​​(Orange) - Santiago Canyon College (SCC) student veteran Matthew Jones was recently recognized by the Rancho Santiago Community College District Board of Trustees for his commitment to continuing his education and service to his country.

Jones served as a United States Army infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division. Within his service, Jones rose to the rank of sergeant in two-and-a-half years and was deployed once to Iraq where he led a fire team on various operations in Baghdad.

Since enrolling at SCC in 2015, Jones has been the recipient of multiple scholarship awards, including a scholarship provided by the Community Foundation of Orange. Upon receiving the scholarships, Jones said he was motivated to be a leader in the classroom.

“I have a responsibility to demonstrate the core values I have learned,” he said. “Respect, integrity, loyalty, personal courage and selflessness are a few main values I contribute to the classroom.”

Jones recently earned three associate degrees with honors from SCC: an Associate of Science for transfer with a major in Physics, an Associate of Science in Liberal Arts: Math & Sciences and an Associate of Science for transfer in Mathematics. Upon finishing one final course at SCC, Jones will transfer to USC to attend the Viterbi School of Engineering in spring 2019 where he will begin working toward a degree in mechanical engineering.

About Santiago Canyon College
Santiago Canyon College (SCC) serves more than 17,000 credit and noncredit students each semester. In 2017, SCC was ranked #13 among the 50 Best Community Colleges in the U.S. by College Choice, a leading authority in college and university rankings and resources. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions and careers, and provides courses for personal and professional development, as well as customized training for business and industry. The college is recognized for its adult education program which keeps the working adult - and senior - in mind by offering flexible schedules, and community locations. Serving the residents of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park, SCC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District.

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