attained a 3.0 GPA in all

nursing courses;• have maintained a 3.0 GPA in all

nursing courses;• have demonstrated conduct

of integrity and professionalism.

MORE INFORMATION:(661) 362-5438

WE HAVE YOUR DEGREE PROGRAM!GET YOUR BACHELOR’S OR MASTER’S DEGREERIGHT HERE!

All of the programs listed here are offered by a variety of excel-lent universities at the Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook UniversityCenter, conveniently located onthe Valencia campus of Collegeof the Canyons. We’ve takenthe long commute to distantcampuses out of the equation,making it more convenientthan ever for you to get thatdegree you’ve been dreamingabout. Your degree is waiting!

INFORMATION(661) 362-5474

www.cocuniversitycenter.com

Brandman UniversityCERTIFICATE PROGRAMSAutismBACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMSApplied StudiesApplied Studies, Supply Chain SystemsCriminal JusticeCriminal Justice, CorrectionsCriminal Justice, Homeland SecurityCriminal Justice, LeadershipCriminal Justice, Victim AdvocacyCriminal Justice, ForensicsLegal StudiesPsychologySocial ScienceSocial WorkComputing Technology, Project Mgmt.Computing Technology, Info.TechnologyComputing Technology, Bus. Systems Admin.MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMSLeadership in Early Childhood DevelopmentPsychology, Marriage & Family Therapy Psychology, MFT & Prof. Clinical Counseling Psychology, Professional Clinical Counseling DOCTORAL DEGREE PROGRAMSNursing Practice

Cal State BakersfieldBACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMSCommunicationsEnglishLiberal StudiesPublic AdministrationSociology

Cal State NorthridgeMASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMSPublic Administration – MPASocial Work – MSW

National UniversityBACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMSSport PsychologyNursingParalegal Studies

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMSApplied Behavior Analysis

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMSCriminal Justice

University of La VerneBACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAMSBusiness AdministrationChild DevelopmentOrganizational Management

CREDENTIAL PROGRAMSMild/Moderate Ed. Specialist, Level I & IIMultiple-Subject TeachingPreliminary Administrative ServicesPupil Personnel ServicesSingle-Subject Teaching

CERTIFICATE PROGRAMSCLAD/CTEL

MASTER’S DEGREE PROGRAMSBusiness Administration – MBAEducation, Advanced TeachingEducational CounselingEducational LeadershipLeadership ManagementSpecial EducationSchool Psychology

UNIVERSITY CENTER HELPS STUDENTS ACHIEVE THEIR GOALS

The first of a dozen welded-metal sculptures designed by artist SimiDabah has been installed in the College Circle Garden at theValencia campus, directly in front of the Student Services &

Administration Building, which is nearing completion. It’s all part of a campus-beautification project now under way at both

the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses. The sculptures weredesigned and created by Dabah, a Southern California-based artist whogenerously donated them to the college for permanent installation.

Welded from pieces of industrial scrap metal, Dabah’s sculptureshave been praised for being both friendly to the environment and inspi-rational to the viewer. A self-taught artist/welder, Dabah has been creat-ing the sculptures from industrial scrap for more than 40 years.

The first sculpture, chosen for its resemblance to the college’s logo,was installed in late May. Additional sculptures will be installed at bothcampuses in coming months. Installation locations at the Valencia cam-pus include the Performing Arts Center, University Center, Library, TLC,Mentry Hall, Towsley Hall, Honor Grove and Vineyard. Canyon Countrycampus locations include the Applied Technology Education Center,Quad 1, Veterans Garden and Carl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater.

Juggling motherhood, work and school was a challengefor Zimry Contreras, but thanks to the flexibility of herprofessors and her coursework, the single mother gradu-

ated from Brandman University with a bachelor’s degree insocial science in May.

“It feels amazing to finish school,” said Contreras, whoplans to work with at-risk youths as a social worker. “Mydaughter is my hero. She is the one who inspired me to con-tinue studying. Anything is possible.”

When her daughter was born, Contreras stopped attend-ing undergraduate classes at California State University,Northridge (CSUN) to raise her. When Contreras reappliedsix years later, she found herself wait-listed for classes due tostate budget cuts and impacted classes.

“I didn’t want to wait,” said the Granada Hills resident,who, in desperation to finish her studies, considered com-muting to California State University, Long Beach(CSULB), but classes were impacted there as well.

At the suggestion of her sister-in-law, Contreras lookedinto the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, whichturned out to be the perfect fit.

