Two of Central Oregon Community College’s most significant buildings since the college was built almost 50 years ago will open fall term on the Bend Campus, adding much-needed instructional space. COCC will host a grand opening celebration of the Health Careers Center and the Science Center from 4:30-6:30pm on Wednesday, September. 19. The public is invited to attend.
“We are extremely thankful for voters’ support to provide these new facilities to our students to help them prepare for the 21st century workforce,” said James Middleton, COCC president. “I hope you will visit the new buildings and see how you have helped us transform this college.”
At the Health Careers Center, there will be tours at 4:30 and 5:15pm and comments at 5pm. At the Science Center, there will be tours at 5:30 and 6:15pm and comments at 6pm.
There will be refreshments at both buildings.
The Health Careers Center will provide modern and expanded facilities for programs such as nursing, dental assisting, medical assisting, massage therapy, pharmacy technician and veterinary technician—preparing students for living-wage jobs in Central Oregon’s health-related workforce. HSW Builders was the general contractor for this building. In addition, 62 mostly local subcontractors contributed to the construction of the 48,000-square-foot building, providing nearly 60,000 hours of work on the project.
The Science Center will add state-of-the-art labs and equipment for students taking science courses necessary for transferring to four-year universities and for students who need science courses to enter health careers programs. Kirby Nagelhout Construction Company, the general contractor, and 60 subcontractors—primarily from Central Oregon—have been working for the past 19 months for a total of more than 69,500 hours completing the 49,000-square-foot structure.
Both centers were built to accommodate COCC’s increasing enrollment. Since 2009 COCC’s credit enrollment has doubled, and the college has ranked among the 50 fastest growing community colleges in the nation for three consecutive years. The college has grown from a small community college to a mid-sized one with an annual enrollment equivalent to 7,000 full-time students.
Both buildings were funded primarily by proceeds from the same bond measure that created the new campuses in Madras and Prineville: a $41.58-million bond measure approved by voters in 2009, with additional state funding. The two buildings were finished on time and within budget.
For information, call 541-383-7596.
