Providing a ‘one-stop shopping’ experience forcommunity members in search of employ-ment and local businesses looking to hire, the

Santa Clarita WorkSource Center moved to its newhome in the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook UniversityCenter at College of the Canyons.

The Santa Clarita WorkSource Center, which isoperated by the City of Santa Clarita through fundsprovided by the federal Workforce Investment Act,brings businesses and job seekers together in one

place by providing an array of free services. Community members are able to search local

job listings while using the Center’s computers,high-speed Internet connection, phone and fax lines,and copy machines to file job applications, prepareresumes and connect with potential employers.

Meanwhile, local businesses can utilize theWorkSource Center to post job openings, accesspotential job candidates, conduct pre-screenings ofpotential applicants and hold on-site interviews in

With its longerdays andwarmer

weather, I find summerto be the most welcom-ing season! It signalsthat the great outdoors isready to be exploredonce again after winter.And more importantly,the energy of summerand its sounds, sights,smells, inspires newideas, motivates us, andleads to new initiativeshere at College of theCanyons.

As you will seethroughout this issue ofthe Bottom Line, we’relaunching new programsto help our studentsbecome employed inpersonally rewarding,well-compensated careerfields; we’re expandingthe services we offer toour local business com-munity; and we’re creat-ing innnovative partner-ships that extend ourreach in the communityand help create new

See CHANCELLOR on Page 2

The mood was a festive one. The January30th evening was crystal clear and, fromthe hilltop location, the view took in the

entire Santa Clarita Valley. The magnificent building’s lobby and second-

floor hallway had been magically transformedinto a fine-dining establishment and receptionarea respectively with table settings artfullyreflecting the tasteful color pallet that graces the

offices, classrooms and common spaces of thespectacular 110,000-square-foot structure.

The guest list was an eclectic one composedof friends, family, colleagues past and present,supporters, donors, admirers – all with their own,personal reasons for attending.

The stage was set for a “perfect evening” – toofficially dedicate the newly-opened University

WE BEL I EVE I N T EACH ING , L EAD ING AND STAY ING AT THE FOREFRONT OF CHANGE

See WORKSOURCE on Page 5

See DEDICATION on Page 10

N E W S & V I E W S F R O M C O L L E G E O F T H E C A N Y O N S S U M M E R 2 0 1 0

Open for Business: City WorkSource CenterRelocates to College of the Canyons

University Center FormallyDedicated To Dr. Van Hook

Friends, former colleagues and community leaders attended the University Center dedication ceremony in honor of COCChancellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook. Among those celebrating with Dr. Van Hook (second from left) were Diane Stewart,COC’s dean of Early Childhood Education and Training Programs; Jacquie Peterson, the COC Foundation’s 2009 SilverSpur co-honoree, and Foundation volunteer Cathy Kennedy.

BL_Spring2010_8.5x11size_BL-FALL-03 6/11/10 2:48 PM Page 2

opportunities and resources that wouldn’tbe possible without cooperation and col-laboration.

Moving forward with commitment,optimism, and enthusiasm is what we dobest as we strive to meet the varyingneeds of our students, as well as our com-munity’s businesses. In in this ever-changing and unpredictable economicenvironment, opportunities emerge atevery turn and afford us a chance to getbetter at what we do, to build new part-nerships, and to figure out how to com-bine resources to do more than any of uscould ever do alone.

Recent grant-funded projects illustrateour commitment to pursue new opportuni-ties and joint initiatives that benefit ouracademic programs and the students theyserve, as well as local businesses.Although we too must deal with theeffects of statewide budgetary challenges,we remain committed to serving our stu-dents and community. Now, more thanever, we must remain engaged and findnew ways to support those who count onus to lead the way forward.

We received a two-year, $350,000grant to offer four welding automationcourses that will align with criteria fromthe American Welding Society. Coursecurriculum will include an introductorywelding automation course to allow fortraining in building basic foundation con-cepts and skills. The program willinclude applied robotics and programmingcourses to provide students with a rangeof knowledge, applications and skills.Finally, an advanced automation coursewill prepare students to sit for the certifi-

cation test, which will be offered in con-junction with the American Welding Soci-ety. The new curriculum will keep ourstudents on the cutting edge of weldingtechnology and give them a real competi-tive advantage in a tight job market.

Our Center for Applied CompetitiveTechnologies (CACT), which offersresponsive workforce training and techni-cal consulting services to advanced tech-nology companies, applied for funding tocontinue its services and was awarded$205,000. Due to the state’s budget con-

straints, only six CACTs were funded inCalifornia (down from 13 centers).Together with El Camino College, we willbe responsible for serving the SouthernCalifornia region from San Luis Obispoto Riverside. Retaining our CACT was ahigh priority for us, given the number oflocal companies who rely on its advancedtraining to upgrade the skills of theiremployees.

