BREAKING NEWS

FALL SEMESTER ALERT: Tuition will increase from $26 to $36/unit. Classes start August 22. Find classes online at www.canyons.edu.

COUGAR BLUE GOING GREEN!

SUMMER 2011

New environmental program begins in the Fall!

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C O L L E G E O F T H E C A N Y O N S / S A N TA C L A R I TA C O M M U N I T Y C O L L E G E D I S T R I C T

STUNNING STUDENT WORK! Student art finds a permanent home in the COC Art Gallery.

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SERVING THE SANTA CL ARITA VALLE Y SINCE 1969

College Culinary Program Heats Up Campaign Kicks-Off in Effort to Raise Funds for State-of-the-Art Culinary Facility n the coming weeks, College of the Canyons officials will embark on a capital campaign designed to raise funds for the construction of a state-of-the-art, oncampus culinary facility which would provide a permanent home for the college’s culinary arts department and greatly expand the number of locally available training opportunities in that field.

“College of the Canyons has cultivated a well-deserved reputation for meeting the needs of our

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Artist’s rendering of the new $6.7 million College of the Canyons Culinary Arts Facility which will house the Institute for Culinary Education (iCuE).

students and the community, and the Culinary Arts facility is the latest example,” said COC Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook.

The college has long sought a way to expand the depth and breadth of its culinary department, in order to serve as many students as possible. But the absence of a permanent facility large enough to host such an undertaking has been a continual roadblock.

In its five years of existence, the culinary arts program has been

housed in three separate facilities — the existing college cafeteria, a restaurant space at the Westfield Valencia Town Center and, currently, at another restaurant space in Castaic.

While each of these temporary facilities has served its purpose by providing students with a professional setting to hone their cooking skills in, that “student experience” has been offset by the lack of access to on-campus support services and See CULINARY on Page 6

LIBRARY EXPANSION BRINGS ENHANCED SERVICES FOR MORE STUDENTS ew doors will be opening up for College of the Canyons students – both literally and figuratively – as the work continues on the college library. Upon completion of the current 52,435-squarefoot library expansion project, College of the Canyons students will have increased access to a variety of library and tutoring services that are expected to greatly enhance the academic experience for all students.

Though the current library facility was opened in 1997 to the college’s then-7,500 student population, plans for a library expansion have long been included in the college’s facilities master plan. In fact, because of continually surging student population, COC officials actually began planning for this expansion more than a decade ago.

Despite the growing pervasiveness of online archives, databases and various forms of digital media and academic learning tools, student demand for library and tutoring services has only increased in recent years.

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GARDENS BLOOMING The college’s new Gardens of the Canyons project — a trail of 15 gardens and nature areas that form an approximately hour-long nature walk through the Valencia campus — is starting to grow thanks to a recent $5,000 grant award from the Weyerhaeuser Company Foundation. Envisioned as a place where students, staff and community members will come for inspiration, education and enjoyment, the Gardens of the Canyons will eventually be connected with signs, maps and trail markers to create a leisurely, beautiful and informative nature walk through the campus.

See LIBRARY on Page 5

State Raises Unit Fees Beginning Fall Semester

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

Additional Increase May Happen in Jan. 2012 t’s common knowledge that attending a community college is one of the best ways to save money while still pursuing a higher education goal. Even minor increases in fees over the years haven’t changed the fact that California community colleges still have the lowest per unit cost in the nation, compared to community colleges in other states.

But community colleges will once again face a fee increase, as all 112 California community colleges will increase from a modest $26 to $36 per unit beginning in the Fall 2011 semester, the result of an educational trailer bill proposed by Governor Jerry Brown in late March and approved by the California Legislature.

The fee increase is designed to help offset some of the budg-

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See FEE on Page 6

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

ECRWSS

Postal Customer

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C O L L E G E O F T H E C A N Y O N S B R E A K I N G N E W S • S U M M E R 2 0 11

NEWS OF NOTE COC CHOIR JAZZED BY AWARD The College of the Canyons “Just Jazz” vocal group was one of six collegiate vocal ensembles in the nation selected to compete at the Next Generation Jazz Festival held in Monterey, CA April 13. At the festival the group placed second among a field of 14 high school and college jazz choirs, falling just a few points behind eventual champion CSU, Long Beach. However, the talents of the “Just Jazz” group members COC CHOIR CONDUCTOR JULIE were not overlooked, as LAWSON SHOWS OFF THE the group received a CHOIR’S AWARD well-deserving standing ovation — even bringing one of the competitionʼs judges to tears, due to the groupʼs collective “musicality and depth.”

COC WINS AWARD FOR VOLUNTEERISM For the fifth time in as many years, College of the Canyons has been honored for its dedication to providing access to service-learning educational opportunities with inclusion on the 2010 Presidentʼs Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction.

Administered by the Corporation for National and Community Service, inclusion on the annual Honor Roll is the highest federal recognition a college or university can receive for its commitment to volunteering, service learning and civic engagement. College of the Canyons is one of only 15 higher education institutions in the state — and the only California community college — to earn ʻdistinctionʼ honors. The college has been included on the Honor Roll every year since its inception in 2006 having previously earned ʻdistinctionʼ honors in 2007 and 2009.“There is a strong spirit of volunteerism that thrives on our campus,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook. “As a college, we believe in giving back to our community, which supports us and enables us to be what we have become. That engagement with the community allows our students to gain hands-on experience and augment what theyʼre learning in the classroom.”

SPEECH TEAM BRINGS HOME THE GOLD The College of the Canyons speech team took home three medals — including the teamʼs first ever gold medal —en route to a team best eighth place division finish, during the week-long Phi Rho Pi National Speech Tournament, held at the end of the Spring 2011 semester at the Regency Hyatt in Old Greenwich, Connecticut. Phi Rho Pi is committed to increasing knowledge and appreciation of the speech and forensics arts. The organization annually offers community college students the only full service national speech tournament with 11 individual events, three forms of debate and interpreterʼs theatre.

This tournament is consistently one of the largest in the nation, welcoming more than 75 schools and 600 coaches and students each year. At this yearʼs tournament, College of the Canyons first year competitor Austin Kolodney won a gold medal in the Dramatic Interpretation category, for his multi-character performance of the documentary film “Man on Wire,” which tells the story of French performance artist Philippe Petitʼs daring high-wire walk between the World Trade Center Towers in 1974.

“Winning was amazing,” said Kolodney, whose performance was also awarded a bronze medal at a recent statewide tournament.

