In the spring of 2007, College of theCanyons officials were joined by acollection of the Santa Clarita Valley’s

civic leaders, community members andcollege supporters on a plot of dirt-cov-ered land overlooking the 154-acreValencia campus.

“Our goal was to create an education-al center based on partnerships,”Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook saidon that bright spring morning. “Today isa symbol of what persistence, dedicationand never giving up can achieve.”

Moments later, Van Hook joined thecollege’s Board of Trustees to plunge aset of ceremonial shovels into the earth toofficially break ground on constructionof the college’s University Center.

Scheduled to open this fall, the110,000-square-foot high-technology Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook University Centernow stands on that same patch of land,perched above the I-5 freeway, posi-tioned to command a spectacular view ofthe valley’s majestic mountains and blue-sky horizon – and designed to welcomeall those with a desire to succeed.

Cited as a solution to the lack ofupper-division, graduate school and con-tinuing education programs in the area,the University Center was created toincrease student access to advanceddegrees by forging partnerships with sur-rounding four-year colleges and universi-ties, which then make their academic pro-grams available to students on theCollege of the Canyons campus.

The concept has already proven itself.An interim University Center has operat-ed on the college campus since 2002,serving thousands of students who other-

wise would not have had the time to com-mute to distant university campuses topursue their educational goals.

“The University Center is a godsendto those of us who have full-time careersand busy family lives,” said Cathy Ritz, arecent University Center graduate whoearned a master’s degree in educationaladministration and serves as chief operat-ing officer for the COC Foundation. “TheUniversity Center allowed me to com-plete my educational goals right here atCollege of the Canyons, without the

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College of the Canyons26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355

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E C R W S SWhile the economic recession has forced many organiza-tions, colleges and universities to cut back across theboard, College of the Canyons continues to keep the

needs of students in mind. Among the more than 280 classes that will be taught at the

college’s Valencia campus this summer – 145 are availableonline – College of the Canyons will introduce the LAUNCHprogram, which will help students jumpstart their college careersand enter the workforce.

The pilot bridge program will aid students who tested intoEnglish 081 and Math 058 to take a five-week intensive coursein those subjects along with a counseling and personal develop-ment course for a smoother transition into college life.

Students who successfully complete the program will receiveSee LAUNCH on Page 6

New Program Helps‘Launch’ Careers

See UNIVERSITY CENTER on Page 6

W E ’ R E H E R E F O R y O U ! W W W . C A N y O N S . E d U

University Center Nears Completion

The 110,000-square-foot Dr. Dianne G. VanHook University Center(above), located alongthe southwestern edgeof the Valencia cam-pus, commandsimpressive views of theSanta Clarita Valley.The front of the build-ing and its main entry(left) take shape.

Photos courtesy ofAirPixWest

The Western Association of Schoolsand Colleges Accrediting Commis-sion for Community and Junior

Colleges reaffirmed full accreditation forCollege of the Canyons earlier this year –completing a nearly two-year self-studyand application process.

In reaffirming accreditation status,Barbara A. Beno, president of the accredit-ing commission, commended the collegefor excelling in a variety of key areas.

“The college’s commitment to collabo-

rative governance, numerous communitypartnerships, data-driven planning andevaluation processes, commitment to tech-nology including student and faculty train-ing and support, a wide array of studentservices, faculty and staff professionaldevelopment opportunities, and commit-ment to student success were all noted bythe visiting team and the commission,”Beno said in a Feb. 3 letter that officiallyreaffirmed the college’s accreditation.

“Credit for our successful accreditation

belongs to each member of the college’sfaculty, staff, administration and Board ofTrustees,” said College of the CanyonsChancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook.“Every day they devote themselves toserving our students in the best way possi-ble, and to establishing and pursuing highstandards of excellence to foster studentsuccess, and to partnering so that opportu-nities that don’t exist elsewhere are thriv-ing at College of the Canyons. It is reward-ing to me that their efforts and the out-

comes we have achieved were so evidentto the visiting team.”

Accreditation is a voluntary processcolleges and universities undergo to evalu-ate and assure the quality of educationused by the American higher educationcommunity – and to subsequently makethose results known to the public.

Not all colleges and universities cansuccessfully complete this rigorousprocess. Indeed, College of the Canyons

See ACCREDITATION on Page 6

TOM RUSH IN CONCERTSee the folk legend at the PAC May 16!

PAGE 4

SPRING 2009

Facility, Named for CollegeChancellor Dr. Dianne VanHook, Set to Open This Fall

Commission Renews Accreditation, Commends College

PLAN NOW FOR SUMMER!Summer classes start June 15. Find theclasses you need at www.canyons.edu.

2 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SPRING 2009

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

Mail: College of the CanyonsPublic Information Office26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355Email: pio@canyons.edu

A B O U T B R E A K I N G N E W S

Dorothea Daniels hadn’t been in aclassroom for more than 75 years,but seeing her grandchildren pur-

sue a higher education prompted the 92-year-old to check out the college life.

The oldest College of the Canyonsstudent, Daniels is currently enrolled inan introductory English course at theCanyon Country Campus, which is ashort drive from her Agua Dulce home.

“My grandchildren inspired me,” saidDaniels of her three grandchildren whoare juggling school and work. “I thought,‘I should go too. I don’t have anything todo, and I want to do something worth-while.’ ”

But the last living founding memberof the Agua Dulce Mother’s Club (nowthe Women’s club) had also grown tiredof her crafts, which include making glassbeads with a blowtorch, watercolor paint-ing, silk scarf painting and ceramics.

“I don’t care for crochet,” saidDaniels, who also enjoys sewing.

Daniels moved to Los Angeles in1934 from North Platte, Neb., intent onenrolling in UCLA’s nursing school. But

the school was not accepting out-of-stateapplicants, and after a string of odd jobs,Daniels married and started a family.

After having been out of school for solong, Daniels said she knew it wouldn’tbe easy to return.

The English 092 course is her secondattempt after dropping a computer coursethat she found difficult.

But even now, “it’s a challenge and itentails a lot of computer work that I’mnot so good at,” said Daniels, who usesemail but struggles with other computerprograms.

Daniels prefers attending classes atCanyon Country than at the college’sValencia campus because it’s closer tohome and “not as confusing.” But when itcomes to navigating her way around cam-pus, Daniels said she usually asks fellowstudents for help. “They’ve all been verynice and helpful,” she said. “Not oncehave I been refused.”

Even so, Daniels says she feels like anoutcast in her class because of her age.

“The young people are really nice andare amazed by my age,” she said.

