BREAKING NEWS

SPRING SEMESTER ALERT: Registration begins Tuesday, Jan. 2. Classes start Monday, Feb. 4. Find your classes at www.canyons.edu.

WINTER 2012

GUMPS TO BE HONORED

HALL OF FAME HONORS

Couple to receive Silver Spur Award for Community Service.

PAGE 3

Athletic Hall of Fame to induct 2013 honorees on Jan. 24.

PAGE 8

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

Partnerships Vital to Allied Health Success

C

ollege of the Canyons maintains a lead role in training many of the community’s nurses, first responders and medical laboratory personnel, thanks in large part to the Allied Health Division’s ability to enhance such training opportunities via mutually beneficial community partnerships.

“The community partnerships we have established are crucial in aligning the curriculum students receive in the classroom with real-world situations,” said Cynthia Dorroh, dean of allied health at the college.

See ALLIED HEALTH on Page 6

SERVING THE SANTA CL ARITA VALLE Y SINCE 1969

College Funding Improves Approval of Proposition 30 Prompts Reinstatement of Winter Session

W

ith voters’ passage of Proposition 30 in November, College of the Canyons will now be able to offer more classes, serve additional students, and create more academic and jobtraining opportunities for the residents of the Santa Clarita Valley.

The positive affects of Proposition 30 – and the resulting $4.6 million in restored funding to College of the Canyons – have been

almost immediate.

Hours after the election results were verified, college officials announced they would offer students a 2013 winter session.

Originally, the college planned not to host winter classes as a costsaving measure in the face of possible statewide “trigger cuts” to California Community Colleges.

Instead, Proposition 30’s passage is expected to give the state’s

community colleges approximately $210 million in restored funding during the 2012-13 academic year, providing students access to desperately needed classes.

By making the decision to offer 100 online class sections during its winter session, the college will be able to accommodate approximately 3,500 students in January.

See FUNDING on Page 5

Measure M at Work

ExPANDED LIBRARy, TLC UNvEILED Students Call New Study Space a ‘Second Home’

A

three-paneled cardboard project board, books and markers were spread out on the table in Group Study Room 237 on the second floor of the College of the Canyons Library.

Working quietly, sophomore students Nicole Caraballo and Megan Lee finished the details on their chemistry project about UV radiConstruction to ation and SPF. begin on new “We’re here Student Services every day,” said & Administration Caraballo. “There Building. are too many distractions at home. I PAGE 7 can concentrate and focus here.”

But just a couple of months ago, study rooms such as Group Study Room 237 didn’t exist.

Thanks to the recent 10,000-squarefoot expansion of the Library’s second floor, students have more workspace and computer access to help them study and prepare for exams.

Available on a first-come, firstserved basis, the study rooms allow students to study, view media and meet

RELATED

students (above) make good use of the new tlc (right), which was a major component of the recently completed library expansion.

Vets Get Chance at Home Ownership

See LIBRARY/TLC on Page 5

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

F

or the past nine months, U.S. Army Lt. Renard Thomas has been living in a small two-bedroom apartment in Valencia with his three children.

Due to unforeseen financial circumstances, Thomas – a war veteran with more than 20 years of army service and an active member of The National Guard – never thought he’d be able to own his own home, one where his sons wouldn’t have to sleep in the living room.

Factors such as disability or lack of funds often lead to poor living conditions for many returning veterans who, like Thomas, have trouble finding affordable permanent housing.

But all that is about to change thanks to Habitat for Heroes, a $21 million project that will build 100 affordable and energySee VETERANS on Page 2

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

ECRWSS

Postal Customer

2

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

van Hook Honored by Single Mothers Outreach

C

ollege of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook was among 11 women honored as “icons” for their hard work and dedication to upholding the values and vision of Single Mothers Outreach of Santa Clarita.

The honors were presented during the “Empowering HeArts” gala fundraiser at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center on Nov. 3. The event attracted a sizeable crowd of local dignitaries, community supporters, and friends and family of the honorees, who were on hand to celebrate the themes of community, women and the arts.

Each honoree was presented with a professionally rendered portrait of themselves before being given the opportunity to share their personal stories.

Also honored were Patsy Ayala, corporate relations director for Our Valley’s Magazine; Diana Barnes, an expert in perinatal mood disorders; Lois Bauccio, president of the Child & Family Center Foundation; Julie Benson, vice president of public relations at Princess Cruises; Crystl Bustos, two-time Olympic gold medalist softball player; Alice Davis, costume designer for Walt Disney Imagineering; Judi Davidson, co-founder of Davidson and Choy Publicity; Lisa DeLong, mother; Cheri Fleming, dealer

principal of Valencia Acura and presidentelect of Soroptimist International of the Americas; Emily Iland, autism education advocate; and Kathy Sturkey, executive director of LARC Ranch.

“Being among those selected for this honor is truly special, particularly when I look around the room at my fellow recipients,” Dr. Van Hook said. “They are role models, examples, and women who set the bar and serve as a definition of excellence.

