BREAKING NEWS

SUMMER SESSION ALERT: Open registration begins May 14. Classes start June 6, 11 and 18. Find your classes at www.canyons.edu.

SPRING 2012

MORE DEGREE CHOICES

REPORT TO COMMUNITY

University Center adds new programs.

PAGE 2

Measure M delivers results.

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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

SOUVENIR PROGRAM INSIDE Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Odds – a world record-breaking drum circle event – is coming to Cougar Stadium on Friday, May 18. Join 7,600 sixth- and seventh-graders from across the Santa Clarita Valley, as well as Mickey Hart of The Grateful Dead, John Densmore of The Doors, and Remo Belli, founder of REMO Inc., for this historic event.

SERVING THE SANTA CL ARITA VALLE Y SINCE 1969

Summer Session Grows • College Commits to Largest Number of Summer Classes in Four Years

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s one of the few community colleges in the region offering a summer session, College of the Canyons has made some scheduling and budgeting decisions that will allow it to significantly increase the number of educational opportunities for students this summer.

When summer session open registration begins in May, students will have approximately 480 highdemand “core” class sections from which to choose, representing a

wide range of courses that students need to graduate, transfer to fouryear schools or meet prerequisites.

The augmented 2012 summer schedule marks a roughly 60 percent increase in classes from last summer, and it’s the largest summer session to be offered at College of the Canyons since 2008.

“By making the decision to increase our summer schedule, the college will be able to provide classroom seats for about 16,000 students,” said Joseph Gerda, assis-

tant superintendent/vice president of instruction. “All summer courses have also been selected based on their high demand, which allows students to register for the classes they need to achieve their educational goals.”

College officials have funded the enhanced summer session by using money remaining from the current fiscal year’s budget, as well as funds earmarked for the upcoming 2012-13 budget.

See SUMMER on Page 7

Early Childhood Center Turns 30 H

aving served nearly 4,000 children and countless satisfied parents since first opening its doors in 1982, this spring the College of the Canyons Center for Early Childhood Education (ECE) celebrated its 30th anniversary by reflecting on its long and storied history.

“As one of the Santa Clarita Valley’s longest lasting educational institutions, the college’s Center for ECE has had a profound impact, not just on the lives of children who attended the Center as preschoolers, but in the way that Early Childhood Education programs mentor staff for ECE programs throughout the community,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “We look forward to building on our three decades of leadership and continuing to serve the community and provide the best child care and training opportunities available.”

Today, the college’s two ECE centers serve approximately 194 preschool students on two campuses. When the original center opened in 1982 the college’s ECE services were confined to a morning preschool program that served just 45 students and was housed in three classrooms located in what is now the main administration building at the Valencia campus.

Then known as the Child Development Center, the services provided quickly gained popularity with local families and ECE college students

Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook (top, right) addresses the crowd at the 30th anniversary reunion of the Early Childhood Education Center on April 28. A young visitor (right) helps himself to a fruity sample, and (far right) Diane Stewart, dean of early childhood education programs, poses with Dr. Van Hook at the event.

College a Favored Filming Location

See ANNIVERSARY on Page 7

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

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ven if you’ve never actually visited the College of the Canyons Valencia campus, chances are you’ve probably still seen it – on TV and the silver screen.

Averaging more than 70 filming days a year, the college’s Valencia campus has become an extremely popular filming location within the film and television industry’s famed “30-mile zone.”

Multiple film crews use the campus weekly to shoot a variety of TV shows, feature films and commercials that are broadcast to viewers across the nation and around the world.

Over the last several months, the college has served as the scene of a Kansas City courtroom, CIA office, a Team USA gymnastics training center, and even a Navy SEAL landing zone.

See FILMING on Page 2

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

ECRWSS

Postal Customer

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CO 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 P R I N G 2 0 1 2

College Named to Water Technology Consortium

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ollege of the Canyons has been named to a consortium of seven California community colleges that will work together to create and share new water technology curriculum in order to provide students across the state with better access to job training for careers in the water and wastewater industries.

The partnership, headed by Cuyamaca College, is the result of a roughly $535,000 state grant from the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office, which will allow the consortium to immediately begin developing, and sharing, new curriculum with other community colleges looking to start or upgrade their water technology programs.

As one of only a handful of community colleges in the state to offer a water technology degree/certificate program, COC joins College of the Redwoods, Santa Rosa Junior College, Gavilan College, Santiago Canyon College and Taft College in the consortium.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of water and wastewater treatment plant and system operators is expected to grow by 12 percent between the years 2010 and 2020, as the nation’s growing population is expected to boost demand for water and wastewater treatment services.