“They’re really friendly and they talk tome, but it’s hard to relate to them. Most ofthem have telephones stuck to their earswhen they’re in class.”

Daniels is also an avid traveler whohas traveled to Costa Rica, Africa, China,France and much of the United States.

“I cannot convey to you how exhila-rating it is to hear her talk about safaris inAfrica,” said Brandy Janssen, Daniels’English professor.

“My favorite place is China,” saidDaniels, who walked along the GreatWall and climbed the 400 steps at theTemple of Ten Thousand Buddhas.

As of yet, Daniels isn’t sure what sub-ject she would like to study, but if shedoes well in her English class, she willcontinue taking more classes. Her ulti-mate goal is to graduate with an associatedegree.

Daniels recalled how her friends did-n’t understand her decision to go back toschool.

“They just laughed and asked why,”she said. “But I’m doing what I want todo – for me.”

Student, 92, Proves It’s Never Too Late to Learn

DOROTHEA DANIELS

In celebration of Earth Day 2009, members of the College of the Canyons Students for Sustainability group handed out 100biodegradable coco coir pots filled with native seeds to plant at home. The group was created to help educate and informcitizens about environmentally sound practices and promote alternative ways to protect the valley’s natural resources.

College Speech Team Picks Up AwardsThe College of the Canyons speech team was awarded firstplace in the small schools divisions at the 2009 PacificSouthwest Collegiate Forensics Association spring champi-onships in March.While individual team members have wonvarious medals in the past, this is the first time the college’sspeech team has earned a school award at a local/regionalcompetition. The team also garnered a number of individualawards, including that of Billy Hatto who advanced to thefinal round in the Oral Interpretation of Prose category.Joining Hatton as winners were bronze medalists EricHollingsworth (oral interpretation of drama) and JoshTabak (oral interpretation of prose). In addition, BrianViggianelli earned a spot in the final round of the impromptuspeaking category in only his second tournament appear-ance. Prior to this most recent success, team memberJaume Arranz earned a silver medal in the impromptuspeaking category at the Tabor-Venitsky Invitational.

‘Kite Runner’ Essay Contest Winners NamedThe winners of the college’s Literature to Life essay contestfocusing on Khalid Hosseini’s best-selling novel “The KiteRunner” have been announced. Although open to all WilliamS. Hart Union High School District high schools students,the bulk of the essay submissions, and each of the threescholarship winners, came from Saugus High Schoolteacher Jodi Guerrero’s advanced placement (AP) Englishclass. The winners were Joseph Taylor, First Place ($250scholarship); Marissa Embola, Second Place ($150), andCarina Hornbrook, Third Place ($100). The contest calledfor students to submit essays of 800 words or less thatcompared and contrasted Hosseini’s novel and thePerforming Arts Center’s presentation of the AmericanPlace Theatre’s Literature to Life adaptation of the book.

College Receives $10,000 Gift for the ArtsThe Jack Oakie and Victoria Horne CharitableFoundation has awarded the Fine and Performing ArtsDivision at College of the Canyons $10,000, which will bedistributed to as many as 10 students as scholarshipawards in the amount of $1,000 each. The scholarships willbe awarded this spring to students studying theatre, dance,music and fine arts. Students can apply for a variety ofscholarships in screenwriting, directing, acting and comedicimprovisation, among others. Jack Oakie, a veteran ofvaudeville and Broadway, came to Hollywood in 1927. Hemade 87 pictures, most of them comedies or musical come-dies. For more information about the scholarships, pleasecontact the COC Foundation at (661) 362-3434.

Animation Dept. Receives $5,000 GrantThe College of the Canyons Animation Department wasawarded a $5,000 grant from the Medtronic Foundation tosupport the ACME Animation Network, a fee-based onlinelearning community. ACME links students with other collegestudents, high school students and animation industry pro-fessionals from across the nation through videoconferencingsessions. Students can upload animated movies and proj-ects on ACME’s site for feedback from peers and industryprofessionals from Disney, DreamWorks and Sony, amongothers. Because the program assists students in developingonline portfolios approved by professionals as “studio-ready,” many studios will hire graduates directly from theACME experience. For more information about the college’sanimation program, visit www.canyons.edu/animation.

College of the Canyons celebrated Earth Day onApril 22 with a variety of events designed topromote sustainability and demonstrate the

many ways individuals can positively impact theenvironment. The day’s events, ranging from presen-tations to a film screening, were organized byStudents for Sustainability and the SustainableDevelopment Committee (SDC).

“This year’s Earth Day at College of the Canyonsis a lot more student-initiated,” said Jia-Yi Cheng-Levine, SDC co-chair. “I am thrilled to see our stu-dents take interest in environmental matters and to seethem share their knowledge with the community.”

Duane Morton, founder of the full-service junkremoval company 1-800-GOT JUNK, gave the pres-

entation “It’s All Junk,” which was followed by ascreening and discussion of “The Story of Stuff,” adocumentary focusing on the connections betweenenvironmental and social issues.

Attendees planted sunflowers and poppies inbiodegradable cups that were made available outsidethe Student Center.

Vincent Devlahovich, a geology professor at thecollege, led the panel “Learning Community andSustainability.” And, the Academy Award-winninganimated film “Wall-E,” which shed light on thefuture of earth’s environment, was screened.

Environmentally friendly door prizes such asreusable shopping bags, “green” calendars and can-teen water bottles also were raffled.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Campus Connects on Earth Day

Back and better than ever, this year’s Junior HighSummer Institute (JSI) at College of the Canyonsoffers more than typical summer camp activities.

It features new curriculum tracks and activities designedto provide students with a fun and engaging atmosphere.

Available to incoming sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders, JSI allows parents the option of enrolling stu-dents in week-long curriculum tracks – taught primarilyby College of the Canyons instructors or field experts –in areas such as art, film, math, science and musical the-atre. New are tracks focused on animation, 3-D design,teen fitness, young entrepreneurship and lake recreation.

JSI will run 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday throughFriday from June 15 to July 24 (no meeting July 3) and

will consist of six one-week sessions. Base cost is $185 per child per week. Some tracks

may require an additional $15 materials fee. An extended-care option allows students to remain at

JSI from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. each day at an addition-al cost of $60 per child per week.

JSI will offer a limited number of need-based schol-arships. Eligible students must be currently enrolled in aSanta Clarita Valley school district. All scholarshipforms and paperwork must be turned in to Communityand Continuing Education Office by April 17.

To register or to obtain additional information, callthe Community and Continuing Education Office at(661) 362-3300 or visit www.canyons.edu/juniorhigh.