TEAM SUCCESS: LORETTA ROWLY, AIMEE NEWTON, TEAM DIRECTOR MICHAEL LEECH AND AUSTIN KOLODNEY

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

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

OSHER ENDOWMENT SPARKS SCHOLARSHIP SUCCESS College Surpasses Original Fundraising Goal by Nearly $500,000 I

n the last 18 months the College of the Canyons June 2011.

Foundation has raised more than $1 million in The end result was envisioned as a permanent endowed scholarship funds, which when combined endowment, with ongoing investment earnings used to with a generous 50 percent gift match from the Bernard provide scholarships for students at every community Osher Foundation, totals nearly $1.6 million dedicated college in the state. to COC student success.

Armed with this opportunity, the College of the Those funds will equate to 80 new $1,000 scholar- Canyons Foundation embarked on an endowment camships that the COC Foundation and the college’s schol- paign to raise as many additional scholarship dollars as arship committee can now award to students each year possible before this unique gift-matching opportunity in perpetuity. expired.

In addition, by partici- Statewide, 107 local community colleges participated in this initiative.

As one of the 107 pating in the Bernard Only 33 met or exceeded their goals. Among them, College of the Canyons California Community Osher Foundation’s finished 6th in comparison to the other colleges who participated.

Colleges that chose to matching grant initiative COLLEGE take part in the Osher GOAL DOLLARS RAISED % OF GOAL MET the college will also campaign, College of receive funds to support VENTURA COLLEGE the Canyons was given $400,206 $1,185,410 296% 15 additional $1,000 COLUMBIA COLLEGE a fund-raising goal of $ 94,786 $194,995 206% annual scholarships every $613,000. $140,151 $280,014 200% year, for a total of 95 new PORTERVILLE COLLEGE During the college’s $361,394 $676,067 MIRA COSTA COLLEGE 187% scholarships.

18-month endowment 183% “This was an amazing PASADENA CITY COLLEGE $979,557 $1,791,176 campaign a total of 21 174% endeavor in which we had COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS $613,188 $1,065,220 new and 19 redesignatthe opportunity to particied endowed scholarship pate, and it showed that our community believes in the funds were established, with major gifts coming from an power of education,” said COC Chancellor Dr. Dianne array of community members, businesses, non-profit Van Hook. “The overwhelming generosity of our groups and community and campus organizations. donors will change thousands of lives as we open the With Chancellor Van Hook, the college’s fiscal servdoors to higher education and give people an opportuni- ices department and the entire COC Foundation staff ty to pursue their dreams.” working right up to the last minute to secure additional In the spring of 2008, the Bernard Osher Foundation contributions and file all required documentation, by made an historic $25 million gift to the 112-member midnight on June 30, the college had surpassed its origCalifornia Community College (CCC) System and inal fundraising goal by $452,000.

Foundation for California Community Colleges “The level of support we received throughout this (FCCC), pledging to provide a 50 percent match, of up entire campaign further reinforces how this community to $25 million, on all scholarship funds raised through See OSHER on Page 6

SHARP CERTIFICATE BRINGS HEALTHCARE FOR THE ELDERLY INTO NEEDED FOCUS ccording to a recent U.S. dean of the Social Sciences and Census data, the number of Business Division at College of the Americans aged 65 and older Canyons. “If we can start training is expected to reach 20 percent of and educating people about how to the population by the year 2050 and take better care of themselves, they the need to provide better care for will live longer and healthier lives.” the country’s aging population is According to recent projections, more important than ever. This fall more than 10,000 adults from the College of the Canyons will intro- baby boomer generation will join duce its new Skills for Healthy the ranks of “older adult” each day, Aging Resources and Programs until 2029 — representing approxi(SHARP) certificate program, mately 25 percent of the United which prepares students for careers States population by 2025. in the fields of aging services and In addition, chronic diseases gerontology affect the quality of life of more than Representing a program format 133 million Americans and more not currently than 14 miloffered any- ...more than 10,000 adults l i o n where else in Californians. from the Baby Boomer the nation, the It’s projected college’s 12that by the generation will join the unit SHARP year 2030 program is ranks of “older adult” each approximately designed for six of every 10 day, until 2029. students to be people will be able to complete in just one semes- managing more than one chronic ter, with classes scheduled in the health condition. evenings and afternoons to accomAlthough various EBHP modate working adults. programs are already being Geared toward those interested offered to older adults in in careers in ageing services or the more than 30 counties by larger health-care industry, the the state’s various commuSHARP program will provide the nity service providers — skills and knowledge needed to in settings such as senior begin delivering various types of centers, hospitals, health evidence-based health promotion clinics and senior hous(EBHP) strategies to older adults, in ing facilities — program a variety of health care settings. leaders and facilitators According to the National are now required to Council on Aging, EBHP is defined undergo specific trainas “a process of planning, imple- ing in order to be certimenting and evaluating programs fied for such work. adapted from tested models or interHowever, accordventions in order to address health ing to a recent Aging issues” in both individual and com- Labor Force Study munity settings. conducted by the The SHARP program’s use of California Social EBHP programs for older adults Work Education emphasizes both disease prevention Center, most puband treatment, with strategies lic social services focused on topics including self- employees do care, physical activity, fall preven- not have any tion, substance abuse, nutrition and formal traindepression. ing related to “The goal of the SHARP pro- aging and gram is to teach students about these older adults. issues and get them trained to be T h e able to go out into the field and relay SHARP pilot this important information to the program was growing number of older adults out designed in there,” said Dr. Patty Robinson, collaboration

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with College of the Canyons, Santa Barbara City College, Partners in Care Foundation, National Council on Aging, California Geriatric Education Center and the California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics, with funding from the U.S. Department of Education.

Upon completion of the program students will be able to pursue employment in the aging services industry in positions that require individuals to plan, administer, evaluate and/or teach such programs.

For more information about the college’s new SHARP program or the schedule of courses being offered this fall please contact Patty Robinson at (661) 362-3992 or visit www.canyons.edu/departments/ SOC/SHARP/Sharp_Home.asp.

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New Laptops Pepare Students for Emerging Fields Laptops Provided to MESA Students Who Will Act as Community Technology Trainers pproximately 50 students from the College of the Canyons Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) program have been awarded new laptops as part of California Connects, a statewide program designed to increase digital literacy and broadband access throughout the state’s underserved communities.

The HP laptops — which were distributed to students who agreed to serve as community trainers in the coming months — come fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology provided by companies including Hewlett Packard, Microsoft, AT&T and Insight Technology Solutions.