I am honored to be counted among them.”

Single Mothers Outreach of Santa Clarita is a grassroots organization serving local families facing sudden housing instability, income loss, emotional trauma, and economic and social discrimination.

Since it was established in 1995, Single Mothers Outreach has provided assistance to more than 2,200 single-parent households by getting them back on their feet and serving as a source of hope, support and vital resources.

As one of the organization’s longtime community partners, College of the Canyons has continuously provided Single Mothers Outreach clients with opportunities to receive various academic and career development services, along with other financial literacy and technology training designed to help families become more self-sustaining.

college of the canyons chancellor dr. dianne g. Van hook (left) with daanne smith, executive director of single mothers outreach of santa clarita.

graphic impact the city of santa clarita liked the work of coc graphic and multimedia design students so much that it put their work on public display at city hall in october and november. the exhibit, entitled “illustrated travel Posters,” featured 42 illustrated posters (three are at right) that focused on the many activities and amenities the city has to offer.

vETERANS FRoM PAGe 1 efficient homes for veterans residing in Santa Clarita and Sylmar, two communities that census data reports as having high veteran populations.

Thomas and his family will move into the 87-home “Veteran Village” located in Santa Clarita, which will be the country’s first service-enriched veterans village when it is completed in early 2014.

The project is a collaboration between the California Department of Veteran Affairs (CalVet) and Habitat for Humanity’s San Fernando/Santa Clarita Valley (SF/SCV) chapter, sponsored by Southern California Gas Co. and in partnership with KHTS AM-1220 and the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

“The opportunity to own a home is tremendous,” said Thomas, who said he is very grateful and excited to be moving into his new four-bedroom, three-bathroom home, which he considers a gesture of gratitude from the community.

Homes will be sold to veterans for the cost of building, and additional financial assistance will be provided through CalVet home loans and Habitat SF/SCV loans set at zero-percent interest.

Veterans participating in the program must invest “sweat equity” toward their homes by helping with construction and participating in CalVet educational training workshops that teach self-sufficiency skills such as budgeting and maintaining good credit.

Thomas, who also serves as director of the Adult Reentry and Veterans programs at College of the Canyons, said he believes the project will allow returning veterans to experience a full transition back into civilian life through homeownership.

“When military members make a commitment to serve their country, they forfeit that period in their life

when many of their peers settle down and buy a home,” Thomas said. “When service members return home, they often feel behind. This allows them to catch up and to take up roots within a community.”

More than 10,000 veterans live in the Santa Clarita Valley, and approximately 600 veterans are COC students, many of whom finance their studies through the Post 9/11 GI Bill and receive job-placement assistance through the college’s Career Center.

Several local organizations have donated materials and funds for the project, and many community members have signed on as volunteers.

Barry Gribbons, assistant superintendent-vice president of institutional development and technology at COC, serves on the project’s advisory board and has painted two homes.

“It’s an incredibly rewarding experience to give back,” said Gribbons. “It’s a tangible demonstration of our support.”

The Habitat for Heroes project hits particularly close to home for KHTS owners Carl and Jeri Goldman “My father was seriously injured in World War II, and our oldest son Ryan graduated from West Point Military Academy and is about to be deployed to Afghanistan in the spring,” Goldman said. When asked to spearhead the project, it took the Goldmans “20 seconds to say yes,” Goldman said. “We are passionate about assisting veterans.”

Habitat for Heroes marks the third and final phase of the program, whose first phase was “A Brush With Kindness,” the volunteer-based reparation and modification phase of existing veteran homes followed by the “Neighborhood Revitalization” phase, which renovated foreclosed homes for veteran families to purchase.

Veterans interested in participating in the program must first apply to Habitat for Humanity SF/SCV by visiting www.habitatscv.org. Once their applications are approved, veterans undergo an approval process for a CalVet home loan.

SAVE THE DATE:

Women’s Conference Scheduled March 23

C

ollege of the Canyons will host a Women’s Conference on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.

Themed “The Turning Point: Transformational Moments of Clarity and Achievement,” the conference will provide attendees an opportunity to reflect upon past decisions, events or moments that led to successful outcomes, and how lessons learned can help future goals and decision making.

The conference will feature breakout sessions addressing topics such as women’s health, family, education, business and entrepreneurship. The featured guest speaker, breakout session participants and registration information will be posted to www.canyons.edu/Offices/WC in January.

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

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 • W I N T E R 2 0 1 2

3

Gumps to be Honored for Community Service

A

s the driving forces behind the well-known, multi-generational family business Andy Gump Inc., Barry and Pati Gump have always worked to ensure that their personal and professional success could be shared to help build a stronger community and make a difference in the lives of those most in need. Passionate supporters of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and countless related projects and charities, the Gumps have provided resources and support for a wide range of non-profit organizations and events throughout the Santa Clarita and San Fernando valleys.

Because of this, the College of the Canyons Foundation has named Barry and Pati Gump recipients of the Silver Spur Community Service Award for 2013.