Cited as the college’s solution to the lack of upper divi-

sion, graduate school and continuing education programs inthe area, the University Center was established to expand stu-dent access to advanced degrees by forging partnerships withsurrounding four-year colleges and universities. Those insti-tutions make their academic programs available to studentsthrough courses offered at the Valencia campus center.

Contreras enrolled in evening classes, which allowed herto work and take her daughter to school. She also took sev-eral online classes but preferred being in a classroom.

“There are often about 300 students in a classroom atmost four-year colleges and the professor probably doesn’tknow your name,” said Contreras. “But at the UniversityCenter, I had about 25 to 30 classmates. I was able to have aone-on-one relationship with my professors. Brandman waslike my family.”

Since it opened its doors in an interim facility in 2002, theUniversity Center has offered students the opportunity toearn advanced degrees without leaving the Santa ClaritaValley.

Tyson Pursley, who is earning his master’s degree in mar-riage and family therapy from Brandman, chose to study atthe University Center because of its proximity to his

Stevenson Ranch home.“Studying at the University Center allowed me to work

and spend time with my family,” said Pursley, an aerospaceworker who took evening classes. “I didn’t have to sacrificea lot of family time because I didn’t have a long commute.”

Pursley, who will graduate in August, also enjoyed theUniversity Center’s small classroom size.

“It was nice to have the same group of people in all of myclasses and know that we were all going in the same direc-tion,” said Pursley, who also earned his bachelor’s degree inpsychology from the University Center.

To date, more than 2,100 students have graduated fromthe University Center with advanced degrees fromBrandman University, Cal State Bakersfield, Cal StateNorthridge, National University and University of La Verne.

The 110,000-square-foot facility offers bachelor’s, mas-ter’s, and credential/certificate programs from a collection ofuniversities, all of which have accreditation from the WesternAssociation of Schools and Colleges.

For information, visit www.cocuniversitycenter.com orcall (661) 362-5474.

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2014 3

FIRST SCULPTUREFirst of 12 Simi Dabah sculptures installed

For nearly 45 years College of the Canyons has culti-vated an unequalled reputation for providing accessto higher education, job training and, by extension,

opportunity. But with the addition of a recently installedvineyard at the Valencia campus, that reputation may sooninclude a nod toward viticulture.

Situated among the slopes located in the western sec-tion of campus, the college’s new vineyard includes high-quality California Zinfandel grape vines, which weredonated to the college by Remo Belli Vineyards in PasoRobles, and transplanted by local vintners and friends ofthe college Steve Lemley and Nate Hasper of PulchellaWinery and tasting room.

“The addition of a vineyard to our Valencia campuscouldn’t come at a better time,” Chancellor Dr. DianneVan Hook said. “It will perfectly complement the culinaryarts facility we are building, creating unique learningopportunities for our students.”

The installation began Feb. 1, with Lemley andHasper transporting and replanting the 50-year-oldvines – establishing College of the Canyons as one of theonly Southern California community colleges to maintainan operational vineyard. Those original vines were clonedand planted during the spring, significantly augmenting

the new vineyard.The newly installed vines “hold quite a bit of history,”

Lemley and Hasper said, having originally been plantedby famed Central California viticulturist Richard Sauretfor Remo Belli Vineyards in 1969.

Hailed as one of the godfathers of vineyard manage-ment for the Central Coast, Sauret is widely credited forpioneering the start of Paso Robles grape farming in manyways, with his grapes still garnering awards nearly 45years later.

Now, that rich legacy will have the opportunity to takeroot at College of the Canyons.

“We are very excited to be able to transplant and man-age these vines, which have such a rich history, and areassociated with an area we are so familiar with,” saidLemley, co-owner of the Pulchella Winery and tastingroom, which recently relocated their crush pad facilityand tasting room from Paso Robles to downtownNewhall.

Recognizing the unique opportunity to play a role inthe development of the college’s new vineyard, localwinemaker Robert Reyes, owner and operator of ReyesWinery in Agua Dulce, donated an additional set of grapevines to the college.

Those vines were planted along the hillside overlook-ing the original vineyard site in June.

“This vineyard is a testament to the power of partner-ships,” Dr. Van Hook said. “It is proof that we can domore together than we can alone. Remo and his wife Ami,Nate, Steve and Robert are amazing supporters of Collegeof the Canyons, and we are proud to be the recipient oftheir generosity and selfless service.”

Although Pulchella Winery has volunteered to over-see the vineyard for the next several months, that respon-sibility will eventually be handed over to students and fac-ulty at the College of the Canyons Institute for CulinaryEducation (iCuE).

