2021 News Releases

Archived news releases from the Public Information Office

JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC

December

Basketball Coach Records 600th Career Win

December 20, 2021 – College of the Canyons women’s basketball head coach Greg Herrick picked up his 600th career victory at the college on Friday, as the Cougars fought for a historic 78-67 win over Rio Hondo College during the Glendale Crossover.

Board of Trustees Names Officers for 2022

December 17, 2021 – The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, which oversees College of the Canyons, named its new officers and confirmed its 2022 meeting schedule at the board’s business and organizational meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 15.

District Clears Nearly $950,000 in Student Debt

December 14, 2021 – In an effort to remove financial debt as a barrier to higher education, the Santa Clarita Community College District cleared nearly $950,000 in student debt through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

Performing Arts Center Announces New Season

December 9, 2021 – The wait is over: After 21 months, the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) is opening its doors to patrons for an exciting new season of live performances from internationally acclaimed artists and musicians.

First Low Observable Program Cohort Graduates

December 3, 2021 – The first cohort of the College of the Canyons Low Observable Technician Pathway graduated on Nov. 23. 2021 at a special ceremony held at the college’s culinary arts center.

Ribbon-Cutting Held for Takeda Science Center

December 2, 2021 – On Wednesday, Dec. 1, College of the Canyons held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Don Takeda Science Center, which is named in honor of longtime biology instructor Don Takeda, who retired in 2017.

Board of Trustees Undergoes Redistricting Process

December 3, 2021 – The Board of Trustees of the Santa Clarita Community College District (SCCCD) is undergoing the redistricting process, and community members will have the opportunity to comment on revised trustee area boundaries at two upcoming public hearings.

University Center to Offer OSHA Certification

December 2, 2021 – The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center at College of the Canyons will host an in-person information session on Dec. 8, 2021 for two new Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) certificate programs launching in spring 2022.

November

Music Department Presents Electronica Concert

November 24, 2021 – The College of the Canyons music department will present its fall “Electronica Musique” show on Tuesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. at the Black Box Theater.

Nursing Program Reports Highest NCLEX Pass Rate

November 17, 2021 – The College of the Canyons Registered Nursing Class of 2021 had a 95.24 percent National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) pass rate for the first quarter of 2021-22, which is the highest quarter result in the program’s history.

College Named Equity Champion of Higher Education

November 15, 2021 – College of the Canyons has been named a 2021 Equity Champion of Higher Education by The Campaign for College Opportunity for its exemplary work in awarding Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT) to Latinx students.

Performing Arts Center Presents 'Antigone'

November 12, 2021 – The College of the Canyons Theatre Department will present “Antigone,” the Greek tragedy by Sophocles, as its first live performance since 2020.

University Center to Hold Open House Nov. 17

November 10, 2021 – The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center at College of the Canyons will host an in-person open house event on Wednesday, Nov. 17.

College Hosts International Forum on Youth

November 9, 2021 – For the third year in a row, College of the Canyons will host an International Forum on Youth highlighting the challenges and aspirations faced by today’s young people through lectures, scholarly presentations, and other virtual events.

College Among Top in Nation for Hispanics

November 6, 2021 – College of the Canyons has been ranked nationally No. 19 in The Hispanic Outlook on Education magazine for enrolling the largest number of Hispanic students.

College to Host 'Meet the Grant Makers'

November 4, 2021 – The College of the Canyons Office of Grants Development will host a virtual "Meet the Grant Makers" panel presentation and seminar on Wednesday, Nov. 10, offering Santa Clarita Valley’s non-profits an opportunity to learn how to improve their fundraising efforts and see their organizations thrive.

Registration Under Way for Winter and Spring

November 2, 2021 – About 50 percent of the more than 1,900 class sections available in the spring 2022 semester at College of the Canyons will be offered in person at the Valencia and Canyon Country campuses.

October

Performing Arts Center Announces Live Holiday Show

October 29, 2021 – For the first time since the start of the pandemic, the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center (PAC) will open its doors for a live concert performance.

Fall Star Party Returns on October 29

October 21, 2021 – The Canyon Country Campus’ marquee event will return on Friday, Oct. 29 for an educational and inspiring evening under the stars.

Salcedo Named Athlete of the Month

October 20, 2021 – College of the Canyons freshman cross country runner Danielle Salcedo has been named the California Community College Sports Information Association (CCCSIA) Female State Athlete of the Month for September.

