President Thayer’s Board Report for November 10, 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 November 10, 2026
Cypress College Hosts Area Superintendents and Principals on Campus
About 50 superintendents, principals, and other administrators from area high schools attended an annual community breakfast meeting hosted by Cypress College on Thursday, October 29, 2026.
Cypress College administrators and deans also attended the meeting.
The breakfast opened with a welcome message from President Dr. Scott W. Thayer, who also provided a brief presentation of the current state of the college, instructional information, support services, and research and data.
The Charger Experience and Dual Enrollment programs also shared updates and facilitated conversation.
The event closed with a panel of students sharing their experiences at Cypress College, including how they selected Cypress College and what part of their journey was has been most helpful to their success. The students are: William Masanja, Vice President of Student Organizations, Associated Students; Priyasi Patel, Executive Secretary, Associated Students; Edward Nguyen, Charger Experience Program Student; and Lance Sahagun, former Dual Enrollment Student (Oxford Academy).
Connect2Cypress, Majors2Careers Draw Potential, Current Students
Connect2Cypress — the largest single outreach event at Cypress College — and Majors2Careers drew 1,000 students on Tuesday, November 3, 2026.
Connect2Cypress brings students from area high schools to campus, providing the seniors with an in-person opportunity to explore Cypress College, talk to faculty and administrators about the programs and services, and to attend workshops related to their academic journey.
Majors2Careers provides the opportunity for both the guests and more than 350 current students to connect their interests to majors and career pathways at Cypress College. This component of the event invites students to participate in the Interests Discovery Walk and play a career game to identify potential career pathways.
Associated Students Annual Food Drive
With Thanksgiving on the horizon, the Associated Students once again are holding their annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. The food drive has been established with the goal of providing 30 Thanksgiving Baskets to students in need.
Along with a generous donor from the Foundation (who provides a grocery store gift card for a turkey or protein of choice), A.S. provides a complete meal for these students because of donations from members of the campus community.
The drive began Monday, November 3, 2026, and continues through Tuesday, November 17.
This provides Student Life & Leadership and A.S. with time to make the baskets and notify students that they have been selected to receive this wonderful gift for the holiday.
Suggested items include: mashed potatoes; stuffing; gravy; cranberries; chicken broth; mac & cheese; canned vegetables; canned fruit; pie mix; pie crust/mix; evaporated milk; sweet potatoes; pasta/rice; quick bread mix; biscuit/roll mix; and dessert.
Business & Financial Services Office Holds Lunch and Learn Event
As part of an ongoing effort, the Business & Financial Services Office and the Vice President of Administrative Services hosted a special Fall Lunch & Learn event, which focuses on procurement procedures.
The event was held Thursday, November 5, 2026, with guest Mirielle Hernandez, the Assistant District Director of Procurement and Contracts. She provided updates on purchasing and contract-related news and answered questions of participants in the Zoom meeting. The event provides an opportunity for employees to stay informed and get procurement questions answered.
Classified Senate Announces Annual Halloween Costume Winners
The Classified Senate shared thanks to all the departments who participated in their annual Halloween Department Costume Contest.
Classified Senate also announced the staff of the Cypress College Foundation as the winners of the golden pumpkin for a second time.
The Foundation’s theme this year was fast food. The Foundation was represented by Tiffany Moore, Rachael Ghatikar, Howard Kummerman, Victor Jimenez, and Lesley-Anne Loon.
Honorable mentions went to:
- Admissions and Records for School Supplies
- Health Science for Magic School Bus
- Financial Aid for Bikini Bottom
- Student Health and Wellness Center for Rockin’ the ’60s for Cypress’s 60th
- EOPS CARE CalWORKs for Jurassic Park
Men’s Water Polo Scopes out the Road to the OEC Championship
Cypress holds a 22-6 overall record as they use the week to prepare for the OEC Championships in the upcoming week. The Chargers stand third in their conference with a 3-2 record, just under Orange Coast and Golden West.
