News Release

From left to right: Shawna Mann, Dino Cusumano, Toni Cusumano, Gary Cusumano, Dr. Jasmine Ruys, and Michael Cusumano cut the ribbon for the newly renamed Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Building. Download Photo. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NR-04-17-26-cusumano
April 17, 2026

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Held for Cusumano ICuE

College of the Canyons held a ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, April 16, to celebrate the renaming of its Institute for Culinary Education (ICuE) building as the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Building, also known as Cusumano ICuE.

The renaming honors a historic $1 million gift from the Cusumano family, the largest single contribution in the history of the College of the Canyons Foundation. The donation establishes both the Diana and Gary Cusumano Culinary Arts Endowed Program Fund and the Cusumano Family and Friends Endowed Scholarship Fund, providing long-term support for students and faculty.

The building renaming also pays tribute to the life and legacy of Diana Cusumano, a beloved educator, artist and philanthropist whose leadership played a pivotal role in bringing the college’s culinary arts center to life. Her commitment to education and the culinary arts continues to open doors for future generations of students.

“Diana valued education in all its forms and firmly believed that combining academic study with real‑world training creates the strongest foundation for success,” said Gary Cusumano, who retired from Newhall Land in 2006. “It is our family’s sincere hope that this gift supports students who are passionate about the culinary arts and who are pursuing a practical, affordable path toward a fulfilling career.”

COC Foundation Executive Director Shawna Mann says the gift represents faith in education, students, and in the power of the culinary arts to change lives.

“The endowed funds will provide scholarships, support faculty training, and ensure ongoing innovation, creating a lasting foundation for excellence,” added Mann.

Opened in 2015, the 12,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility houses the college’s culinary arts program, which offers an associate degree in culinary arts, along with certificates in baking and pastry, culinary arts, and beer and wine studies. The building includes a glass-enclosed dining room, Show Kitchen, Savory Kitchen, Sweets Kitchen, Wine Studies Room and culinary lab.

“Spaces like this are where opportunity takes shape,” said Superintendent-President Dr. Jasmine Ruys. “They are where students gain not only technical skills, but also confidence, discipline and direction—transforming passion into purpose and preparing graduates to contribute to our local economy and community.”

Chef Cindy Schwanke, department chair of culinary arts and wine studies, noted the immediate impact the donation will have on students.

“This will help ease financial strain for many students as they begin the program, particularly with the cost of required items like uniforms and textbooks,” said Schwanke. “We are deeply grateful to the Cusumano family for their remarkable support of our students and program.”

Attendees included members of the Santa Clarita Community College District Board of Trustees, along with college administrators, faculty, staff and students. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres prepared by students enrolled in the college’s catering class.

The college also received recognition from representatives of Congressman George Whitesides (D–Agua Dulce) and Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R–Santa Clarita).

For more information about the college’s culinary arts program, please click here.