Junior High Summer Institute to Return

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SPRING 2009 3

Service-Learning Honored

In one of her first positions in community col-leges, an enterprising young faculty member cre-ated a model program for Santa Ana College in

the Rancho Santiago Community College District –a program that would help other women enter theworkforce by giving them access to the training andsupport services they needed to succeed.

Within five years, the program became a statemodel and was funded at more than 50 other col-leges across California.

She named her re-entry program, New Horizons,and now, decades later, the Los Angeles CountyCommission for Women and the County Board ofSupervisors honored College of the CanyonsChancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook as a recipient ofthe 2009 Women of the Year Award during the pres-tigious 24th Annual Women of the Year AwardsLuncheon in March.

The county’s Commission for Women was estab-lished in 1975, (about the same time Chancellor VanHook helped create her first women’s re-entry cen-ter) to represent the special interests and concerns ofwomen of all races, ethnic and cultural backgrounds,religious convictions, social circumstances, and sex-ual orientation.

Van Hook created the New Horizons program sothat women could have the same opportunities asmen, and since then, she has dedicated her life toproviding access to education for everyone, and tohelping students succeed.

District awardees are selected by each LosAngeles County Supervisor, and, aside from servingas role models, Women of the Year nominees must

have worked on behalf of women’s issues and madesignificant contributions to women’s equality.

Chancellor Van Hook was selected for this awardby Michael D. Antonovich, Los Angeles CountySupervisor, Fifth District.

“I’m passionate about California communitycolleges and the opportunities they afford people tobecome whomever they want to be,” said ChancellorVan Hook. “I have been blessed to be able to workin this amazing system of education and to buildbridges for people so they can open doors and real-ize that they can succeed.”

Throughout Chancellor Van Hook’s career, shehas mentored women, advocated for the promotionof women and championed women’s equity issues,while serving as a first-hand example to her peersand colleagues of just how powerful a role modeland visionary leader one woman can be.

Before coming to College of the Canyons, VanHook helped promote and staff the AsilomarLeadership Conference, which provides training forwomen seeking to advance to executive positions incommunity colleges throughout California, and laterestablished the Association of CaliforniaCommunity College Administrators (ACCCA)Mentor Program to further train future communitycollege leaders.

In addition, for the past two decades Van Hookhas shared her extensive knowledge and experienceby serving as a role model and mentor to womenaspiring to become college presidents – with morethan 40 of the women she has mentored going on to

County Names Van Hook Woman of the Year

See VAN HOOK on Page 5

Wielding hammers and wearinghard hats, a group of College ofthe Canyons students worked

alongside Habitat for Humanity volunteersand the cast of the CW show “90210” inbuilding the 100th home in Pacoima onMarch 14. “Our students had a great timemingling with the stars and working hardto complete construction on the YouthUnited Home,” said Dr. Jennifer Hauss,director of the Service-Learning Program.

College of the Canyons was recentlynamed to the 2008 President’s HigherEducation Community Service Honor Rollto recognize the wide-ranging communityservice-learning options offered.

College of the Canyons, one of the 635higher education institutions recognized –and one of only 39 in the state to receivethe award – created the program to inte-grate meaningful community service withinstruction and reflection to teach civicresponsibility, strengthen communities

and enrich students’ learning experiences. “College of the Canyons’ service-

learning students have been doing this foryears, and, as a result, their education, ourcommunity and our community-basedorganizations have been enhanced andenriched by their efforts,” Hauss said.

Last semester, service-learning proj-ects included the participation of nearly 40faculty members, 80 non-profit communi-ty-based organizations and more than 350students. Projects included a collaborationwith the county’s Department of Childrenand Family Services Tutoring andMentoring Project, in which studentsestablished a mentor relationship withchildren in foster care. The drive-throughflu clinic, in which nursing and EMT stu-dents gained experience working withpatients and dispensing vaccinations, wasanother successful service-learning proj-ect.

See SERVICE-LEARNING on Page 5

Los Angeles County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich presents ChancellorDr. Dianne G. Van Hook with the Woman of the Year Award.

Jill Harper RememberedA

bout 200 friendsand family of JillHarper gathered at

College of the CanyonsMarch 28 to remember the12-year Santa ClaritaValley resident, devotedwife and mother and tire-less volunteer whose senseof humor and relentlessoptimism consistently leftothers smiling.

Jill’s husband Phil andsons Richard and Ianshared touching and hu-morous memories, whileCity Councilman Bob Kellar, Chancel-lor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook and EdMasterson, field representative toAssemblyman Cameron Smyth, reflect-ed on her legacy of service.

“For COC, she was a breath of fresh

air – always upbeat, practi-cal, witty, unselfish, posi-tive and genuine – presentand passionate about allshe did,” Van Hook said.

In addition to workingwith seniors and startingthe American CancerSociety’s Relay for Lifelocally, Harper served onnumerous college commit-tees and helped pass bondmeasures C and M.

Harper’s family askedthat donations be made tothe COC Foundation in her

honor. All contributions will benefit theCanyon Country campus, to which shedonated many hours.

Information on making a donation isavailable from the COC Foundation bycalling (661) 362-3493.

JILL HARPER

4 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SPRING 2009

Coming Up: Tom Rush, Lovell Sisters, Los Lobos

ChaoticallyComical Play‘Noises Off’Opens May 7

Upcoming actsscheduled at theSanta ClaritaPerforming ArtsCenter at College ofthe Canyonsinclude The LovellSisters (above left),who will performwith legendary folkartist Tom Rush(above right) onMay 16, and LosLobos (right), bestknown for its stir-ring rendition of theRichie Valens clas-sic “La Bamba,” onMay 29.

Aplay within a play, the College ofthe Canyons Theatre Departmentproduction of “Noises Off” will

charm audiences for four nights at theSanta Clarita Performing Arts Center start-ing on May 7.

The play, which New York Magazinecalled a “side-splitting” farce, is directedby Paul Wickline, chair of the college’stheatre department.

“The concept of the ‘play within theplay’ isn’t unique,” said Wickline. “Manyplaywrights have explored this idea.However, none has crafted as ingenious ascript as Michael Frayn’s ‘Noises Off.’ ”

A hapless provincial theater companyputs on a conventional sex farce called“Nothing On.” For the first few minutes,the audience watches that very farce – butquickly realizes it’s a disastrous rehearsal.Doors slam, plates of sardines go flying,and actors miss their cues. The result ischaotically comical.

“Working on this project with such aterrific group of both college and commu-nity actors and a talented team of design-ers has been a delight,” Wickline said. “Ilook forward to sharing our work with thepublic.”