In addition to the multitude of classroom curriculumapplications that the vineyard could potentially create forstudents enrolled in culinary arts and/or wine studies, thecollege will also be able to surplus portions of its annualgrape harvest to local winemakers looking to blend thegrapes with their own.

Proceeds received from the surplus can then be usedto augment the college’s annual budget and help fundoperational costs, while providing students and communi-ty members with increased access to educational andworkforce training opportunities.

College of the Canyons faculty member Dr.Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine has been namedinterim director of the International

Students Program (ISP) – a position that hasalready taken the vivacious new leader aroundthe world in an effort to better inform internation-al students about the educational opportunitiesavailable at College of the Canyons.

In her new role, Cheng-Levine will provideadministrative oversight to all ISP operations,while managing all development and supportoperations, enrollment management activities,partnership initiatives, marketing campaigns andother student support services available to inter-national students.

“This program has room to grow and we’removing at a very quick rate,” Cheng-Levine said.“I was already in China on my first official day of

work. We’re making connections and buildingrelationships with educational organizations allover the world, and we are on the right path tomaking COC a globally recognized institution.”

Originally formed in 1997, the program pro-vides international students with an academic andcultural support system, ensuring success at thecollege and beyond. Currently, the ISP serves stu-dents from 47 different countries.

ISP counselors work individually with stu-dents to establish meaningful academic goals anddevelop plans to graduate and/or transfer to four-year institutions. ISP statistics indicate 99 percentof international students who express a desire totransfer to a four-year school actually do so.

The department also works to raise culturalawareness on campus by hosting events andactivities that promote social and professional

interaction, help connect students to the sur-rounding community, and further the depart-ment’s goal of internationalization.

Cheng-Levine arrived at COC in 2005 as afaculty member in the English department.During her time in the classroom she also servedas the department chair, and lead faculty memberfor department’s English 101 course.

Cheng-Levine has also been a driving forcebehind several of the college’s annual events andcampus/community partnerships including theTEDxCollegeoftheCanyons conference, theCOC Sustainability Center and the Santa ClaritaEnvironmental Education Consortium (SCEEC).

Since officially beginning her new positionwith ISP on April 1, Cheng-Levine has alreadytraveled to Vancouver, China, Hong Kong and

YES, IT’S A VINEYARD!

4 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2014

California Zinfandel grape vines take root at Valencia campus

NEW DIRECTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS PROGRAM

THE MANY MERITS OF WELDINGSEE ISP ON PAGE 6

JIA-YI CHENG-LEVINE

The College of the Canyons WeldingTechnology Department and the BoyScouts of America (BSA) Western Los

Angeles County Council partnered to offereight local scouts the opportunity to earn theirwelding merit badges.

Welding faculty and volunteer weldinginstructors were on hand for an interactivemorning of fun and instruction, designed tointroduce participating scouts to the world ofwelding, while providing access to the tools,equipment, materials and training needed toearn the BSA’s welding merit badge.

The group of participating scouts wereable to tour the college’s state-of-the-artwelding and metal fabrication labs and usethe college’s equipment.

They also learned about welding safety,common welding processes, and the varietyof exciting opportunities available to studentswho are interested in pursuing careers inwelding.

At the end of the day, each of the eightscouts completed their individual projects enroute to meeting all of the requirements nec-essary to earn the welding merit badges.

“To be able to host this group of scouts ina structured environment where they could beexposed to the world of welding, and learnsomething that may lead to a potential career,is huge,” said Tim Baber, chair of the col-lege’s welding technology department.

“This event was a win-win situation foreverybody.”

acts and artists, without ever having to leavethe Santa Clarita Valley.

The 2014-15 Season features: Paula Poundstone – Emmy Award-win-

ning comedian, author and humorist, Sept. 6,2014

Dave Mason – Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall ofFame inductee and co-founder of the bandTraffic, Sept. 18, 2014

LeAnn Rimes – Grammy Award-win-ning, multi-platinum selling country artist,Sept. 28, 2014

Mavis Staples – Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall ofFame inductee, Nov. 1, 2014

Jack Hanna – Legendary wildlife expertand TV personality, Nov. 2, 2014

Stephanie J. Block – Tony Award and

Drama Desk Award nominee, March 7, 20152Cellos – Croatian cello virtuosos Luka

Sulic and Stjepan Hauser, March 23, 2015Arlo Guthrie – American folk singer and

veteran songwriter, April 12, 2015Bobby McFerrin – 10-time Grammy

Award-winning artist, April 18, 2015Carolina Chocolate Drops – Grammy

Award-winning acoustic group, May 19, 2015In addition, patrons will have multiple

opportunities to mix and mingle with theirfavorite artists during meet-and-greet events,often held in support of the PAC K-12 ArtsEducation Outreach Program.