Career Services to Host Hiring Fest Oct. 22

October 13, 2021 – To help address the current labor shortage, College of the Canyons Career Center will host a Hiring Fest on Friday, Oct. 22 at the Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center.

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

October 7, 2021 – In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, College of the Canyons will host the 2021 Latinx & Hispanic Heritage Cultural Journey virtually from October 11 to 15.

September

Football Continues Community Invite Series

September 23, 2021 – College of the Canyons is continuing its tradition of inviting community groups to experience Cougar football during the 2021 season, with all healthcare workers and first responders invited to attend Saturday’s game vs. Palomar College free of charge.

Virtual Green STEM Summit Slated for October 9

September 22, 2021 – College of the Canyons and the Santa Clarita Environmental Education Consortium (SCEEC) will virtually host the 2021 Green STEM Summit on Saturday, Oct. 9 with the purpose of introducing students to green careers.

College Receives Grant to Support Anti-Racism

September 14, 2021 – In partnership with the Community College Consortium for Open Educational Resources, College of the Canyons has received a second grant from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation to expand and extend the Open for Anti-Racism program supporting faculty in California community colleges.

College Recognized for Student Voting

September 10, 2021 – College of the Canyons is one of four California community colleges recognized for being among "America’s Best Colleges for Student Voting" by Washington Monthly magazine for its commitment to inspiring students to vote.

$1.49 Million Grant to Fund New STEM Program

September 7, 2021 – College of the Canyons has received a $1.49 million grant award from the National Science Foundation to fund a new scholarship program to increase retention, transfer, and graduation rates among science, technology, engineering and math majors in key student populations.

Short-Term Classes Available in Fall 2021

September 2, 2021 – Although the fall semester at College of the Canyons began Aug. 23, more than 400 short-term classes are still open in popular subject areas.

August

What Students Can Expect in 2021-22

August 25, 2021 – Free parking, COVID-19 grants, Zoom zones, hybrid classes, and campus jobs are just a few of the things College of the Canyons students can expect during the 2021-22 academic year.

EMT Student Applies Skills to Save Uncle's Life

August 17, 2021 – Five months after enrolling in the College of the Canyons Emergency Medical Technician program, Jonathan Nasrallah found himself in a worst-case scenario, which prompted him to use his newly acquired skills and knowledge to save the life of a family member.

Board Approves New Vaccination Requirements

August 13, 2021 – The Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees approved a resolution that requires the use of face coverings and vaccinations or weekly testing to access College of the Canyons campuses and facilities.

Disabled Students Program Changes Name

August 11, 2021 – Disabled Students Programs & Services at College of the Canyons has announced that it will now operate as the Academic Accommodation Center.

July

College Receives Grant for Native Bee Research

July 30, 2021 – College of the Canyons has received a $74,707 Campus as a Living Lab grant from the National Science Foundation to provide opportunities for underrepresented community college students to engage in undergraduate research focusing on native bees.

Fall Rush Event to Offer Express Registration

July 26, 2021 – College of the Canyons will host a weeklong Fall Rush event Aug. 2 to 6 to assist new students with the registration process.

College Announces Student Hiring Spree in Fall

July 14, 2021 – In preparation for the college’s expansion of on-campus instruction and activities, the Santa Clarita Community College District has allocated more than $500,000 of its Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund package to fund student jobs on campus.

Graduate Wins First-Place National Award

July 13, 2021 – College of the Canyons student Lauren Doan has been honored with a first-place award and $1,500 scholarship from the American Association for Paralegal Education Lambda Epsilon Chi National Honor Society.

College Employee Wins Senate President Award

July 7, 2021 – Michael Monsour, an enrollment services analyst at College of the Canyons, was selected as the 2021 Senate President Award recipient by the California Community Colleges Classified Senate.

Student-Athlete Shines on Two Teams

July 1, 2021 – When College of the Canyons track & field student-athlete Sean Tomer lost the ability to compete due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, he didn’t despair.

June

Bond Refinancing Saves Taxpayers $2.9 Million

June 28, 2021 – College of the Canyons refinanced $36.8 million of outstanding general obligation bond debt. The district’s taxpayers will have cash flow savings of $2.9 million.

