President Thayer’s Board Report for June 9, 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 June 9, 2026
Cypress College Celebrates 59th Commencement on May 29
Cypress College celebrated the Class of 2026 during its 59th Commencement on Friday, May 29, 2026 in Gateway Plaza. An estimated 675 students participated in commencement.
This year, 1,766 students earned associate degrees — with 90 different degree programs represented in the graduating class. Combined, the college awarded a total of 2,183 associate degrees — meaning some students earned multiple degrees. In addition, this year 1,400 students have earned certificates, representing 125 certificate programs.
The processional introduced a new Cypress College tradition: the debut of the new college mace, which was carried into the ceremony by Academic Senate President Jaclyn Magginetti. This ceremonial staff is an embodiment of Cypress College’s heritage, represents the pursuit of knowledge, recognizes academic rigor, pays tribute to the commitment and dedication of our faculty, and is a symbol of the authority of this commencement ceremony.
Following the processional, Dr. Thayer welcomed guests who filled Gateway Plaza. The students and guests were also greeted by Board President Dr. Barbara Dunsheath and Chancellor Dr. Byron D. Clift Breland. Magginetti recognized new faculty emeriti and recipients of the faculty awards: Nancy Corrales, Outstanding Faculty of the Year; Jason Chien, Outstanding Adjunct Faculty of the Year; Liana Koeppel, the Charger Award recipient; and Clarence Foster Stanback, the Orange County Teacher of the Year nominee of the Associated Students.
Associated Students President Angel Hernandez-Martinez presented the A.S. Outstanding Graduate of the Year award to Huey Hoang and Dr. Thayer presented the Cypress College Foundation’s Alumnus of the Year Award to Rob Friedman. Before beginning the roll call of graduates, Dr. Thayer also recognized the 2026 Presidential Scholars of Distinction: Mia Navarro, Business and Computer Information Systems; Jesse Aguilar, Career Technical Education; Zimal Amir, We Journey Together — Counseling; Tara Ballantyne, Health Science; Timothy Cabalo, Kinesiology; John Juan Carlos Foster Garcia, Language Arts; Angel Hernandez-Martinez, Science, Engineering, and Mathematics; Alec Gibson, Social Sciences; and Jasmine “Jae” Hernandez, Visual and Performing Arts.
Foundation Hosts Approximately 700 for Scholarship Awards Ceremony
On Friday, May 22, 2026, the Cypress College Foundation hosted approximately 700 students and their families, donors, and employees for the annual scholarship awards. The ceremony recognizes the commitment of students to their education and provides an opportunity for them to meet with donors.
View Scholarship Awards photos.
Buen Cypress! We Take This Journey Together!