Since receiving their new computers students have received intensive hands-on training and instruction on how to use all that laptop technology through the Microsoft IT Academy Program and the California Connects digital literacy website.

After their training is complete, students will go out into the community and help others, who may not have access to a computer and/or lack the knowledge of navigating the Internet, or how to use this technology for essential tasks such as securing gainful employment, exploring higher education opportunities, accessing health and finance resources and advancing the general quality of their life.

“Our students were so excited to receive their laptops,” said Susan Crowther, director of the college’s MESA program. “It’s exciting for our MESA students to have this unique opportunity to make a valuable and lasting contribution through their community service as digital literacy trainers.”

The end result is computers that students can use in their academic pursuits, while they receive the tools and training necessary to educate friends, family and other

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community members — while ultimately helping to increase the state’s number of broadband Internet users by more than 61,000 individuals by 2013.

Over the next three years a total of 5,800 laptops will be distributed to MESA students at 33 California Community College campuses to help accomplish this goal.

“The federal government recognizes that California’s community colleges and students are uniquely qualified to help close our nation’s digital divide. That’s something we MESA Director Susan Crowther (right) hands a new laptop to COC MESA student Bundi Wilde. can all be proud of,” said California Community Colleges Chancellor Jack Scott. In recent years the program has earned statewide recogni“This program will give our students the necessary tools tion for having transferred more students than any other and training to provide access for underserved popula- community college MESA Program.

Over the last ten years the college’s MESA Program tions to the Internet, while building the state’s foundation has helped more than 300 students transfer to four-year for economic growth and job creation.”

Administered by the California Community College schools to pursue degrees in one of the STEM fields.

Chancellor’s office, MESA is an academic preparation Many of these students have since gone on to thriving program that supports students from educationally disad- careers in fields including engineering, science, medicine vantaged backgrounds so they will succeed in a science, and academia.

For more information about the California Connects technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field, transfer to four-year schools and attain degrees in these program or to get involved with the College of the Canyons MESA chapter please contact Susan Crowther at majors.

The MESA Program at College of the Canyons has (661) 362-3098 or susan.crowther@canyons.edu. supported strong transfer numbers throughout its history.

College’s Fast Track Training Quickly Leads to Jobs n the early hours of a cool April morning, a collection of roughly a dozen individuals of varying ages and experiences gathered for the first class of a seven-week machinist training program at the College of the Canyons Fast Track Institute.

With each one came a commitment to learn, a desire to work and a yearning for a new opportunity.

Just seven short weeks, and 280 training hours, later, that opportunity arrived in the form of a new career path!

The college’s Fast Track Institute offers fast-paced, intensive job preparation courses that teach entry-level job skills and allow participants to quickly begin working in industries where applicants with upto-date training are in high demand.

“We’re providing two services at the Fast Track Institute,” said Pete Bellas, dean of economic development at the college.

“We’re helping participants land well-paying jobs, and we’re helping local companies identify the type of well-trained, highly-skilled employees they’re looking to hire.”

This spring, the college hosted its first seven-week job preparation course in the area of computer numerically controlled (CNC) machinist training.

“There are a large number of openings right now for CNC machinists and we don’t anticipate that slowing down,” said Joe Klocko, director of the college’s Center for Applied Competitive

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Technologies (CACT). “The demand is high not just in Santa Clarita, but throughout the region, including the San Fernando and Antelope Valleys, and Ventura County.”

The inaugural Fast Track CNC Machinist program was funded through a state Job Development Incentive Fund (JDIF) grant, provided by the California Community Colleges Economic and Workforce Development program, meaning that participants who were accepted into the program received this training at no out-of-pocket cost.

During the seven weeks of CNC Machinist instruction participants were asked to report to class at 7:30 a.m. each weekday, where they underwent a full eight hours of combined classroom instruction and hands-on machinist training — for a total of 280 training hours.

Participants also received instruction about how to build a resume, prepare for future job interviews and market themselves to potential employers.

Upon completion of the course in mid May, the first Fast Track graduating class was invited to a graduation ceremony and exclusive job fair, held at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.

At the event, each participant had the chance to complete a round of 15-minute “speed interviews” with all 11 of the local manufacturing companies and staffing agencies who were in attendance.

See FAST TRACK on Page 6

The college’s first class of Fast Track CNC machinist graduates was invited to a graduation ceremony and exclusive job fair, held at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center in May.

Fast Facts about Fast Track Training •Developed in fall 2010 by Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook and members of the college’s Economic Development Division (EDD).

•Provides accelerated job preparation programs for job seekers, mid-career professionals and recent high school graduates.

•Offers a variety of fast-paced, intensive job preparation courses that will teach entrylevel job skills and allow participants to quickly begin working.

•Most Fast Track courses take only a few weeks/months to complete.

•Some programs are available at no out-ofpocket cost.

•All Fast Track programs have been selected based on labor demand and will be focused on industries where highly-skilled applicants are immediately needed.

•Local companies have indicated they need prepared candidates to fill positions in the fields offered.

COUGAR BLUE GOES GREEN WITH NEW ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS tudents who are looking to make an impact in the ongoing worldwide environmental movement now have a new place to start! The College of the Canyons Math, Science & Engineering Division will offer students an opportunity to match their educational pathway with that movement as two new courses in the disciplines of Environmental Studies and Environmental Science are set to debut this fall.

“The development of these courses is a momentous achievement for the college and a tremendous opportunity for our students,” said Omar Torres, dean of the college’s Mathematics, Science and Engineering Division.

The college’s Environmental Studies and Environmental Science programs will prepare students for transfer to four-year schools by providing a broad base of both natural science and social science course work, paired with a well-rounded selection of general education courses.

Both courses have been designed to provide students with the scientific background needed to obtain advanced degrees and eventually pursue careers in the solar technology, bio-fuel technology and environmental surveying industries — along with the multitude of environmentally

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inspired consultancy positions.

“Environmental Studies and Environmental Science are two emerging fields,” said Jeannie Chari, associate

professor of the Earth, Space and Environmental Sciences department. “The completion of an advanced degree in either discipline can lead to a variety of environmental

positions with firms and organizations, both commercial and governmental.”

In addition, the presence of a field studies component in the curriculum of both courses positions College of the Canyons as one of the only community colleges in the state to offer an Environmental Science program that includes both a lab and field studies component.

