President Thayer’s Board Report for October 13, 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 October 13, 2026
Exhibition Openings Celebrate Cypress College’s 60th Anniversary
The opening of three art exhibitions on Thursday, October 1, 2026, helped celebrate Cypress College’s 60th anniversary. The galleries share the college’s history, historical campus art, and the work of our photography alumni and current students.
In the Cypress College Art Gallery, “When We Were Very Young” looks at the earliest years of Cypress College through the lens of its sporting achievements, art collections, and distinctive architecture. It features artworks, films, objects, and stories drawn from the college archives maintained by Monica Doman and curated by Janet Owen Driggs.
Gallery visitors can also pick up the new pamphlet about Library Mural. The document is produced to commemorate the work and is authored by Owen Driggs, incorporating her scholarly research.
The Cypress College Photography Club invites everyone to ART-OFFICIAL, a celebration of the many ways our photography community expresses itself through art. With no single theme or required style, ART-OFFICIAL creates an open space for experimentation, expression, and work that feels true to each individual artist. From digital and film photography to alternative processes, the exhibition highlights the diversity of artistic expression that makes our photography community unique.
Finally, the Cypress Photography Department is excited to present “Together Again for the First Time (Volume 1),” an exhibition featuring alumni from the Cypress College Photography Department. Many of these former students have furthered their education by transferring to complete their bachelor’s degrees, while others have started their own businesses or practices. Although some of them crossed paths during their studies, this exhibition showcases new work and brings them together in the same space for the first time.
Cypress College Campus Podcast Returns to Celebrate 60th Anniversary
The Cypress College Campus Podcast rebooted last month as part of the 60th anniversary celebration.
The podcast is a monthly show hosted by Cypress College President Dr. Scott W. Thayer and produced by the Office of Campus Communications. It tells the stories of the campus community, including students, colleagues, alumni, and advocates.
It is available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.
On Episode 6 of the podcast, Dr. Thayer interviews art historian, curator, and Cypress College art history professor Janet Owen Driggs. They discuss the history and preservation of Sergio O’Cadiz’s iconic Library Mural, exploring its connections to Mexican muralism, brutalist architecture, and the role of public art in shaping the identity of Cypress College.
Episode 7 introduces Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary artist Isaac “Dazer” Dazerok, founder of Pseudonym Collective. He discusses his journey as an artist, the history and culture of graffiti, the evolution of West Coast letterform design, and the skills and identity developed through writing. Also, he shares his creative process and reflects on his recent collaboration with Cypress College administrators to create artwork celebrating the college’s 60th anniversary.
Data Show Chargers Student Athletes Reached High Academic Success
Cypress College student athletes achieved impressive academic success during the 2025-26 year, according to a report prepared by the Kinesiology and Athletics Division.
Student athletes achieved a 3.23 average GPA and 11 of 14 teams recorded GPAs of 3.0 or higher. Of the college’s student athletes, 64 completed transfer to a four-year institution, with at least 30 students also continuing their athletic careers at their new campuses.
The student athletes also recorded improvements in English (a 75% success rate, up 6%) and Math (61% success rate, up 18%).
These students were also successful in athletic competition. 2025-26 competitive success includes:
- 12 Playoff Appearances
- 2 State Championship Appearances
- Conference Flag Football Champions
- Chantee Nguyen – 200 Butterfly & 200 Backstroke State Champion
- 8 All-American Selections
- 12 All-State Selections
- 50 All-Orange Empire Conference Selections
- Frisk Driscoll (Head Swim & Dive Coach) – Orange Empire Conference Coach of the Year The success extended beyond local competition.
The state 3C2A athletics association also inducted two Chargers alumni into the California Hall of Fame: Russamee Gulyanamitta, women’s golf, 2000; and Swen Nater, men’s basketball, 1980. Long-time baseball coach Scott Pickler helped his son manage the Colorado Rockies for a pre-season Major League Baseball game, while softball alumna and assistant coach Amanda Fama carried the Olympic torch in Milano Cortina for the 2026 games.
Undocumented Student Success Week Celebrated October 19-22
Undocumented Student Success Week takes place October 19-22, 2026. The week provides an opportunity to come together as a community to celebrate, uplift, and support undocumented students and staff. For the celebration, the Student Support Services Division will share resources, build connections, and create spaces that encourage belonging, empowerment, and success for all.
Event Schedule:
- Monday, October 19 — Butterfly Journey & Resource Table, 10 a.m.-noon, Gateway Plaza
- Tuesday, October 20 — Day of the Dead: Día de los Muertos, via Zoom
- Option 1: 12:30–2 p.m. (preregister)
- Option 2: 5-6:30 p.m. (preregister)
- Wednesday, October 21 — Dream Act Service Incentive Grant, 2-3 p.m., CCCPLX Room 419
- Thursday, October 22 — EOPS Wellness Event, 2-3 p.m., CCCPLX Room 419
Coffee with the President Next Set for Monday, October 26 at M&O
The next Coffee with the President is presented by Maintenance and Operations on Monday, October 26, 2026, from 12-1 p.m., in the Physical Plant Building.