The construction of new water plants to help meet this demand, coupled with the amount of current operators quickly approaching retirement age, is expected to create a continuous need for quailed water technicians to fill new positions.

“Water technology is one of those potential career fields that people just don’t think about,” said Regina Blasberg, chair of the engineering technology department. “But as baby boomers begin to retire, many of the state’s water agencies are facing the potential loss of 20 to 60 percent of their current staff in the next five to 10 years. So employment opportunities should remain high.”

For students and working industry professionals looking for a way to break into the industry, the Water Systems Technology (WST) program at College of the Canyons is the perfect place to start.

Housed at the college’s Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) located on the Canyon Country campus, the program is designed to prepare students for careers in the fields of drinking water treatment and distribution processes.

Students who complete the college’s WST program are often employed as water distribution operators, treatment plant operators, service representatives, wastewater collection workers and/or wastewater treatment operators. Both types of operators control equipment and processes that remove or destroy harmful materials, chemicals and microorganisms from the water. Operators also control pumps, valves and other equipment that moves water and/or wastewater through the various treatment processes.

Another key component of the WST program is to provide instruction for water personnel interested in career advancement through continuing education and certification renewal opportunities.

Coursework is also designed to prepare students for various certification examinations given by the California Department of Health Services in order to certify water treatment and water distribution operators.

This summer, the college will offer the three-unit course Water 041: Water Distribution Operator II, from 6 to 9 p.m.

Monday and Wednesday, June 11 to Aug. 1, at the Canyon Country campus. The course will present intermediate to advanced principles of water distribution, and is geared toward individuals looking to prepare for California’s Grade III & IV Water Distribution Operator’s Certificate examination.

For more information, call Blasberg at (661) 362-5096 or visit canyons.edu.

University Center Adds Bachelor’s, Master’s Programs

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ith the recent arrival of five new degree programs at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, there are now more ways than ever for residents to earn their bachelor’s degree, master’s degree or professional credentials – without leaving the Santa Clarita Valley.

The University Center currently hosts 38 programs offered by partner universities: California State University (CSU) Bakersfield, CSU Northridge, CSU Los Angeles, University of La Verne, Brandman University (formerly Chapman University) and National University.

Cited as the college’s solution to the lack of upper division, graduate school and continuing educations programs in the Santa Clarita Valley, the University Center was created with a goal to increase student access to advanced degrees by forging partnerships with surrounding four-year colleges and universities – which then make their academic programs available to students through courses offered at College of the Canyons.

Available at the University Center for the first time are: • MS Criminal Justice (National University) • Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate (National) • BA Sports Psychology (National) • MS School Psychology (University of La Verne) • BS Engineering, emphasis Manufacturing (CSULA) The National University master of criminal justice will provide an overview of the required management and administration skills needed to thrive in the fields of criminal justice administration, research and development.

The institution’s applied behavior analysis (ABA) certificate program will prepare students to apply various methods of behavior analysis to present data and information related to the successful modification of patient behaviors.

The National University sports psychology program has been designed for students preparing for careers in professional coaching, and includes in-depth focus on the application of psychological principles to the field of athletics.

“We feel that all of the new programs being introduced

by National University in 2012 will be of tremendous interest to local students,” said Cathy Ritz, interim director of the University Center.

“The master of criminal justice program, in particular, is ideal for students seeking high-level careers in law enforcement at either the local, state or federal level,” added Ritz, “while the sports psychology program could have a wide range of applications for students and community members interested in coaching and/or working with athletes.”

New from University of La Verne is the school psychology master’s degree program, which offers training in the principles of counseling and psychology.

Rounding out the list of new programs is the bachelor’s degree in engineering with an emphasis in manufacturing technology offered by CSULA. For more information, visit cocuniversitycenter.com.

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

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

A film crew shoots a scene outside the Student Center (above), while actor Mark Harmon (right) signs an autograph for a fan during the recent filming of “NCIS” on campus.

FILMING FROM PAGE 1 In years past, campus locations have also depicted FBI headquarters, a White House press room, corporate office buildings, crime scenes, airport terminals, hotels, college dormitories, and various high schools and college campuses located in different regions of the country.

In fact, it’s not uncommon for multiple productions to be set up on campus on the same day, as was the case this April when college officials had three productions occupying different corners of the campus.

Featuring 154 acres, a wide range of buildings with varying architecture, state-of-the-art athletic facilities including Cougar Stadium, well-maintained grounds, and an inviting location and climate, the Valencia campus provides an authentic cinematic backdrop for nearly any type of scene.