The course Environmental Studies (ENVRMT) 101: Introduction to Environmental Studies will introduce students to the use of earth’s natural resources by human civilizations and the roles that economics, ethics, law, history, politics, culture and gender inequity have continually played in resource use and distribution.

The course Environmental Science (ENVRMT) 103: Introduction to Environmental Science will familiarize students with the Earth’s natural processes, along with an understanding of the environmental processes associated with today’s society.

For more information about the College of the Canyons Environmental Science and Environmental Studies courses please visit www.canyons.edu/departments/ESES/ or contact Omar Torres at (661) 362-3135.

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College Mourns Passing of Music Professor Operatic Composer and COC Music Professor Daniel Catan Touched Lives Around the World nternationally renowned composer, librettist and esteemed College of the Canyons music faculty member Daniel Catán, who was credited with producing four operas in the United States including 2010’s highly acclaimed “Il Postino” starring Plácido Domingo, died of apparent natural causes in Austin, Texas the weekend of April 9, 2011. He was 62.

At the time of his death Catán had been working as an artist-in-residence at the Butler School of Music located on the campus of University of Texas at Austin, in addition to his teaching responsibilities at College of the Canyons. Catán had been commissioned by the university to write a new opera based on Frank Capra’s film “Meet John Doe,” scheduled to premiere in 2012.

“This loss will be felt not just in our community, but also throughout the world, as Daniel's influence was incredibly farreaching,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “In his time at College of the Canyons, Daniel brought an unbelievable amount of credit to himself and, through his successes, brought the college to a position of high esteem throughout the state, the nation and, indeed, the world. His legacy is one that will carry on for generations.”

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CATAN’S IMPACT ON THE CAMPUS AND COMMUNITY WAS FELT IMMEDIATELY

Catán arrived at College of the Canyons in 1999, and immediately established himself as an integral part of the college, regularly participating in college events and outreach efforts and volunteering his time to the passage of two successful bond campaigns, Measure C and Measure M. He served as a professor of music in the college’s Fine and Performing Arts Division and taught a wide range of courses including music history, world music, music appreciation, fundamentals of music and musical orchestration.

During his time at COC Catán also established a reputation for being a deeply compassionate and humble man; an amazing listener; and a dedicated, supportive colleague, who built endearing relationships with his students and fellow faculty and college staff members.

“In all that he did, Daniel offered his very best to us,” Dr. Van Hook said. “The ways in which he appraised situations, offered solutions and pitched in to get the job done, each helped to move the college forward.”

Catán’s Spanish opera “Il Postino,” enjoyed its world premiere on opening night of LA Opera’s historic 25th

Daniel Catan, at center, celebrates the opening of “Il Postino” at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in October of 2010. Written by Catan, the lead was played by Placido Domingo.

Anniversary season, Sept. 23, 2010, at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion in Los Angeles.

Based on the Academy Award-winning film of the same name and the novel “Ardiente Paciencia” by Antonio Skármeta, “Il Postino” tells the story of a shy young postman in a tiny Italian fishing village who discovers the courage to pursue his dreams through his daily deliveries to the famous (real-life) Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.

“I realized, from the very first time I saw the film, that it was a perfect theme for an opera,” said Catán in a 2010 interview about the project. “It deals with Art and Love: the foundations upon which we build our lives.”

“IL POSTINO”, FEATURING PLACIDO DOMINGO, THRILLED OPERA FANS AND CRITICS ALIKE

Starring opera legend Plácido Domingo in the role of Pablo Neruda, the six-show run of “Il Postino” quickly captured the hearts of audiences, and critics, throughout Southern California and the international opera world. “‘Il Postino’" delivers in a way few modern operas do,” wrote Ronald Blum of the Associated Press in a 2010 review.

“Catán has created a throwback, with arias, duets and lush tonal music, closer to the style of Puccini than of Catán’s contemporaries.”

Though “Il Postino” was Catán’s most recent success, during his career the acclaimed composer also penned the operas “Encuentro en el Ocaso,” “Florencia en el Amazonas,” “Salsipuedes, A Tale of Love, War and Anchovies” and “La Hija de Rappaccini,” which was the composer’s first opera.

A Spanish operatic version of Octavio Paz’ play by the same name and the short story “Rappaccini’s Daughter” by

Nathanial Hawthorne, “La Hija de Rappaccini” was performed in San Diego in 1994 — marking “the first fully professional production of an opera by a Mexican composer to be staged in the United Daniel Catan States,” according to the 1949-2011 Los Angeles Times. erous with his time — and always willing In 2009 the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC), with support from the to support his colleagues.”

Catán is survived by his wife, Andrea National Endowment for the Arts, presented a workshop performance of Catán’s “La Puente; three children, Chloe, Tom and Hija de Rappaccini” starring members of Alan; and four grandchildren.

In late May, the college hosted an onthe L.A Opera Company alongside a colcampus memorial service in celebration of lection of COC students.

The performance marked an effort by Catán’s life and work. Held in the Dr. Catán and the college to help make opera Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, more accessible to community members the event attracted a sizeable collection of throughout Northern Los Angeles County. Catán’s friends, family and colleagues and "I feel enormously gratified and proud included a number of musical presentato be presenting my opera “La Hijia de tions and shared remembrances.

In addition, the college’s Fine and Rappaccini” at the PAC,” said Catán at the time. “This marks a very important Performing Arts Division has established moment in the development of the col- the Dr. Daniel Catán Memorial Scholarship endowlege’s Fine and with the Performing Arts “He was both inspired, and ment College of the Division, and in particular our music an inspiration to those who Canyons Foundation.

Meant to honor program. “ came in contact with him.” Catán’s passion for Among his collove for eduleagues and former – Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook music, cation and legacy as students at College a professor, when of the Canyons, Catán is fondly remembered for his kind, fully realized the endowment would progentle and gracious nature, equally as he is vide annual awards, in perpetuity, to College of the Canyons students majoring for his revered musical career.

“Daniel’s contributions as a faculty in music.

“Daniel was both inspired, and an member at the college were greatly appreciated, both by his colleagues and his stu- inspiration to those who came in contact dents,” said Dr. Floyd Moos, Assistant with him,” said Dr. Van Hook. “We are Superintendent/Vice President of very privileged to have had the pleasure of Instruction at the college. “He was a great knowing Daniel as a colleague in the classinstructor — knowledgeable, patient, gen- room. Bravo, Daniel...Bravo.”