“Barry and Pati embody the spirit of service that is unique to our community,” College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “They work quietly behind the scenes to support entities throughout Santa Clarita, and make a profound difference in the many lives they touch.”

“Their dedicated service stems from their genuine interest in the welfare of others, and a heartfelt generosity that is rarely seen today,” Dr. Van Hook said.

“They are most deserving of the Silver Spur Award,

and we appreciate this opportunity to honor their service.”

For nearly 25 years, Barry and Pati Gump have been active supporters of several key projects and programs at College of the Canyons, helping to sponsor a variety of fundraising events and initiatives, including the college’s University Center capital campaign.

The couple’s true passion stems from their commitment to advancing the science and treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Having lost their daughter Cherilyn to CF in 1970, the Gumps’ charity work has been driven by the dream that no parent should ever lose a child to this disease.

They have also supported local organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Foundation and SCV Child & Family Center.

The 2013 Silver Spur Celebration is scheduled 6 p.m. Saturday, March 2 at the Globe Theater, Universal Studios Hollywood. The evening includes live entertainment, studio tour, cocktail party on the park’s British-themed Baker Street and inspired cuisine by Wolfgang Puck Catering.

For information, contact the College of the Canyons Foundation at (661) 362-3737.

Barry and Pati Gump will be honored with the Silver Spur Award for 2013

1,700+ Students Earn Degrees at University Center

M

ore than a decade ago, College of the Canyons established a new point of access for higher education in the Santa Clarita Valley by establishing the University Center, first housed in an interim facility on the Valencia campus.

Cited as the college’s solution to the lack of upper-division, graduate school and continuing education programs in the Santa Clarita Valley, the University Center concept was created by forging partnerships with four-year colleges and universities.

The interim center opened in January of 2002, offering advanced degrees through seven partner institutions.

Community demand for these programs was immense, validating this new educational delivery system.

In 2009 the college opened its permanent University Center, officially dedicating the new building to College of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook, whose innovative vision and dedicated leadership were instrumental in the project’s conception.

“The University Center has proven that people appreciate the convenience of earning degrees as close to home as possible,” Dr. Van Hook said. “We’re extremely pleased that we’ve been able to provide access to a wide variety of educational programs for those who otherwise may not

have had the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams and aspirations.”

From the time the University Center concept was introduced through June 2012, more than 1,700 students have earned degrees without having to leave the Santa Clarita Valley.

As of the fall 2012 semester, more than 500 students were enrolled in 31 academic programs offered by partner universities such as California State University (CSU), Bakersfield; CSU Northridge; CSU Los Angeles; University of La Verne; Brandman University (formerly Chapman University) and National University.

“With new programs and partners being added to the University Center ros-

ter each year, students interested in obtaining a higher education degree or credential will continue to have new options to choose from,” said Cathy Ritz, interim director of the University Center.

The college is working to establish new degree programs with partner institutions based on community needs. One such program would offer a doctorate degree in nursing practice.

The college will host an open house in the spring to highlight the available programs and provide information to prospective students. The date and times will be posted at www.cocuniversitycenter.com, which also lists all partners, programs and upcoming information sessions.

Need an advanced degree? Look no further!

The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center offers bachelor’s, masters, and credential/certificate programs from a variety of public and private universities. The center eliminates the need to commute to distant campuses – a significant barrier to higher education – and allows students to complete their first two years at College of the Canyons, then transfer to their degree pro-

gram of choice without ever leaving the Valencia campus. Since opening in an interim facility in 2002, more than 1,700 students have graduated from University Center degree programs. The current 110,000-square-foot facility opened in 2009. The center’s six partner universities offer a variety of programs, including:

Brandman University

California State University, Los Angeles

University of La Verne

B.A. in Applied Studies B.A. in Criminal Justice B.A. in Legal Studies B.A. in Psychology B.A. in Social Science B.S. in Computing Technologies M.A. in Psychology, Marriage & Family Therapy M.A. in Education, Early Childhood Ed. Leadership

B.S. in Engineering with emphasis in Manufacturing B.S. in Biological Science

B.A. in Business Administration B.S. in Child Development B.S. in Organizational Management Single Subject/Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Special Education Level I and II Credential CLAD/CTEL Certificate Program M.Ed. Special Emphasis M.A. in Business Administration M.S. in Special Education M.S. in School Psychology M.S. in Leadership Management M.S. in Ed. Counseling; Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling Credential M.Ed. in Ed. Management; Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

California State University, Bakersfield B.A. in Communications B.A. in English B.A. in Liberal Studies B.A. in Public Administration

California State University, Northridge M.P.A. in Public Administration M.S.W. in Social Work

National University B.A. in Sport Psychology B.S. in Nursing B.S. in Paralegal Studies Applied Behavior Analysis Certificate Program Master of Criminal Justice

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

4

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

College Boosts Local Economy

T

he Economic Development Division (EDD) at College of the Canyons fuels the local economy by providing wide-ranging support to businesses to help them grow and develop the workforce.