The 10th Anniversary Season alsoincludes the Arts on Campus program, as wellas the Art Gallery’s 2014-15 exhibitions.

Other acts and artists visiting the PAC forthe 2014-15 Season include:

• Travis Brass• Orquesta de Baja California

• Na Lei Hulu I Ka Wekiu• Basetrack• Illusionist Jason Latimer• United Kingdom Ukulele Orchestra• Rockapella• Versa-Style Dance• Lightwire Theater• Story Pirates• Trinity Irish Dance

The PAC will also host a number of col-lege theatre, music and dance productions, aswell as community performances such as“Beauty and the Beast,” “The LittleMermaid” and “The Nutcracker” (SantaClarita Ballet); “Annie” and “The Sound ofMusic” (ESCAPE Theatre), and musical pro-grams “A British Holiday,” “Mozart:Requiem” and “Defying Gravity” withStephen Schwartz (Santa Clarita MasterChorale).

Since opening its doors in 2004, theSanta Clarita Performing ArtsCenter (PAC) at College of the

Canyons has become a mainstay forworld-class entertainment and perform-ing arts education, while forging strongties with the local community.

During the last 10 years, the PAC haswelcomed more than 130 touring showsto the main stage, including a long list oflegendary, award-winning headliningacts such as Paul Anka, Wayne Newton,Michael Bolton, Kenny Loggins, PatBenatar, Three Dog Night, WAR, ChrisBotti, Clint Black, Martin Short, LouieAnderson, Lily Tomlin, AnthonyBourdain, Robert Irvine and, during thelast season, Wynonna Judd and the iconicWillie Nelson.

Built to help further promote the artsin the Santa Clarita Valley, the venue hasbecome a vital joint-use facility for thecollege and the city, showcasing a diversevariety of professional and community-based acts and artists and other commu-nity events, as well as the talented workof students from the college’s Fine andPerforming Arts Division.

An integral part of the college’s orig-inal educational and facilities master planfor more than 30 years, the PAC firstopened on Oct. 15, 2004, with a sold-outperformance of the COC theatre produc-

PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TURNS 10!

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2014 5

BOBBY MCFERRIN JACK HANNA

DAVE MASON PAULA POUNDSTONE

LEANN RIMES

SEE 10 YEARS ON PAGE 6

PACFROM PAGE 1 Tickets

Tickets are on sale now!

PHONEBox Office: (661) 362-5304

ONLINEwww.canyonspac.com

BOX OFFICEPerforming Arts Center

26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355

(The PAC is located at College Circle andRockwell Canyon Road)

BEFORE AND AFTER: THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER TODAY (ABOVE)AND UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN 2002 (LEFT).

tion “Big River.”Since its opening, more than 4,200

College of the Canyons students have per-formed there, cultivating their singing, danc-ing and acting skills live on stage to thedelight of audiences from across the SantaClarita Valley and beyond.

Thousands more have experienced thepower of a live performance by visiting thePAC as part of its K-12 Arts EducationOutreach Program.

The PAC continues to play a vital role ineducating and nurturing the next generationof artists through the generous support ofPatrons of the Performing Arts (POPA)members. POPA donations directly supportthe K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program,which promotes the developmental growthof children by exposing them to the visualand performing arts, while also collaboratingwith teachers and administrators in local

school districts to develop enhanced artseducation curricula.

Not only do POPA members help con-tribute to the cultural and performing artsenrichment of the Santa Clarita Valley, butthey also enjoy many benefits. Membersreceive exclusive invitations to meet-and-greet receptions with visiting artists, conces-sion discounts, name recognition in perform-ance programs, and many other benefits.

“It has been amazing to see the PAC’stremendous growth and achievements duringthe past 10 years,” said Chancellor Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook. “The PAC has beenpivotal to the education of our performingarts students and in bringing the performingarts to the local community. It is hard toimagine the Santa Clarita Valley or Collegeof the Canyons without the PAC.”

Consisting of two separate venues, thePAC features a proscenium stage with morethan 900 seats and a state-of-the-art soundsystem, as well as the experimental BlackBox Theater that can seat up to 125 people.

Thanks to the City of Santa Clarita’s $2.4

million contribution, the college was able todouble the PAC’s seating capacity to accom-modate more large-scale performances.

“The PAC has created so many wonder-ful memories for our students and the com-

munity through our many events and the K-12 outreach program,” Warshawski said.“It’s been an amazing start, and we’re look-ing forward to what the next 10 years willbring.”