AUTO, SOLAR PROGRAMS SHINE IN NEW APPLIED TECHNOLOGY BUILDING AT CANYON COUNTRY CAMPUS he College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus will soon have its first permanent building — and an assortment of new solar and technology oriented courses to house in it — with the completion of the college’s eagerly anticipated Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC), opening in fall 2011.

Designed to give students a new selection of hands-on learning and training opportunities, the ATEC’s approximately 10,000 square feet of workshop and laboratory space will provide the space needed to begin offering the type of Career Technical Education (CTE) training that leads directly to jobs.

“The Canyon Country campus continues to grow and evolve in response to the community’s needs,” said Dr. Dena Maloney, Vice President of the Canyon Country Campus and Economic Development. “The Applied Technology Education Center will expand the college’s ability to provide students with cutting edge education that leads directly to employment.”

Also included in the building’s design are five modular buildings, accompanying modular restrooms, and a permanent, spacious, facility for the college’s automotive technology program, which is currently housed in the auto shop located at Saugus High School.

“Having our new automotive labs on the Canyon Country campus will also make it much more convenient for auto technology students who are interested in taking other courses as well,” Maloney said.

Other programs slated to move into the ATEC this fall include: plumbing, water systems technology and the college’s new solar technology and renewable energy program.

The construction of the college’s ATEC facility coincides with ongoing state and nationwide trends in the util-

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ities and power generation industries to reduce consumer dependence on nonrenewable energy sources through a variety of wind and solar energy projects spanning all 50 states.

“Along with the increased amount of renewable energy being generated will come an increased demand for a workforce of highly skilled solar technicians,” said Kristin Houser, Dean of Career Technical Education at the college.

One of the new auto bays at the Applied Technology Education Center at the Canyon Country Campus

In fact, a survey of the nation’s solar industry, released in January 2011, showed that more than 50 percent of all solar firms expect to add jobs over the next year, with less than 3 percent expecting layoffs.

Those same solar companies also anticipate a 26 percent increase in the solar industry’s workforce over the next year, representing approximately 50,000 new jobs

across all related industries.

With that, the solar job positions expected to be among the fastest growing include: photovoltaic (PV) system installers, electricians and roofers with experience handling solar installations, sales personnel at wholesale solar firms and sales representatives at installation firms.

To help meet that projected need, College of the Canyons officials have developed a series of CTE courses that will prepare students for a variety of different jobs within the solar power and other renewable energy industries.

The college’s first solar energy technician certificate program will include 13 units of instruction spread over three courses — Introduction to Energy Technology, Solar Photovoltaics Systems and Solar Thermal Systems — with students typically able to complete the program in two to three semesters.

The first course in the program, Introduction to Energy Technology, will debut at the Canyon Country campus this fall, with subsequent lab courses in the program scheduled to debut in spring 2012.

Including instruction in electricity fundamentals, alternative energy technologies, energy efficiency concepts and industry relevant mathematics, this introductory course will also serve as a prerequisite for future degree and certificate options in the college’s solar and energy series.

Upon successful completion of the solar energy technician certificate program students will posses a detailed understanding of the PV and solar thermal energy technologies being employed today and will be qualified to accept entry-level positions in the fields of solar PV and solar thermal design, installation and maintenance.

See ATEC on Page 6

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LIBRARY

BUILDING A BETTER LIBRARY

FROM PAGE 1

“Libraries have actually become more popular in the digital age because students need guidance in using the many online resources available to them,” said COC Librarian Leslie Bretall. “You only have to come by our library on a weekday morning during the fall semester to see students working and studying in groups, with every seat taken and every computer being used.”

Included on the second floor of the expanded area will be 10,000-square-feet of space designed to address two of the library’s most essential needs — computer access and student workspace.

“We decided early on that we did not need more traditional stack space, because we’re not planning to enlarge the collection,” Bretall said. “Our key needs now are computer access, for both students and community members, and space for students to meet and work collaboratively.”

“COMPUTER COMMONS” WILL PROIVDE DEDICATED SPACE FOR COMPUTER ACCESS

Among the many highlights of the new facility will be a large “computer commons” area devoted entirely to computer access. The commons area will include both individual and group workstations, laptop plug-in ports and a collection of group seating areas arranged in different seating configurations.

Surrounding the computer commons area, on both sides of the upstairs expanded area, will be a new lineup of study rooms, which students can reserve to work on assignments, prepare for exams, view media and meet with classmates in a more private educational setting.

“One of the library’s most popular services is the group study setup in our study rooms,” Bretall said. “The expansion will nearly double the number of study rooms we have available, which are always in heavy demand, especially during midterms and final exams.”

In fact, providing increased space for students to be able to meet and work together was a major focus in the design of the new facility, with collaborative work areas incorporated into nearly every area of the expansion.

“The impetus for that comes from our instructors increasingly asking students to

CURRENT LIBRARY RESOURCES 40

COMPUTER WORKSTATIONS

100

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GROUP STUDY ROOMS

15+

5,000

TLC SQUARE FOOTAGE

40,000

The south parking lot sans asphalt. More than 50,000 square feet of space will be added to the library facilities, including 10,000 square feet alone dedicated to computer and student workspaces.

work collaboratively. But it’s also a function of being part of a non-residential campus,” said Glapa-Grossklag. “We attract students from across the region, and if we are asking them to work together, we need to also provide access to spaces that are conducive to learning.”

Other highlights of the expansion will include a unique special collections space dedicated to the display of unique exhibitions and other historically significant items in the college’s possession, and a small children’s meeting area which is expected to attract younger students from the college’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) Center and other visiting schools and community organizations.

MUCH-NEEDED TLC LAB EXPANSION RESPONDING TO “THROUGH THE ROOF” DEMAND

However, the largest portion of the expansion will be the approximately 41,000-square-foot area reserved for the college’s Tutoring & Learning Center (TLC), which will move from its current 5,000-square-foot location in Bonelli Hall.

The college’s TLC offers tutoring in English, math, basic skills and many other subjects. These services are available to currently enrolled COC students on a walk-in basis, and at no additional cost.

Similar to the demand for library services, college officials have also seen a heavy increase in the number of students

utilizing the tutoring and basic skills services offered at the TLC. “Usage of the TLC has gone through the roof the last few years,” said GlapaGrossklag. “As a result of the statewide budget crisis, class seats have become more scarce. So students are doing everything they can to make sure they pass a class the first time around, and that includes using the TLC services.”

Increasing the demand for such services is the college’s commitment to offer basic skills math and English workshops, supplemental learning activities and tutoring services at the TLC. During the 2009-10 school year, the TLC provided approximately 85,000 hours of tutoring and supplemental learning services to students at the Valencia campus, with more than 11,000 additional service hours logged at the college’s Canyon Country campus.