EDD programs provide a wide range of services that complement the college’s occupational programs, ranging from customized contract

training to workshops and consulting services (see the Business Resource Guide below).

The EDD has served more than 500 employers and more than 2,700 employees annually for the past three years. It generates resources from many sources, including contract education and grants, and has generated more than $1 million in support resources every year since 2006.

Did you know...

• The college fuels the local economy via local purchases and wages paid to faculty and staff; students who commute from outside the valley and spend their dollars locally; and the increased skill base of the local workforce.

• The net added income generated by college operations and the spending of non-local students contributes $70.8 million in income annually in the SCV. • For every dollar a student invests in education, he or she receives a $4.60 return in future income over the course of a working career. That’s an average annual rate of return of 14.7 percent.

Santa Clarita Valley

BUSINESS RESOURCE GUIDE Programs and services provided by, or in partnership with, College of the Canyons.

Economic Development Division The College of the Canyons Economic Development Division is where smart businesses learn, compete and grow. Its mission is to identify, create and deliver services that promote the growth and prosperity of business, as well as develop the current and future workforce. canyonsecondev.org • (661) 362-3521

Small Business Development Center Whether you’re launching a startup or growing an existing company, SBDC offers free one-on-one consulting to take your business to the next level. Now featuring Ed2Go online instruction. sbdc@canyons.edu • cocsbdc.org • (661) 362-5900

Center for Applied Competitive Technologies Technical consulting to help advanced-technology companies learn, compete and grow. canyonsecondev.org • (661) 362-3112

Employee Training Institute ETI’s customized training helps drive down costs and expand talent within your workforce. Now featuring Ed2Go online instruction. canyonsecondev.org • (661) 362-5657

Entertainment & Arts Industry Initiative Support services for businesses in the entertainment and arts industry, as well as advisors with industry-specific expertise. cocsbdc.org • (661) 362-3241

Fast Track Institute The fastest way to prepare for in-demand jobs in manufacturing, medical, green technology and managerial/professional fields. canyons.edu/fasttrack • (661) 362-3521

i3 Incubator Advisory and mentoring services for technology-based startups, and connections to relevant organizations, companies and providers of capital. sbdc@canyons.edu • cocsbdc.org • (661) 362-3241

Career Services & Job Placement Services include career advisement, job search assistance, resume and interview preparation, and job fairs twice a year. canyons.edu/careercenter • (661) 362-3286

Young Entrepreneurs Program Business training and free business counseling for young people 14 to 27. sbdc@canyons.edu • cocsbdc.org • (661) 362-5900

College of the Canyons Internships Connecting students with employers via internships. canyons.edu/internships • (661) 362-3309

Center for International Trade Development Provides export/import trade development insight and assistance. citd@canyons.edu • cocsbdc.org • (661) 362-5900

Career Technical Education Prepare students for ongoing education, life skills and the workplace. canyons.edu/cte • (661) 362-3131

College of the Canyons

CIVIC CENTER WorkSource California Provides job seekers and businesses with employment and training services. econdev.santa-clarita.com • (661) 799-WORK (9675)

College of the Canyons Civic Center (Film Office) Handles public access to college facilities, including location services for the entertainment industry. canyons.edu/civiccenter • (661) 362-3240

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 • W I N T E R 2 0 1 2

5

chancellor dr. dianne g. Van hook (right, at podium) addresses the crowd during the ribbon-cutting ceremony that marked the opening of the new library and tlc on oct. 24. students (above) make use of one of the spacious new study areas in the expanded library.

LIBRARy/TLC FRoM PAGe 1 classmates in a quiet setting.

“I love these study rooms,” said Lee, who does her homework at the Library. “It’s a business-like atmosphere but still very comfortable.”

The second floor also boasts a large “information commons” area devoted entirely to computer access, with individual and group workstations that are laptop-friendly.

“The computer workstations give students space and privacy,” Librarian Leslie Bretall said. “We have 63 computers, and they are usually all taken in the mornings.”

Bretall was worried the comfortable couches and extra space would lead to a noisy atmosphere. “I thought it was going to be a party up there,” Bretall said of the Library’s expanded second floor. “But it’s so quiet. I think students find the setting soothing.”

Edwin Pejoro, a media technician at the Library, has also noticed the positive effects the Library’s expansion has had on students’ studying.

“There’s a lot more interaction between students, and they are using the Library more,” Pejoro said.

This collaborative spirit is also palpable in The Learning Center (TLC), which is now a significant part of the new Library building. Equipped with 130 computers and larger testing rooms, the TLC offers free tutoring in English, math, basic skills and other subjects.

The largest portion of the expansion, the 41,000square-foot TLC has large group-study areas, each equipped with touch-screen whiteboards. Instructors can

also record lectures and class activities using the audio/visual “class capture” technology found in some of the new lab areas.

“It’s wonderful that we have all this new technology,” TLC Director Mojdeh Mahn said. “You can’t even compare it to the last center. It’s like night and day.”