We partnered with Boston Scientific toapply for a $150,000 Responsive TrainingFund grant, which was just funded. Wewill provide training to Boston Scientificin project management and processimprovement in collaboration with theSouthern California Biomedical Council.

At the same time, we are continuingour commitment to support our studentsthrough new programs, new funds, newpartnerships and new possibilities. Fund-ed by a $399,000 grant, the College of theCanyons Allied Health Division launcheda Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT)program. MLT professionals work in themedical and biotechnical lab fields to col-lect data and information critical to effec-tive patient care and research. With thisnew training option, students will findemployment in hospitals, clinics, nursinghomes, public health facilities and othercommercial laboratories — where theirtraining, communication and researchskills will be highly valued.

In closing, I hope you will be inspiredby the energy of summer and that yourown accomplishments will blossom in thedays and weeks ahead.

If you have any questions after read-ing this latest Bottom Line, please feelfree to call me at (661) 362-3400.

Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook is Chancellorof College of the Canyons.

T H E B O T T O M L I N E l S U M M E R 2 0 1 02

ChancellorFROM PAGE 1

PhotographyJasmine FosterJesse MunozNick Pavik

Sue BozmanJohn McElwainWendy Trujillo

Phone(661) 259-7800

Internethttp://www.canyons.edu

Mailing AddressCollege of the Canyons

Santa Clarita Community College District26455 Rockwell Canyon Road

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

EditorEric Harnish

StoriesJesse MunozCelina Baguiao

Design/LayoutJohn Green

Mark Kashirsky

Vice President, District Communication,

Marketing & External RelationsSue Bozman

Managing Director, Public Relations and Marketing

John McElwain

The Bottom Line is published by the College of the Canyons Public Information Office to inform thecommunity of news and events of interest in the Santa Clarita Community College District.

“In this ever-changingand unpredictable economic environment,opportunities emergeat every turn andafford us a chance toget better at what wedo, to build new part-nerships, and to figureout how to combineresources to do morethan any of us couldever do alone.”

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T H E B O T T O M L I N E l S U M M E R 2 0 1 0 3

The College of the Canyons Allied Health Division has intro-duced a new Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) programdesigned to prepare students for high-demand jobs in the med-

ical and biotechnical lab industries.MLT professionals play critical roles in collecting the data and

information needed to provide care to patients and/or performresearch used in the scientific exploration of many areas throughoutthe larger medical, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Certified MLT professionals often find employment in hospitals,clinics, nursing homes, public health facilities and other commerciallaboratories — where their training and communication and researchskills are highly valued.

According to statistics provided by the United States Departmentof Labor, a certified MLT technician in the state of California typical-ly earns a median income of more than $38,000 a year.

“Currently, as with all health care occupations, there is a shortageof personnel qualified to work in hospital and biotechnical labs,” saidSue Albert, dean of Allied Health at the college. “The Medical LabTechnician program will help to meet that need for laboratory per-sonnel. Thanks to the support of the local hospitals and biotechnicallabs in the area, COC is the first community college in the region tooffer such a program.”

Integrating a mixture of classroom lectures, laboratory work andclinical training, the college’s MLT program fosters development ofthe technical, analytical and problem-solving skills required of thisprofession.

Students who complete the two-year program will receive anassociate in science degree in MLT and be eligible to sit for the nation-al certification exam.

This program will be offered pending approval by the CaliforniaCommunity College System Chancellor’s Office and the CaliforniaDepartment of Health Services Laboratory Field Services unit.

Lab Tech Program Launches New Careers

The College of the Canyons Foundation has launched theChancellor’s Business Council, an innovative partnershipbetween the college and the local business community. The

intent of the partnership is to work together to strengthen eco-nomic development and to build a bridge between business andeducation.

“This partnership has been developed to enhance relation-ships, identify strategic networks and create opportunities toshare resources for mutual benefit,” explained Dr. Van Hook. “Asbusinesses look ahead and take the necessary steps to movebeyond current economic trends, COC stands ready to assist andsupport economic and business solutions. And, as COC works tomeet the challenges of the 21st Century and continues to serve theeducational needs of our local community, collaboration withlocal businesses and corporations is essential.”

“The college offers a tremendous wealth of resources for localbusinesses,” said Jay Thomas, CEO of Six Flags Magic Mountainand Hurricane Harbor, and chair of the Council for the Founda-tion. “Their help has been invaluable to Magic Mountain, and Iknow they can make a difference for other local companies.”

