Check Out What Our Grads are Up to...
Luellen Swayzer ’15
Horticulture Professor at the Department of Horticulture, Fullerton College. Luellen’s faculty role encompasses a range of responsibilities aimed at providing quality education to students at one of the leading community college horticulture programs in California. She teaches turfgrass management, hydroponics, and introduction to horticulture courses. Her program provides ‘hands-on’ experience for students wishing to enter the ‘green industry’ and transfer to four-year California State Universities, University of California, and many private colleges and universities.
“The Center for Turf, Irrigation, and Landscape Technology became my second home, offering invaluable hands-on experiences, friendships, and fantastic professors that revolutionized my understanding of turfgrass and landscape management. The department's commitment to ‘learning by doing’ has instilled in me a strong work ethic. The Collegiate Turf Bowl, an annual competition in which I had the honor to participate, served as a crowning achievement during my time at CPP. The intense preparation, camaraderie, and friendly rivalry fostered a sense of community. These experiences have broadened my horizons and expanded my network.”
Sean McLaughlin ‘18
Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Brightview Golf Course Maintenance, Inc.. Sean manages two championship golf courses with over 650 acres of turf and 400 acres of surrounding landscape at Pacific Palms Resort in City of Industry, CA. He also helps oversee maintenance of a municipal golf course in the city of Bell Gardens, CA.
“The Plant Science program opened my mind to the endless opportunities that are available for students who are passionate about our industry today. The hands-on nature of the degree program ensures that every student that enters the workforce following graduation will have the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to make great strides in the industry. Through this program I traveled to 5 different states to compete in and then help coach the turf team, work on Super Bowl and NFL fields, travel for the PGA tour, and most importantly make lifelong connections with peers and mentors that contributed to my professional and educational success.”
Phuc (Kathy) Nguyen ‘20
Water Manager/Irrigation Designer at Arroyo Irrigation, Inc. As Water Manager of Aliso Viejo Community Association, Kathy oversees 190 irrigation controller devices to operate automatic sprinkler and drip irrigation systems in this Southern California Master Homeowners Association responsible for 21 parks and 600 acres of landscape. She provides irrigation design services to conserve water and lower clients’ water bills from commercial buildings to community master water meter plans.
“The Plant Science program offered me tremendous experiences and options to focus and excel. My greatest experience was participating with my team to win first place in the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America’s Collegiate Turf Bowl Competition. I found my passion for landscape water resource conservation and irrigation design technology at the Center for Turf, Irrigation, and Landscape Technology (CTILT) through learn-by-doing labs and my time as working there as a paid student assistant. The Plant Science program stands out with its strong curriculum, top-of-the-industry professors sharing up-to-date information, and endless hands-on opportunities!”