2026 Event Archive

Collage of photos from CougarFest at the Valencia campus.

CougarFest!

Hundreds of new and returning students descended on the Honor Grove for CougarFest on Sept. 16, 2026, to learn more about campus resources, student clubs, and alliances. Hosted by Campus Life & Student Engagement, the event was also held at the Canyon Country campus on Sept. 15.

Collage of photos from the Transfer Fair at the Valencia campus.

Transfer Fair

Admissions representatives from UC, CSU, private, and out-of-state universities were on hand to provide information and guidance to students during the Transfer Fair in the Student Center on Sept. 14, 2026. Lunch was provided.

Photo collage of officials in a panel discussion and touring an industrial facility, including listening to a presentation and trying a virtual reality headset.

Congressional Visit

The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense paid a visit to College of the Canyons on Sept. 4, 2026, to conduct a hearing on issues critical to the nation’s military, economy, and future of warfare. Held at the Performing Arts Center, the hearing focused on strengthening America’s defense industrial base, developing a skilled workforce to sustain it, and securing access to critical minerals and resources.

Community members, business leaders, and campus colleagues celebrated the appointment of Dr. Jasmine Ruys to the position of superintendent/president.

Warm Reception

Community members, business leaders, and campus colleagues celebrated the appointment of Dr. Jasmine Ruys to the position of superintendent/president during a reception at the University Center on Aug. 20, 2026. Following a nationwide executive search that concluded earlier this year, Dr. Ruys was chosen as the fifth permanent CEO in college history.

Hundreds of new, prospective, and continuing students attended Welcome Day at the Valencia campus on Friday, Aug. 14.

Welcoming Event

Hundreds of new, prospective, and continuing students attended Welcome Day at the Valencia campus on Aug. 14, 2026. The event provided students an opportunity to learn about available services and programs, and allowed them to explore the campus and prepare for the start of the fall semester.

The women's soccer team began its 2026 campaign with a two-match series in Hawaii – the first out-of-state competition in the program's history.

Aloha Kicks

The women's soccer team began its 2026 campaign with a two-match series in Hawaii – the first out-of-state competition in the program's history. The team faced host University of Hawaii at Hilo on Aug. 18, followed by a match against Chaminade University of Honolulu on Aug. 20. Both matches pitted Canyons against NCAA Division II programs.

College of the Canyons was out in force to celebrate the country's 250th birthday during the Annual Fourth of July Parade in Old Town Newhall.

Patriotic Cougars

College of the Canyons was out in force to celebrate the country's 250th birthday during the 2026 Fourth of July Parade in Old Town Newhall.


Registered Nursing Program students participate in pinning ceremony.

Newest Stars of Nursing

Registered Nursing Program students received their traditional graduation pins during a pre-commencement ceremony at the Performing Arts Center on June 1, 2026. The event also included the customary lighting of candles in tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.

The Pharmacy Technology Program's first graduating cohort.

Program's First Graduates

The Pharmacy Technology Program celebrated its first graduating cohort during a pinning ceremony at the Takeda Science Center at the Canyon Country campus on June 3, 2026. Eight students completed the program, which prepared them for pharmacy technician positions.

Collage showing a large group photo outdoors in front of trees and a building, plus two indoor scenes of a speaker at a podium and an audience seated at round tables during an event.

Umoja Celebration

The Umoja Community celebrated its first-year graduates and transfers during a celebration at the University Center on May 27, 2026. The program honored 48 students who will graduate or transfer to four-year institutions. The program focuses on enhancing the cultural and educational experiences of Black, African American, and historically underrepresented students.

Collage from the AANHPI cultural event, featuring a woman in a leaf lei and head wreath playing a gourd rattle, a group posing behind a food table, and a performer holding a long spear.

Cultural Appreciation

College of the Canyons celebrated the diverse experiences and contributions of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) on May 18 and 19, 2026. The AANHPI Heritage Month celebration at the Intercultural Center featured a Polynesian dance performance, lei-making, film screening, animation workshop, and native food.

Collage showing a large group photo outdoors in front of trees and a building, plus two indoor scenes of a speaker at a podium and an audience seated at round tables during an event.