“Noises Off” will be presented on theMain Stage beginning at 8 p.m. Thursday,May 7, continuing at that time on Friday,May 8 and Saturday, May 9. The finalshow is scheduled for 2 p.m. Sunday, May10. Tickets range in price from $5 to $10.

For more information and to purchasetickets, visit www.canyonspac.com or callthe Box Office at (661) 362-5304.

The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) at College of theCanyons will be filled with a rich medley of sounds from perform-ances by Los Lobos, Tom Rush and The Lovell Sisters.

“The season continues with some great shows at the PAC, with tick-ets still available,” said Adam Philipson, PAC managing director. “Weare proud to bring multiple Grammy Award-winning artists of a varietyof genres.”

Tom Rush – who paved the way for the folk-pop sound of the ’60s –has made a profound and lasting impact on the American music scene.With the release of his new album“What I Know,” the troubadour isback stronger than ever.

“He hasn’t recorded a studioalbum in more than 30 years,” accord-ing to a Los Angeles Times review ofthe album, “but you’d never guess thathe’d been away so long, from the lithespirit in his voice on these 15 tracks.”

Accompanied by the LovellSisters, Rush will surely delight fanswith old and new material when hetakes the stage on May 16.

Following closely on Rush’s heelswill be Los Lobos, who will performon May 29. Hailing from East Los Angeles, Los Lobos reached main-stream success with its stirring rendition of Richie Valens’ classic “LaBamba” for the big-screen movie of the same name. “With the exceptionof U2, no other band has stayed on top of its game as long as Los Lobos,”according to Rolling Stone magazine.

With origins in Vera Cruz, Mexico, Los Lobos promotes outreach toLatinos in the communities in which it performs to promote “SonJarocho,” a style of music and dance that has influenced the band.

Thanks to a grant from the COC Foundation, guest artists will leadfree Son Jarocho workshops at the Newhall Community Center earlier onthe day Los Lobos will perform. “The ‘Son Jarocho’ workshops willintroduce the music of Veracruz to a new generation who will learn theorigin of the music and the various aspects that make it a vibrant musi-cal culture today, here and in Mexico,” Philipson said.

HOW TO GET TICKETS

ONLINE: www.canyonspac.comLearn more about all shows at the PAC,purchase tickets securely and quickly,even select the seats you’d like to sit in.

PHONE: (661) 362-5304

VISIT THE BOX OFFICEHours are 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.Monday through Friday. The Box Officeis located at the front of the PAC, 26455Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita.

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SPRING 2009 5

Harold and Jacquie Petersen receive the Silver Spur Community Service Award for 2009 fromCollege of the Canyons Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook during a dinner in their honor March 7.

Silver Spur Awarded to Harold, Jacquie Petersen

Valencia: (661) 259-7800 • Canyon Country: (661) 476-3800 • Online: www.canyons.edu

“College students represent an enormous pool of idealism andenergy to help tackle some of our toughest challenges,” said StephenGoldsmith, vice chair of the Board of Directors of the Corporationfor National and Community Service, which oversees the HonorRoll. “We salute College of the Canyons for making communityservice a campus priority, and thank the millions of college studentswho are helping to renew America through service to others.”

For more information about the Service-Learning Program, visitwww.canyons.edu or call (661) 362-3043.

Service-LearningFROM PAGE 3

achieve that goal at a California community college.Under her leadership, the number of female administrators at the

college has increased from just two when she was hired in 1988 to54 percent today.

With full belief and personal experience in the leadership capa-bilities of women, Van Hook is quick to encourage her peers, col-leagues, staff and students to strive to reach their full potentialthrough education, professional development and job advance-ment – demonstrating through her own actions that it can be done.

Van HookFROM PAGE 3

Since relocating to the Santa ClaritaValley in 2001, Harold and JacqulynPetersen have developed a reputation

for the enthusiasm, dedication and gen-erosity they display toward many of thecommunity’s most benevolent non-profitorganizations and causes.

To honor their generous communityservice, the College of the CanyonsFoundation Board of Directors awardedthem the college’s “Silver Spur”Community Service Award for 2009 dur-ing a special dinner in their honor at theBeverly Wilshire Hotel on March 7.

Harold, president of Petersen Inter-national Underwriters, has maintained anactive role in his community throughoutthe years. He is a supporter of the Boysand Girls Club of Santa Clarita Valley, theSanta Clarita Child and Family Center, theUCLA Alumni Association, and the Maryand Joseph League of Los Angeles.

In addition to her involvement with theBoys and Girls Club and Child and FamilyCenter alongside Harold, Jacquie hasgiven her time and generosity for causesassociated with the American Red Cross;the John Tracey Clinic, which providesfree medical services for children withhearing loss; the Junior League; theAmerican Heart Fund and the AmericanCancer Society. She has also served aspresident of the Mary and Joseph League

and a volunteer with the Catholic Church. Most recently they were honored for

their work in the community at theValentine’s Day Have a Heart Sweetheartsevent benefiting the Henry Mayo NewhallMemorial Health Foundation’s ongoingwork in funding the Roberta G. VelozCardiac Catheter Lab.

The couple’s generous and wide-rang-ing support for College of the Canyons hasrevolved around several key projects at thecollege, including the Dr. Dianne G. VanHook University Center capital campaignand the annual Silver Spur celebration.

In addition, Harold and Jacquie areboth members of the President’s Circle, agroup of prominent community leaders,alumni and corporations dedicated to thesuccess of the college, and major contrib-utors to the COC Annual Fund, which pro-vides the college with the financialresources needed to support and strive forthe highest levels of excellence in teach-ing, vocational training, student scholar-ships and overall campus innovation.

“We consider ourselves lucky atCollege of the Canyons to count thePetersens among our closest friends andstrongest supporters,” Chancellor Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook said. “We owe theman immeasurable debt of gratitude for allthey have done for the college and its stu-dents over the years.”

The College of the Canyons Foundation inviteswine connoisseurs from across the SantaClarita Valley to partake in an evening of great

wine, gourmet food and good company during the22nd Annual Santa Clarita Valley Wine Classic.

The event is scheduled 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday,May 30, in the Main Gallery at California Instituteof the Arts, 24700 McBean Pkwy., just east ofInterstate 5.

Boasting a variety of new-release, rare and vin-tage wines, as well as a plethora of delectable dish-es from some of the Santa Clarita Valley’s finestrestaurants and caterers, this annual event benefitsthe Student Symphonic Orchestra Program atCollege of the Canyons.