COC Foundation EstablishesChancellor’s Business Council

See COUNCIL on Page 6

Jay Thomas, Park President of Six Flags Magic Mountain and HurricaneHarbor (left), and COC Chancellor Dianne Van Hook, teamed up as keynotespeakers at the college’s Chancellor’s Business Council kick-off event.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the MLT program, students must havecompleted English 101 or an equivalent course and at leastfour units of prerequisite coursework in anatomy, physiol-ogy, microbiology, preparatory general chemistry and atleast 4.5 units of coursework in phlebotomy.

Applications can be picked up in the college’s AlliedHealth office (Aliso Lab Room 311) on the Valencia campus.

For more information, contact the Allied Health officeat (661) 362-3557.

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Dr. Ram Manvi, a brilliant engineerand dedicated educator whoentrenched himself in the culture

of College of the Canyons in just twoshort years on campus, died February 1,2010. He was 71.

As Dean of Mathematics, Sciences andEngineering Technologies at the college,Manvi left an indelible mark on both hisstudents and fellow colleagues, with hiswry sense of humor, keen intellect, prob-ing questions and outgoing joy for life.

During an on-campus memorial ser-vice in his honor, Manvi’s friends andcolleagues shared their thoughts and feel-ings about a man who was repeatedlydescribed as inquisitive, energetic, car-ing, accomplished, and perhaps mostappropriately, brilliant.

“Ram Manvi was a special person toso many people, and to College of theCanyons he was a breath of fresh air,”said College of the Canyons ChancellorDr. Dianne Van Hook. “He was a greatleader who inspired, guided and moti-vated others, who never failed to bright-en every room he entered and inspired us over and over again.

“Ram came to COC and quickly became an integral part ofour college, adding value to everything he was associated with,”added Van Hook. “He made an amazing difference here, andwe’re all better for how he taught us, what he gave us, how helistened to us and how he inspired us to be the best we can be.None of us will ever be the same.”

Manvi arrived at the college in January 2008 with an exten-sive resume based on four decades of international- and nation-al-level work experience in math, science and engineering.

“One of the negatives to being an engineer on a college cam-pus is that everyone expects you to know how everything works— whether it be mechanically, structurally or electrically relat-ed,” said David Martinez, COC engineering instructor. “So whenRam came on board I was relieved in the sense that now he couldhelp field some of these questions.

“But what I quickly found out was that Ram really did knowhow everything worked. The man had an encyclopedic knowl-edge for all things engineering,” Martinez said.

Manvi received his Ph.D. from Washington State Universityin 1968, specializing in mechanical engineering and shockphysics.

Manvi worked as a visiting profes-sor at what is now Shiraz University,in Iran, before accepting teachingpositions at UCLA Extension andeventually California State University,Los Angeles, where he taught andserved as a department chair and deanof the college’s School of Engineeringand Technology.

Manvi also worked at JPL formore than 30 years on various spaceexploration projects.

Manvi worked to establish COC’sEmerging Technologies Institute, theGeneral and Emerging Technologies(GET) Lab Technician academic pro-gram and the college’s state-of-the-art Emerging Technologies Instru-mentation Laboratory and Cleanroomfacility.

A strong advocate for the advance-ment of women in the fields of math,science and engineering, Manvi servedas a student advisor and mentor forthe college’s MESA and National Sci-ence Foundation programs.

“He always made an effort to reach out to us students,”said Angela Grayr, a former student of Manvi’s at COC. “Itwas impressive to have someone that high up the academicladder that wanted to talk to you and really get to know you.”

In honor of Dr. Manvi’s life and work, College of theCanyons officials dedicated the Emerging TechnologiesInstrumentation Laboratory and Cleanroom facility in hishonor, and will also designate an on-campus garden area to hismemory.

In addition, the College of the Canyons Foundation hasestablished a scholarship fund in Manvi’s honor, at the requestof his many colleagues in the college’s Mathematics, Sciencesand Engineering Technologies Division.

The scholarship will be awarded to College of the Canyonsstudents who are majoring in mathematics, science or engi-neering technology, who will carry on Manvi’s legacy ofresearch, innovation and constant learning.

“We want to remember Ram, and we want to see evidenceof him everyday here on campus,” said Van Hook. “He was avery candid person with incredible character, integrity, digni-ty and grace. We will all miss him, but he will live in ourhearts and minds for many years to come.”

T H E B O T T O M L I N E l S U M M E R 2 0 1 04

Dean Made ‘Amazing Difference’for Students and Colleagues

Dr. Ram Manvi

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WORKSOURCEFROM PAGE 1

the Center’s conference rooms — all whilelearning more about the money-saving pro-grams available to businesses located in theSanta Clarita Enterprise Zone.

College officials also believe that theWorkSource Center, which relocated toCollege of the Canyons in February, willcompliment the wide range of servicesoffered by College of the Canyons and itsEconomic Development Division, which isalso housed in the University Center.