With major television productions like “CSI,” “Switched at Birth” and “NCIS: Los Angeles” frequently filming at the college, the presence of actors, directors and cameramen roaming about has become routine for staff and students alike.

In the process, the college has built a reputation within studio circles as being an extremely filmingfriendly campus, making on-campus filming a major part of the business at College of the Canyons.

“While we make a concerted effort to attract and accommodate film and television productions to the campus, we do not do so just because it’s fun for our students and staff to walk through a live set on their way to class,” College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “We do so because we value the economic benefits that filming brings to our campus and the community.”

In 2011 alone, the City of Santa Clarita issued 359 film permits, which created 901 filming days at locations throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. Film crews shooting at College of the Canyons accounted for roughly 8 percent of that total.

The location fees those productions pay are a helpful source of revenue to the college, which helps to fund campus operations and provide the community with the very best in educational opportunities, workforce training and lifelong learning programs – especially in a time when the state continues to hit community colleges with deep budget cuts.

The film-friendly attitude of College of the Canyons, the City of Santa Clarita and the various businesses, organizations and community members that have

embraced the industry’s presence here, helped to generate an estimated economic impact of nearly $20 million in 2012.

With visiting production crews routinely purchasing food, gasoline, lumber, building materials and much more while shooting in the Santa Clarita Valley, a wide range of local businesses have been able to see their sales increase, while the sales tax revenue generated from such spending allows the city to provide programs and services that benefit the entire community.

In addition, it’s estimated that of the roughly 140,000 well-paying jobs the Southern California film industry supports, nearly 7,000 of those positions are filled by local residents. By working to help attract film productions to shoot in the Santa Clarita Valley, the college is supporting an industry that is essential to the economic vitality of the community.

To help accommodate the large number of production crews looking to film on campus, Robin Williams, the college’s civic center director, and his staff are always on hand to work with location managers to handle scheduling conflicts, solve parking issues, allow the use of college utilities, and recommend other potential shooting locations within the community.

It’s because of the college’s hands-on approach to working with the film community that nearly 80 percent of the productions that shoot at College of the Canyons return as repeat customers.

“We send a lot of shows to College of the Canyons, and every show we’ve ever sent there comes back. And that’s because of Robin Williams and his staff,” said Mike DeLorenzo, president of Santa Clarita Studios “Everyone thanks me for sending them to COC.”

RO C K T H E R H Y T H M , B E AT T H E O D D S • M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 2

n Friday May 18, Cougar Stadium and the College of the Canyons Valencia campus will be the site of a world record-breaking drum circle event, the likes of which the Santa Clarita Valley has never seen, as the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program hosts the culminating event of its yearlong hybrid music education program — Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Odds.

Community members are invited to come be a part of history, as nearly 7,600 sixth- and seventh-graders from all five of the Santa Clarita Valley’s school districts and nearly 4,000 local residents descend on Cougar Stadium in one historic effort to break a world record.

With the participation of legendary musicians Mickey Hart (The Grateful Dead), John Densmore (The Doors) and Remo Belli, founder of REMO Inc., this event has been designed to both entertain and raise awareness of the value of arts education as a vital component in the development of ‘The Whole Child.’

In addition, it’s hoped that this effort will cast a national spotlight on the Santa Clarita Valley, celebrate the unique educational partnerships that have allowed the PAC’s K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program to thrive and show what can happen when a community comes together to make a difference in the lives of students.

What is Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Odds?

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ock the Rhythm, Beat the Odds is being produced by the PAC K12 Arts Education Outreach Program, with generous support from Remo Inc. and several other local businesses, organizations, City of Santa Clarita and community members.

From the event’s beginnings as a casual conversation with Rita Garasi, longtime friend of the college and chair of the PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach advisory committee, to an historic communitywide event attended by residents of all ages, Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Odds reflects the evolution of Santa Clarita’s response to a growing need for prioritizing arts education in its schools, and the critical importance of an entire community’s participa-

tion and conversation in that mission.

As part of the project, every sixth- and seventh-grader in the Santa Clarita Valley has received percussion-based music and rhythm instruction, designed to maximize each student’s creative expression, build social and emotional skills and emphasize the process of learning over performance.

Over the last year, preparation for the May 18 program has included hands-on music lessons, and even a surprise visit to a local classroom by legendary rock ‘n’ roll drummer Mickey Hart and Remo Belli, founder of locally run REMO Inc., whose company has provided instruments and other forms of logistical support throughout the entire process.

