courtesy of shutterstock

In the fall of 1969, College of the Canyons opened for its first term of classes. Thirty-one faculty taught 735 students in the late afternoons and evenings at Hart High School, which the college used that first year before moving into portable buildings at the current Valencia campus. Our first graduating class numbered 16.

Fifty years later, nearly everything has changed. We have two campuses now, with nearly 1 million square feet of building space between them. More than 1,600 full- and part-time employees serve the 35,000-plus students who enroll each year in the 192 degree and certificates programs available. And, the class of 2019 was the largest ever, with 2,467 graduates.
In total, approximately 250,000 people have taken a class at the college since it opened, and we have awarded some 34,000 degrees and certificates.

While the growth is impressive, it more importantly reflects the college's commitment to meeting the needs of the dynamic community it serves. Numbers, however, do not capture the full impact of the college, and what it means to this community.
The real measure of our impact is our ability to deliver on the promise of opportunity, which can be seen in the hundreds of thousands of lives changed because students could access higher education at College of the Canyons.

As we celebrate our anniversary, we have heard from so many former Cougars who have taken the time to share their stories, and how this college helped lay the foundation for their future success. They credit College of the Canyons with giving them the tools that enabled them to achieve, and in most cases exceed, their intended goals.

The best metrics of our success are those that show our impact on students - possibilities imagined, goals achieved and ultimately, lives changed. That's the promise of opportunity. It was available at College of the Canyons on our first day of class, and it will continue to inspire our innovative growth in the decades to come.
Dr. Dianne Van Hook serves as chancellor of College of the Canyons.

Support the College of the Canyons Foundation Today
Contributions to the College of the Canyons Foundation support educational improvements and capital needs beyond the achievement level that tax dollars can support. Your gift will enable COC to reach the highest levels of excellence in teaching, scholarship, vocational training and innovation.
Make your contribution online.
canyons.edu/administration/foundation/donate

GIVE WHERE YOU LIVE SCV
Support your Favorite Nonprofits this Holiday Season
It's the most wonderful time of the year and also a time to be thoughtful toward those in need. Making a charitable contribution is an important part of the giving season. Beyond the warm and fuzzy feeling or the incentive of a tax deduction for a year-end donation, countless nonprofit organizations rely upon the support of caring individuals and businesses to sustain their operations and further their mission. In response to the growing needs of nonprofit partners - Carousel Ranch, Boys and Girls Club of SCV, Samuel Dixon Family Health Center, College of the Canyons Foundation, Santa Clarita Valley Family YMCA and the SCV Senior Center - Mission Valley Bank hosts the Give Where You Live SCV initiative. Each month, the community bank features a nonprofit client on its website, in advertising and articles and throughout its social media platforms. Bringing awareness to the needs and work of these organizations - while connecting each cause with residents - strengthens the community. How can you get involved in helping others? Discover a charity or service club that sparks your passion or one that speaks to your heart. The Santa Clarita community has hundreds of nonprofits that rely upon the kindness of residents and businesses to step up and make a difference. Aside from year-end giving, think about making regular contributions to the charity of your choice throughout the year, which can be more effective in the long run. Be creative when doing a little extra good.

MISSION VALLEY BANK IS MORE THAN A COMMUNITY BANK
Mission Valley Bank's local roots run deep, motivated by the desire to be an integral part of the area they serve. A strong community thrives on personal relationships and Mission Valley Bank supports - and is honored to be supported by - the Santa Clarita Valley. Mission Valley Bank is more than just another local bank. They are a full-service, independent, commercial bank that is locally-owned, community minded and relationship driven. They're proud to have earned their reputation as Trusted Advisors. Mission Valley Bank is as dedicated to their customers' success as they are. They appreciate their business and welcome the opportunity to earn yours.
Mission Valley Bank Centre Pointe Business Banking Office 753-5693