2002 – THE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE.

British billionaire Sir Richard Branson’s SouthernCalifornia-based The Spaceship Co./Virgin Galactichas joined a growing list of aerospace companies look-

ing to fill their entry-level employment needs through theCollege of the Canyons Fast Track Institute.

The company hired Fast Track graduate Morgan Kennedya mere three-and-a-half weeks after completing the Fast TrackInstitute’s CNC Machining program.

The Spaceship Co. (TSC) has established a goal to buildthe world’s first fleet of commercial sub-orbital spaceships andcarrier aircraft in an effort to make access to space safe, reliableand affordable. In 2012, Virgin Galactic, the world’s first com-mercial spaceline and sister company to TSC, fully acquiredthe firm, bringing commercial space travel one step closer.

For many students like Morgan, the idea of being part of ateam working to launch a mission into space might have beennothing more than a far-fetched, science fiction-inspired dreamreserved for the ranks of NASA engineers and scientists.

But with the Fast Track Institute’s proven ability to provideaerospace firms with highly skilled employees trained in the

areas of CNC machining and manufacturing assemblyprocesses, that dream is fast becoming a reality for more andmore Fast Track graduates.

“The Fast Track Institute provides two key services,” saidPete Bellas, dean of economic development at the college.“We help our students land well-paying jobs, and we help localcompanies identify the type of well-trained, highly skilledemployees they’re looking to hire.”

The college also has established a working relationshipwith world-renowned space exploration and technology firmSpaceX, which participated in the Fast Track Institute’s post-graduation job fair and interview process.

SpaceX designs, manufactures and launches advancedrockets and spacecraft, with a goal to revolutionize space tech-nology. The company made international headlines by becom-ing the first privately held company to make a cargo deliveryto the International Space Station and return safely to Earth. ItsDragon spacecraft achieved that feat on May 25, 2012.

During the job fair, SpaceX representatives wereso impressed with the Fast Track program and its graduates

that they invited the class to its Hawthorne headquarters for aprivate tour and follow-up job interviews.

Graduates of the CNC Machining program have inter-viewed with and/or been hired by firms such as The SpaceshipCo./Virgin Galactic, SpaceX, ITT Aerospace, M.S. Aerospace,Aerospace Dynamics International, True Position Technol-ogies, Fralock and UKAM Industrial Superhard Tools.

Based on its success in recruiting and training highlyskilled employees in the areas of CNC machining and manu-facturing assembly processes, the Fast Track Institute hopes toestablish new partnerships with firms seeking skilled workers.

“As evidenced by high placement and retention rates, boththe Fast Track CNC Machining and Fast Track Assembly pro-grams have consistently demonstrated that they deliver well-trained entry-level technicians to the region’s manufacturingcompanies,” said Joe Klocko, director of the college’s Centerfor Applied Competitive Technologies.

For more information, contact Sheryn Monheim at (661)362-3521 or sheryn.monheim@canyons.edu.

female (550), representing a 20.6 percent increase in thepercentage of male graduates over 2013.

Academically, 271 students graduated with honors –requiring GPAs of 3.5 or higher – and 24 students withperfect 4.0 GPAs, granting them the status of valedicto-rians. The average GPA of the class of 2014 was 3.06.

The graduates’ average age was 26. The oldest was72, with seven graduates over the age of 60. Theyoungest graduate was 16.

Notably, 68 veterans graduated on a day that coin-cided with the 70th anniversary of the historic D-DayInvasion, which occurred on June 6, 1944. Thirty-nineveterans graduated the previous year.

Also graduating were 19 international students.Nearly 76 percent of the graduates completed at

least one course at the college’s Canyon Country cam-pus, which opened in 2007.

COMMENCEMENTFROM PAGE 1

6 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2014

Taiwan in an effort to help educate foreignstudents about the many benefits associatedwith attending a community college, whiletouting COC’s global reputation as an inno-vative institution of higher learning.

During her most recent trip, Cheng-Levine spent 16 days visiting China, HongKong and Taiwan in a dual role as ISP inter-im director, and as a delegate of the SantaClarita Valley Economic DevelopmentCorporation’s Los Angeles County Trade &Investment Mission, organized by L.A.

County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich.As a member of the delegation, she had

an opportunity to meet with individual com-panies and organizations representing busi-nesses interested in expanding into the U.S.market, particularly in the Santa ClaritaValley. She used the trip as an opportunity toschedule additional meetings with keyChinese policymakers and school adminis-trators in a variety of educational settings.