Above: Students involved in a drumming lesson and a surprise visit from legendary rock ‘n’ roll drummer Mickey Hart (left).

PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program

Students visit the College of the Canyons Art Gallery (below).

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aunched in 2008, the PAC K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program continues to provide incredible opportunities for the youth of the Santa Clarita Valley through valuable partnerships with major arts organizations in California and across the nation.

The program uses the college’s cultural and community resources to expose Santa Clarita’s student population to top-tier, visual and performing arts standard-based arts activities and integrated performing arts learning opportunities.

Through school assemblies, bus-in programs, classroom visits and family performances, students can enjoy performances that meet or exceed the state of California’s Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) standards.

In addition, the Santa Clarita Valley K-12 Arts Education Consortium — a partnership that developed as a result of the Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education program — launched its professional development program for K-12 educators in 2010.

Educators who participate in the program are provided tools and techniques to integrate the arts into their classrooms, while addressing curriculum requirements and working to develop concrete and measurable ways to enhance current levels of arts education.

The Outreach Program has at its core a collaborative approach, partnering with teachers and administrators in school districts and community-based organizations throughout the area to develop an enhanced arts education curriculum and a variety of unique educational opportunities for all students.

The Benefits of Arts in Education • Has a tremendous impact on the developmental growth of every child.

• Strengthens problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, adding to overall academic achievement and school success.

• Teaches children life skills such as developing an informed perception, articulating a vision, learning to solve problems and make decisions, building self-confidence and self-discipline. According to the National School Boards Association and Americans for the Arts, young people who consistently participate in comprehensive, sequential and rigorous arts programs are: – Four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.

– Three times more likely to be elected to class office within their schools.

– Four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair.

– Three times more likely to win an award for school attendance.

– Four times more likely to win an award for writing an essay or poem.

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riginally launched through the organization UCLArts and Healing, Beat the Odds is a drum circle-based activity that seeks to maximize creative expression while building social and emotional skills and emphasizing the process of learning over performance.

Beat the Odds integrates activities from contemporary drum circles and group counseling to teach skills in focusing and listening, team building, positive risk taking, self-esteem, awareness of others, leadership, expressing feelings, managing anger/stress, empathy and gratitude.

Developed with the combined expertise of a licensed clinical social worker, a

drum circle facilitator and a public health educator, the Beat the Odds product is altogether clinically sound, rhythmically engaging and sustainable.

The program can be implemented one classroom at a time, and is designed for delivery by persons with no musical experience. Most importantly, Beat the Odds is inclusive, culturally relevant and does not bear the stigma of therapy.

UCLA researchers have shown that Beat the Odds can significantly improve a spectrum of behavior problems in children, including inattention, withdrawn/depression, posttraumatic stress, anxiety, attention deficit/hyperactivity, oppositional defiance, and sluggish cognitive tempo.

RO C K T H E R H Y T H M , B E AT T H E O D D S • M AY 1 8 , 2 0 1 2

About REMO, Inc. A

Santa Clarita-based company, REMO Inc., has been the world’s drumhead specialist for more than 50 years. The company’s wide variety of drumheads fit every drumming application and have been used by almost every major drummer in the world.

Founder Remo Belli is a member of the PAC K-12 Arts Education Advisory Committee and is dedicated to promoting the benefits of arts and music education and music in local schools.

The REMO Recreational Music Center in North Hollywood is dedicated to providing an atmosphere where people from all walks of life, of all ages, with or without a musical background, can experience making music with others in a wel-

coming, friendly, non-challenging environment — solely to experience the benefit and joys of making music.

Belli, along with Remo President Brock Kaericher, and the entire Remo staff have all been pivotal in helping to bring the Rock the Rhythm, Beat the Odds initiative to life.

In addition to playing a key role in implementing the initial stage the hybrid music education program that is at the center of this event, the company has also produced more than 11,000 commemorative sound shapes (hand-held percussive instruments) that will be passed out at Cougar Stadium on the day of the event and used to break the current drum circle record of 10,180.

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS: A Gateway to Opportunity

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or more than 40 years, College of the Canyons has served as a gateway to higher education, professional training and by extension, opportunity for the Santa Clarita Valley.

During that time a significant amount of change and progress have occurred throughout the Santa Clarita Valley, but it has been this community’s unwavering support of the college that has continued to propel the institution forward.

Since its opening the college has cultivated an unequalled reputation for providing access to higher education, unparalleled students services and a passionate pursuit of excellence.

That commitment is a tradition reflected by the innovative, results orientated leadership of College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne. G. Van Hook.

