President Thayer’s Board Report for February 25, 2025
The following is a report to members of the North Orange County Community College District Board of Trustees
Presented by Cypress College President Scott W. Thayer, Ed.D.
on February 25, 2025
Super Bowl Sunday brought the debut of a new Cypress College advertisement introducing the college’s philosophy of serving students to local viewers who were watching the big game.
The professional football championship is known in part as a day of advertising creativity. The spot ran on Spectrum cable as part of the official Fox Deportes broadcast. It features actual students,
alumni, and employees who have shaped and been shaped by the college.
Census Enrollment Numbers Show 12% Growth in Student Body
The number of students enrolled at Cypress College is up 12% compared to the year-ago spring 2024 census date. The growth is echoed in overall enrollment (11%) and FTES (9.25%) as of the first census report date last week. The fill rate was 89%.
Congratulations to the many employees who are focused on helping Cypress recover enrollment beyond pre-pandemic and hold-harmless levels. While this work continues, it is also important to pause and recognize these meaningful milestones.
APIDA Ribbon Cutting Features Food, Dragon, Dance, Music, and More
Cypress College Alumna Dr. Rowena M. Tomaneng delivered a personal and powerful keynote at the APIDA ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, February 19, 2025. Dr. Tomaneng, now the Deputy Chancellor of the California Community Colleges, used the opportunity to thank now-retired faculty member Patrick O’Brien for providing confidence and helping shape her career. Dr. Cherry Li-Bugg, the inaugural NOCCCD Vice Chancellor of Educational Services & Technology, and Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer also greeted guests. The event was emceed by Joey Quenga, the Special Project Coordinator in the APIDA (Asian, Pacific Islander, Desi American) Resource Center.
Leading up to the ribbon cutting, and following the formal presentations, guests were treated to a tour of the campus with stops themed to each of the APIDA regions. There was food, dancing, a dancing dragon, music, and pageantry in each location.
The event culminated with the formal ribbon cutting near the entrance to the APIDA Resource Center. The center itself remained open for guests to tour.
Our thanks to Trustee Dr. Barbara Dunsheath and to retired Cypress College President Dr. JoAnna Schilling for their attendance. Congratulations to APIDA Ohana: Dr. Paul de Dios, Dr. Jeannie Mitsch, Renay Laguana-Ferinac, Anissa Tagayun, Emily Ibara, Luu Xuan Tran, Lisa Tran, and Joey Quenga.
Black History Month Events Headlined by Dr. Akua Presentation
Black History Month — with a theme of “Good Trouble” — continued with Dr. Chike Akua headlining an event presented by the Black Faculty and Staff As- sociation of the North Orange County Community College District. The event took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, in the Cypress College Theater.
Dr. Akua is a noted author and speaker . He is an assistant professor at Clark Atlanta University and has been selected as one of Ebony Magazine’s “50 Leaders of Tomorrow.”
Cypress College thanks NOCCCD Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland for his welcome remarks at the event. Congratulations and thanks also to Dr. Temperence Dowdle, Teresa Chevalier, Shelia Moore-Farmer, Lela Beck, Dr. Kellori Dower and the Visual and Performing Arts Division, to the Cypress College Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Anti-Racism & Accessibility (DEIAA) Committee, Cypress College President’s Office, Cypress College Student Equity and Achievement (SEA) Committee, and the North Orange County Community College District (NOCCCD) Office of Diversity, Culture, and Inclusion.
Cypress College closes Black History Month on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, with a Day of Expression featuring Gloria Arjona.
Speech and Debate Team Finishes Top 5 at Crossman Invitational
The Cypress Forensics team was hard at work during the winter break, participating in the Crossman Invitational at El Camino College. Cypress College finished fourth place at this two-day tournament. There were a total of 16 universities and colleges in attendance. Cypress College students competed in both individual and team debate events.
Awards received:
- Jacob Blair and Brandon Griffin — Quarter Finalist Open NPDA
- Jacob Blair — 3rd Place Open NDPA Speaker Award
- London Lopez — 1st Place Novice Extemporaneous Speaking
- Bianca Alcantara — 4th Place Open After Dinner Speaking
- London Lopez — 3rd Place Novice Impromptu
- Brandon Griffin — Silver Open NFA LD
- Brandon Griffin — 7th Place Open NFA LD Speaker Award
Congratulations also to Forensics directors Jen Page and Josh House, and to coaches Kelly Hutchison, Zach White, and Abe Nesheiwat.