The OEC Championships will run on Friday, November 6 and Saturday, November 7. Cypress is scheduled to open the tournament at Riverside. Schedules and results are available here.
Cypress College Celebrates Veterans Week With VRC-Related Events
Please join the VRC for Veterans Week to recognize and celebrate veterans and military-affiliated students. Join in on a week of learning, connection, resources, and friendly competition. Events include:
- Monday, November 9, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., — Green Zone Training Project;
- Monday, November 9, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. — Lunch with a Vet;
- Tuesday, November 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Resource Fair featuring resources for veterans and their families;
- Wednesday, November 11 — Campus closed in observance of Veterans Day;
- Thursday, November 12 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. — Women Veterans Health presentation, “Menopause and Military Service”; and
- Friday, November 13, at 10 a.m. (at Fullerton College) — Cypress College VRC vs. Fullerton College VRC softball game.
First Roots and Resistance Affinity Block Party on Nov. 12
Join the affinity groups for their inaugural block party Roots and Resistance. Explore open houses, hear stories of revolutionaries, and enjoy treats from each space. This first- time event takes place on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 12-3 p.m. on the first floor of the Humanities Building.
Save the Date: President’s Holiday Luncheon Scheduled for Dec. 1
The President’s Holiday Luncheon — Mele Kalikimaka Luau — is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2026. It takes place from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in the Cypress College Theater Lobby
Join President Dr. Scott W. Thayer and the APIDA Resource Center team for a festive holiday meal.
Guests interested in participating in the Gift Basket Raffle can bring food donations for the Cypress College Food Pantry to be entered for a chance to win.
The RSVP form will close on Friday, November 20, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Reminder: Humanities in Action Speaker Series Launches Nov. 10
You’re invited to the launch of Humanities in Action, a new speaker series designed to highlight the creative work, research, and ideas of Language Arts faculty and invited guests. The series is part of the 60th Anniversary year.
Professor Ashton Politanoff presents “Writing is Rejection: My Road to Publication and What I’ve Learned Along the Way” on Tuesday, November 10, from 12:30-2 p.m. He will read from his book “Dad Had a Bad Day,” participate in a Q&A moderated by Professor John Payne, and have a book signing.
The series will create opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and community members to come together for engaging conversations that demonstrate how the humanities help us understand ourselves, our communities, and the world around us. Each event will feature a presentation and include a conversation with the audience.
Fall Feast Potluck Hosted by A.S., Affinity Groups
On Monday, November 2, 2026, the Associated Students and affinity groups gathered for Fall Feast Potluck Social. The event featured food, community, conversation, and space to share what they’re thankful for. It was held from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. at Student Life and Leadership.
California Financial Aid Workshop Held on Campus
On Thursday, November 5, 2026, faculty and staff from local high schools attended the 2026-2027 Annual Statewide Financial Aid Workshop held on campus to gather important financial aid information they can share with their students.
Upcoming Events
The following is a partial listing of upcoming events at Cypress College to help connect you with campus life.
- Green Zone Training Project — Monday, November 9, 2026, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m., VRC Conference Room
- Lunch with a Vet — Monday, November 9, 2026, 12:30–2 p.m., VRC Conference Room
- Veterans Resource Fair — Tuesday, November 10, 2026, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Women Veterans Health: “Menopause & Military Service” — Thursday, November 12, 2026, 12:30–2 p.m., CCCPLX-414
- Cypress College VRC Fullerton College VRC Softball Game — Friday, November 13, 2026, 10 a.m., Fullerton College
- A2MEND Barbershop Conversations 3 — Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 5 p.m. HUM-124
- EOPS Friendsgiving — Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Active Minds Friendsgiving potluck— Wednesday, November 18, 2026, 12-1 p.m.
- Puente Friendsgiving— Thursday, November 18, 2026, 10-11:30 a.m., Puente Center HUM-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!