2026 Event Archive

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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