The Santa Clarita WorkSource Centeris located in the Dr. Diane G. Van HookUniversity Center, Suite 250, on the Col-lege of the Canyons Valencia campus.Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,Monday through Friday.

All Santa Clarita WorkSource Centerservices are provided to employers and jobseekers at no cost through the FederalWorkforce Investment Act and the City ofSanta Clarita, in partnership with GoodwillSouthern California, the state EmploymentDevelopment Department, College of theCanyons and the County of Los AngelesCommunity and Senior Services.

For more information about the SantaClarita WorkSource Center and its servicesplease call (661) 799-WORK (9675) orvisit www.SCWorkSource.com.

A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the official opening of the Santa Clarita Worksource Center’snew offices in the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center. (From left) Jason Crawford, City ofSanta Clarita economic development director; Jackie Bick, Senator George Runner’s representa-tive; Ed Masterson, field representative to Assemblyman Cameron Smyth; Bruce Getzan, deanof economic development for College of the Canyons; Mayor Laurene Weste; Frank Roberts,chairman of the Antelope Valley Workforce Development Consortium; and Michael Dolphin, divi-sion chief,�Los Angeles-Ventura Workforce Services Division, were on hand for the celebration.

Canyon Country Campus is Star Struck

1 2

4 5

3

1. Star gazers attending the COC Canyon CountryCampus Star Party are treated to views of themoon and Saturn.

2. Mackenzie Trujillo, 8, settles in to listen to guestspeakers talk about star gazing and Saturn.

3. Local star gazing enthusiasts prepare their tele-scope for the night’s viewing.

4. Kevin Grazier, a Science System Engineer forJPL, talks about the Cassini spacecraft’s missionto study and photograph Saturn.

5. Community members listen intently to guestspeakers talk about viewing the night sky andthe Cassini Mission to Saturn.

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SBDC Finds RecognitionDinner to be an Awarding Experience

T H E B O T T O M L I N E l S U M M E R 2 0 1 06

It’s official: the Small Business Devel-opment Center is the best in L.A. At theLos Angeles Regional SBDC Award

and Recognition Dinner, the Small Busi-ness Development Center (SBDC) hostedby College of the Canyons was honoredwith three ‘highest achievement’awards—including the organization’sprestigious ‘Overall Highest Performer’award.

The awards ceremony, which wassponsored by the SBDC Lead Center atLong Beach City College, recognized fourcategories of performance in 2009 amongthe network of seven Southern Californiaarea SBDC locations.

The Overall Highest Performer awardis annually presented to the SBDC withthe most significant results in helpingclients achieve their economic milestonesincluding: job creation, sales increases,capital infusion, new business startups andlong term consulting engagements.

“These awards validate our efforts toinfluence the economic development ofour region by boosting job creation andbusiness retention,” said COC ChancellorDr. Dianne Van Hook. “Our ability to formpartnerships, and generate cash and in-kind support for our economic develop-ment initiatives continues to be a model

throughout the state.”During the ceremony, the SBDC was

also presented with the ‘Highest CapitalInfusion’ and ‘Highest Extended Engage-ment Clients’ awards.

“I am honored to receive these awardson behalf of the 15 expert business advi-sors who accomplish so much for oursmall business clients. It’s gratifying to seetheir hard work and success recognizedwith these awards,” said Steve Tannehill,director of the SBDC hosted by College ofthe Canyons.

The ‘Highest Capital Infusion’ awardis given to the SBDC that helped clientsobtain the largest amount of capital. In2009, SBDC clients were able to secureroughly $5.7 million in debt and equitycapital.

The ‘Highest Extended EngagementClients’ award is given to the SBDC withthe largest number of clients continuouslyengaged in long-term intensive consultingagreements with the center. In all, theSBDC served nearly 250 such clients in2009.

For more information about the SmallBusiness Development Center (SBDC)hosted by College of the Canyons, pleasecall (661) 362-5900 or visit www.cocsb-dc.com.

Small business owners throughout theAntelope Valley can bank on evenmore support from the Small Busi-

ness Development Center (SBDC) hostedby College of the Canyons thanks to a$10,000 donation from Wells Fargo.

As a result of the donation, SBDC offi-cials have been able to draw upon an addi-tional $10,000 in matched federal fundingthat will allow the SBDC to continue toexpand its services in the area.

“We are very pleased to receive thisfinancial sponsorship from Wells Fargo,”said Steve Tannehill, Director of the SBDChosted by College of the Canyons. “Thispartnership — which brings together theresources of the nation’s number one smallbusiness lender and Los Angeles county’stop-performing team of SBDC businessadvisors — will help hundreds of AntelopeValley’s small business owners receive theassistance they need to meet the chal-lenge’s of today’s business environment.”