College officials began planning the Library expansion when it became evident that the previous Library and TLC were struggling to meet the needs of the ever-growing student population. The need for space was especially striking in the old TLC, a 5,000-square-foot facility that was located in Bonelli Hall, as the demand for tutoring services grew.

Accommodating students in the center’s former space, which had only 56 computers, was a challenge, recalled Mike Calvo, the TLC’s lead English tutor. “Sometimes students couldn’t stay in the lab because there wasn’t enough space. That is not an issue anymore.”

At the 10th-week mark of the fall 2011 semester, the TLC provided tutoring and supplemental learning services to 2,526 students. By comparison, at the same time dur-

FUNDING

Hart Union High School District will attend COC upon leaving high school.

FRoM PAGe 1

SURGE IN RE-ENTRY STUDENTS

“We are continuously looking for ways to increase access to education for our students and accommodate their educational needs,” said Jasmine Ruys, the college’s director of admissions, records and online services. “The ability to offer students a 2013 winter session would not have been possible without the foresight of the Board of Trustees and college administration team to plan for all possible budget scenarios, while keeping the best interests of students in mind.”

The restored access will also carry into subsequent semesters, which is good news for the college’s ever-growing student population of local high school graduates, adult re-entry students, returning veterans and other community members taking courses in order to update their job skills and advance their careers.

In fact, it’s estimated that roughly 60 percent of graduates from the William S.

In recent years, the number of adult reentry students and returning veterans enrolling at the college has skyrocketed, prompting the college to establish an Adult Reentry/Veterans Center on the Valencia campus.

Since it opened in 2009, the center has served more than 500 veteran and re-entry students each year. The graduating class of 2012 included 46 veterans, nearly twice the number of veterans who received degrees in 2011 (24) and more than triple the mark set in 2010 (14).

“Regardless of how much restored funding we received from the state this year, or any year, access to community college courses will always be in high demand,” said Audrey Green, associate vice president of academic affairs.

“With such a large segment of the student population coming to COC with a wide range of different needs – transfer

ing the fall 2012 semester, that number had jumped to 3,715 students, an increase of 47 percent.

“Students are coming in droves,” said Kim Haglund, an instructional lab technician at the TLC. “They really enjoy it.”

A regular visitor to the center is freshman Yvonne Tinajero, who utilizes the TLC for tutoring in English, math and history. “I live in here,” said Tinajero, a Chatsworth resident who commutes by bus to College of the Canyons and stays at the TLC to study before heading back home. “There’s a lot of computers, and I can get a lot of work done.”

“It has been very exciting to witness how students have embraced their new Library and TLC,” said James Glapa-Grossklag, dean of educational technology, learning resources and distance learning. “The Library’s expansion is a significant milestone for College of the Canyons.”

Construction of the expansion project, which was funded through a combination of state and Measure M bond funds, began in November 2010.

preparation, job and career training, business assistance – it will be important for the college to continue to employ planning strategies that will take those needs into account, and maintain COC’s position as the Santa Clarita Valley’s first stop for higher education services.”

California’s community colleges aren’t the only institutions of higher education facing increased demands.

The California State University (CSU) system announced it was on track to receive a record number of applications for the fall 2013 semester.

SIGNIFICANT SPIKE IN APPLICATIONS With CSU officials having recently capped enrollment for the spring 2013 semester, a large number of transfer students has contributed to the huge spike in applications, as students rush to complete general-education requirements and transfer to four-year universities.

COC has also experienced an increase in the number of students clamoring for access to classes, forcing college officials

to evaluate each term and balance course offerings according to demand.

With this in mind, the spring 2013 schedule of classes includes approximately 1,500 class sections of academic and career technical training courses for students to choose from.

STRIVING TO ENHANCE STUDENT ACCESS “Our students need to be able to live, work, compete and prosper in an environment that is ever-changing, global and unpredictable,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “They need the opportunity to become self-reliant, resilient, trusting of their instincts, and committed to continuing to learn and grow as part of a fulfilled life.”

“In that context, we will continue to face challenges to our ability to deliver academic excellence in an environment that is rapidly changing in terms of revenue, public accountability and technology, as we strive to enhance student access and create the potential for others to pursue their dreams,” she added.

6

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

Five years In, K-12 Arts Education Outreach is Thriving Foundation, students from the Sulphur Springs and Newhall school districts received 10 weeks of hip-hop dance instruction, before staging final performances for friends and family members. t’s no secret that early, first-hand exposure to the arts Officials at the Sulphur Springs district have also can play an important part in a child’s educational teamed with the PAC to develop a sustained arts education development – just ask the thousands of local students program at those campuses, whereby each year every who have participated in the Santa Clarita Performing classroom in the district will participate in at least one Arts Center’s (PAC) K-12 Arts Education Outreach custom-designed arts education workshop along with a Program over the last five years. teacher or performer from the PAC. “Arts education helps to create whole students, Comprehensive arts education programs, coordinated enabling them to reach by the PAC and taught by their full potential,” said teaching artists of various Linda Candib, PAC K-12 disciplines have also been arts education specialist. created at five campuses in “In a time when art prothe Saugus Union School According to the National School Boards Association and Americans for the grams continue to be cut District and one in Arts, young people who consistently participate in comprehensive, from school curricula Newhall. This year, all sequential and rigorous arts programs are: because of lack of funding, kindergarten and first-grade • Four times more likely to be recognized for academic achievement.