Included among the stops were visits toCheng-Levine’s alma mater, Lo-Dong HighSchool in Taiwan, where she delivered apresentation to more than 90 students andtheir families about the mission of theCalifornia community college system, the

low cost of attending a community college asopposed to a four-year school, and the multi-tude of academic and career opportunitiesassociated with studying at COC.

“I had a circle of students standingaround me and waiting to ask questions afterthe presentation. They couldn’t wait to learnmore,” Cheng-Levine said.

Since returning from China, Cheng-Levine and the ISP staff have been workingto develop a new eight-week AmericanCultural Experience & Language LearningProgram for international students interestedin eventually attending COC.

With the program debuting this summer,the ISP department is also in need of host

families and ambassador students to helpparticipating international students make thetransition to American culture.

“By growing the International StudentsProgram at College of the Canyons, we workto create cultural awareness on campus andin the community,” Cheng-Levine said.“Additionally, as international studentsbecome part of the COC family, their fami-lies will want to expand their businesses tothe Santa Clarita Valley, boosting our localeconomy and creating jobs for our resi-dents.”

For information, call (661) 362-3580 orvisit www.canyons.edu/isp.

ISPFROM PAGE 4

CHENG-LEVINE (FRONT, SEVENTH FROM LEFT) POSES WITH HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN TAIWAN DURING A TRIP THIS PAST SPRING.

A RECORD 1,343 STUDENTS GRADUATED DURING THE 2014 COMMENCEMENT CEREMONY ON JUNE 6.

10 YEARSFROM PAGE 5

TOP AEROSPACE FIRMS HIRING FAST TRACK GRADUATES

THE STUDENT SERVICES & ADMINISTRATION BUILDING, A MEASURE M BOND-FUNDED PROJECT, IS NEARING COMPLETION ON THE VALENCIA CAMPUS.

MEASURE M IN FULL FINANCIAL COMPLIANCET

he Santa Clarita Community CollegeDistrict’s Measure M community over-sight committee has accepted the find-

ings of an independent audit confirming thatmanagement of the college’s Measure Mgeneral obligation bond is in full compliancewith all laws and accountability measures setforth by the legislature and mandated byCalifornia education code.

The audit also confirmed that theMeasure M financial statements present fair-ly the financial position of the bond and thatthe district has properly accounted for allbond expenditures while only spending fundson authorized bond projects.

In addition, the audit verified that bondfunds were not spent on general administra-tion or operational costs.

“We simply couldn’t have asked for acleaner looking audit,” said Nick Lentini,chair of the district’s Measure M oversightcommittee.

The audit, which was performed by thefirm Vavrinek, Trine, Day & Co., LLP,included both a financial and performanceaudit, covering the fiscal year that ended onJune 30, 2013.

The firm noted no adjustments, auditfindings, questioned costs, or instances ofnoncompliance associated with the bond –further confirming that all funds have beenspent appropriately.

The firm issued an unmodified opinion,the best rating possible.

The audits were presented to the district’sMeasure M Citizens’ Oversight Committee atits January 14 meeting.

“We are very pleased that College of theCanyons has achieved another clean MeasureM audit, for the sixth consecutive year. Thedistrict is very proud of its reputation for

responsibly managing bond funds,” saidSharlene Coleal, Assistant Superintendent,Vice President of Business Services at thecollege. “Moreover, we appreciate the dedi-cation of the volunteers who serve on theMeasure M Citizens’ OversightCommittee to ensure the bondproceeds are spent in accordancewith what local voters approved in2006.”

Local voters approved the$160 million general obligationbond Measure M, in November2006.

The value of the bond hassince increased to approximately$232.8 million thanks to the addi-tion of earned interest and roughly$67.5 million in state matchingfunds.

The district initially issued$80 million in bonds in May 2007,which was followed up with anadditional $35 million in bondsissued in May 2012.

As of June 30, 2013, the audit confirmedapproximately $125.5 million in resourcesfrom the first two bond issuances, which alsoincludes earned interest and net premiums onthe bonds.

Of that amount, more than $103 millionhas been expended on authorized bond proj-ects, leaving the district with Measure Mbond reserve balance in the neighborhood of$22 million. The district also has a remainingauthorization of $45 million in bonds to beissued at a future date.

“College of the Canyons has beenextremely diligent about making good on thepromises of Measure M – and exceedingthem,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook

said. “The community has entrusted us withbuilding the best community college everimagined. We’re making that happen byleveraging Measure M bond funds to attainthe absolute maximum value possible.”

Since the bond’s passage in 2006, 14independent audits have been performed onthe college’s Measure M financial state-ments – both a financial and performanceaudit each fiscal year beginning in 2006-07 –without a single finding.