Based on the notion that localeconomies thrive when small businessesthrive, in 2009 a partnership was estab-lished between the SBDC, Wells Fargo, theAntelope Valley Board of Trade (AVBOT)and the City of Lancaster to bring increasedconsulting and training services to entre-preneurs throughout Antelope Valley.

The SBDC serves as the core source ofworkshop trainers and business advisors,while Wells Fargo and the AVBOT providethe use of their facilities to host theSBDC’s lineup of low-cost workshops andno-cost counseling services.

“In the Antelope Valley we want to beknown for outstanding service and soundfinancial advice, satisfying all of our cus-tomers’ financial needs,” said Kathie Voss,Vice President and District Manager ofWells Fargo Antelope Valley. “We areexcited to partner with the SBDC, AVBOTand the City of Lancaster to promote theeconomic advancement of everyone in ourcommunity.”

For more information, contact theSBDC at (661) 362-5900 or visitwww.cocsbdc.com.

Wells Fargo Donation Expands SBDC

Services in Antelope Valley

A key benefit the Council provides isaccess to seminars with proven businessleaders.

On April 27, Thomas presented“Leaves of Greatness, Six Flags CultureChange,” which reviewed the transforma-tion of the theme park over the past threeyears and highlighted the change driversimpacting the bottom line. Key topicsincluded:

• Brand Alignment• Key Partnerships• Six Flags Mantra• Code of Conduct• Leaves Strategy• Individual Business Unit (IBU)

Philosophy• Momentum Management• Successes

The Chancellor’s Business Councilheld its first-ever event on February 4. “ASymposium on 21st Century Solutions”featured Van Hook and Thomas. They dis-cussed how College of the Canyons canhelp local businesses access resources, tapinto a network of business relationships,and invest in their future workforce.

The Chancellor’s Business Counciloffers memberships that enable those whojoin to enjoy a special relationship withthe college. Members will have access toValencia campus facilities, special lecturesand classes, breakfast briefings, compli-mentary training needs and technologyassessments, special communications con-cerning important issues, and more.

For additional information, call theFoundation at (661) 362-3434.

COUNCILFROM PAGE 3

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The Foundation’s 20th annual Silver Spur Celebration honored Gary and Myrna Condie for their service to College of the Canyons and the communi-ty. More than 200 people gathered at The Autry National Center, site of the first Silver Spur in 1989. On hand to mark the special anniversary were(clockwise from top) many of the previous winners, or their family members. Gary and Myrna show off their new Silver Spurs with COC ChancellorDianne Van Hook. Santa Clarita Mayor Laurene Weste and her husband Jim McCarthy joined the celebration. Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeonand his wife Patricia congratulate Gary and Myrna. COC Vice President Barry Gribbons and his wife Michelle enjoy the evening. The Condies sharetheir gratitude for being honored. Auctioneer Mark Drilling from Stokes Auction Group encourages guests to bid freely on items during the liveauction.

Condies Earn Their Silver Spurs

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The College of the Canyons Parale-gal Studies program is now in elitecompany.

The American Bar Association’s(ABA) House of Delegates in Februaryawarded its full approval to the program,making it the only program of its kind inthe Santa Clarita and Antelope Valleys —and one of approximately 30 suchapproved programs in the state.

“College of the Canyons is pleased tooffer another career training option at atime when many people are looking toupgrade their skills and be equipped forsuccess in a new field,” said COC Chan-

cellor Dr. Dianne Van Hook.The principal objective of the ABA

paralegal education program approvalprocess is to foster a high quality of para-legal education and training standards.

“The ABA only approves of programsthat are dedicated to the highest quality ofeducation and which provide graduateswith the tools to become successful para-legals,” said Nicole Lucy, chair of theCOC Paralegal Studies department. “Weare honored to be recognized as beingworthy of ABA approval and excited toknow that our graduates will now enjoyeven greater employment opportunities as

a result of completing an ABA approvedprogram.”

Designed for students who are work-ing professionals — with classes primari-ly offered in the evenings at both theValencia and Canyon Country campuses— the college’s Paralegal Studies pro-gram prepares students for positions asparalegals, while operating with a broadergoal to improve the accessibility, qualityand affordability of legal servicesthroughout the community.

For more information, please visitwww.canyons.edu/departments/parlgl orcontact Nicole Lucy at (661) 362-5377.

Paralegal Program Granted FullAmerican Bar Association Approval

Just two years after unveiling its K-12Arts Education Outreach Program, theSanta Clarita Performing Arts Center

(PAC) at College of the Canyons and itslocal educational partners — the Newhall,Saugus Union and Sulphur Springs SchoolDistricts —have been invited by the JohnF. Kennedy Center for the Performing Artsto participate in the prestigious Partners InEducation Institute.