Respected by our colleagues, appreciated by our partners, supported by our students and community members and energized and fueled by our dedicated faculty and staff, College of the Canyons has created a foundation of excellence that will be further built upon, as the institution continues to uphold the ideals of education while contributing to the development of our vibrant, thriving community for generations to come.

If you’re planning on coming to the event: Is this really a going to be a world record?

Will food and drinks be available for purchase?

Yes, this is a genuine try for a world record in the Guinness Book of World Records, for Largest Drum Circle.” The previous record of 9,000 was set in China in 2007.

Our concession stand will be open, with a limited selection of snacks and beverages.

Am I going to be part of the world record?

Yes. Everyone in attendance will be counted for the formal World Record entry and each person will be given a free sound shape signifying his or her participation.

How many people do you think will be there that day?

In order to break the record, and set a new one, we will need at least 10,100 participants and we anticipate having at least that many, including our 7,200 kids.

Are any celebrities coming?

Yes, there will be celebrities and government officials attending the event.

Mickey Hart, drummer for the Grateful Dead, will be directing the event, and John Densmore, drummer for The Doors will be in attendance as well. We also expect some surprise guest drummers.

What time does it start?

Where would I park?

Can I bring my own food or drink into the stadium?

The gates to Cougar Stadium will open to the public at 10am. There will be entertainment/activities on the field from 10-11:00am. The event officially starts at 11:00am and the actual record-breaking part of the event begins at 11:30am.

Yes, but please do not bring glass or alcoholic beverages.

Do I need to buy a ticket?

Although we are specifically reserving parking lots 7 and 8 for public parking, areas near the stadium will be impacted as the 7,200 students are bussed to the location.

Lots 4, 5 (limited) and 14 will be available; please remember to observe all college signs. No parking in staff spaces or handicap access spaces unless you have an appropriate placard. You also might consider parking at Westfield and carpooling or taking advantage of public transportation, which has many routes to COC.

What organizations are arranging this?

The event is being produced by the College of the Canyons, its K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center, The City of Santa Clarita, UCLA Arts and Healing, all five Santa Clarita Valley school districts with the generous sponsorship of REMO Inc.

No. The Rock the Rhythm event is free to the public, on a first-come first-served event. However, reserved seating can be arranged through ticket purchase. Proceeds to benefit the PAC K12 Arts Education Outreach program. www.canyons.edu/Offices/PIO/ CanyonsPAC/rrbo.html

Do you have a group sale price?

Yes. If you are part of a group of 10 to 24 people, you can receive a 10% discount off the price for reserved seating. Medium groups of 25 to 49 people can receive a 15% discount. Large groups of 50 or more people can receive a 20% discount. If you have a group of 50+ please contact the box office at 661-362-5304.

Where do I enter the parking lot?

If you are parking in lots 7 and 8 (closest to the field) please use the Stadium Way entrance off of Valencia Blvd. Please pay careful attention to those lots marked for Staff.

Where do I enter Cougar stadium?

The gate is located at the Northeast corner of the campus, south of Valencia Blvd. and west of Rockwell Canyon. www.canyons.edu/maps

A Huge “THANKS” to Everyone who came together to make this event possible!

Remo, Inc. • City of Santa Clarita The Santa Clarita Community College District PAC K12 Arts Education Outreach Program Belli Foundation • "Beat the Odds" This wouldn't have happened without the assistance from these amazing school districts, including their administrators, teachers, support staff, parents – and of course all the kids!

Castaic Union School District • Newhall School District Saugus Union School District • Sulphur Springs School District William S. Hart Union High School District So many groups have stepped up to support and assist and we thank you all!

James Irvine Foundation • Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Santa Clarita Studios • The Found Penny Foundation William S. Hart District Department of Transportation Andy Gump • Archie and Associates • Bobby Sherman Foundation • David Schutz • Goodman Audio iPressroom • KHTS -1220 • LA County Supervisor Antonovich • Laureen Carter • MegaWorld Media PAC K12 Arts Education Outreach Advisory Committee • PAC Usher Volunteers The Remo Inc. Rock the Rhythm Facilitators • The Signal • SCVTV • Taiko Center of Los Angeles Valencia Production Partners • William S. Hart District ROTC

Advantage • Arrowhead • California Pizza Kitchen • Chik-fil-A • Chili’s • Chronic Cantina • Coldstones • Costco Douglas Furniture • Elephant Bar • Fast Signs • ISSI at COC • Lazy Dog • New Moon Restaurant • Pavilions • Pepsi Ralphs • Salt Creek Grille • Sam’s Club • Sprouts • Starbucks • Tea Gardens • Trader Joes • Vons • Western Bagel • Wolf Creek

And a monster thanks to COC's dedicated employees – both past and present! – who gave extra time and energy to make this event such a success!