The orchestra is a three-tiered instrumental edu-cation program that was founded at CalArts in 1969and moved to College of the Canyons in 1989. Theprogram provides a positive and creative outlet forhundreds of young musicians throughout the valley.

In addition to sampling the impeccable array offood and drink, guests will receive souvenir wineglasses and trays to use while tasting, snacking andotherwise socializing during the event.

During the silent-auction portion of the evening,

guests will have the opportunity to bid on an array ofboth rare and popular wines, restaurant gift certifi-cates and an assortment of attractive gift baskets.

Tickets for the 2009 SCV Wine Classic are cur-rently on sale through the College of the CanyonsFoundation. The pricing structure is as follows:

• $70 each / $135 pair until May 30• $80 each / $155 pair at the door• $35 each for designated drivers• $65 each (10 minimum) for group sales through

May 25Tickets are available for purchase online at

www.scvwineclassic.org or by contacting theCollege of the Canyons Foundation at (661) 362-3737. Ticket orders also may be faxed to (661) 259-9961. Visa, MasterCard and American Express areaccepted.

Tickets can also be purchased by sending a checkto College of the Canyons Foundation, 26455Rockwell Canyon Road, Santa Clarita, CA 91355;please make checks payable to the College of theCanyons Foundation.

Updated information such as lists of participat-ing wineries and restaurants, a map and directions tothe event are available at www.scvwineclassic.org.

Annual Wine Classic Set for May 30

6 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SPRING 2009

written verification from their instructor tofile a pre-requisite challenge and enroll inEnglish 091 and Math 060.

“The LAUNCH program will help stu-dents move on to transfer-level coursesmore quickly,” said Denee Pescarmona,interim faculty coordinator for basic skills

and an English instructor at the college.“By shortening the pipeline to transfer-

level classes, we are helping to ensure thatstudents will go on to meet their academicand career goals,” added Pescarmona.

The free classes will be taught by full-time college instructors. Students musttake both the math and English courses,and at least 80 percent of attendance ismandatory. For more information, contactCommunity Education at (661) 362-3330.

LAUNCHFROM PAGE 1

Library, Mentry Hall Set for Major Expansion

was among just four of 15 colleges toreceive full accreditation at the commis-sion’s January meeting.

Mitjl Capet, assistant superintendentand vice president of instruction, was thecollege’s accreditation liaison who shep-herded the preparation of the institutionalself-study report and coordinated theaccreditation team’s visit.

“Accreditation is about accountability,and our outstanding accreditation resultsreinforce the fact that College of theCanyons has been found to be accountableto its students, to the community and to thehigh ideals and standards of higher educa-tion,” Capet said.

During the commission’s peer evalua-tion of the campus and its operations inOctober, and in the official accreditationreport, commission visiting team chair Dr.Robert F. Agrella, superintendent-presi-dent of Santa Rosa Junior College, praisedthe college for an array of accomplish-ments, while also recognizing the mem-

bers of the college community for the atti-tude they display and important role theyplay in the community.

“You are to be commended for yourentrepreneurial attitude, enthusiasm andspirit that you display,” Agrella said duringthe team’s exit interview.

Included in the visiting team’s exitinterview were just three recommendedareas of improvement: an acceleration ofthe timeline to transfer the storage of paststudent records to a digital format; a pro-gram review of library services designedto improve the effectiveness of thelibraries at both campuses; and the contin-ued focus on developing increased studentlearning outcomes – a recommendationhanded down to all institutions undergoingthe reaccreditation process.

“For an institution of your size andcomplexity to have just those three recom-mendations is to be lauded,” Agrella said,adding he has never prepared an accredita-tion report with fewer recommendations.

The full report, as well as the visitingteam’s official evaluation report, are avail-able at http://www.canyons.edu/Offices-/PIO/Accreditation/.

AccreditationFROM PAGE 1

With construction of the Dr. DianneG. Van Hook University Centernearing completion, College of

the Canyons is preparing to embark onanother wave of new construction projectsdesigned to expand and modernize theValencia campus.

Coming up are major expansions ofMentry Hall and the Library, both ofwhich were built in 1997 when the col-lege’s student population stood at about7,500, as well as a federal stimulus-fundedcomputer lab designed for community use.

The 43,000-square-foot Mentry Hallwill gain an additional 30,000 square feetof classroom and instructional space. Thebuilding houses the Art Gallery, radio, tel-evision, film (RTVF), art, photography,architecture, interior design, and graphicand multimedia design programs.

The Mentry Hall expansion, utilizingMeasure M bond funds and no state contri-butions, will likely be the next project outof the gate.

The state’s uncertain economic climateand its ability to sell general-obligationbonds necessary to pay for constructioncould affect the expansion timeline, butcollege officials hope to break ground onthe project this year.

“With the addition of these new class-rooms, we are working toward our masterplan of eventually removing the Class-room Village,” Jim Schrage, vice presidentof facilities planning, operations and con-struction, said in reference to the collec-tion of modular classroom buildings onthe south end of campus. “That area willthen eventually open up into a big mallspace similar to the Honor Grove.”

The approximately 36,000-square-footLibrary will more than double in sizewhen its expansion is completed. The planis to add roughly 52,000 square feet ofspace to the current facility.

In addition to significantly increasingthe amount of space needed to houselibrary resources and materials, the expan-sion will also create a new, permanenthome for the college’s Tutoring, Learning& Computing Lab (TLC), which will fea-ture separate math and English instructionlabs, expanded student study areas andadditional computer labs. At least one ofthese new computer labs will designatedfor community use.

Being paid for with funds from thestate and Measure M – the $160 milliongeneral obligation bond that local votersapproved in November 2006 – the col-lege’s $24 million library expansion proj-ect is expected to break ground in 2010,pending the issuance of bonds at the statelevel.

stress of having to leave the Santa Clarita Valley.” With construction of the University Center nearly com-

plete, college officials expect to begin offering classes in thenew facility during the summer session before hosting agrand-opening celebration in August.

“This new state-of-the-art facility will enable us to dramat-ically expand the number of programs and degree optionsoffered at the college while significantly increasing access tohigher education right here in the Santa Clarita Valley,” saidBarry Gribbons, assistant superintendent/vice president ofinstitutional development, technology and online services.

Having already established partnerships with University ofLa Verne, Chapman University, UCLA Extension, NationalUniversity, California State University (CSU) Bakersfield andCSU Northridge, the college will have the space to beginattracting more partners – and more degree programs.

In fact, California Lutheran University, CSU Long Beach,CSU Fresno and CSU Los Angeles have already expressedinterest in offering their programs at the University Center.