Held May 5-8 at the Kennedy Center inWashington, D.C., the program assists artsorganizations throughout the nation devel-op and/or expand educational partnershipswith local school systems in order to estab-lish arts-based professional developmentprograms for teachers.

The program is based on the belief thateducating teachers is an essential compo-nent of any effort to increase the artistic lit-eracy of young people.

“As one of only 14 national teams tohave been selected, this is a great honor forCollege of the Canyons, our program part-ners and the city of Santa Clarita,” saidAdam Philipson, PAC managing director.“What’s most exciting is that while ourteam will consist of four members, whatwe are bringing back will serve all fivelocal school districts and the entire SantaClarita Valley.”

During the Institute, partnership teams,consisting of a member of an arts organiza-tion and a senior level administrator of aneighboring school district, were presentedwith a model and planning strategies on howto launch an arts-orientated professionaldevelopment program.

The PAC’s K-12 Arts Education Out-reach Program seeks to use the college’s vastcultural and community resources to into-duce students to the visual and performingarts, while collaborating with teachers andadministrators in school districts throughout

the area to develop an enhanced arts educa-tion curriculum and a variety of unique edu-cational opportunities for all students.

“Through this collaboration we willtouch thousands of children across the valleyfor years to come,” said Kathy Harris, Sul-phur Springs School District assistant super-intendent of instruction and curriculum.“Who knows how many future artists,dancers, musicians and performers we mighthelp inspire along the way?”

For more information, contact AdamPhilipson at (661) 362-5305.

K-12 Arts Education OutreachProgram Receives National Honor

T H E B O T T O M L I N E l S U M M E R 2 0 1 08

Local elementary school students get some hands-on art experience through the K-12 Arts EducationOutreach Program.

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In April, the College of the Canyons nursing departmentreceived a $10,000 donation from the Facey Medical Founda-tion to add to the COC Foundation’s Yvonne Wiggins Memo-

rial Scholarship Endowment.“It’s a significant thing when a corporate supporter presents us

with something we can use to help our students, and we thank theFacey Medical Foundation very much,” said Murray Wood, COCFoundation chief development officer. “This money will be lever-aged to benefit our students to the highest degree.”

The Facey Medical Foundation originally established theendowment in 2008 in memory of late Facey Medical nurse andCOC nursing alumna Yvonne Wiggins. With this donation the per-manent scholarship endowment now has a current value of$20,800.

“Yvonne was the heart and soul of our nursing leadershipteam,” said Dr. Fredrick Russo, president of Facey Medical. “Sheloved nursing, she loved her family, she loved her cat, and sheloved the Ohio State Buckeyes. I hope you’ll find a good way tospend this money on the great nursing minds of the future.”

Since its establishment, the Yvonne Wiggins Memorial Schol-arship Endowment has awarded a total of seven scholarships toCOC nursing students. The endowment’s ongoing investmentearnings will be used to provide scholarships to College of theCanyons nursing students for years to come.

“Most of our nursing students come to us as parents and work-ing adults, and they need this money to be able to go to school,”said Sue Albert, dean of allied health. “It’s expensive to gothrough a nursing program, so we are very grateful and our stu-dents are very grateful for this donation.”

Russo and members of the Facey Medical Foundation visitedCollege of the Canyons in April to present the check to nursingfaculty, students and college administrators, including COCChancellor Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook, who said: “College of theCanyons would not be what it is today if it were not for the qual-ity organizations and people we have in this community, and thecommitment to creating a community of care. Your efforts to sup-port us do not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for your supporteach and every day.”

Facey Medical FoundationAdds to Nursing Scholarship Fund

There has been one award that haseluded the Cougar women’s basket-ball team – until now.

College of the Canyons women’s bas-ketball has always had the reputation of nur-turing athletes who excel on the court. TheCougars have two players in the CaliforniaCommunity College Women’s BasketballCoaches Association Hall of Fame, a hand-ful of former players have participated inthe professional ranks and seven women’sbasketball players have been honored withthe conference MVP award.

Since the start of women’s basketball,there has never been any Cougar who wasnamed California’s top female basketballplayer, until this season.

College of the Canyons women’s bas-ketball player Ashley Wakefield wasnamed California Community CollegeWomen's Basketball Coaches AssociationCo-Player of the Year for her efforts duringher 2009-2010 sophomore season. Sheshared the honor with Fresno City Col-lege’s Sumiya Darden.

“It is a tremendous honor for Ashley toreceive this recognition from the CaliforniaCommunity College Women's CoachesAssociation,” said College of the Canyonshead coach Greg Herrick. “She is certainlydeserving of the award, and we are veryproud of her accomplishments as a player,her contributions to the program and hercommitment to her teammates.”