Check out our website at www.rocktherhythm.org for even MORE thank you's!

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

7

Canyon Country Campus Prepares for Fifth Anniversary

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he Canyon Country campus is ramping up for a busy summer session and fall semester, highlighted by a celebration to commemorate the five-year anniversary of the campus.

In the early morning hours of Aug. 27, 2007, a sizeable group of College of the Canyons board members, administrators, instructors and staff members gathered outside a collection of newly installed modular buildings, strategically arranged on a 70-acre plot of land.

As the first students of the semester made their way onto campus, the college team was there to greet them and make sure they found their classrooms.

At that moment, COC officially became a college on two campuses, but with one mission: to increase access to education for students of all ages.

The year prior to its opening, longtime college administrator Dena Maloney was named founding dean of the yet-to-be-built Canyon Country campus and tasked with helping the college transition to multi-campus status.

Since its opening five summers ago, the Canyon Country campus has enjoyed continued growth and development. Despite early projections that the campus would attract 1,500 to 2,000 students its first semester, more than 3,000 students were served in fall 2007 alone.

Those early numbers were only a preview of things to come. During the 2010-11 academic year, the Canyon Country campus served more than 10,000 students, with 68 percent of the college’s 2011 graduating class having taken at least one class at the newest campus.

“I’m extremely pleased that the Canyon Country campus has become part of the path students are taking to achieve their goals and realize their dream,” said Maloney, who was recently named superintendent-president of Taft College and the West Kern Community College District after nearly 20 years of service at College of the Canyons (see accompanying story).

Significant additions to the Canyon Country campus during the last five years include the 2007 construction of the Carl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater and the 2,150square-foot Canyon Country Center for Early Childhood Education.

In August, the first permanent building – the eager-

ly anticipated Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) – opened. Designed to give students a new selection of hands-on learning and training opportunities, its 10,000 square feet of workshop and laboratory space allowed the college to immediately expand Career Technical Education training.

The next major step will be construction of more permanent buildings. To help guide the campus through the next five years and beyond, college officials have begun to implement a transition plan.

Ryan Theule, former assistant dean of student services at the campus, will fill the position of acting dean, assuming many of Maloney’s duties. Denee Pescarmona, interim dean of humanities, will assume the role of acting associate dean, instruction programs.

And, Diane Fiero, assistant superintendent/vice president of human resources, will be on site to provide district-level coordination.

“The restructuring of the former assistant dean, student services position will allow for added support for additional instructional programs that are both ongoing and in the development phase for the Canyon Country campus,” said College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook. “I feel confident with this new structure in place that the Canyon Country campus will continue to grow and flourish with exceptional leadership at the helm.”

This fall, the Canyon Country campus will host a communitywide celebration to commemorate its fiveyear anniversary. While event details are still being coordinated, it is expected to include live music, refreshments, campus tours, faculty and student demonstrations, and arts activities.

“Fueled by innovative facilities such as the Applied Technology Education Center, active student life, bustling classrooms and a beautiful natural setting, the Canyon Country campus will continue to thrive,” said Theule. “The celebration of the five-year anniversary of the campus’ opening day will be a wonderful chance for us to celebrate all that the college has accomplished, along with the continued opportunities available for students to achieve their education goals.”

Maloney Departs to Head Taft College After nearly 20 years of service at College of the Canyons, including five years spent as the Founding Dean of the college’s Canyon Country campus, Dr. Dena Maloney has been named Superintendent-President of Taft College and the West Kern Community College District, effective May 1.

“I will never forget my years at College of the Canyons and would like to thank the entire community for all the kindness and support they’ve shown to COC and the Canyon Country campus throughout the years,” Maloney said. “I’ve had the good fortune to work with a group of talented, motivated, innovative and inspiring people during my time here, and I’ll always treasure the memories of this incredible community.”

Taft College is located in Taft, about 30 miles southwest of Bakersfield. The college has an enrollment of around 9,000 students and offers more than 40 associate degrees and certificates.

“Dr. Maloney helped our college during a significant growth period and excelled in many roles, including generating resources and partnerships to support economic development, offering input for instructional programs, engaging in community outreach, and overseeing the growth and development of our Canyon Country campus,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “She is someone who has contributed much to our district and even more to the lives of the people with whom she has worked, supported, nurtured and cared for at COC.”