New programs already set to be offered in the permanentcenter include a bachelor’s degree in nursing through NationalUniversity, a bachelor’s degree in economics with an empha-sis in marketing through CSU Bakersfield, and the RyanDesignated Subjects Adult Education Teaching Credentialthrough UCLA Extension.

Other proposed additions to the lineup are a master’s

degree in psychology with an emphasis in marriage and fami-ly therapy (MFT) from Chapman University and a bachelor’sdegree in small business and entrepreneurial managementfrom California Lutheran University.

In all, the University Center will house up to 10 partnerinstitutions and offer more than 50 bachelor’s, master’s anddoctoral degrees and credential programs.

The Board of Trustees named the new center after VanHook because of her “tireless commitment to enhancingaccess to education, her belief in the power of dreaming bigand never giving up, and her premise that we, as individualsand institutions, become what we give ourselves the power tobe.” The University Center concept was Van Hook’s brain-child, an idea she nurtured and propelled to fruition.

Also slated to move into the new building are Academy ofthe Canyons, the Early College High School, the COCFoundation, Professional Development, the Institute ofTeaching & Learning, Community & Continuing Education,and the Economic Development Division, which encompassesthe Small Business Development Center, Employee TrainingInstitute and i3 Advanced Technology Incubator.

“Part of the University Center’s original design was tobring together and serve as a hub for an interactive network ofbusinesses needing training and students needing educationwhere the college’s faculty, staff and educational partnerswork together to create a place where innovation can thrive,”Van Hook said.

For more information, call (661) 362-5474 or email uni-versitycenter@canyons.edu. A complete list of program anddegree options is available at www.canyons.edu.

University CenterFROM PAGE 1

The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center, with Interstate 5, Stevenson Ranch and Valencia Westridge visible to the west, nears completion.

College of the Canyons is in fullcompliance with legal require-ments that mandate public over-

sight of the disbursement of bond rev-enues for both Measure C and MeasureM, the oversight committees for therespective bond measures determined.

The two citizens’ oversight commit-tees made their unanimous determina-tions after reviewing the results of inde-pendent audits covering the fiscal yearending June 30, 2008. All of the auditfindings were favorable to the collegeand its handling of bond measure funds.

“The committee agrees that theSanta Clarita Community CollegeDistrict accounting procedures are inconformity with generally acceptedaccounting principles, and the district’sexpenditures of general-obligation bondfunds were in accordance with applica-ble laws, regulations and approvedboard policies,” Rita Garasi, chair of theMeasure M oversight committee, saidin a letter to the Board of Trustees.

Michael Hogan, chair of theMeasure C committee, also affirmed thedistrict’s proper accounting proceduresand bond fund expenditures.

“The committee is pleased to notethat this was the seventh year in a rowthe (district) received no audit findings

and no exceptions were noted,” Hogansaid in a Jan. 21 letter to the board.

It was also the second year in a rowthat the Measure M audit produced nofindings or exceptions.

Both the Measure C and Measure Moversight committees approved formalresolutions affirming the college’s com-pliance on Dec. 11, 2008.

The Measure C oversight committeewas formed following voter approval ofthat $82.1 million bond measure in2001. It has provided much-neededconstruction of new facilities, renova-tion of the existing campus and creationof a new campus in Canyon Country.

The Measure M Citizens OversightCommittee was formed after passage ofthe $160 million Measure M in 2006.

California law requires that citizens’oversight committees be appointed tooversee the disbursement of bondfunds, as well as ensure that they are notused for faculty or administrativesalaries or district operating expenses.

Meeting dates, agendas, minutesand additional information are postedonline at www.canyons.edu. Click the“About Canyons” button directlybeneath the college logo, then click therespective committee’s button in theleft-side navigation column.

Bond Oversight Panels:College in Compliance

COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SPRING 2009 7

Piloted in 2007, the donor-funded Physics andCalculus Book Award Program at College of theCanyons provides textbooks to deserving students

studying for careers in math-based career fields.The Physics and Calculus Book Award program is

administered through the college’s Mathematics,Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program.Since its inception the book program has awarded a totalof 19 books, at a cost of roughly $200 apiece, and hassince expanded to provide 20 books each year on an ongo-ing basis.

Making the program even more beneficial is the factthat each physics/calculus book can be used for threesequential courses.

“One book goes a long way,” said College of theCanyons mechanical engineering student Angie Grayr, 21,pointing out that the $200 she saved through the award

program reduced her total semester book cost by morethan 35 percent. “You’ll use these books semester aftersemester, and probably even after as reference material.I’m planning on keeping my book forever!”

To be eligible for the Physics and Calculus BookAward program, students must demonstrate a financialneed, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and be majoring in afield of math, engineering or science.

After receiving the books, students must then meetwith an academic counselor to create a student education-al plan, submit academic progress reports throughout thesemester and commit to maintaining at least a “B” aver-age in any physics or calculus course work. If a studentfails to receive a final grade of a “B” or higher in the classthey must then return the book to the MESA office.

“They have to keep their grade up, so they have to per-form,” said Susan Crowther, MESA program director.

“But we like the idea of there being a little bit of compe-tition involved, so that students will aspire to be awardeda book.”

Much of the book award program’s success is due togenerous contributions to the college’s Foundation by ananonymous donor. Because of the program’s great suc-cess, the donor has committed to providing an additional20 books each year.

“For somebody to step in and give such a valuable giftfor such a deserving group of students is really a bless-ing,” said Crowther. “The book award program is espe-cially important because of the role it plays in the col-lege’s larger effort to support technical industries through-out the state. California needs more engineers, andCollege of the Canyons has shown a strong commitmentto supporting students pursuing the engineering and sci-ence fields.”

Students Benefit From Math Textbook Program

Tannehill Named Directorof Small Business Center

Steven Tannehill has beennamed director of theSmall Business Develop-

ment Center (SBDC), hostedby College of the Canyons.

Tannehill will work close-ly with Bruce Getzan, dean ofeconomic development at thecollege, to provide leadership,direction and managerial over-sight of the SBDC and itsoperations. Tannehill takesover the position vacated byformer Director Paul De LaCerda and Interim DirectorCharlie Gill.

“I am looking forward tojoining the outstanding team ofpeople at the college, in the EconomicDevelopment Division and at the SmallBusiness Development Center,” Tannehill said.“It’s my hope to utilize my business experi-ence, education and background in a publicservice role that will provide a valuableresource for small businesses throughout ourregion.”