Wakefield averaged 18.6 points pergame, 12.9 rebounds per game and 2.7steals per game during the 2009-2010 cam-paign. The Washington Prep of Los Angelesalum also recorded her first collegiate triple-double with 15 points, 19 rebounds and 10assists against Bakersfield College on Jan.13, 2010, while collecting 22 double-dou-bles in the Cougars’ 27-game season. Sheranked ninth among all COC scorers with903 points during her two-year career.

She helped the team to a perfect 24-0record in Western State Conference, SouthDivision play during the 2009 and 2010season, two conference titles and a 46-14overall record.

Wakefield Becomes COC’s FirstPlayer of the Year for Women’s Basketball

After being named the state’s co-player of theyear, Ashley Wakefield has signed with theUniversity of the Pacific in Stockton.

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Center to the person who first dreamt of the idea and whose tire-less efforts, tenacity and grit brought the dream to reality – Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook – Chancellor of College of the Canyons.

“I couldn’t have hoped for a more meaningful, deeply per-sonal experience or honor than this evening provided,” said Dr.Van Hook. “While the University Center project was a long andchallenging one, the idea that so many hands joined together forthe common purpose of creating community access to high-qual-ity, higher-education could only be conceived and carried-out inthis community. I am humbled,” said Dr. Van Hook, “and so verypleased that the Board of Trustees chose to honor me in this way.”

Long-time College of the Canyons trustee, Mrs. MicheleJenkins, who was one of the trustees when Dr. Van Hook washired said, “We were searching for someone with vision. Some-one who could create a dream and then inspire, and certainly, aswe have all experienced - massage, poke and prod others to fol-low in creating innovative, cutting-edge services for students andbusinesses such as those housed in this magnificent structure.”

The program for the evening struck a comfortable balancebetween the formal and respectful business of dedicating a build-ing in a person’s name and the lighter side of getting to know theperson being honored through the eyes of the assembled guests –all with very different perspectives of the guest of honor.

Long-time friend, Dr. Martha Kanter, currently the UnderSecretary of the U.S. Department of Education and who former-ly worked her way through the ranks of the California Commu-nity College System to the position of Chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, travelled across countryto participate in the ceremony and acknowledge the uniquenessand significance of Dr. Van Hook’s achievement. Calling theUniversity Center a “model to be emulated” across the nation,Kanter also marveled at the will of the community to see the pro-ject through to completion.

“Dr. Dianne Van Hook, in my opinion, is the best CEO in theCalifornia Community College System,” said Dr. DianeWoodruff, former Interim Chancellor of the California Commu-nity College System – the first woman to ever hold that position– and former Superintendent-President of Napa Valley College.“It is appropriate that this University Center is dedicated to mygood friend now, while she is here to fully appreciate the honor,”said Dr. Woodruff.

Mr. Tom Lee and Mr. Lou Garasi, co-chairs of the capitalcampaign to raise funds for the University Center, also took tothe lectern to provide their views of Dr. Van Hook’s leadershipand vision and praise her for her unwavering dedication to thebuilding project.

“This simply would not have been accomplished without Dr.Van Hook,” said Mr. Lee. “She is an outstanding person whoaccomplished an incredible task in completing the UniversityCenter.”

Mr. Garasi described working with Dr. Van Hook this way.“Once I said ‘yes’ to Dianne, I felt as if I had hopped into theback seat of a jet fighter…with Dianne Van Hook at the throttles,

I soon found out that the only speed she knows is ‘full throttle.’”Additional speakers ranging from former mentors, to family,

to architects and contractors, to donors and a student who hasalready achieved his degree through one of the University Cen-ter partners painted a complex portrait of not only the buildingitself, but what it stands for in terms of opportunity for students.But most importantly, they provided glimpses of the womanbehind the building – her tenacity, her attention to detail, her bat-tle to win state and local funds for the project, her commitmentto the dream of the Center and – the unique personality that is Dr.Dianne G. Van Hook.

While playful MCs kept the evening moving with a continu-al banter with the audience and an audacious wearing of severalspecimens from Dr. Van Hook’s hat collection – she has hun-dreds of them! – there were several highlights that cemented theevent from a historical perspective.

First. a video produced by college staff was shown that visu-ally captured the progress of the University Center from pre-con-struction through completion. It also took the audience on asomewhat personal, but touching and fun look at Dr. Van Hook’slife, with photos from her days growing up on a farm in Min-nesota through her young-adult years and her professional career.

“That video touched me,” revealed Dr. Van Hook, “in waysthat I’ll cherish forever.”

