President Thayer’s Board Report for September 22, 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 22, 2026
Foundation Golf Classic Raises Thousands to Support Students
The Cypress College Foundation’s 41st Annual Golf Classic took place on Monday, September 14, 2026, at the Los Coyotes Country Club in Buena Park.
The event raised thousands of dollars. Proceeds from the Golf Classic support student scholarships, emergency assistance.
Total Environmental Management served as the signature sponsor.
In addition to the tournament, the event featured a silent auction, a helicopter drop, and an awards dinner.
Hispanic Heritage Month Launches with Paletas con Puente
September marks a special time to celebrate the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic communities. Cypress College’s Hispanic Heritage Month launched on Tuesday, September 15, 2026.
In addition to the paletas event, the Puente program also scheduled the Hispanic Heritage Month Women’s Soccer Game as part of this month’s celebration.
The college also started the Parent Collaborative, for parents to learn more about what it means to be a college student, the resources available for students on campus, and how they can support their student’s success at Cypress. Workshops will be hosted in English and Spanish starting this month.
Coffee With the President also Includes Associated Students President
Coffee with the President is back, and we kicked off the academic year with Coffee with the Presidents — plural — on Monday, September 21, 2026, from 1-2 p.m. in Student Life & Leadership.
Cypress College President Scott W. Thayer, along with Associated Students President Geralyn Ibarra, welcomed the campus community to the event, which was hosted by the Associated Students Council.
Coffee with the President featured drinks and snacks from the Cypresso coffee shop.
Cypress College Marks 25th Anniversary of 9/11 Terrorist Attacks on U.S.
The Cypress College Veterans Resource Center hosted the campus remembrance of the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. The event helped honor the lives lost, the first responders and service members who answered the call to serve, and the lasting legacy of service within our campus community.
Together, we paused, reflected, and remembered the 2,977 lives lost on 9/11. The flags — one for each victim of the attacks — planted across our campus served as a powerful reminder that we will never forget.
The VRC also recognized Christy Montenegro on her 25th anniversary of serving as our “School Certifying Official.”
“For 25 years, Christy has dedicated herself to serving our student veterans and military-connected students with care, commitment, and compassion,” said Dr. Juan Carlos Garcia, the VRC Counselor/Coordinator. “We are incredibly grateful for her years of service and the difference she continues to make in the lives of our students. Congratulations, Christy, on this incredible milestone!”
Music faculty Gary Gopar played an emotional rendition of “Taps” that provided a sense of solemnity and honor to the commemoration. We invite you to take a moment, listen, and remember with us.
First Professional ‘Glow Up’ Event Scheduled by Career Planning Center
The Career Planning and Workforce Development Center is hosting their first Professional Glow Up event this fall. Students will have the opportunity to browse through the Career Closet and receive free professional clothing.
In addition, the first 100 students in attendance will receive a Glow Up kit (while supplies last).
The professional makeover includes free professional clothing — available in sizes from xxxs to xxxl.
The event takes place Thursday, September 24, 2026, from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. in CCCPLX-215.
Students will receive tips on how to prepare for any professional event, such as:
- Job Interviews
- Career Fairs
- Conferences
- Networking Opportunities
- Presentations
- PLUS, meet with industry professionals
Art Gallery Opening Two Exhibits Celebrating Cypress College’s 60 Years
Two exhibits this fall highlight the work of Cypress College visual artists over the course of its history.
Celebrating Cypress College’s 60th anniversary, “When We Were Very Young” looks at its earliest years through the lens of its sporting achievements, art collections, and distinctive architecture with images, films, objects, and stories drawn from the college archives.
“Together Again for the First Time” showcases alumni from the Cypress College Photography Department. This exhibition reunites former students who transferred to complete their bachelor’s degrees or launched their own businesses or practices.
Both opening nights take place Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 6 p.m.; the exhibits run October 1 to November 19. “When We Were Very Young” takes place in the Cypress College Art Gallery; “Together Again” is held in the Photography Gallery.
Welcome Pool Party Connects Athletics and Affinity Support Programs
Dive into the Affinity Pool Party hosted by Cypress College Affinity Spaces and Athletics. At the event, the groups will provide food, drinks, games, activities, and a chance to socialize with your fellow Chargers.
The event was scheduled for Monday, September 21, 2026, at 3 p.m. at the campus pool.
Theater Award
Cypress College Theatre Arts Professor, Daniel Miller, is a finalist in the Orange Curtain Review Awards.
He is one of five people nominated for the category of Best Set for his design work on last year’s production of Into the Woods.
Events
The following is a partial listing of upcoming events at Cypress College to help connect you with campus life.
- Hispanic Heritage Month (ongoing with various events)
- One Cypress Wednesday — September 23, 2026, (and each Wednesday during the semester), all day
- 5th Annual Walk of Hope —September 29, 2026, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., pond.
- Gallery Opening — Thursday, October 1, 2026, 6 p.m., VAPA Building
- The Great ShakeOut earthquake drill — October 15, 2026, 10:15 a.m.
60 Years. One Cypress. We Take This Journey Together!