Scholarship Reception

More than 300 scholarships valued at $331,750 were awarded to students as part of the 2026/27 Scholarship Awards Program. The awards were made possible through the generosity of donors and support from the Associated Student Government. Recipients had an opportunity to meet and thank some of those donors during the Annual Scholarship Reception on May 12, 2026.

Collage of a community stargazing event, with people gathered around a telescope outdoors, hands-on science activities, and an indoor astronomy presentation.

Focus on the Stars

The Canyon Country campus rolled out the high-powered telescopes and portable planetarium for the ever-popular Star Party and Science Showcase on April 24, 2026. Teresa Ciardi, an astronomy and physical science professor, served as guest speaker on the topic The Life of a Star: From Birth to End. The event also featured science presentations and hands-on activities for all ages.

Santa Clarita Job Fair Returns

Job Fair Returns

Hundreds of job seekers descended on the West PE gymnasium April 24, 2026, for the Santa Clarita Job Fair. Ninety employers – most seeking to fill multiple positions – were on hand for the twice-yearly event presented by College of the Canyons, the City of Santa Clarita, SCV Chamber of Commerce, America's Job Center of California, and SCV Economic Development Corp.

Land Surveying Marks 20th Year

20th Anniversary

The Land Surveying Department marked its 20th anniversary with a celebration at the University Center on April 18, 2026. More than 60 alumni and faculty members attended. “This milestone reflects the dedication of our faculty, the accomplishments of our students and alumni, and the strong support of our industry partners," said Regina Blasberg, department chair. Read More

Simulation Center Opens

Sim Center Opens

A ribbon-cutting celebration at the Canyon Country campus on April 1, 2026, marked the official opening of the Health Professions Simulation Center in the Takeda Science Center. The interactive training lab, funded through a $1 million state allocation obtained by Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, adds a touch of realism to student learning in the health professions.

Color Run

Radiant Run

The Intercultural Center and Athletics Department held the college's first Color Run at the Valencia campus on March 31, 2026. Color runs are inspired by Holi, the Hindu festival of colors that celebrates the arrival of spring, victory of good over evil, and spirit of unity and forgiveness.
 

STEM Open House for Young Black Scholars

Shock and Awe

College of the Canyons held its 2nd Annual STEM Open House for Young Black Scholars on March 21, 2026. The event provided hands-on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) activities and demonstrations that engaged and awed approximately 80 youngsters.

Advanced Technology Center Open House

Future Oriented

Community members and industry leaders received a glimpse of the future of workforce training during an open house at the Interim Advanced Technology Center on March 26, 2026. Tours and demonstrations illustrated how the college is providing cutting-edge training and preparing students for careers in aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing.

Students participate in CougarFest

CougarFest Returns

Hundreds of new and returning students connected with a variety of campus resources, student clubs, and alliances during CougarFest on March 4, 2026. They were treated to free food, prizes, entertainment, and lawn games. The Campus Life & Student Engagement event was also held at the Canyon Country campus on Tuesday, March 3.

Third Annual Eco-Film Festival at the Valencia campus

Eco-Film Festival

The SCV Eco Alliance held its Third Annual Eco-Film Festival at the Valencia campus on March 7, 2026. Screenings included The Biggest Little Farm, Chasing Chimeras, Hydrogen Hype, Ocean, Roots of Renewal, The Story of Stuff, and The White House Effect. "The festival encouraged great dialogue with attendees," Biology Professor Jeannie Chari said.

Umoja signing ceremony and Black History Month celebration at the college’s Intercultural Center.

Black History Celebrated

Approximately 70 people attended the Umoja signing ceremony and Black History Month celebration at the Intercultural Center on Feb. 25, 2026. Speakers included Anthony Morris; Shauntell Lowe, student; Dr. Julian West and Dr. Eric Mayes of UCEF; and Dr. Jasmine Ruys.

Members of the South Central Coast Regional Consortium tour the Advanced Technology Center.

Workforce Training

College of the Canyons hosted a meeting of the South Central Coast Regional Consortium on Feb. 20, 2026. The meeting included a tour of the interim Advanced Technology Center. The consortium of community colleges is focused on workforce development.