President Thayer’s Board Report for February 24, 2026
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 24, 2026
Welcome Back, Club Rush Events Hosted by Associated Students
The Associated Students presented Club Rush this week. The event took place in front of Student Life & Leadership/VRC Building near the pond on Wednesday and Thursday, February 24-25, 2026.
AS also hosted Welcome Back on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
Both events are intended to help students start off on the right foot this semester and showcase opportunities for connection.
Celebrations for Black History Month, Lunar New Year Fill Calendar
Cypress College’s celebration of Black History Month continues with the Day of Expression (February 24, 2026) and the Black Panther 60th Anniversary Panel Discussion (February 26, 2026). Last week featured “Orange: A New Shade of Black – Exploring Racial Equity Through Storytelling” and BSU/A²MEND “Finals Preparation & Study Skills.”
The APIDA Resource Center is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on February 25, 2026. The event takes place from 11 a.m.–2 p.m. in front of the FASS Building.
A full listing of events is on the campus calendar.
Athletics Update: Swim Breaks Records; Basketball Teams Eye Playoffs
Cypress College Swim and Dive opened 2026 with a statement performance at the El Camino 3x Invitational, as the women placed third overall with 114 points and the men followed with a strong fourth-place finish (59 points) behind Las Positas College and host El Camino College.
On the women’s side, Chantee Nguyen swept the butterfly events with meet records in the 100 (59.89) and 200 (2:12.14), while Jasmine Liu broke three school records in the breaststroke in her collegiate debut. The men answered with record-breaking swims of their own, highlighted by Sean Eoin Tannehill’s meet record and victory in the 200 butterfly (2:01.07) and Gio Demuro’s record-setting 48.78 in the 100 freestyle.
Strong depth across both lineups signaled an exciting start for the Chargers as they head into Orange Empire Conference competition at Saddleback College on Friday, February 27 at 9:30 a.m.
Women’s Flag Football Debuts
Cypress College women’s flag football (3-1) delivered a historic home stand, earning back-to-back victories over East Los Angeles College (19–12) and El Camino College (58–13).
In the inaugural home game, quarterback Mia Cabral accounted for multiple touchdowns to secure the milestone win, while the defense came up with timely interceptions to seal it. The Chargers followed with an explosive offensive showcase against El Camino, racking up 385 total yards as Cabral threw for 334 yards and four touchdowns, highlighted by big performances from Melony Bernabe and Emma Farias.
Basketball Teams Headed to Post Season
The Chargers men’s basketball team (16-11, 7-6 OEC) split two conference matchups prior to the President’s Day weekend, falling to Fullerton College before bouncing back with a strong 85–67 win over Saddleback College.
Last week, the team visited Riverside City College and defeated the Tigers 88-82 and closed out the regular season on Friday, February 20, 2026 at home versus Santa Ana College.
The Cypress women’s basketball team (20-7, 7-4 OEC) closed the week prior to President’s Day with a strong bounce-back performance, highlighted by Chris Jackson’s standout 20-point, six-assist, eight-rebound effort in the win.
The Chargers were also victorious on the road at Riverside City College, 51-42, prior to the regular-season finale, also at home versus Santa Ana College on Friday, February 20, 2026.
View the full athletics recap and find links to follow the teams on the Cypress Athletics website.
Broadway World Features Upcoming SpongeBob Musical
The theatre-focused publication Broadway World recently covered Cypress College’s upcoming spring musical. In the article, the author notes the creative team and cast behind the 2026 season opening performance of the SpongeBob Musical for the Theatre Program, which begins its run on March 13.
The article highlights the creative team made up of Daniel Nakawatase as director, Sonya Randall as choreographer, and Bradley Hampton as musical director. Allison Mamann serves as stage manager, with Daniel Miller as set designer, Becky Ogden as Costume Designer, Heather Harless as lighting designer, Ray Gibson as sound designer, Austin Allen as projection designer, and Sam Lehotai as prop designer.
The cast noted by the author includes Jeffrey Jones as SpongeBob, Kaila Ganzon as Sandy, Kevin Mesavesa as Squidward, Ryan Lee as Mr. Krabs, Eliseo Payan as Patrick, and Devon Addiego as Plankton. Emma Parker appears as Karen and ensemble, Vanessa Leal as Pearl and ensemble, Aaron Espinosa as Patchy, Ali Valenzuela as the Mayor, Thomas Eun Kim as Perch, Mya Cannon as Mrs. Puff, Michael Akhetuamen as Larry the Lobster, and Eric Lazaro as Old Man Jenkins.
See the SpongeBob Musical at the Cypress College Theater during the dates below:
- Friday, March 13, 2026, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 14, 2026, 7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 15, 2026, 4 p.m.
- Friday, March 20, 2026, 7 p.m.
- Saturday, March 21, 2026, 7 p.m.