Edison Awards Fire Technology Scholarships

June 21, 2021 – Nine College of the Canyons fire technology students have received $1,000 scholarships from Edison International to cover tuition, books and school-related fees.

Law Enforcement Technology Program Announced

June 18, 2021 – College of the Canyons is launching a first-of-its kind Law Enforcement Technology program focused on the emerging trends and potential applications for new technologies in criminal investigations and other law enforcement operations.

Low Observable (Stealth) Program Set to Launch

June 16, 2021 – This fall, College of the Canyons will be the only community college in the state to offer a low-observable (stealth) coatings application program.

Paralegal Graduate Is Ready to Give Back

June 4, 2021 – Josephine Chavez Carr, 46, still can’t believe she graduated from College of the Canyons with an associate’s degree in paralegal studies on June 3.

Former Foster Youth Determined to Beat Statistics

June 3, 2021 – When April Barcus walks across the College of the Canyons graduation stage on June 5 to receive her associate of arts degree in paralegal studies and political science, she will be one step closer to beating that statistic.

The Graduating Class of 2021 by the Numbers

June 1, 2021 – College of the Canyons will honor its 2021 graduating class during a special ‘Grad Walk’ celebration, which will be held from June 2 to 5 in the Honor Grove.

May

Registration for Fall Semester Now Under Way

May 26, 2021 – With hundreds of in-person classes available during the fall 2021 semester, College of the Canyons is offering students and community members the opportunity to get back on track toward earning a degree or preparing for a new career.

College to Hold On-Campus 'Grad Walk'

May 12, 2021 – After a year of remote learning, the College of the Canyons Class of 2021 won’t need to connect to Wi-Fi on graduation day.

The Addams Family Quarantined Concert Version

May 5, 2021 – The College of the Canyons Theatre Department will present “The Addams Family Quarantined Concert Version,” a live virtual musical production based on the eponymous beloved television series on May 7-9.

Former Cougar Signs With Seattle Seahawks

May 3, 2021 – Former College of the Canyons defensive back Bryan Mills is the latest former Cougar to join the NFL ranks after signing a free agent contract with the Seattle Seahawks over the weekend.

April

Summer Institute Registration Now Open

April 29, 2021 – Registration is now open for the popular career exploration themed College of the Canyons Summer Institute, with weekly sessions running June 14 to 18 and June 21 to 25.

Summer Registration Now Open

April 22, 2021 – Students can now register for the College of the Canyons 2021 summer session, with classes running June 7 through Aug. 14.

An Evening With Ahrens and Flaherty

April 20, 2021 – College of the Canyons proudly welcomes highly esteemed songwriters for Broadway and film, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty, to the School of Visual & Performing Arts’ Virtual Industry Insight Series on Tuesday, April 27.

University Center to Hold Open House

April 14, 2021 – The Dr. Dianne G. Van Hook University Center at College of the Canyons will host a virtual Open House on Wednesday, April 28 to help those interested in advancing their careers by earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree.

Athletic Programs Return to Campus

April 13, 2021 – Athletic programs returned to campus to begin outdoor strength and conditioning, guided by a stringent plan to ensure the health and safety for all.

Virtual Star Party Slated for April 23

April 13, 2021 – If you watched NASA’s exciting Mars Perseverance rover landing on February 18, you definitely won’t want to miss the College of the Canyons Canyon Country campus spring 2021 virtual Star Party on Friday, April 23.

Peters Named Athletic Trainer of the Year

April 9, 2021 – The California Community College Athletic Trainers Association has named athletic trainer and Associate Athletic Director Chad Peters its 2021 Athletic Trainer of the Year.

An Evening With José Rivera

April 8, 2021 – College of the Canyons will welcome José Rivera, award-winning playwright and the first Puerto Rican screenwriter to be nominated for an Oscar, to the School of Visual & Performing Arts’ Virtual Industry Insight Series on Monday, April 12.

200-Plus Short-Term Spring Classes Added

April 5, 2021 – More than 200 short-term classes are still open to students looking to enroll in the College of the Canyons spring 2021 semester.

March

College Ranked 18th by 'Hispanic Outlook'

March 31, 2021 – College of the Canyons has been ranked No. 18 nationally by "The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education" magazine for the number of Hispanic students enrolled.

Canyons Promise Application Deadline May 1

March 30, 2021 – Students have until Saturday, May 1 to apply for the Canyons Promise program for the 2021-22 academic year.