Dubbed “Maintenance & Macchiatos,” the event offers a spooktacular coffee break and mixer with President Dr. Scott W. Thayer and the M&O team. The event will also feature a Halloween costume contest.
Foundation’s Pups N’ Pints Set for October 16 Adjacent to Campus Pond
Join the Cypress College Foundation on campus for Pups N’ Pints on Friday, October 16, 2026, from 4-8 p.m. This free event is open to Cypress College alumni, retirees, community members, and all Foundation friends.
New this year is a high-energy, live demonstration featuring the Cypress Police Department K-9 Unit.
Watch these amazing four-legged officers show off their precision, obedience, scent-tracking skills, and impressive apprehension techniques in real time—followed by a meet-and-greet with the handlers.
In addition, there will be food, beer on tap, a live band, and more. Pups N’ Pints also features a doggy costume contest.
APIDA Filipino Heritage Month Kickoff a Success with Dance Celebration
The APIDA team thanks those who supported the APIDA Filipino History Month Kickoff by attending and participating in the “Todo Todo Todo” dance celebration. Your energy, enthusiasm, and willingness to come together in community helped make the event a wonderful and memorable start to our month of celebrating Filipino culture, heritage, and contributions.
“We are grateful for the many faculty, staff, and students who joined us and helped foster a sense of belonging, cultural pride, and connection across our campus community,” APIDA leads
Jeannie Mitch and Renay Laguana-Ferinac said in an email to the campus.
Cypress College Launches New Admissions Experience with CCCStart
Cypress College became one of the first group of California Community Colleges across the state to transition from CCCApply to CCCStart, a new admissions experience designed to clarify the enrollment process and make it easier to navigate for incoming students. The new CCCStart launched on Wednesday, September 30, 2026 as part of Wave 1 of the state effort to reimagine how students begin their journey in the California Community Colleges.
This new entry experience replaces the prior application process. It is designed to simplify the application process, reduce confusion, improve how students identify their educational goals, and create a more modern, student-centered experience.
What is new about CCCStart?
- The entry experience is mobile-friendly and easier to complete
- Application questions are more intuitive and more personalized
- Students’ free OpenCCC account carries personal information from one college to another, so there is to need to re-enter everything when applying to more than one college
- CCCStart uses fewer, smarter questions that are connected to an individual student’s goals
- You may notice a transition to the word “Start” instead of “Apply.” Cypress College is an open-access college, which means there is no application. When you complete the “CCCStart” process, you are beginning the enrollment process
Who Will This Transition Impact?
This change will only impact new and prospective students who have yet to apply to the college. Those who are already Cypress College students and those who have already applied will not observe the change.
Connect2Cypress High School Outreach Event Set for November 3
Connect2Cypress, featuring Majors2Careers, will be held on Tuesday, November 3.
High school seniors will visit the campus and participate in major exploration and learn about our instruction and student services resources. Both the visiting high school students and current students can explore the Majors2Careers component.
More than 1,000 students, primarily graduating seniors from local high schools plus current Cypress College students, will be in attendance. These students will have the opportunity to connect with faculty and staff from each of the academic pathways, learn about resources from the Student Services Resource Fair, and participate in career activities in the Majors2Careers (M2C) Showcase.
Cypress College High School Superintendents and Principals Breakfast
The annual High School Superintendents and Principals Breakfast takes place on Thursday, October 29, 2026, from 7:30-9 a.m., in the Cypress College Complex. The event is designed to strengthen our connections to the K-12 partners who’ve educated our students before they were Chargers and helped transition them to Cypress College.
Participating partners will learn about our wide range of programs and resources available to dual enrollment students and graduating seniors that can support their academic success leading up to graduation day and beyond.
PSCFA Warm-Up Tournament
The Cypress College Speech and Debate team competed at the PSCFA Warm-Up tournament at El Camino College. There were a total of 19 different community colleges and universities in attendance. This marks the first tournament of the 2026-2027 season.
The students individual achievements are:
- Excellent Certificate-Junior Parliamentary Debate: Hiranmayee Subramanyam and Amaury Smith
- 3rd Place Junior Parliamentary Debate: Hiranmayee Subramanyam
- 4th Place Open Parliamentary Debate: Maximus Young
- 6th Place Open Parliamentary Debate: Ramya Murakonda
Great Shakeout Provides Opportunity to be Prepared for Emergencies
The Great Shakeout will take place on October 15 at 10:15 a.m. Cypress College is participating in the statewide drill as a campus.
Participants will follow steps during the drill:
- Listen for the announcement
- Drop, cover, and hold on
- Evacuate as directed
- Stay in place until the all-clear has been given
Contact Campus Safety at (714) 484-7387 or visit shakeout.org/california for more information.