However, during the 2010-11 school year those numbers jumped to nearly 91,500 and 15,700 service hours, respectively, representing an increase of more than 11 percent.

“During the fall and spring semesters we open at 8 a.m., and every day there is a line of students waiting to get in,” said Mary Brunty, one of the college’s TLC instructional lab technicians. “Some days there simply aren’t enough seats for everyone.”

Graduation!

The faces of

For the seventh straight year, more than 1,000 students graduated from College of the Canyons, of which more than 250 graduated with honors. The class average GPA of 3.08 was the highest in five years. Biological and Physical Science majors were the most prevalent graduates with 157, followed by Liberal Arts majors (126) and Accounting majors (124).

Two dozen veterans were among the graduating class, as well as 21 international students representing 15 different countries, including Belgium, Colombia, England, Japan, Korea, Nigeria and the Phillipines.

FUTURE LIBRARY RESOURCES

To help combat those seating and space issues, the new TLC location will feature a large group study area, surrounded by dozens of smaller, individual group study rooms. Inside each room will be a flat screen display monitor for students to view educational media on, as well as full video/audio capabilities for use in recording and reviewing, speeches and presentation projects.

Highlighting the new TLC area will be eight instructional lab areas, each fully equipped with touch screen whiteboards.

In addition, some of the new lab areas will include audio/visual “class capture” technology, which instructors can use to record lectures and class activities, and subsequently make those materials available to students online.

Additional soft seating space will also be provided inside the TLC, to encourage students to interact in a casual way, and help create an environment in which students will feel comfortable spending time in.

The $16 million library expansion project is being funded through a combination of state and Measure M funds, the $160 million general obligation bond that voters approved in November 2006.

The library expansion project is scheduled to conclude prior to the start of the fall 2012 semester.

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CULINARY

receive affordable, high-quality training in this highdemand field.

FROM PAGE 1

facilities — library, academic counseling, health office etc. — that students visiting campus take for granted.

The presence of a permanent iCuE facility would also allow culinary students the ability to enroll in other general education college courses needed to earn a certificate or degree, without the inconvenience of having to travel back and forth between Castaic and the college’s campuses in Valencia and Canyon Country.

“Having an on-campus culinary facility would make a significant difference in the lives of students who are trying to manage their time between the classroom and the kitchen,” said Cindy Schwanke, COC culinary arts instructor and lead iCuE faculty member.

“But perhaps more importantly,” added Schwanke, “it would provide students with a sense of security in knowing that they will be able to enter the culinary program and complete their certificate or degree without having to wonder where, and if, they will have a facility to work in the following semester.”

College of the Canyons has long played an integral role in the educational and economic development of the Santa Clarita Valley. Because of this stability, many of the valley’s businesses and industries have come to rely on the college to provide the skills and knowledge their employees need.

The culinary arts, restaurant and food industries are no different, but since the majority of culinary training is conducted by for-profit, proprietary schools and institutions — which charge much higher per-unit rates — the college’s Institute for Culinary Education (iCuE) is one of the few options available to students looking to

CULINARY INDUSTRY IN GROWTH MODE NOW, AND WILL CONTINUE FOR FORSEEABLE FUTURE

According to the National Restaurant Association, the number of jobs for chefs, cooks and food preparation workers has increased nine to 17 percent since 2004 and is projected to continue rising.

Statistics also show that the industry employed 12.7 million people in the United States in 2010 and ranked as one of the largest private sector employers in the United States.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Labor projects that food service management jobs are expected to grow by nearly five percent from 2008 to 2018.

The college’s culinary arts program currently offers programs designed to allow students to work toward a certificate of achievement in culinary arts, along with a certificate of specialization programs in baking and pastry, wine studies and hospitality wine service.

However, the presence of a permanent iCuE facility would allow the college’s culinary department to greatly expand its degree offerings, in accordance with the needs and trends of the food service industry.

In fact, college officials are already in the process of developing an associate in arts degree program for culinary students.

“In good times and in bad, food brings people together,” said Schwanke. “It’s exciting to know College of the Canyons will be a part of that.”

For more information and to learn how to get involved with the Culinary Arts Campaign, please visit www.CanyonsCulinaryArts.com

An artist’s rendering of the inside of the permanent iCuE facility. The culinary program has been serving in temporary facilities, but a permanent home will provide the means to respond to this growing field.

et cuts that will be handed down to the state’s community colleges in the coming months.

According to the state’s Legislative Analysts Office, the fee increase will generate approximately $110 million in additional revenue for the state’s general fund, despite placing an increased financial strain on community college students.

California’s most recent budget was created with assumption that an additional $4 billion in new revenue would be found in 2011-12. If only $2-$3 billion is found, this may result in an additional increase in fees, to $46 per unit.

Community college enrollment fees are determined by the state legislature.

Fees collected by the colleges are forwarded to the state and become part of the general fund, but this year, the dollars generated by the increase in fees will be returned directly to the community colleges, as a way to help mitigate the cuts that were directed at higher education throughout the state.

Similiar increases are also taking place in the California State and University of California systems. Both systems have seen multiple fee hikes, with attendance at CSU campuses in the Fall now estimated at nearly $5,500 per semester, and more than $12,000 per semester at UC campuses.

Prior to 1984, California community colleges charged no tuition fees to students. In 2000, tuition fees were just $11 per unit before rising to $18 per unit in 2003. The current enrollment fee of $26

OSHER

FAST TRACK

FROM PAGE 2

FROM PAGE 3

feels about College of the Canyons and the future success of our students,” said Murray Wood, chief development officer for the COC Foundation.

In all, the 107 California community colleges that participated in the Osher campaign combined to raise more than $26 million, with 31 colleges meeting or exceeding their original fundraising goals.

When those funds are combined with the Osher Foundation’s initial $25 million lead gift and the more than $13 million donated in gift-matched contributions, a total of $66.5 million will have been raised — enough to fund at least 3,325 scholarships every year, forever!

At COC, more than 1,000 students applied for scholarship assistance in 2011.

While approximately 450 of those students were eligible for such aid, funds were only available for 118 awards, or about 26 percent of all eligible applicants.

For more information or to donate visit www.canyons.edu/foundation.

“Just a few weeks before the class was wrapping up one of the participating staffing agencies called us and commented that they were having difficulty finding qualified CNC machinists in the area,” Klocko said. “So companies were very excited to have the opportunity to interview our students.”