Tannehill has more than 20 years of experi-ence in the real estate finance industry. Hespent the last 12 years as the chief operatingofficer of Countrywide Servicing Exchange

and as a managing director ofBanc of America Securities.He also served as an adjunctfaculty member in theFinance, Real Estate andInsurance Department atCalifornia State University,Northridge. He has served onthe Newhall School Districtboard since 1998.

He has a bachelor’s de-gree in law and society fromthe University of California atSanta Barbara and an MBAfrom the Haas School ofBusiness at UC Berkeley.

Tannehill said he wouldlike to create an information con-

duit that would allow small businesses to staycurrent with opportunities in the recentlypassed federal economic stimulus package.

“There are a wide range of benefits forsmall businesses in that package, fromenhanced tax benefits to opportunities to bid onenergy efficiency and other infrastructure proj-ects,” Tannehill said. “One of my first goalswill be to set up a process to help small busi-nesses understand what’s in the package andhow they can compete for opportunities thepackage provides.”

Lessons Learned in Competition, Victory and DefeatA

s the spring semester winds down, COC athletics isstill in full swing with seven teams still competingfor conference and state titles. The men’s and

women’s basketball teams just finished up another verysuccessful season that included Western State Conferencetitles and a handful of all-conference picks.

Men’s BasketBall

The Cougar men’s basketball team had a tough season,finishing with an 11-19 overall record and a 4-8 record inconference. COC ended the season on a two-game win-ning streak and defeated the two teams by an average of14.5 points. In COC’s final game of the year, the squadoutscored the Glendale College Vaqueros 19-11 in thefirst overtime period for a 107-99 win.

Sophomores Justin Smith (Reseda) and JasonHolzwarth (Keller, Texas) were named First-Team All-Western State Conference and freshmen Brannon Bradley(Leuzinger) and Terrez Scott (Valencia) earned honorablemention.

WoMen’s BasketBall

With one of the most athletic teams that head coachGreg Herrick has led in years, the women’s basketballteam dominated conference play with a perfect 12-0record. The first-place finish for Herrick was his 11th titleand eighth non-blemished Western State Conference sea-son in his 17-year career.

COC defeated Mt. San Jacinto in the first round of theplayoffs, 81-77, needing all 40 minutes to hold off thefeisty Eagles. Following the win against the Eagles, COCtravelled to Ventura College to face a team that had notlost a single game during the 2008-09 season. TheCougars had their hands full and could not handle the fast-paced basketball of the Pirates and lost, 77-51.

A school record four women were named First-TeamAll-Conference – Sophomores Charity Smith (Palmdale),Arielle White (L.A. Dorsey) and Britney Bradley (Hart)and freshman Ashley Wakefield (Washington Prep).Herrick was named the Conference Coach of the Year.

softBall

The softball team had a major turnaround from headcoach John Wissmath’s 17-32 first season in 2008 and are

vying for the top spot in the Western State Conference.The Cougars had early success with defeats of top-rankedCypress and Mt. San Antonio College in early March,which prepared them for tough conference play.

At the end of March, pitcher freshman AshleyImperial (Saugus) led the team with a 10-3 record and ateam-best 1.78 ERA and freshman Melissa Herndon(West Ranch) finished in the top three of the conferencewith a .420 batting average.

BaseBall

The baseball team struggled at the beginning of the2009 season. The COC team had lost one of its strongestsophomore classes after the 2008 season to the profes-sional ranks and to four-year universities, and it tooksome time for COC to truly understand the talent theypossessed.

COC started the conference season with a 3-6-1record, only to fall deeper into the hole with three consec-utive conference losses to open Western State Conferenceplay. Since then, head coach Chris Cota has led the team14-1 record and at the halfway point of the conference

season, the squad was in first place. Sophomore veteran Caleb Deville (Valencia) had a

major part in helping the Cougars turnaround the season.The pitcher leads the team with a 5-0 record and hassteadily brought down his 3.09 ERA. Sophomore JulianCruz (Saugus) tops the team with a .384 batting averageand notched a team-high 12 doubles through March.

The defending conference champions have until theend of April to tie up another Western State Championshipand earn a bid for the playoffs.

track and field

The COC track and field teams picked up on last sea-son’s successes and have continued to compete with thebest athlete’s the state has to offer.

Freshman Lance Mosley (Green Valley, Nev.) looks tobe the Cougars answer to the sprinting events. TheNevada native already has the team’s top marks in the100-meter, 200-meter dash and the triple jump. On thewomen’s side, multi-eventers Brittany Uhl (Saugus) andCaitlyn Ramirez (Hart) are carrying most of the load forthe Cougars. In the recent Southern CaliforniaHeptathlon, Uhl and Ramirez finished in third and fourthplace respectively, and Uhl added 100 more points to herscore from the 2008 season.

sWiM and dive

Swim and dive is getting ready for its final conferencemeets of the season during the month of April. The mensit in the middle of the conference standings and thewomen are at the bottom of the Western State Conference.With a few more competitions left, the Cougars are look-ing to place well in the Western State Finals.

Men’s Golf

The 2008 defending state champions had a slow startthis year, but have caught up with conference leader SantaBarbara City. COC boasts two of the top individualgolfers in the conference – sophomores Davis Kirkland(Crespi) and Ryan Weltig (West Ranch). The two wereaveraging 72 strokes per match after five competitions,with a few more to go before the conference finals. TheCougars hosted their home conference tournament atValencia Country Club on Monday, April 20.

Pitcher Ashley Imperial led the softball team with a 10-3 record.

The Academic Senate for California Community Colleges namedCollege of the Canyons’ Institute of Teaching and Learning (ITL)winner of the coveted 2008 Exemplary Program Award – for its

excellence in providing both full-time and adjunct faculty members withan innovative on-campus professional development program.

The Exemplary Program Awards allow colleges to showcase andshare exceptional programs with other colleges. The ITL will receive a$4,000 award from the Foundation for California Community Colleges.

“College of the Canyons has always shown a strong commitment toprofessional development, and as such we are very honored to receivethis award,” Chancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook said. “We believe pas-sionately that professional development is absolutely essential to enableus as a college to do our greatest work, which is developing our greatestresource: people.”

James Glapa-Grossklag, dean of distance learning, said, “We are allcommitted to doing this together – administrators, faculty and staff –because we believe that professional development opportunities producesustained and concrete outcomes for our colleagues, our communitiesand most of all our students.”

ITL was created to enrich the faculty’s teaching abilities by encour-aging “reflective practice” – the study of one’s own teaching methods –at every stage of the teaching and learning process.