College of the Canyons and students in the Newhall dis• three times more likely to be elected to class office. the PAC are proud to be trict will participate in able to create meaningful workshops that combine • Four times more likely to participate in a math and science fair. and innovative arts experipuppetry with literacy fun• three times more likely to win an award for school attendance. ences for students of the damentals.

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

Santa Clarita Valley.”

“The arts education outLaunched in 2008, the reach ‘PACkages’ we’ve PAC K-12 Arts Education developed with each of the Outreach Program continues to provide incredible oppor- local school districts have been specifically tailored to tunities for the youth of the Santa Clarita Valley through meet the curriculum needs of students in each participatvaluable partnerships with major arts organizations in ing classroom,” Candib said. “Watching the students learn California and across the nation. and grow as they progress through these programs, it’s The program uses the college’s cultural and communi- evident that the potential benefits of an arts-infused eduty resources to expose the student population to top-tier cation are vast and varied.” visual and performing arts standard-based arts activities Studies show that arts education can strengthen proband integrated performing arts learning opportunities. lem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and add to a stuThrough school assemblies, bus-in programs, class- dent’s overall academic achievement and school success. room visits and family performances, students are able to enjoy performances that meet or exceed the state of BUILDING SELF-CONFIDENCE California’s visual and performing arts standards.

An arts education can also teach children life skills such as developing an informed perception, articulating a 12,000-PLUS STUDENTS SERVED SO FAR vision, learning to solve problems and make decisions, In the last six months alone, the program has served building self-confidence and self-discipline. more than 12,000 local students through a variety of innoThe K-12 Arts Education Outreach Program isn’t limvative arts programs. ited to students. Teachers from participating school disThanks to a grant from the Thelma Pearl Howard tricts have also received updated arts training.

Early Exposure to the Arts Allows Children to Reach Full Potential

I

Benefits of arts in education

the 2012-13 arts education outreach season brochure contains a wide variety of arts programs geared toward k-12 students. it can be viewed or downloaded at canyonspac.com.

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 are provided tools and techniques to integrate arts into classrooms, while addressing curriculum requirements and working to develop measurable ways to enhance current levels of arts education.

For more information, contact Candib at (661) 3623061 or visit www.canyonspac.com.

ALLIED HEALTH FRoM PAGe 1 “These experiences allow them to gain the critical skills necessary for our students to obtain employment and fulfill a variety of the community’s health-care workforce needs.”

Each semester, graduates from the nursing program take part in a traditional pinning ceremony, marking the completion of their training and officially welcoming them into the profession.

LVN-TO-RN PARTNERSHIP Making the ceremony especially meaningful this past semester was the fact that the first cohort of students from the college’s Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) to Registered Nurse (RN) partnership with Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital were among the more than 75 graduates.

The partnership is the result of a nearly $240,000 Responsive Training Fund grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office, which was designed to help LVNs currently working at the hospital make successful transitions to become registered nurses.

As a crucial component of the program, participating students were able to continue working at the hospital – maintaining their current positions, salaries and benefits – while being provided one paid leave day a week to attend classes and undergo the training to become an RNs. Each of the graduating students completed 168 hours of course lectures and more than 500 hours of hands-on clinical training, in addition to meeting all of the college’s regular nursing associate degree course requirements and working their normal shifts at the hospital.

As a result, these students will now be eligible for licensure as registered nurses and have the opportunity to continue their education by pursuing bachelor’s degrees in nursing science.

The collaboration – a second cohort is scheduled this winter – has helped prevent the dismissal of more than 30 LVNs employed at Newhall Memorial, while also maintaining the facility’s required RN-to-patient ratio and providing lab and classroom space for the nursing program.

“We are extremely excited about this opportunity to partner with Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and provide these students the opportunity to simulta-

allied health students participate in the flu immunization Point of dispensing (Pod) event, a partnership among several city and county agencies, in november. neously advance in their careers, while continuing to serve the patients of this community,” said Diane Morey, director of the COC nursing program. “The hospital’s decision to allow their employees to receive this training, while maintaining their current positions, has been an essential component to the program’s success.”

MEDICAL LAB TECH AND EMT PROGRAMS The Allied Health Division’s Medical Lab Technology (MLT) and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) programs also have embraced the concept of community partnerships, with students participating regularly in health-related events and fundraisers throughout the community.

In November, students from the COC nursing and EMT programs teamed with the City of Santa Clarita, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and L.A. County Sheriff’s Department to participate in the annual flu immunization Point of Dispensing (POD) event at the college’s Valencia campus.

Nursing students administer most of the vaccinations, and EMT students are part of the pre-screening process, giving students valuable, hands-on experience.