The unveiling of the official dedication plaque in Dr. VanHook’s honor by the Board of Trustees constituted the ‘official’act of naming the building. The moment the plaque was unveiledwas one of elegant simplicity, requiring little explanation but –by the deed itself – having profound meaning for the honoree.

“At that moment, I could not have been more proud,” said Dr.Van Hook.

As a culmination of the evening, the College of the CanyonsFoundation announced that it had established a “Dare to Dream”scholarship in Dr. Van Hook’s name and in her honor. The schol-arship was initially funded with $50,000 and an appeal was madefor additional donations that would be eligible for matchingfunds from the Osher Foundation. The target for the endowedscholarship is $100,000.

The dedication ceremony was special in many ways for Dr.Van Hook but she is the first to acknowledge that she didn’t buildthe University Center by herself.

She said it best herself in a personal note that was part of theprinted program for the ceremony:

“Ten years ago we all shared in the dream of this UniversityCenter. Today as we witness this magnificent building – the cul-mination of so much effort by so many – I am reminded of a linefrom German writer and philosopher, Johann Wolfgang vonGoethe. He said in the simplest of terms, ‘What is not startedtoday, is not finished tomorrow.’

That is how we did it. We had the dream, we started and,together, we finished it!

To everyone who helped, who believed, who supported andwho cared, please accept my deepest thanks and gratitude.”

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1. Performing Arts Center Managing DirectorAdam Philipson (left) and Martin Sosin, Execu-tive Director of the Sosin Stratton Petit Founda-tion.

2. Foundation Board Member Rita Garasi (left) andCOC Vice President of Human ResourcesDiane Fiero.

3. COC Dean of Fine and Performing Arts FloydMoos and his wife Karen.

4. Assemblyman Cameron Smyth and COC Chan-cellor Dianne Van Hook.

5. Dr. Van Hook , former Napa Valley CollegeSuperintendent-President Diane Woodruff, U.S.Undersecretary of Education Martha Kanter, for-mer Mendocino-Lake Community College Dis-trict Superintendent-President Marilyn Brock,former Kern Community College District Chan-cellor Jim Young, and former Cuesta CollegeSuperintendent-President Grace Mitchell-Berg.

6. Guests toast Dr. Van Hook.7. Dr. Woodruff and Dr. Van Hook.8. COC Vice President Barry Gribbons (left) and

Dr. Van Hook.9. Senator George Runner, Dr. Van Hook, and

Community College League of California CEOScott Lay.

10. Dr. Young.11. Dr. Van Hook’s husband, Roger Van Hook. 12. Masters of Ceremonies Eric Harnish and Diane

Stewart.

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Santa Clarita Community College District

26455 Rockwell Canyon RoadSanta Clarita, CA 91355

BoarD of TruSTeeS

Michael D. Berger

Bruce D. Fortine

Michele R. Jenkins

Joan W. MacGregor

Scott Thomas Wilk

Nick Onyshko, Student Trustee

Former College of the Canyons defen-sive end Jason Pierre-Paul waspicked in the first round of the 2010

National Football League Draft by the NewYork Giants with the 15th pick. Pierre-Paulbecomes the highest drafted player in COCfootball history.

“I am very excited for Jason and hopingthe best for him and his family,” College ofthe Canyons head football coach GarettTujague said. “He has been waiting andworking to get better each day in prepara-tion for this day. For those who don’t knowmuch about Jason, they will learn quicklyabout the talent he possesses.”

Pierre-Paul spent his freshman yearwith COC where he tallied 49 tackles, 42solo, a team-high 14 sacks for a loss of 101yards and an interception. For his efforts hewas named first-team all-conference.

He then transferred to Fort Scott Com-munity College and spent one year withthem and earned second-team All-Americahonors.

The Deerfield Beach, Fla., nativemoved his way back east his junior year,signing with the University of SouthFlorida. With the Bulls, he turned in 45tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks,and a team-high seven hurries. After theconclusion of his junior season, hedeclared for the NFL Draft on Jan. 6, giv-ing up his senior year of eligibility withthe Bulls.

The Giants finished with a 8-8 overallrecord last season. They are coached byTom Coughlin.

College of the Canyons currently hassix former players who are on active ros-ters in the NFL – Troy Nolan (HoustonTexans, COC 2004-2005), Justin Tryon(Washington Redskins, COC 2004-2005),Domata Peko (Cincinnati Bengals, COC2002-2003), JJ Arrington (Denver Bron-cos, COC 2001-2002), Jonathan Fanene(Cincinnati Bengals, COC 2000-2001),and Isaac Sopoaga (San Francisco 49ers,COC 2000-2001).

Former Cougar Taken inFirst Round of NFL Draft

Head coach Tom Coughlin, Jason Pierre-Pauland general manager Jerry Reese.

Photo courtesy of New York Giants

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