Though dedicated to helping all faculty improve their teaching skills,ITL also offers an Associate Program designed specifically for adjunctfaculty. Successful completion of the program bestows the status of“associate adjunct” and a 10 percent permanent pay increase. About 250adjunct instructors have completed the program since 1989.

In addition, 230 individuals have taken at least one ITL course since2002, and of the college’s 196 full-time faculty members 102 have takenat least one ITL course — while many more have participated in the pro-gram’s individual workshops and activities.

STEVEN TANNEHILL

Faculty-EnrichmentProgram Honored

ATHLETICS ROUNdUP

8 COLLEGE OF THE CANYONS BREAKING NEWS • SPRING 2009

For the past six seasons, the College of the Canyonshockey team has proven over and over again that ithas the talent, coaching and campus support to be

highly competitive throughout the state. The Cougars enhanced their on-ice reputation even

further this past season, winning the Pacific CollegiateHockey Association’s (PCHA) coveted Adams Cup andearning the chance to compete at the American CollegiateHockey Association (ACHA) Division III NationalChampionships in Rochester, N.Y. March 4 through 7.

“At the beginning of the season we probably wouldhave been happy to get to the playoffs and be competi-tive,” said John Taferner, head coach of College of theCanyons hockey. “But as the team started to gel through-out the course of the season, we started winning gamesand the kids started to gain confidence.”

That confidence helped lead the Cougars to PCHAplayoff victories over Fresno State University and nation-ally No. 1-ranked Northern Arizona University to win theconference championship.

With a belief that miracles can and do happen,Canyons headed to the National Championships as one of

only two community colleges, and the only college fromCalifornia, to qualify for the tournament.

Including a mixture of 16 teams from four geographicregions across the country (Pacific, Atlantic, North andSouth), the tournament field featured a mix of larger andmore athletically celebrated Division I universities –University of Colorado, Georgia Tech and University ofTennessee – and lesser known, put perhaps better geo-graphically suited for hockey, colleges located in stateslike Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania.

In the opening round of the tournament, Canyons skat-ed to a thrilling 6-5 victory over Albany University,advancing to a second-round match-up against GrandValley State University (GVSU) of Allendale, Mich.

But Canyons would meet its match in GVSU, as theCougars were defeated 7-2 and placed in the tournament’sconsolation bracket – ending any hopes of bringing homea national championship. Canyons would go on to playtwo more games in Rochester, finishing the weekend witha 1-3 record and 14th-place tournament ranking.

“As a West Coast team, it’s very tough to win at theNational Championships,” said Taferner, adding that play-ing games in back-to-back days also presented challenges.“But I was proud of our kids. After we lost the last game,they put their heads up and said, ‘Now we know what it’sgoing to be like next year.’ ”

Because of the team’s success, Taferner expects theCougars to begin the 2009-10 campaign at a higher pre-season ranking, which could greatly affect the team’sPCHA playoff and ACHA National Championship tourna-ment seedings.

“The level of hockey talent in Southern California is alot broader and deeper than most people think. The prob-lem is we don’t have the big leagues and facilities that willpromote big-time hockey,” said Taferner. “And that’s oneof the reasons why we started the program at College ofthe Canyons.”

With a roster of players hailing primarily from theSanta Clarita Valley, Taferner and General Manager JimSchrage – along with the support of Athletic DirectorChuck Lyon and Dean of Physical Education LenMohney – have built the college’s hockey program frommostly home-grown talent.

As a result, this year’s squad has garnered commenda-tions from the City of Santa Clarita, state AssemblymanCameron Smyth, state Sen. George Runner and the LosAngeles County Board of Supervisors since returninghome from Rochester.

“We believe in Santa Clarita, we believe in the kids ofSanta Clarita and we believe in their abilities,” Tafernersaid. “It’s just a matter of harnessing that ability and mak-ing these kids believe they can achieve anything.”

Cougar Hockey Wins Adams CupCollege of the Canyons forward Billy Knights (3) moves the puck past a pair of UC Irvine defenders during the 2008-09 season. The Cougars primarily play four-year colleges and universities in the region.

Canyons Team Travels to New York toCompete in National Championships

College of the Canyons wrapped up its third CougarAthletic Hall of Fame on Jan. 22 in the EastPhysical Education Building on the Valencia cam-

pus. During a night filled with old stories and teammatesreunited for the first time in more than 25 years, the dinnerand ceremony went off in true COC style.

Keynote speaker Todd Donoho provided personal sto-ries of his life as an L.A. sports broadcaster and his run-inswith some of the greatest sports figures. Donoho’s anec-dotes kept the crowd of about 230 guests enthralled.

The college inducted four individuals – men’s basket-ball player Jesse Boyd, women’s golfer Susan Latch, foot-ball coach Larry Reisbig and counselor Al Adelini – andhonored the 1981 state championship baseball team as thefirst to be inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame.

Inductees spoke about the privilege of being honoredamong COC’s finest. Guests heard stories of expertisefrom Reisbig, hope and triumph from Latch, adoration forthe college from Adelini and personal growth from Boyd.

Former baseball head coach Mike Gillespie, who wenton to coach at USC, relived the 1981 road to the statechampionships. Former assistant coach and now Dean ofPhysical Education and Athletics Len Mohney introducedeach player and described what they were doing now.

The event rekindled memories and reunited athleteswith friends, coaches and others they encountered at thecollege, but, most of all, it reminded them what they lovedand cherished about College of the Canyons.

Hall of FameEvent ReunitesTeammates

The California Community College AthleticAssociation (CCCAA) named the 2007 Collegeof the Canyons state champion women’s golf

team the 2007-08 Pepsi Scholar Women’s Golf Team. The honor, awarded during the 12th Annual

CCCAA Convention in Ontario in March, goes to asports team that had at least a combined GPA of 3.0 anddemonstrated better-than-average accomplishments inintercollegiate athletic competition. The 2007 Cougar

women’s golf team earned a combined 3.09 GPA whilewinning the Western State Conference, SouthernCalifornia and state titles.

“It is an amazing feat when your team can win anacademic award,” head golf coach Gary Peterson said.“It is even more impressive when you can also win astate championship in the same year. I am very proud ofthe women of the 2007 team and applaud their pursuit ofsuccess in the classroom and on the golf course.”

Golfers Honored for Academics

The 2007 women’s golf team was honored for both its athletic and academic prowess. They are (from left) Ashley Windsor, AshleyRedmond, Tessa Harp, coach Gary Peterson, Eleanna Tan, Darlene Bognot and Jenny Lee, who was the 2007 individual state champ.