The flu POD exercise also provides a valuable community service by testing the Santa Clarita Valley’s Cities Readiness Initiative (CRI) response in the event of a bioterrorism attack or potential flu pandemic, in which a mass population would potentially need to be treated with medication in a short period of time.

Also in November, students from the EMT program participated in the annual NBC Universal Disaster Drill, working alongside officials from Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and volunteers from more than 80 Southern California hospitals and public service agencies to complete a series of hands-on emergency drills staged throughout the theme park.

REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE As part of the day’s activities, students served as volunteer “victims” in a number of different emergency scenarios, before they were transported to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center via the various provider agencies. The drill also included students accessing the L.A. County Medical Alert Center via radio, to receive operating orders.

Included among the participating agen-

cies were L.A. County Fire Department, L.A. City Fire, Burbank Fire Department, U.S. Army, AMR Ambulance, Bowers Ambulance, Lifeline Ambulance and multiple Urban Search and Rescue, Search Dog and community emergency response teams (CERT).

“This event provided our students with a valuable opportunity to interact with personnel from public service agencies and health-care providers from across Southern California,” said Patti Haley, chair of the college’s Health Science/Fire Technology Department, and director of the EMT Program. “Having students serve as victims is an important component of becoming a competent care provider.”

After the drill, students brought their experiences back to the classroom to discuss the challenges of communicating during a medical emergency or disaster, and what practices were or weren’t successful.

“The preparation and planning that went into an event as large as this drill is an enormous undertaking,” Haley said.

“But thanks to these important partnerships, our students, and the community members they’ll eventually serve, will benefit from the training received.”

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 • W I N T E R 2 0 1 2

7

an architectural illustration depicts the planned two-story, 46,000-square-foot student services and administration building that will replace the old “a building,” which will be demolished starting in late december.

New Student Services, Administration Building to Rise

F

or the first time in its nearly 44-year Records with new computer labs and history, College of the Canyons will kiosks for student use, along with an offidemolish one of its oldest campus cial “welcoming center” to ensure students buildings to make way for a new and and visitors find their way to the appropriimproved two-story Student Services & ate department or destination. Plans also Administration Building on the Valencia call for a new Financial Aid Office, camcampus. pus bookstore, and expanded switchboard The current College Services & and mailroom.

Administration Building, commonly The second floor will house additional known as the “A Building,” first opened in computer kiosks, along with other key stuFebruary 1982 as the main College dent service departments such as the Services Building.

Counseling Department, Transfer Center Housing both the then-new Child and Career Center. Additional space has Development Center (CDC) and a variety been set aside to accommodate the Student of administrative offices, the building Services, Instruction and Public Informaallowed the college to provide pre-school tion Offices. services to Santa Clarita Valley families.

“The ability for students to apply and After a new Family Studies and Early register for classes, check the status of their Childhood Education Center opened in financial aid disbursements, meet with a 1995, the A Building was redesigned to counselor, explore their transfer options or house a number of student support offices, research a new career path – all in one including Admissions & Records and location – will be more convenient and Counseling. time efficient than ever before,” Wilding “For more than 30 years, the A said. “By providing increased access to Building has been a first point of contact these services, it’s our hope that students and important stopping place for hundreds will be able to seek out and explore even of thousands of students, parents, commumore of the academic, job-training and the existing college services & administration building, commonly called the “a building,” will be torn down. nity members and campus visitors looking career opportunities available.” to learn more about the educational opporDemolition of the existing building is tunities available at College of the Canyons,” said Dr. quality administrative and student support services our stu- scheduled to begin in late December. Departments that were Michael Wilding, assistant superintendent-vice president of dents deserve,” Wilding said. “Upon its completion, this new housed in the old building have been temporarily relocated. building will allow us to enhance those services even further. student services.

The roughly $17.8 million project will be paid for with a The new Student Services & Administration Building combination of Measure M general-obligation bonds and “Throughout its long history, the building has been called many different names and housed several different depart- will span approximately 46,000 square feet. matching funds from the state. The new building is expected On the first floor will be an expanded Admissions & to be completed in early 2015. ments, but has always remained vital in delivering the high-

Who Was Peter Huntsinger? “this building is dedicated to Peter F. huntsinger for his long and devoted service on the board of trustees of the santa clarita community college district, 1968 thru 1982.”

T in the atrium of the soon-to-be-demolished a building is a plaque (above) dedicating the building to Peter huntsinger (right).

hose words are cast in bronze on a plaque in the College Services & Administration Building (A Building), which first opened in 1982. The building has seen countless students and staff members come and go, and when it is demolished to make way for a new building, the plaque will go with it.

So, who was Peter F. Huntsinger?

Huntsinger was one of the college’s five founding board members and a strong supporter for building the original Child Development Center, which was first housed within the A Building.

A driving force behind the creation of the Santa Clarita Community College District, Huntsinger served on the board until 1982 and was board president for three terms.

“He was incredibly dedicated

to the college,” said Bruce Fortine, who was also one of the college’s founding board members. “I sat beside him at many board meetings. It was a dynamic time, and the board was really focused on making the college the best it could be.”