VAPA Ribbon Cutting on October 22 Celebrates Re-Opening of Building
The VAPA Ribbon Cutting & Recital will take place on October 22 as part of the ongoing series of 60th Anniversary celebrations. This is the last major project of the Measure J bond, and the campus is taking the opportunity to celebrate the building and the division housed inside of it.
The event is designed to highlight the arts and to connect with both the campus and external communities. Following the ceremonial ribbon cutting, tours of the building — and the programs in the VAPA Division — will be held.
4th Annual International Cultural Festival on October 15
The 4th Annual Cypress College International Cultural Festival takes place Thursday, October 15, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., in the breezeway between FASS and VAPA buildings.
Expect world cuisine, performances from music and dance groups, and speeches and presentations from Cypress College clubs.
Among the events, the ASL Club is signing an ASL interpretation of “All You Need Is Love” by The Beatles. Ten ASL 101 students have volunteered to participate.
Fall Musical, Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, Opens in Campus Theater
Cypress College’s staging of Stephen Sondheim’s musical masterpiece “Sweeney Todd” has opened. The production is about a murderous barber seeking revenge on a corrupt society.
Tickets available in person at the show or at the online Box Office.
The show runs October 9, 10, 16, 17, at 7 p.m., and October 11 (ASL interpreted) and 18, at 4 p.m., in the Cypress College Theater.
5th Annual Walk of Hope Held by Health & Wellness Center, Active Minds
The Student Health & Wellness Center and Active Minds presented the 5th Annual Walk of Hope on Tuesday, September 29, 2026.
The walk around the pond was designed to raise awareness for suicide prevention and mental health. It also included a resource fair featuring mental health information, campus and community resources, and opportunities to connect with others who care.
It also included a visit from therapy puppies and lunch from TK Burgers.
Cypress College and Campus Classified Senate Host 4CS Gathering
Cypress College hosted the Fall Gathering of the California Community Colleges Classified Senate — 4CS — on Friday, October 9, 2026, on campus.
The Fall Gathering of the Senates is a one-day leadership development workshop designed to equip current and emerging leaders with practical skills, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections. Through engaging sessions and collaborative discussions, participants gain actionable strategies to enhance their leadership, strengthen their organizations, and make a greater impact in their communities.
The event began with breakfast at 8 a.m., a welcome from Dr. Scott W. Thayer at 9 a.m., and concluded at 3 p.m. The gathering also included sessions about senate-union relations, shared governance, an open forum, and senate operations.
Thanks go to Christy Montenegro, Cypress College Classified Senate President, and the senate for preparing for the gathering.
Business and Financial Services Holds First Office Hours
The first Business & Financial Services Office Hours were held on October 7, 2026. The event is designed for the campus community to work with staff in the office to answer questions, troubleshoot issues, and walk through the various processes handled by Business & Financial Services.
The goal with these office hours is to make it easier for the campus to get the support and feel more comfortable navigating campus processes. This includes RQs, TEAs, budgets, reimbursements, travel, hospitality, report running, and other Business & Financial Services processes.
The next session is scheduled for November 4, 2026, from 9 a.m. to noon and 1-5 p.m., in CCCPLX Room 419.
A special fall Lunch & Learn session on Procurement Procedures will be held on November 5, 2026, from noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom. The guest speaker is Mirielle Hernandez, Assistant District Director of Procurement and Contracts. She will provide updates on purchasing and contract-related news and answer your questions.
See’s Candies Fundraiser: Sweeten the Season & Support DSS!
In celebration of Disability & Inclusion Awareness Month, DSS is excited to kick off their See’s Candies Fundraiser.
Treat yourself, surprise someone special, or get a head start on your holiday shopping while supporting DSS.
Ordering is easy: just complete the order form (available in the DSS office) and pay by cash or check. Orders are due no later than November 2. Candy will be available for pickup at DSS during the first week of December — just in time for the holidays!
Upcoming Events
The following is a partial listing of upcoming events at Cypress College to help connect you with campus life.
- When We Were Very Young — ongoing through November 19, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and by appointment, CC Art Gallery
- Together Again for the First Time: Volume 1 — Ongoing through November 12, 8 m.-5 p.m., Photography Gallery
- ART-OFFICIAL — Ongoing, 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Photography Gallery
- Sweeney Todd — October 9, 10, 16, 17, at 7 p.m. and October 11 (ASL Interpreted Show) and 18, at 4 p.m., Campus Theater
- Library Author Talks: The Power of Limits: How Constraints Drive Genius with David Epstein — October 13, 11 a.m., virtual
- Great ShakeOut — October 15, 10:15 a.m.
- 4th Annual International Cultural Festival — October 15, 11 a.m.—3:30 p.m., between VAPA and FASS
- National Coming Out Day Festival — October 21, 11 a.m-1 p.m., between VAPA and CCCPLX
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!