Afterwards, several Fast Track participants were officially offered positions or invited back for second interviews. Those who did not immediately receive a job offer have since been referred back to the staffing agencies, with those students expected to be quickly placed in a CNC related position.

“This program was specifically focused on CNC machining,” said Bellas.

“But the skill set that students will come away through this training with is broad enough for them to land a number of different entry level positions.”

In response to the tremendous success of its first CNC course, the Fast Track Institute will offer a second seven-week,

FEE FROM PAGE 1

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Tournament Player Club’s Head Chef Daniel Otto demonstrates the finer points of slicing peppers to community member Jeannie Atkins during the College of the Canyons Foundation’s VIP luncheon, which took place August 8. Nearly 100 members of the community attended the luncheon, which also included a sneak-peak look at the plans for the new College of the Canyons Culinary Arts building.

A comparison of costs between a culinary education at a community college, versus private institutions. Attending the program at College of the Canyons can save tens of thousands of dollars in tuition fees.

per unit was established before the start of the fall 2009 semester. That increase represented a 30 percent rise from the previous fee of $20 per unit, which went into effect in January 2007.

“I think the unfortunate thing is that the state has never come up Students wait to enter the college’s Financial Aid office. with a predictable fee increase formula to those receiving financial aid shouldn't be prevent such large increases from taking negatively affected by the change. place at one time,” said Michele Jenkins, Students receiving a Board of Governors president of the college’s Board of Fee Waiver — which covers enrollment Trustees. “An instant $10 per unit fee fees for eligible students — will not be increase will be hard on our students, and impacted by the increase. Students should is a poor way for the state to handle this check with the college’s financial aid office about their individual award status. issue.”

The Fall 2011 semester will begin While the fee increase may present financial challenges to some students, Monday, Aug. 22.

JDIF-funded program beginning in September.

Additional CNC machinist courses are also being planned for both out-of-work individuals and incumbent employees referred to the Fast Track Institute by their employers.

Other Fast Track programs being developed for fall 2011 include: Commercial Photography, Nursing, AutoCAD, Precision Assembly for Biomedical and Aerospace Manufacturing, and a number of professional certification courses in Project Management, Operations Management and Six Sigma.

Fast Track tuition and program fees vary according to each program’s current grant eligibility status. However, grant funding for the CNC Machinist program is scheduled to continue through June 2012.

For more information about the College of the Canyons Fast Track Institute and the fall 2011 program lineup, or to be placed on an “Interested” list, please contact Sheryn Monheim at (661) 362-3521.

ATEC FROM PAGE 4

Students who complete the program will also be eligible to sit for the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) exams in the areas of entry-level solar thermal and/or entry-level photovoltaics.

College officials are currently in the process of developing additional solar technology and energy program options in the areas of photovoltaic sales/customer service, weatherization and energy efficient technology, energy code compliance and energy auditing.

Once these program options are developed, students who first complete the introductory course prerequisite, Introduction to Energy Technology, will be eligible to enroll in the solar or general energy technology certificate program option of their choice.

Students interested in learning more about the College of the Canyons solar technology program or the lineup of alternative energy courses can visit www.canyons.edu/solar.

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STUDENT ART COLLECTION GETS A PERMANENT HOME he College of the Canyons Art Gallery recently hosted its “16th Annual COC Student Exhibition” to close out the spring 2011 semester and also begin collecting works for a permanent Student Art Collection to be displayed in the gallery.

“This is an exciting year for the Art Gallery as we begin to build our permanent student art collection,” said gallery director Larry Hurst. “Students were eager to participate in this project, so we received some very high-quality pieces to choose from.”

The creation of a permanent Student Art Collection has been a long-time goal for Chancellor Dianne G. Van Hook, who asked the campus for innovative ideas to address the issue through the college’s LEAP leadership project. The end result was a solution that aims at both collecting the works, while also providing an opportunity for students to compete on a professional level, while stressing the importance of presentation, professionalism and the development of the interactive skills required to become a successful artist.

The existence of the Student Art Collection is also expected to aesthetically enhance the many college facilities work will be displayed in and help develop a greater sense of connection to the college amongst current and former students.

To be considered for inclusion in the COC Student Art Collection students must submit their work for competition in the annual “Student Exhibition.” Each year, four submissions from that exhibition will be selected for inclusion in the college’s permanent art collection, to be displayed at various locations on the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses.

Selected from the 2010-11 year were works created by students Paul Candelaria, Eduardo Martinez and Amanda Phillips and Lisa Jane Turner.

The College of the Canyons Art Gallery is open 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Monday through Thursday. Visitors unable to visit the gallery during these hours are welcome to call (661) 362-3612 to make a viewing appointment. All gallery exhibitions and related events are free and open to the public.

For more information regarding the COC Art Gallery or any of the upcoming exhibitions please visit the art gallery website at www.canyons.edu/artgallery.

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“Fatalism”

by Zachary Hill, acrylic and spray paint

“Iron Beast”

by Kevin Morey, chicken wire

“Lucid Volcano”

by Matt Harrington, spray paint and ink

“Treasure Island”

by Angela Lara, mixed media

KENNY LOGGINS KICKS OFF 2011-12 PAC SEASON F Momix: Botanica

Kenny Loggins

P Night VI ith g n i n e w Op d-Greet Meet-any Loggins!

Kenn -3737 -362 Call r6c6h1ase tickets! to pu

Ozomatli

or the second time in as many years, a Grammy Award-winning artist will perform on Opening Night at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, as legendary singer and songwriter Kenny Loggins headlines the start of the new 2011-12 season beginning Friday, Sept. 16.

Kenny Loggins has enjoyed incredible success over the past four decades, having continually been celebrated from his work as: an accomplished singer and songwriter; guitar player; one half of a legendary country-rock duo; a massively successful solo artist; a pioneer of the smooth jazz genre; a reigning soundtrack superstar; and an amazing live performer who has made an impact with music fans of all generations.

With 12 platinum albums, and four decades worth of chart-topping hits — including “I’m Alright,” “This Is It,” “Danny’s Song” and “What a Fool Believes” — Loggins will now bring his dynamic sound to the PAC main stage.

An opening night meet and greet will take place prior to the concert for an additional fee. All proceeds from this event will go to the College of the Canyons K-12 Arts Education Program.