Measure M bond funds have been usedon a wide variety of major facilities projectsand campus expansions, including construc-tion of the Canyon Country campus and cre-ation of the Dr. Dianne G. Van HookUniversity Center.

Other projects include construction of theApplied Technology Education Center(ATEC) at the Canyon Country campus, thedramatic expansions of Mentry Hall and the

Library/TLC (The Learning Center) at theValencia campus, and, currently, the still-under-construction Student Services &Administration Building and the culinary artsfacility.

The college’s next phase of bond-fundedconstruction is scheduled to take place at the

Canyon Country campus, withplans for three permanent build-ings.

In fact, with the district’s $22million bond reserve balance and$45 million in future bonds stillpending, the college has alreadysecured the money needed to qual-ify for state-matched funding and,eventually, begin additional con-struction in Canyon Country.

Under the current state fund-ing formula the college is sched-uled to pay roughly 15 percent ofall pre-approved construction proj-ects at the Canyon Country cam-pus, with the state then expected tocover the remaining balance.

Such a scenario would equateto the college spending approxi-

mately $3.6 million on the first building, $3.7million on the second building and $4.2 mil-lion on the third building.

Meanwhile, the state would then beexpected to contribute $14.1 million, $20.9million and $16.8 million, respectively perproject.

Despite their readiness, college officialsare currently in a holding pattern, as all futureconstruction plans are contingent on the statebeing able to place a statewide facilities con-struction bond on a future ballot.

For more Measure M information, visitwww.canyons.edu and click “Measure MOversight” in the “About Canyons” menu.

Despite still needing a little bit more time in the oven,construction of the College of the Canyons Institute forCulinary Education (iCuE) is progressing rapidly, with

the project scheduled for completion this fall.Including several kitchens, multiple culinary labs and

classrooms and a central dining area, the state-of-the-art culi-nary facility will occupy approximately 12,200 square feet onthe southeast corner of the Valencia campus.

The facility will serve as the permanent home for the culi-nary arts program, providing students with a modern, efficientand affordable educational center where all aspects of the culi-nary arts will be taught.

In recent months, construction crews have raised the steelstructure into place and installed the building’s sheet-metalroof and decking. Crews have started to lay out the building’sinterior and exterior metal stud framing, which will allow forinstallation of gas, water and electrical lines.

“As is the case with any campus construction project, orrecipe for that matter, there is a logical order to completing thesteps before you can enjoy what’s being created,” said WillKarrat, the college’s facilities project manager. “With this proj-ect moving along right on schedule, I anticipate a busy sum-mer construction schedule as we work toward completing thisproject, relocating our culinary arts department and unveilingthe fruits of our labor this fall.”

Since its inception in 2006, the culinary arts program hasbeen housed in three separate facilities. The program currentlyoperates in a former restaurant in Castaic.

At a cost of roughly $8 million, the project is entirely dis-

trict-funded, paid for through a combination of private dona-tions and Measure M bond funds that were remaining aftercompletion of the library expansion project.

The facility is scheduled for completion this fall, with ananticipated occupancy in the spring of 2015.

As part of the College of the Canyons Foundation’s ongo-ing Culinary Arts Capital Campaign, the college has raisedapproximately $975,000 from more than 490 community sup-porters, with contributions coming in the form of donations,facility naming gifts and other gifts-in-kind. Additionally, 92percent of the college’s full-time staff have contributed.

Most recently, the Associated Student Government donat-ed $5,000 toward the purchase of a wood-burning pizza oven.

In addition to the capital campaign, Chancellor Dr. DianneG. Van Hook has announced a new “matching fund” initiativefor community members still interested in supporting thisproject. From now through the end of 2014, the Chancellor’sOffice will match, on a dollar-for-dollar basis, all contributionsto the matching fund initiative.

Such contributions will be used to establish a special pro-gramming and innovation fund designed to help the culinaryarts program introduce new programs, classes and communityoutreach activities at the facility.

“It’s not too late for community members to pull a seat upto the table and join us in creating this savory, state-of-the-artculinary facility,” said Murray Wood, the foundation’s chiefdevelopment officer.

For information, call Murray Wood at (661) 362-3433.

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2014 7

Independent audit confirms bond funds spent properly and legally

RENDERING OF AN INTERIOR AREA OF THE STUDENT SERVICES BUILDING

CONSTRUCTION OF THE CULINARY ARTS BUILDING CONTINUES.

CONSTRUCTION OF CULINARY ARTS CENTER STILL COOKINGChancellor establishes new matching-fund initiative

College of the Canyons student-athlete RobertGreen never competed in track & field when hewas a student at Lancaster High School, but

today he’s a valued asset to a Cougar track & fieldteam that recently won its first conference title since1970.

