Senator Henry Stern engaged with COC faculty and students Friday with welding computer programs, robotic nursing simulations and 4K video demonstrations. 

The future of College of the Canyons’ professional and technical programs was on display as Stern medically “treated” a life-like robot involved in a simulated car collision where a “thirsty” coyote was struck.

“We were pleased to welcome Senator Stern to the campus today and have him see some of our key programs,” said COC Vice President of Public Information, Advocacy and External Relations Eric Harnish. “We had him take a look at what we’re doing to help students prepare for careers in the workforce.”

Following a business roundabout with the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation (SCVEDC), Stern and a tour group consisting of media and administrators jumped into golf carts to see the campus’s technical programs.

Beginning with the Welding Technology Department, Stern was informed on the various programs and training methods COC offers in the trade. Along with trying his hand at a Lincoln Electric training simulator (receiving a passing score), Stern also discussed vocational programs and funding with the chair of the Welding Technology Department, Tim Baber.

“I think it’s important to see the benefit of teaching a College of Technical Education, and providing opportunities and initiatives that support these careers,” said Baber.

Following the welding demonstration, the group routed its course for the Nursing Department, where a training simulation was shown involving a student, professors and an animated robot patient.

Stern practiced his bedside manner, and was also shown by nursing student Brock Selig how to properly use a stethoscope and run simple diagnostics on the mechanical humanoid.

Selig discussed how his involvement with the RN program at COC began when he wished to demonstrate for his two daughters that regardless of your age or current occupation, someone can always change career paths.

“I was in advertising but wanted something new,” said Selig. “Having the senator come in was great exposure for the program, and I hope it can spark more people’s interest for trying something new.”
The third stop of the tour involved Instructional Lab Technician Ron Entrekin showing the tricks of the trade taught in the Media Entertainment Arts program at the school..

Stern and company saw examples of the curriculum that teaches students how to properly use 4K camera equipment, create depth-of-field changes and search for music licensing information.

The tour concluded with a luncheon catered by the Institute for Culinary Education (iCuE) with administrators, professors and student representatives all receiving an opportunity to speak with the senator.

“In Sacramento it’s very easy to be in a bubble,” said Stern. “When you’re in government, you don’t know what the impact of the budget you put out is or the bills you support are doing. I just wanted to get home and break out of the bubble and see what was going on on the ground.”

He continued, “When we look at COC, it’s really just a model of what works, and hopefully other community colleges across the state start to pick up on what COC is doing right.”