Other acts and artists highlighting the 2011-12 PAC season include: Grammy Award-winning vocalist Dionne Warwick, comedian and Saturday Night Live alum Martin Short, Travel Channel’s “No Reservations” host Anthony Bourdain, legendary pianist Roger Williams, Ozomatli, Second City,

Momix “Botanicum,” Tao: The Art of the Drum, “101 Years of Broadway,” “Charlotte’s Web,” “The Mask Messenger” and Rennie Harris: RHAW. “There are so many great artists that will be part of the upcoming COC Presents season,” said Adam Philipson, PAC managing director. “Of course, we are all thrilled about Kenny Loggins and our other talented headliners, but what’s most exciting about this season is the fact that almost every performance will include additional opportunities for students and community members to connect with visiting artists and acts.

“From special receptions to intimate jam sessions, and student bus-in events to master classes, patrons of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center will have a variety of unique opportunities to experience the season,” added Philipson.

The 2011-12 PAC schedule will offer shows spread across six series selections: Chancellor’s Choice, Great Performances, In Motion, Almost Free Family Series and the all new Sounds of Latin America series and SCV World Music Concert Series.

As in years past, the PAC will also host a number of College of the Canyons theatre, music and dance department productions, as well as community group performances.

PAC series subscriptions are on sale now while individual tickets for Kenny Loggins, Dionne Warwick, Martin Short, Ozomatli and all other performances will go on sale 9 a.m., Saturday, July 16.

Tickets can be purchased online, over the phone, or in person at the PAC box office. It’s recommended that patrons plan to purchase their tickets early for Kenny Loggins, as Opening Night at the PAC sells out fast!

For more information about the PAC 2011-12 season or to purchase tickets please visit www.canyonsPAC.com or call the PAC box office at (661) 3625304.

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COC Student-Athletes Finding Success in “The Zone” andy Horton considered himself an average student before joining College of the Canyons in 2009. He left Simi Valley High School with a 2.9 grade point average, but as part of the Cougar football team, it was mandatory for him to maintain certain academic standards in order to participate in an athletic team. Horton began spending time in The Zone, a tutoring lab created especially for COC student-athletes – and it didn’t take long before he started to shine in the classroom, as well as on the field.

Though only required to spend three hours a week there, Horton quickly found a haven where he found the academic assistance he needed. He also found himself spending two or even three times the mandatory time commitment in The Zone.

“The things I learned in the Zone as a freshman, compared to where I was in high school, were leaps and bounds ahead,” Horton said.

Horton graduated this past spring with a 3.5 GPA and earned a full scholarship to play football at the University of Nevada, Reno where he will study civil engineering.

Horton is just one of the many College of the Canyons student-athletes who have benefitted from the services of The Zone. Much of the success of the lab can be attributed to the caring and dedicated staff and innovative programs that focus on the needs of a special population.

Opened at the start of the fall 2008 semester, The Zone is a 1,200-square-foot facility in Hasley Hall that has a staff of academic advisors and tutors, including Lisa Helfrich, who is the Zone supervisor and spearheads the day-to-day operation of the tutoring lab. The room is also home to 16 desktop computers with a wide variety of programs a student might need, a printer, workstations and a lending library stocked with more than 350 textbooks in more than 35 disciplines.

“Student-athletes have a tough schedule and most people don’t realize what they go through,” Helfrich said.

“They have 30 to 35 hours a week of just sports – meetings, practices, lifting and games. It is like a full-time job. Then they have a full class load. Having The Zone close to them and designed around their needs allows them to get the services they need quickly.”

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THE ZONE’S SENSE OF COMMUNITY HELPS STUDENT ATHELTES SUCCEED WHILE ENCOURAGING EACH OTHER

The Zone, which is centrally located to the athletic facilities, has helped nearly 300 student-athletes over its threeyear history. It also provides a sense of community for student-athletes who can look to each other for support, guidance and encouragement.

“We want them to know that we want to see them succeed,” Helfrich said. “When they come to an academic institution, they need a community and The Zone facilitates that community.”

Along with creating a learning environment where student-athletes can find the help they need to be successful students, Helfrich also preaches a proactive approach to the 20 tutors she supervises to provide trusting relationships between students and educators.

The Zone has now become a valuable tool for academic success with current student-athletes. Coaches, faculty and staff at the college have provided a place where student-athletes can receive the skills they need to help them reach athletic and academic excellence – skills that will help them make the transition to four-year universities.

Student-athletes have found a new home to relax, refresh and study in “The Zone.” In the three years since its opening, nearly 300 students have passed through the doors and received assistance from “The Zone’s” dedicated staff. With computer workstations, a printer and a lending library, Cougar athletes have found new success in their pursuit towards transitioning to four-year schools.

“The things I learned in The Zone as a freshman – compared to where I was in high school – were leaps and bounds ahead.”

- Former COC football player Randy Horton, who received a full scholarship to the University of Nevada, Reno

Former Cougar second basebman Brian Hernandez was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels in the 27th round of the 2011 MLB Draft.

wo members of the 2011 College of the Canyons baseball team and one former Cougar were called in the three-day 2011 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft earlier this week. Shortstop Juan Perez was picked up by the Cincinnati Reds as the 805th pick in the 26th round, pitcher David Haerle was taken as the 1180th player in the 39th round by the Houston Astros and former COC third baseman Brian Hernandez was tabbed the 825th pick of the draft in the 27th round by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.

Perez was the Cougars’ most productive player on the 2011 squad, leading the team in most statistical categories. The sophomore was second in the Western State Conference, South Division, with a .400 batting average and 54 hits, and was named the confer- Cougar starting pitcher David Haerle ence player of the year. was drafted by the Houston Astros in the Haerle made 14 appearances for the Cougars in 2011. The right- 39th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. handed freshman had a 7.94 ERA in 11.1 innings of work. He gave up 16 hits, 12 runs (10 earned runs), 14 walks and struck out six.

Hernandez played second base for COC in 2008 before transferring to the University of California, Irvine, to play with former COC baseball coach Mike Gillespie. As a Cougar in 2008, Hernandez, was named a Southern California All-America after collecting first-team all-conference and Western State Conference Player of the Year accolades. Hernandez broke team records in hits (84) and doubles (26) and also led the state in the respective categories. Hernandez hit for a stunning .454 average on the year and drove in 56 RBIs to lead the team to a 30-13 (23-5) record and its first conference championship since 2004.

COC’s three baseball players were part of the 78 current and former California community college baseball players who were drafted in this year’s draft.

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Cougar shortstop Juan Perez was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 26th round of the 2011 MLB Draft.