Swinging for Student Success: COC Golf Classic Returns with Urgency, Energy, and Big-Name Sponsors

On Monday, October 20, the fairways of Valencia Country Club will transform into a hub of philanthropy and high-energy competition as the College of the Canyons (COC) Foundation hosts its annual Golf Classic.

For the Foundation, this tournament is more than a day of golf: it’s a lifeline for students. Proceeds from the event fund scholarships, emergency aid, and student services — resources that are becoming increasingly critical as proposed cuts to Pell Grants and other need-based programs threaten to widen the gap between academic ambition and affordability.

“Every sponsorship, donation, and registration represents an investment in our students’ futures at a time when that support is urgently needed,” says COC Foundation Chief Development Officer Monica Lee “ML” Copeland. “The reality is, without this kind of community support, many students would have to set aside or abandon their educational goals.”

This year’s tournament carries an added punch thanks to the leadership of COC Foundation Board Chair Gary Horton, who played a pivotal role in securing two powerhouse title sponsors: SiteOne® Landscape Supply and Hunter Industries. The tournament has also secured a presenting sponsor, Orion Risk Management, an Alera Group Company.

“This is a rare year where the stars have aligned in such a way,” Horton says. “We have national brands with deep expertise in their industries who are also deeply committed to giving back locally. That combination amplifies our impact.”

The 2025 tournament will feature a lineup of engaging activities designed to keep the energy high and the smiles constant. Returning favorites like the Cornhole Tournament will be joined by a BMO Bank–sponsored helicopter ball drop. Players will also have the chance to utilize an air cannon for an added dose of fun.

And in a first for the event, premium sponsorship packages will include the services of caddies from the COC Men’s Golf Team — a squad that has built a reputation for competitive excellence, recently winning back-to-back state championships.

“Our team is proud to represent the college both on and off the course,” says Gary Peterson, head coach of the men’s golf program. “Being part of this tournament in a more active role allows our players to engage with the community and give back to the institution that supports them.”

Tournament co-chairs T.L. Meyer and Shawn Fonder promise a seamless event blending networking, competition, and philanthropy.

“This isn’t just a golf tournament,” Executive Director Shawna Mann emphasizes. “It’s a day where business leaders, community members, and students come together to change lives.”

With the stakes higher than ever, October 20 promises to be more than a day on the greens — it’s a chance to keep the dream of higher education within reach for hundreds of COC students.

Register today for the Swing for Student Success COC Golf Classic!

For more information, please reach out to Dylan Mahoney, Foundation Media Contact, at (661) 362-3737 or dylan.mahoney@canyons.edu.

photo by Joie de Vivre photographie

​