The 23-year-old former Marine took up sprintingonly two years ago.

“Robert has been a great addition to the team. He’sa leader who’s sure of what he wants and never has aproblem doing what we tell him to do,” said Track &Field Assistant Coach Denean Hill, who works withthe team’s sprinters. “Other people on the team havebeen running since they were young, but he still had tolearn the basic language of everything. What peoplesee on the track is one thing, but it’s the end-product ofeight or nine months of training and hard work.”

The sophomore, whose recent military serviceincludes tours in Afghanistan, is humble about hisexperiences.

“For the most part, (enlisting) was something I was

doing because I was interested in history and politics,”said Green, who competes in the 100-meter, 200-meterand 4x100-meter relay events, with a personal best of11.19 seconds in the 100m. “I just thought it would begood for my future.”

The rapport the Marines built with each other pro-vided him with a unique bonding experience, he said.While track & field may not be as intense as his serviceoverseas, it still requires a team of individuals to staycommitted to each other in reaching a common goal.

“You meet the same kind of people and get thatsame sense of camaraderie and brotherhood with thetrack team,” he said. “It’s also similar in that you meetpeople from all walks of life.”

Green said he hopes to continue his political sci-ence/history career, and to teach and coach track insome capacity.

“Robert would make a great teacher because hecommunicates with others well,” Hill said. “He does agreat job of distinguishing what kind of learners peo-ple are.”

STUDENTS AWARDED AT BUSINESS CONFERENCE

FROM THE BATTLEFIELD TO TRACK & FIELD

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!

L E A D E RBoston ScientificHonda Performance DevelopmentMark Jenkins & Roxie Ramey

A D V O C A T EAerospace Dynamics International - John Cave AT&T - Dana CopBill MirandaBradley J. Kirst D.D.S.

Citizens Business Bank - Nicole NilosGary & Diana CusumanoDr. Susan KomskyMath Support Services - Peggy CannistraciMellady Direct Marketing - Jim & Jill MelladyLBW Insurance - Mitzi & Randy MobergMortensen Law, Tax, Trust & Estate AttorneysDr. Skip NewhallNE Systems - Ed Padilla

Newhall Escrow - Steve CornKirk & Ana PalmerHarold & Jacquie PetersenReyes Winery - Robert ReyesSaenger Associates - Gary SaengerSchools First FCUShepard Insurance Agency - Scott ShepardSouthern California Edison - Anna Frutos SanchezStern, Kory, Sreden & Morgan - Lloyd Sreden

Dr. Dianne and Mr. Roger Van HookWells Fargo - Shaun SarkissianRandal Winter Construction - Randal &

Gail WinterDennis Witzel & Sheila Chovan

L I F E T I M E M E M B E R S Lou & Rita GarasiTom & 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

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS SPRINTER ROBERT GREEN

8 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SUMMER 2014

Ten students from College of the Canyons’Future Business Leaders of America – PhiBeta Lambda received awards during the

organization’s California State BusinessLeadership Conference.

More than 400 students from 15 colleges anduniversities, such as UCLA, UC Berkeley andUC Davis, participated in the conference in LosAngeles from March 28 to 30.

In all, 19 members of the college’s FBLAclub participated, with more than half of themtaking home medals. Paul Dezso, who received athird-place award in Accounting Principles, andDavid Tushin (third place in Sports Managementand Marketing) qualified to represent Californiaat the FBLA’s national conference.

Competitions allowed students to demon-strate individual mastery of business conceptsand skills, as well as compete as teams by analyz-ing issues in business cases and making recom-mendations to a panel of judges.

The WinnersPAUL DEZSO: THIRD, ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLESPAUL DEZSO: FIFTH, JUSTICE ADMINISTRATIONJONATHAN MAXWELL: FOURTH, NETWORKING CONCEPTS DAVID TUSHIN: THIRD, SPORTS MANAGEMENT AND MARKETINGDIEGO BOLTON & WYATT THOMPSON: THIRD, BUSINESS ANALYSIS & DECISION-MAKINGPAUL DEZSO & TYLER LARSON: FIFTH, BUSINESS PRESENTATIONDIEGO BOLTON, DAVID TUSHIN & ALLISON SILVER:THIRD, FINANCIAL ANALYSIS & DECISION-MAKINGDIRAN AVEDIKIAN, JAMES LEE & LINDSEY STONEMAN: THIRD, STRATEGIC ANALYSIS &DECISION-MAKING