- Sunday, March 22, 2026, 4 p.m. (ASL Interpreted Show)
#CYPossible: Q&A with Rod Gomez, Mortuary Science Alumni
Completing coursework calls for celebration, and we are proud to celebrate with Cypress College’s newest degree- and certificate-holders. By achieving these education goals, graduates and certificate-earners are equipped to continue on their college path or find strong footholds in the career fields they’ve chosen.
We’ve taken the journey with these outstanding students, and know that when they look to the horizon, they see what is #CYPossible. For this installment of the series, we visited with Mortuary Science graduate Rod Gomez.
Please tell us a little about yourself. Where did you grow up? What are your interests? What is your story?
I grew up in Southern California – my background is a bit of a winding path. I started out in entertainment and hospitality. I was a musician, singer-songwriter, and worked in hotels, helping to create memorable experiences for guests. I always loved the planning and business side of things, too. I also explored the sales arena where I learned about providing value for clients and matching our offerings to their unmet needs. As a young adult I traveled around the United States for a time, but I never quite found my niche.
Everything shifted after 9/11. My mom had a massive stroke shortly after; it was the beginning of a very long goodbye. She eventually passed in 2014. My dad became her full-time caregiver and in doing so he neglected his own health. He passed in 2016. Losing both parents was life-changing; I thought and hoped we would have longer. Family is everything.
At the end of 2005, I saw an article about the Mortuary Science program at Cypress College. Something just clicked. I’ve always been drawn to the arts and sciences. When I was admitted to the Mortuary Science program in 2007 it felt like a place where I could do both. Embalming requires a strong command of anatomy, biology, and chemistry. A good embalmer understands the chemical reactions they are creating and the effects on the body. Some artistic finesse is also necessary to restore a natural appearance. It was there that I found my purpose, embraced my nurturing and altruistic side, and ultimately began a career serving others during their most difficult times.
In my off-time, I cherish every moment with my family, especially when we’re out in nature, soaking in the peace and quiet together. There’s something about the beach in the off-season, feeling the cold sand and getting my toes in the water — it instantly grounds me. I’m passionate about fly fishing and camping in the Eastern Sierra, where the stillness of the woods and the sound of the water help me reset. Listening for bears in the distance (hopefully not too close!) just adds to the adventure. Nature has a way of bringing me back to center. And yes, I’m absolutely a dog person – my two senior Chihuahuas are full of personality and always manage to keep life interesting.
Why did you choose to attend Cypress College and how did being a student there help you find your first position after completion?
Cypress College was truly a turning point for me. I saw the Mortuary Science program and it resonated with the direction I wanted to go. I wasn’t just looking for a job – I was looking for a fresh start where I could really pour myself into something meaningful.
Cypress gave me that. The program was intense, but the camaraderie and support were real. By the second semester, it already felt like I was surrounded by future colleagues, not just classmates. We were encouraged to think about the future of the industry, to honor its history, but also to question and improve it. That mindset stuck with me.
While I was there, I really got involved. I sold keychains with the Cypress logo and Mort Sci branding to raise money for scholarships, and I organized a Habitat for Humanity build day for students. And it all paid off; I was scouted while in school by Bill Gillespie at Pacific View Memorial Park. I started working part-time as a service director and eventually worked my way up. Graduating in 2008, I knew Cypress had set me up with a solid foundation, not just academically, but ethically and professionally.
What did you pursue after completing your studies at Cypress College and where are you now?
After graduation, I dived straight into the industry and pursued full-time work. I wanted to see how everything I’d learned applied in the real world. I also got involved with professional associations like the Orange County Funeral Directors Association. It was important to me to continue learning, networking, and growing.
Fast forward to now, I’m in my dream role. I serve as Managing Director for Dignity Memorial’s Orange County and Major San Diego Territory. I oversee 13 funeral homes, six cemeteries, and five crematories with over 600 associates; we serve around 6,700 families every year. I’m also a Senior Director on SCI’s elite Ceremonial Funeral Team, which provides services for notable individuals. It’s humbling, and I don’t take it lightly.
Read the full interview and see photographs on our website.
ACCCA Presentations Feature Cypress College Leadership
Cypress College was represented in presentations at the ACCCA 50th Anniversary Conference, which took place in Long Beach from February 18-20, 2026.
Dr. Tony Jake, Vice President of Administrative Services, presented as part of a breakout session titled “Maximizing the SCFF.” The discussion shared how small decisions can impact funding, and gathered recommendations for making the SCFF more responsive to the needs of the California Community Colleges and our students. Dr. Jake presented with Arthur Golovey, the Director of Fiscal Services at the Chancellor’s Office and Carole Meagher, the Senior Director of Fiscal Services at the Palomar Community College District.
A second breakout session was presented by President Dr. Scott W. Thayer and Marc Posner, the communications director. In the session, they discussed leadership lessons learned as the result of controversy created by an untrue allegation against college employees.
Buen Cypress! We Take This Journey Together!