We received another very nice note from Diane Van Hook, President of College of the Canyons, regarding her passion for Measure “M”. After asking if we could post it to help the cause, Diane responded with a “No problem! I am glad to have you do so.”

She writes, “as a product of a community college myself, I am very passionate about the community colleges and the impact they can have on the lives of individuals. I would not be in the place I am today if it were not for the chance afforded me by the California Community Colleges.

As the only really affordable option for anyone who chooses to further their abilities and potential, I am firm in my belief that the community colleges, and in particular, College of the Canyons, deserves the support of our community. As someone who is adamant about advising students and parents against taking out student loans until they absolutely have to, the community colleges, with an average class size of 27 (versus 250 at a public 4-year college) and a cost of $60 for a three unit transfer level course (versus $300 dollars -approximately) at a CSU or $230 at a UC (approximately), our college offers transferable coursework at quite an affordable option. And, we do so with people who are hired to teach, not to research or publish or send their research assistants to do their work for them. We also afford high school students an opportunity to get a jump start on their college educations at no cost. In doing so, if they are serious and conscientious about their endeavors, they have an opportunity to realize that, yes; they can succeed in college coursework. Nothing breeds confidence and success like success and a chance to do that which one fears they can not do.

All of the research shows that the single variable that contributes to a student’s success is someone taking an interest in him or her. Our faculty and staff do that day in and day out. Now, we just need more space to ensure that the students can get in and can have the chance to start to pursue their dreams, right here in the Santa Clarita Valley. Thank you for what you are doing and for helping us to create affordable access to higher education, right here in the Santa Clarita Valley.”

Dianne Van Hook