President Thayer’s Board Report for September 8, 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 September 8, 2026
Associated Students Host Welcome Back with Food, Fun, Resources
Associated Students hosted their Welcome Back event on Wednesday, September, 2 to help students build a strong start to the semester.
At Welcome Back, students are treated to fresh-grilled food, games, and resource booths where they can learn about campus resources, meet new people, connect with student leadership, and have fun.
The event was held in front of the Student Life & Leadership Building.
Foster Stanback to be Recognized as Campus Teacher of the Year
Cypress College aviation professor Clarence Foster Stanback has been nominated for the 2027 Orange County Teacher of the Year award, recognizing an exceptional educator whose work reaches far beyond the classroom. He will be recognized Nov. 13 at the Disneyland Hotel as part of a ceremony that honors teachers from across OC.
Stanback is known for helping students understand complex aviation concepts while also preparing them for the realities of entering the very demanding and often costly field. Through mentoring, career guidance, scholarship assistance, and connections to employers, he helps students build a path from the classroom to a career.
Students have described Stanback as a passionate and approachable instructor who takes time to learn their names, interests, and career goals. The Cypress College dean of Career Technical Education wrote in support of Stanback’s nomination that students view him as one of the most influential educators and mentors they have encountered.
In the classroom, Stanback teaches both foundational and advanced aviation topics using historical context, real-world examples, current research and emerging technology. In addition to quizzes and exams, students complete simulations, role-playing exercises, and other hands-on assignments. He also sets clear learning goals and lets students help establish expectations for the class.
Stanback is involved in his students’ careers, helping them prepare by connecting them with internships, job opportunities, and industry contacts. His network includes the Civil Air Patrol, the
U.S. Air Force Academy, flight schools, and other aviation organizations.
Retired Capt. Ed Valdez, Cypress College Aviation and Travel Careers department coordinator and professor, credited Stanback with helping many students pursue careers in aviation through education, mentorship, and access to opportunities.
“Foster Stanback is very deserving of the OCDE Teacher of the Year Award,” Valdez wrote. “He is one of the most impactful educators at Cypress College.”
Stanback remains active in industry meetings, college events, and department activities while continuing his own professional development. Colleagues say his professionalism, vast knowledge, and respect for students make him a strong representative of Cypress College among the 2027 Orange County Teacher of the Year nominees.
VRC Hosting Event to Mark 25th Anniversary 9/11 Attacks on U.S.
The Veterans Resource Center will mark the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the United States on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at noon.
Beginning early that morning, student, staff, and faculty volunteers will plant American flags in remembrance of the lives lost on September 11, 2001. The flags will remain on display throughout the weekend, providing our campus community with an opportunity to visit the memorial, pause, reflect, and remember.
At noon, the VRC team will be at the Veterans Resource Center for the commemoration, which will include:
- Moment of Silence in remembrance of 9/11 victims
- Reflection and Remembrance of September 11, 2001
- Special Recognition
- Light Appetizer following the ceremony
“September 11 is a day that forever changed our nation and shaped an entire generation of military service,” said Juan Carlos Garcia, the Counselor/Coordinator, Veterans Resource Center. “We invite students, faculty, classified, administrators, and members of our campus community to join us as we remember the lives lost, honor those who answered the call to serve, and recognize a special member of our campus whose dedication to military-affiliated students has endured for 25 years.”
‘One Cypress Wednesday’ Launches to Show Off Campus Spirit
Cypress College has launched “One Cypress Wednesday” for employees to join in the celebration of our 60th anniversary. Members of the community participate by dressing in school colors and/or college apparel.
Modeled after Transfer Day, in which employees wear clothing from their alma maters, One Cypress Wednesday is a great way to exhibit campus spirit and to help bring our “60 Years. One Cypress” celebration to life.
To celebrate the launch of One Cypress Wednesday, Campus Communications is hosting — and sharing — a weekly trivia game, the first of which can be viewed on Instagram.
VAPA Unveils 2026-2027 Season, with Events Beginning Oct. 1
Cypress College Visual and Performing Arts is proud to present its 2026–2027 season — a year of art exhibitions, live theatre, music, dance, photography, film, and student performances. From returning alumni exhibitions to celebrations of Cypress College’s 60th anniversary, this season showcases the creativity and talent of our students, faculty, alumni, and artistic community.
The season begins October 1, 2026, with two exhibitions: Together Again for the First Time: Volume 1 in the Photography Gallery and When We Were Very Young: Cypress College, Art, Architecture, Athletics in the Cypress College Art Gallery.
Fall highlights include:
- Sweeney Todd — 9, 10, 16 and 17 at 7 p.m.; Oct. 11 and 18 at 4 p.m., in the Campus Theater
- Illuminated Visions 4.0 — Oct. 22 at 6 p.m., Gateway Plaza (free event)
- High School Film Festival — 22, 5–7 p.m., Cypress College Complex, Room 216 (free event)
- Much Ado About Nothing — 30 and 31 and Nov. 6 and 7 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 1 and 8 at 4 p.m., Studio Theater
- Celebration of Dance — 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 22 at 4 p.m., Campus Theater
- Songs of ’66 & ’67 — 3 at 6:30 p.m., Campus Theater
The spring season features an exciting lineup of performances and exhibitions, including:
- Together Again for the First Time: Volume 2
- Discapacidad No Es Una Mala Palabra – Disability Is Not a Bad Word
- Mean Girls
- Jobim: The Heart of Bossa Nova
- Photography Student Show
- VAPA Talent Show
- VAPA Student Show
- People in Motion
- Cypress College Film Festival
- Orchestra Concert
- Spring Jazz Band Concert
- Applied Music Recitals
- Vocal and instrumental performances
Athletics Competition Ramps Up as Men’s Soccer Kicks Off Season
The Cypress College men’s soccer team opened the 2026 season with a 3-1 road victory over San Diego City.
The win was powered by second-half goals from Maxwell Van Leeuwen and Damien Gutierrez.
Other teams are beginning their season, including men’s water polo, which opens with a Labor Day Weekend mini-tournament.
Read additional athletics news here.
Daisy Nwosu Awarded 2025 Health Care Scholars United Scholarship
Daisy Nwosu has been awarded the 2025 Health Care Scholars United Scholarship through the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). As part of her renewal award, she will receive a $5,000 scholarship. The Health Care Scholars United Scholarship supports undergraduate students pursuing degrees that lead to careers in health care clinical professions. Preference is given to students interested in primary care, rural health, pharmacy, behavioral health, and maternal health careers.
Additionally, scholarship recipients will attend the ¡Adelante! Leadership Institute at HACU’s 40th Annual Conference, which will take place October 31 through November 2, 2026, in Chula Vista. This leadership experience provides recipients with opportunities for professional development, networking, and engagement with national leaders in higher education and health care.
The following is a partial listing of upcoming events at Cypress College to help connect you with campus life.
- Club Rush — Tuesday, September 8, and Wednesday, September 9, 2026, 11:30 m. – 1:30 p.m., VAPA Courtyard
- 41st Annual Cypress College Foundation Golf Classic, Monday, September 14, 2026, 8 a.m.
- Paletas with Puente — Tuesday, September 15, 2026, 3-4:30, Puente Center, Humanities 128
If you are interested in attending any of these events, please contact Mercedes Milner in the President’s Office.
60 Years. One Cypress. We Take This Journey Together!