Glen Oaks Community College

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Ribbon cutting ceremony for new Tech Labs at GOCC

Campus celebrates “Transformation X2,” grand reopening of Tech Labs; launch of State Capital Outlay Project

Over 40 participants representing faculty, staff, and donors and members of the community celebrated two campus projects in an event called “Transformation X2,” held in earlier today.

Guests took part in the launch of the E & F Wings capital outlay renovation project, which includes the E. J. Shaheen Learning Commons, Art Studio, and Allied Health and IT Labs. In addition, the complete exterior will be reskinned with a metal insulated panel system.

Following the Capital Outlay Kickoff, guests joined in celebration of the ribbon-cutting and grand reopening of the Auto Lab and the completion of the new Welding Technology Lab –- projects which have been in progress since last spring.

“Both projects were included as part of the original $7.3 million state capital outlay plan  submitted in 2018,” said Dr. David H. Devier, Glen Oaks president. “This project encompassed the entire north side of campus.”

“But  things changed in 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Devier. “Not only was the project put on hold by the state, but with the rising cost of building materials, it was expected to go over budget by $2.5 million. This forced us to reduce the scope of work.”

A decision was soon made to remove the Tech building work from the state project; however, it would move ahead with college funding instead.

And the work began in May. The interior was completely renovated into a new Welding Lab., while renovating the Auto Lab. The exterior of the building that houses both labs was completely re-sided with new insulated metal panels by James Ware Construction, of Sturgis. The interior was completely renovated and a new Welding Lab was constructed while renovating the new Auto Lab.

“With the help of generous donors, we were able to purchase and install 20 new welding booths, complete with vacuum systems through $75,000 in donations,” said Devier. “Our Platinum sponsor donors stepped up to the tune of $20,000 and above. They are TH Plastics, Inc., Morgan Olson, and Mike Elliott, a retired St. Joseph County engineer.  Sturgis Bank was our $10,000 Gold sponsor; and our Silver sponsors were Century Bank and Trust and the Paul H. Casault Senior Center Memorial Fund at Sturgis Area Community Foundation.”

All updated electrical work has been carried out by Hi-tech Electric of Kalamazoo. New work bay tool cabinets were purchased for the Auto lab as well as new student lockers and many new storage cabinets. Finally, exciting new graphic images were added to both the welding and automotive areas.