More information: canyoncountrycampus.com.

ANNIVERSARY

SILVER SPUR HONORS

FROM PAGE 1

Marian and Richard Sandnes were honored with the 2012 Silver Spur Community Service Award during a gala dinner at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library Air Force One Pavilion in Simi Valley on March 3. “This is the most important recognition that we at College of the Canyons can afford to anyone, and given the support that Richard and Marian have given to the college for so many years, it is only fitting that we honor and celebrate their contributions,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said.

SUMMER FROM PAGE 1 The college’s first five-week summer session runs June 4 to July 6. A second eight-week session will run June 11 to Aug. 3, and the final five-week session will run June 18 to July 27.

A summer session schedule of classes is now posted online at www.canyons.edu. As in recent years, a printed schedule will not be available.

Summer session registration for new students and high school students (11th and 12th grades) begins May 10, with a final registration period scheduled to begin May 14.

Several community colleges in the region are either not offering summer sessions or offering only limited schedules, so classes at COC are expected to fill quickly.

With that in mind, students are encouraged not to wait until the last minute to apply or register for summer classes. Below is

a list of registration tips for all students to consider: • Make sure the Admissions and Records Office has your current e-mail address, telephone number and postal addresses so that the college can provide you with up-to-date information regarding your registration date and time.

• Know which classes you really want and sign up for them during your registration period. Once you are registered for a class, cancel only if you are absolutely sure of your decision.

• Check the online schedule of classes frequently for updated class listings, updates and changes.

In addition, students should be reminded that beginning in summer 2012, enrollment fees at all 112 California community colleges have been raised to $46 per unit, as mandated by the state of California.

For more information about the 2012 summer session, contact the Admissions and Records Office at (661) 362-3280 or visit canyons.edu.

alike. In 1985 the center became the first community college lab school in the state to be accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Academy of Early Childhood Programs. It has maintained accreditation status ever since.

In time, the center’s tremendous growth necessitated the move to a larger, more permanent location, which would allow the college to expand its ECE services.

In 1993, with that goal in mind, a group of children armed with undersized shovels joined a collection of college administrators at a dirt lot located on the southwest corner of the Valencia campus to officially break ground on the college’s new Family Studies and Early Childhood Education Center.

As one of several campus improvements implemented at College of the Canyons after the 1994 Northridge earthquake, the new Family Studies and ECE Center officially moved into its current location following a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 22, 1995. The event featured an assortment of local dignitaries and preschool children jointly cutting the ribbon. It was held in conjunction with that year’s community-wide “Day of the Child” campus celebration.

In 2009, the ECE program underwent another major expansion with the opening of the Canyon Country Center for Early Childhood Education, located on the Canyon Country campus.

“The opening of our second ECE Center on the Canyon Country campus was a momentous step for our program,” said Diane Stewart, dean of early childhood education programs. “The centers remain an important resource for this community, and will provide countless opportunities for the families and students we serve.

“Thanks to the dedication of our hardworking staff and the support of the college and our families, we’ve been able to create an educational institution that will endure in our valley for years to come,” added Stewart. “We’re looking forward to the next 30 years.”

For more information, call (661) 3623531 or visit canyons.edu/departments/cd.

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CO 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 P R I N G 2 0 1 2

REPORT TO THE COMMUNITY Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center

Mentry Hall Expansion

Canyon Country Campus

Institute for Culinary Education

Library Expansion

Applied Technology Education Center

Measure M Delivers on Promises M

uch has changed at College of the Canyons since voters approved Measure M in 2006. The college has experienced an unprecedented level of progress that has been fed in large part by the $160 million bond measure, the optimism of an historically supportive community, and the resolve of college leaders to make good on the promises of Measure M. The most visible changes are the creation of an entirely new campus in Canyon Country and the opening of the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, which occupies a prominent perch along Interstate 5. But there have been other significant enhancements as well, such as the Applied Technology Education Center at the Canyon Country campus and the expansion of both Mentry Hall and the Library, the latter of which will open for the fall semester. Measure M bond funds will also play a key role in building a new Student Services & Administration building and a permanent Institute for Culinary Education on the Valencia campus.

Measure M has certainly provided the funding to construct a wide assortment of new facilities to accommodate an everincreasing number of new and innovative educational and training programs. The beneficiaries are those who come to College of the Canyons for education, training and inspiration now and in the future.

The bond measure is a key component driving the college’s progress, but a lesserknown factor also plays an important role.

