Newsroom
Public Information Office

Newsroom

SOCIAL EVENTS VIDEOS ARCHIVE

Public Information Office

Broad Foundation Donates $1.1 Million to ATC

July 6, 2026 – College of the Canyons has received a landmark $1.1 million donation from The Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation to support the Advanced Technology Center (ATC), a transformative initiative designed to train students for high-demand, high-tech fields and meet the workforce and economic development needs of Los Angeles County. The gift will support student enrollment growth and program development at the ATC, with a focus on advancing programs in advanced manufacturing, network technologies, and welding.

Gary Cusumano (center) is joined by family members and college officials during the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly named building on April 16, 2026.

Ceremony Heralds Newly Named Cusumano Culinary Arts Building

College of the Canyons held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, April 16, to celebrate the renaming of the 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.

Performing Arts Center Announces New Season

The Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at College of the Canyons will welcome audiences for its 2026-27 Spotlight Series season, which features six nationally touring productions spanning doo-wop, classic rock, '90s hits, holiday music, Día de los Muertos festivities, and high-flying canine performers.

Advanced Technology Center Taking Shape

The planned Advanced Technology Center will be equipped with the technology to teach laser welding, robotics, mechatronics, metrology, welding, and CNC machining. Architectural plans are on track for state approval this spring, setting the stage to begin construction later this year.

New Healthcare Program Debuts this Fall

Scheduled to launch this fall, the Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) program will prepare students to become skilled healthcare professionals who work under occupational therapists to provide hands-on support and intervention. The program requires four semesters to complete.

Group photo of the first graduating class of the Building Performance Bachelor's Program.

Class of 2026 Honored on June 5

May 26, 2026 – College of the Canyons honored its 2026 graduating class during the 57th annual commencement celebration at Cougar Stadium on Friday, June 5. “I wish to extend my sincerest congratulations to the Class of 2026,” said Dr. Jasmine Ruys, superintendent/president. “Their tenacity, perseverance, and hard work have guided them to this momentous milestone, and we look forward to the many contributions they will make to our community in the future.” Jonathan Gonzalez, co-anchor of the NBC4 weekend evening newscasts, served as keynote speaker.

Bachelor Program's First Graduating Class

May 19, 2026 – Launching California’s first Bachelor of Science in Building Performance program in 2025 felt both exciting and uncertain, said Jason Oliver, chair of the architecture and interior design department. “It felt like we were building a plane and trying to fly it at the same time,” Oliver recounted shortly before the program’s inaugural 11-student cohort crossed the commencement stage on Friday, June 5.

G R A D U A T E P R O F I L E S

A First-Gen Student

June 1, 2026 – Being a first-generation college student has been both exciting and nerve-wracking for Shauntell Lowe. “Prior to COC, I didn’t even know what a college credit was,” said Lowe, who graduated with and an associate degree in communication studies. “I have to walk in full confidence in a space that I’ve never really been in before.” The Saugus High School graduate says starting at her local community college made all the difference.

Overcoming Barriers

June 3, 2026 – Alexa Canepa was nervous about taking an online statistics class — but the 19‑year‑old had another factor to contend with: she is blind. She approached the course with the same determination that has carried her through her two years at College of the Canyons. Canepa, who graduated with an associate degree in psychology, relied on communication with her professors and the Academic Accommodations Center to ensure the access she needed.

This short documentary highlights the impact of the Commercial Music Program, showcasing how College of the Canyons provides students with real-world, industry-level opportunities in music, recording, and entertainment. This video was produced by Video Bump Inc. for the College of the Canyons Foundation's 2026 Silver Spur Celebration.

Registration Ongoing for Summer Sessions

April 29, 2026 – With multiple sessions running from June 8 to Aug. 15, the College of the Canyons summer semester offers more than 590 class sections across a wide range of academic subjects and disciplines. Four sessions will give students a variety of options in class formats to help them achieve their educational goals, from starting a new career, earning an associate degree, or transferring to a four-year institution.

Group photo of students awarded Edison fire technology scholarships.

Edison Awards Fire Technology Scholarships

June 4, 2026 – Twenty-three College of the Canyons fire technology students have received $1,000 scholarships from Edison International to cover tuition, books, and educational fees. This is the eighth year in a row the program has received funding from Edison, said Keith Kawamoto, chair of the Fire Technology Department. The scholarships were awarded through an Edison International grant in support of the college's development and training of current and future firefighting personnel.

Ed Masterson (center) with past Silver Spur honorees (from left) Mike Berger, Bruce Fortine, Marlee Lauffer, and Wayne Crawford.

Masterson Honored with Silver Spur Award

June 1, 2026 – The College of the Canyons Foundation honored Ed Masterson with the Silver Spur Community Service Award on Saturday, May 30. More than 180 guests gathered at the Sheraton Universal Hotel to recognize his service to the Santa Clarita Valley. The event exceeded fundraising expectations, raising more than $130,000 for the foundation. Masterson (in photo, center) poses with past Silver Spur honorees (from left) Mike Berger, Bruce Fortine, Marlee Lauffer, and Wayne Crawford.

In the News

A roundup of college news and mentions from around the web...

OPEN

SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTORY

Events

Event Calendar

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 Monday, June 1. 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 Wednesday, June 3. 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 Wednesday, May 27. 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 Monday and Tuesday, May 18 and 19. 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 Tuesday, May 12.

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 Friday, April 24. 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 Friday, April 24, 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 Saturday, April 18. 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 Wednesday, April 1, 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 Tuesday, March 31. 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.

MORE EVENTS

Videos