Dr. Thayer Participates in LIFT to Help Classified Career Advancement
Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer was one of the panelists for “Climbing the Ladder: Career Growth Strategies for Classified Professionals.” The Webinar, held on Friday, February 7, 2025, was host- ed by Lift, the Leadership Institute for Tomorrow and presented by the California Community Colleges and Cal State Fullerton’s College of Education.
Joining Dr. Thayer on the panel were: Jamille Teer, facilities project coordinator at the Peralta Community College District; and Feras Asakrieh, the author of “Seven Unwritten Rules of Advancing Your Career: Advice Your Boss Won’t Tell Your to Achieve the Career Success You Deserve.”
The event was designed for participants to learn: Concrete advice for all classified professionals; insight, challenges and solutions for advancement strategies; and unwritten rules of advancing your career.
Cypress Chamber Keynote by Dr. Thayer Highlights Cypress College
Dr. Scott W. Thayer served as the keynote speaker for the monthly Cypress Chamber of Commerce net-
working breakfast, held on Tuesday, February 11, 2025. Dr. Thayer’s presentation covered both the accomplishments of the college and the philosophy of serving students that drives our work.
Dr. Thayer was joined by both vice presidents, several deans, multiple directors, a retired charter faculty member, and a number of alumni who are active in the community. Among them were three recent graduates of the Mortuary Science Pro- gram who now work for Forest Lawn.
First Spring Coffee with the President Held in VAPA Division Office
The first Coffee with the President of the Spring 2025 semester took place in the Visual and Performing Arts Division Office on Thursday, February 13, 2025.
Despite the heavy rain, the event was well attended by employees across the campus. In addition to coffee, the gathering included food and hot chocolate.
Coffee with the President is an ongoing series for members of the campus community to visit informally with Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer.
Women’s Flag Football Selected as New Sport to Join Athletics Program
Cypress College is excited to announce the addition of Women’s Flag Football to its roster of championship-winning programs. This exciting addition highlights Cypress College’s commitment to providing expanded opportunities for student-athletes to compete at the collegiate level.
“Southern California has quickly become a leader in growing girls flag football at the youth and high school levels. This is an opportunity for Cypress College to help grow the sport and provide more opportunities for female student-athletes at the college level,” said Cypress College Athletic Director Wes McCurtis, who noted that Cypress College women’s flag football will play its inaugural season in spring 2026.
50th Anniversary Americana Awards Set for Saturday, March 15
The Americana Awards 50th Anniversary Gala takes place on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at the Westin Anaheim Resort. The Cypress College Foundation event begins at 5 p.m. with a silent auction and reception. The dinner and program begin at 7 p.m.
The event began in 1976 as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration. Each year it honors the spirit of community service.
This year, the Cypress College Foundation has selected A.C. Green as Person of the Year. The former Los Angeles Lakers star is a philanthropist.
Also recognized are citizens of the year: Bharat Patel, Anaheim; Linda and Mike Weinstock, Buena Park; Rob Johnson, Cypress; Dr. True McMahan, Garden Grove; Rick and Jean Daum, La Palma; Randy Hill, Los Alamitos; Scott Weir, Seal Beach; and Sanjuana De La Torre, Stanton.
Learn more and register on the Americana Awards website.
Social Media Spotlight: Instagram Reels
- Posted February 12
The Silver Screen Orchestra • Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head (Tema principal de “Dos hombres y un destino”, 1969)
Stay dry! 🔷
615 likes • View post and comment - Posted February 10
cypress_as and cypresscollege
How much does the current Cypress College President Scott Thayer, know about our college?
230 likes • View post and comment - Posted February 7
You made it through Week 1, Chargers! 🔷
363 likes • View post and comment
HTW – Happening This Week at Cypress College
Here’s what’s Happening This Week — for Week 4 of the 2025 spring semester — February 24-28 — at Cypress College.
Buen Cypress! We Take This Journey Together!