COLLEGE'S NEW CENTER GETS OFFER OF SPONSORSHIP.

Byline: Carol Rock Staff Writer

VALENCIA - An opening of epic proportions could now be accompanied by an epic donation.

A proposal before the College of the Canyons board would allow the renaming of the new EPIC Center at College of the Canyons, which opens Friday, to the Vital Express Center for the Performing Arts - in exchange for a $2 million donation.

If approved, the financial support also will give the local corporation use of the center for a number of company events and advance ticket purchase privileges.

``It was a big opportunity, and we wanted to somehow, some way show our support,'' said Lisa Boaz, who owns Vital Express with her husband, Dan. ``It shows the community that we are here for the long term and that we believe in the college.

``This could bring a lot of people to the table. This could be the spearhead for their (fund-raising) campaign.''

The college built the new $18.3 million, 886-seat center but is raising money through sponsorships.

``We built the building,'' college President Dianne Van Hook said, ``but we needed resources down the road to do the 'over the top' things we pride ourselves on. I'm thrilled that this happened so fast, that a couple who run a business here in town have stepped up to support our educational and cultural programs at the college.''

Van Hook added that Dan Boaz, an alumnus of College of the Canyons, was impressed with the college's role in the community and had credited a professor who had made an indelible impression on him.

``We're just so pleased with the leadership that this couple is providing,'' she said.

``It's about civic responsibility,'' Lisa Boaz said. ``We want our staff and employees to enjoy cultural arts and think this is a great legacy to leave behind.''

Vital Express is an international courier and delivery company founded in 1997 by the Boazes. They have a staff of 65, a fleet of 50 trucks and offices in Valencia, San Francisco and Indianapolis.

Carol Rock, [phone]

carol.rock(at)dailynews.com