President Thayer’s Board Report for July 28, 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 July 28, 2026
Remembering Retired Photo Chair, Academic Senate President Johnson
Retired photography faculty Rob Johnson — an alum and a 31-year Cypress College employee whose work appears in the Guinness Book of World Records — passed away last month.
Johnson served as Academic Senate President in 2009 and 2010, was chair of the photo department, and helped launch the Legacy Project, a group of six photographers documenting the changes at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station as the base closed. His collaborators were Cypress College faculty and included the late Jerry Burchfield and adjunct faculty Jacques Garnier, Douglas McCulloh, Mark Chamberlain, and Clayton Spada.
Together, they created “The Great Picture” — a pinhole photograph that stands three stories high and eleven stories wide. Not only is the image a Guinness Book record-holder, it has been exhibited across the globe, including at Irvine’s Great Park (where it was created), China, and in the Smithsonian’s Air and Space Museum in Virginia.
From the time he was young, Johnson was destined to become a dentist, following in the footsteps of his father.
A photography course taught by Cypress College alumnus John Sexton lit a fire for Johnson and changed his trajectory.
Having already completed his bachelor’s degree in biology, Johnson pivoted. Through Sexton, Johnson earned his way to work as a darkroom assistant to legendary photographer Ansel Adams. Johnson took additional photography classes at Cypress College and earned Master of Arts and Master of Fine Arts degrees in Art and Photography at California State University, Fullerton.
In 1984, he became an adjunct instructor at Cypress College and earned a full-time position in 1986. At his 2017 retirement recognition at the NOCCCD Board of Trustees meeting, Johnson shared his love for Cypress College.
“I spent 31 years at Cypress College. I don’t think people stay 31 years at one place just because it’s a job. They stay there because they find some significant meaning to their life there. I am just so grateful for all the people that have met and gotten to know here in the District.”
In a 2011 interview, Johnson shared, “I am very proud of being a teacher and being able to talk about what I love. The beginning classes are my favorite because you can help get someone excited about photography.”
Along with photography, Johnson enjoyed music, and composed pieces for his wife, Ana Luisa Johnson, who is a dancer and choreographer. He is survived by his wife and son Joshua.
An on-campus memorial is being planned for this fall.
Bluebolt Solar Benches Provide Space to Re-charge, Rest, Connect
Cypress College became the first installation in Orange County for Bluebolt, a solar-charging bench system the helps build community and guard the environment. The personalized benches were installed in four locations on campus last month.
Bluebolt benches invite both campuses and their community to “charge at no charge” — meaning the benches are free to the institution, they use no electricity, and they cost students nothing to use. The company promises benches which provide charging for electronic devices and a place to rest in a socially conscious setting.
Cypress College worked with Bluebolt to identify four initial locations on campus, installing benches within sight of the flagpole in Lot #1 — a prime spot for student drop off and pick up — and three spots along the pond: near the Complex, adjacent to the Library/Learning Resource Center, and next to the Veterans Resource Center.
The benches are personalized with the Cypress College logo layered onto two different flaps. Not only are the benches free to the college and free to operate, they will also generate revenue from a share of advertising sales.
The Bluebolt benches were installed on June 23, 2026, and immediately went into service with students stopping to charge their phones and wait for rides to pick them up from campus.
Cypress College Hosts City’s Salute to America Celebration
Fireworks lit the night sky as Cypress College hosted the annual City of Cypress Salute to America on Friday, July 3, 2026.
The event celebrated the double milestone—America’s 250th anniversary and the City of Cypress’ 70th birthday (and nicely dovetailed with the college’s upcoming 60th anniversary celebration). This year’s Salute to America was held on the seventh anniversary of the city’s inaugural Salute to America event in 2019.
The event ran from 5:30-9:30 p.m. in parking lot #5 and featured picnics, games, live music from Pop Vision, and the fireworks show, which launched at 9 p.m.
UndocuAdvocate Training Shapes Campus Understanding of Students
President’s Staff members completed UndocuAdvocate training on Wednesday July 8, 2026, earning their certificates and broadening understanding of students’ lived experiences. UndocuAdvocate Training was also available as a professional development opportunity to the full campus in April.
UndocuAdvocate Training is designed to deepen the campus community’s collective understanding of the lived experiences of undocumented and mixed-status students in higher education. In today’s complex educational landscape, undocumented students navigate unique institutional and pedagogical challenges. This training centers their experiences and explores the critical role we all play in fostering an inclusive and affirming environment.
Learning Outcomes Include:
- Why our campus culture matters
- Equity beyond status: an anthropological look at undocumented students
- Standardized, promising practices for a prepared California education system
- Protecting undocumented students “is the economically wise thing to do” (CCCCO)
- Common pitfalls and barriers to immigrant student equity
- Interdepartmental synergy to support immigrant student success
Popsicles with the President Hits on Perfect Day for Chill Conversation
Monday, July 13, 2026 provided perfect weather for an icy popsicle with the president of Cypress College. Joining the dozens of employees gathered on the Cypress College Complex third-floor patio for the informal gathering and conversation was NOCCCD Trustee Mark Lopez.
During the warm summer months, the Cypress College President’s Office transforms Coffee with the President into something better aligned with the hot weather. The next Popsicles with the President is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. It will also be held on the Complex patio.
T-TEN Students Judge at San Marino Motor Classic
Four T-TEN students, Uriel Valdavia, Abner Nguyen, Henry Mendes, and Manny Cortez, volunteered to assist judging the Japanese vehicle classes at the San Marino Motor Classic on June 14. These four students have just completed their T-TEN coursework and will have their formal graduation on July 23 at a dinner and ceremony on campus.
Mike Klyde is the T-TEN instructor/coordinator. These students were four of several class of 2026 All Stars who passed all 8 ASE tests in the Master Series as well as L1, Advanced Engine Performance.
The judges at San Marino had very high praise for the students, their automotive knowledge and enthusiasm. The students did so well, they have been invited to judge vehicles at the Japanese Classic Car Show on Saturday, October 3, in Long Beach. They look forward to their post-graduation work at their respective Toyota dealers and to becoming part of the classic vehicle hobby.
The following is a partial listing of upcoming events at Cypress College to help connect you with campus life. If you are interested in attending any of these events, please contact Mercedes Milner in the President’s Office.
- Popsicles with the President — Thursday, August 20, 2026, 1-2 p.m., CCCPLX 3rd Floor Patio
- Fall 2026 Opening Day — Friday, August 21, 2026, 8 a.m.-12 p.m., Campus Theater
- New Student Welcome Night — Friday, August 21, 2026
- Cypress College Foundation 41st Annual Golf Classic Tournament —September 14, 2026, Los Coyotes Country Club
- Coffee with the President (with Associated Students) — Monday, September 21, 2026, 1-2 p.m., Student Life & Leadership
- Career Closet Professional Glow-Up — September 23 & 24, 2026
- 5th Annual Walk of Hope — September 29, 2026, 12 p.m.
60 Years. One Cypress. We Take This Journey Together!