The college has maximized every bondissued dollar by leveraging other resources. Although its original value was estimated at $160 million, in the end, the value of Measure M will far exceed that figure via interest and the refunding of bond proceeds, not to mention the value of matching construction funds from the state.

“We have been extremely diligent about utilizing and leveraging Measure M bond funds to deliver the absolute maximum value possible for our community,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said.

“This is an investment whose value will ultimately be measured in terms of how we’ve been able to transform people’s lives and careers for the better.”

Measure M has funded numerous projects, including: Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center Status: Completed 2009 District / Measure M: $7.3 million State / Other: $32.5 million Total Cost: $39.8 million The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center provides 110,000 square feet of instructional and support space for numerous degree programs offered by partner universities such as Brandman University, California State University Bakersfield, Cal State L.A., Cal State Northridge, the University of La Verne and National University. This expansive facility also houses the TEACH program, the William S. Hart Union High School District’s Academy of the Canyons, the City of Santa Clarita’s WorkSource Center and a number of key college departments. The center’s unique approach to providing easy access to degree programs from multiple universities was lauded by U.S. Department of Education Under Secretary Dr. Martha Kanter as a model of higher education access that should be emulated nationwide.

Canyon Country Campus Status: Completed 2007 (First Phase) District / Measure M: $32 million State / Other: $26 million Total Cost: $58 million The 70-acre Canyon Country campus welcomed more than 3,000 students when it opened in 2007, fulfilling the community’s need for convenient access to college programs in the eastern Santa Clarita Valley. The campus has made a huge contribution toward meeting the area’s educational and training demands. The campus has benefited from a number of improvements, including the opening of the Carl A. Rasmussen Amphitheater, a free-standing food concession and extensive landscaping improvements. The first permanent building opened in 2011 (see below).

Applied Technology Education Center Status: Completed 2011 District / Measure M: $7.1 million

State / Other: $0 Total Cost: $7.1 million The 10,000-square-foot Applied Technology Education Center, the first permanent building on the Canyon Country campus, houses a variety of new educational and training programs, including alternative energy management, automotive technology, construction management, building inspection, landscape management and water systems technology.

Mentry Hall Expansion Status: Completed 2010 District / Measure M: $12.4 million State / Other: $0 Total Cost: $12.4 million The Mentry Hall expansion, a design-build project that was completed in less than a year, added more than 32,000 square feet of instructional space, including two computer labs, a large lecture room, 11 classrooms, a 2D drawing classroom, a life/drawing classroom, two conference rooms and 12 offices. The expansion increased the overall size of Mentry Hall to 76,339 square feet.

Library Expansion Status: Opening Fall 2012 District / Measure M: $6.5 million State / Other: $9.5 million Total Cost: $16 million The 51,000-square-foot expansion of the Library will house a larger Learning Center lab, as well as an assortment of instructional labs, classrooms, offices and enhanced library facilities to support student success. It will be open for the fall semester.

Institute for Culinary Education Status: Construction Drawings District / Measure M: $2.8 million State / Other: $3.9 million Total Cost: $6.7 million This 5,600-square-foot facility will be built just south of Mentry Hall in an architectural style that underlines both the simplicity of the reflective glass surfaces found on nearby structures and underlines an elegant sophis-

tication appropriate for a building that will serve both educational and social functions. Individual elements include a Show Kitchen, Savory Kitchen, Sweets Kitchen, an area for Wine Studies, a Culinary Lab space and instructor office spaces. The College of the Canyons Foundation has mounted a capital campaign to raise additional funds to build it.

Student Services & Administration Building Status: Construction Drawings District / Measure M: $10.1 million State / Other: $7.1 million Total Cost: $17.2 million This two-story facility will replace the existing building, which the campus has outgrown.

Canyon Country Campus Parking Lot 2 Status: Completed 2010 District / Measure M: $1 million State / Other: $0 Total Cost: $1 million Technology Infrastructure Upgrades Status: Completed District / Measure M: $1 million State / Other: $0 Total Cost: $1 million Other Measure M-funded improvements include secondary effects in Bonelli Hall and Mentry Hall ($3.4 million), work on the Facilities Master Plan ($253,000), and various health and safety upgrades ($50,000).

The Measure M pipeline is filled with myriad projects that are planned in the future, including several permanent buildings at the Canyon Country campus, upgrades at the Del Valle firefighter training facility, replacement of equipment, scheduled maintenance and other secondary effects.

For up-to-date information about Measure M, upcoming Citizens Oversight Committee meetings, agendas and minutes, and other background material, visit canyons.edu/pio and click the “Measure M Committee” button.