Women's Tennis Transfers First Player

March 26, 2021 – Women’s tennis standout Mary MacAdam has committed to Ottawa University Arizona, becoming the first player in program history to continue competing with a four-year program.

College Selected for 2021 HASP Mission

March 25, 2021 – For the fifth time in a row, the College of the Canyons Aerospace and Sciences Team has been selected to participate in NASA’s High Altitude Student Platform program.

An Evening with Director Shelley Butler

March 25, 2021 – College of the Canyons will proudly welcome theatre director Shelley Butler to the School of Visual & Performing Arts’ Virtual Industry Insight Series Wednesday, March 31.

'Meet the Grantmakers' on April 8

March 23, 2021 – The Office of Grants Development will host a virtual Meet the Grant Makers panel presentation and seminar on Thursday, April 8, offering non-profits an opportunity to learn how to improve their fundraising efforts and see their organizations thrive.

Zierer Named to Athlete Honor Roll

March 23, 2021 – Former College of the Canyons football player Kilian Zierer has been named to the 2019-20 California Community College Athletic Association Scholar Athlete Honor Roll.

Women's Golf Team Earns Scholar Award

March 22, 2021 – The 2019 state championship women's golf team has been named a 2019-20 California Community College Athletic Association Scholar Team Award winner.

Grant Received to Advance OER Efforts

March 18, 2021 – The college will receive $370,149 from the Department of Education to expand its Open Educational Resources initiative in partnership with the California Consortium for Equitable Change in Hispanic Serving Institutions Open Educational Resources program.

2021 Women's Conference Returns March 25-27

March 9, 2021 – The 2021 College of the Canyons Women’s Conference will be held virtually March 25 to 27 with an exciting lineup of presenters and breakout sessions centered around the theme “Empowered Women: Health, Wellness, and Balance.”

An Evening with Georgia Stitt

March 4, 2021 – College of the Canyons proudly welcomes composer/lyricist, conductor, pianist and music producer Georgia Stitt to the School of Visual & Performing Arts’ Virtual Industry Insight Series on Wednesday, March 10.

Scholarly Presentations Slated for Spring

March 1, 2021 – After its cancelation last year due to the emergence of COVID-19, the College of the Canyons Scholarly Presentation will return this spring in a new virtual format.

February

Bond Audit: District in Full Compliance

February 25, 2021 – The college district received the best rating possible in an independent audit of its general obligation bond expenditures.

Theater Festival Presents 'Virtuality'

February 18, 2021 – The Theatre‌ ‌Department’s‌ ‌devised‌ ‌production‌ ‌“Virtuality: the 2020 Tournaments" was presented at the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival Feb. 10 to 13.

An Evening with Photojournalist Pete Souza

February 10, 2021 – College of the Canyons proudly welcomes American photojournalist and best-selling author Pete Souza to the School of Visual & Performing Arts’ Virtual Industry Insight Series on Thursday, Feb. 18.

Public Artist Talk for Kumasi J. Barnett

February 9, 2021 – The College of the Canyons Art Gallery will present a public artist talk with Kumasi J. Barnett to accompany his solo virtual exhibition “Kumasi J. Barnett: The Amazing Black-Man and Other American Stories” at 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25.

Black History Month Events Announced

February 8, 2021 – In honor of Black History Month, the Multicultural Center at College of the Canyons will host a series of virtual events throughout February that highlight and celebrate Black culture.

College Wins Two Tech Awards

February 3, 2021 – The Information Technology Department was recognized with two statewide awards for its outstanding support in transitioning college operations and instructional programs to a remote environment in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

January

College Wins National Bellwether Award

January 29, 2021 – College of the Canyons has won a 2021 Bellwether Award for its innovative approach to assessment and course sequence redesign in English and mathematics, which paved the way for groundbreaking legislation and benefited community college students statewide.

College Receives Rotary Club Donation

January 29, 2021 – The college has received a $9,500 donation from the Rotary Club of Santa Clarita to establish a scholarship fund for culinary arts students and the Basic Needs Center (BaNC).

Aerospace Team Selected to Work with NASA

January 26, 2021 – Launched in 2016, the college's Aerospace and Sciences Team – which includes High Altitude Student Payload and RockSat-X – continues to secure its reputation of being selected for space flight on NASA student platforms and successfully competing at the university level.