Huntsinger was owner of Huntsinger Turkey Ranch in Saugus, which sold “oven ready” free-range turkeys. He died in 1996 at the age of 66 in Palm Springs.

According to his obituary in the Los Angeles Times, Huntsinger was a native of the San Fernando Valley, graduated from UC Berkeley and was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Korea.

“Peter was a really good human being, a decent fellow and a respected family man,” said Al Adelini, who retired as head counselor at COC in 2000.

“He really cared about the college. He was very excited about bringing a community college to the area.”

Before the college opened in 1969, students had to commute to Glendale Community College and Pierce College to pursue their studies, Adelini said.

“It was important to have good people on the board,” Adelini said. “COC was very lucky because we started with people who were good people and very well-respected in the business community.”

8

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

Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook (center) cuts the ceremonial ribbon marking the opening of the new Athletic Hall of Fame wall and trophy cases on Nov. 29. Joining her are (from left) Gary Peterson, head men’s and women’s golf coach; Frank Sanchez, a member of the Hall of Fame; Al Adelini, former head counselor; Len Mohney, physical education and athletics dean; Lee Smelser, former men’s head basketball coach and Hall of Fame member; Chuck Lyon, athletic director; Mike Herrington, Hart High School football coach and Hall of Fame member; and Jason Felice, a member of the 1981 Cougar baseball team and Hall of Fame.

Athletic Hall of Fame to Induct Honorees Jan. 24

T

he College of the Canyons Athletic Hall of Fame will honor the 2013 class of inductees during the Cougar Athletic Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 24, 2013.

The ceremony, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, will honor the 1975 state championship men’s cross country team, former softball coach Ray Whitten, former men’s basketball player Nick Sanderson, former swimmer Christine (Castellanos) Worby, former softball player Chantal Pershing and the late former baseball player Robert Corrales.

“The 2013 class of inductees is once again a stellar group. They helped put Cougar Athletics on the map,” said Len

Mohney, dean of athletics and physical education. “We also are excited about announcing the completion of the first phase of the Athletic Hall of Fame permanent site in the West Physical Education building.”

The College of the Canyons Athletic Hall of Fame induction is a biennial event that celebrates the college’s athletic history and excellence. Established in 2005, the event has been a vehicle for fundraising for the permanent Hall of Fame, located in the West Physical Education building on the Valencia campus.

For information and tickets, visit www.cocathletics.com or call the COC Foundation at (661) 362-3434.

The Honorees • The 1975 CROSS COUNTRY TEAM made history when it won the college’s first-ever state championship. The team was coached by Monty Cartwright.

• Before transferring to the University of Redlands, CHRISTINE WORBY made waves on the swim and water polo teams. She’s an assistant swim and dive coach at Hart High and a first-grade teacher at Old Orchard Elementary.

• RAY WHITTEN led the softball team from 1984 to 2007, during which time the team won eight conference championships and competed in 16 regional playoff games.

• Former softball player CHANTAL PERSHING was named Conference MVP and All-State during her two seasons on the 1999-00 softball team. She transferred to the University of Santa Barbara and played for two seasons.

• Basketball player NICK SANDERSON played for two seasons from 1989 to 1991. A two-time All-Conference winner, Sanderson was also an All-State honoree, Conference MVP and All-Star Game MVP. He went on to have a playing career at Brigham Young University.

• ROBERT CORRALES was the first COC baseball player to be named first-team All-State. He played shortstop on the 1973-74 baseball team before joining Pepperdine University’s baseball program. Corrales lost his battle with leukemia in 2009.

MEETING THE CHALLENGES OF A CHANGING WORLD...

TOGETHER! The Chancellor’s Circle is a partnership between College of the Canyons and a diverse group of businesses, community members, non-profit groups, government leaders and others who are committed to strengthening our community – by actively supporting a strong community college. The underlying tenet of the Chancellor’s Circle is the strong belief that by working together we can add value to a community college education, provide support for creative and innovative programs that enrich the educational experience of students, and provide needed workforce skills that will strengthen and sustain our economy – that we can

Please consider joining us!

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

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

CHAMPION AT&T Morton Manufacturing Inc. LEADER Boston Scientific Neuromodulation Honda Performance Development Inc. Mark Jenkins and Roxie Ramey

SoCal Edison – Anna Frutos-Sanchez ADVOCATE Aerospace Dynamics International AMG & Associates – Albert M. Giacomazzi AM – Touch Dental Bradley J. Kirst D.D.S. Inc. Gary and Diana Cusumano

Haas Automation Inc. Andrew and Elisa Horowitz Dr. Susan Komsky Math Support Services Inc. Jim and Jill Mellady Mitzi and Randy Moberg Dr. Skip Newhall NE Systems Inc. – Ed Padilla

Harold and Jacquie Petersen Shepard Insurance Agency Dr. Dianne and Mr. Roger Van Hook Wells Fargo LIFETIME MEMBERS Lou and Rita Garasi Tom and Colleen Lee