News Release

Santa Ana College Invites Community to Groundbreaking Ceremony for the New Science Center on May 26 at Noon

WHAT:

Santa Ana College (SAC) will host a groundbreaking ceremony for its new Science Center. Funded by Measure Q, construction of the new 65,428-square-foot Science Center is anticipated to begin winter 2018. The new facility will house the biology, chemistry, geology, and physics academic programs as well as one engineering lab. The project program includes the following:

    • Two standard classrooms
    • One large classroom
    • One large divisible classroom
    • One computer lab
    • One engineering lab and support space
    • Six biology laboratories and support space
    • Two geology laboratories and support space
    • Five chemistry laboratories and support space
    • One physics laboratory and support space
    • Student collaboration areas
    • Division office
    • Faculty offices

The overall project also includes the demolition of three of the existing “J” buildings to make room for the new facility. The existing buildings currently house Quick Copy, one diesel classroom, custodial storage, and other storage. These functions will be relocated to various locations on campus. The new facility is expected to be ready for occupancy by summer 2020.

“The construction of the new Santa Ana College Science Center marks yet another milestone for the college in its centennial year,” said Santa Ana College President Erlinda J. Martinez, Ed.D. “We are so pleased to be able to move ahead on this state-of-the-art Science Center that will prepare students for high-demand STEM careers for years to come.”

A light lunch will be served following the ceremony.

WHERE:

Santa Ana College
South side of the Nealley Library. Guests may park in Lot 6.
1530 W. 17th St.
Santa Ana, CA 92706

WHEN:

Thursday, May 26, 2016
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.

WHO:

Comments will be made by: Michael T. Collins, Ed.D., SAC vice president of administrative services; President Martinez; Claudia C. Alvarez, president, Rancho Santiago Community College District (RSCCD) Board of Trustees; Brian Kehlenbach, SAC music department chair and co-chair of SAC Facilities Committee; Jorge E. Lopez, SAC biology department chair; and Salazar, Associated Student Government representative for science, math and health sciences.

The architectural firm of Hammel, Green and Abrahamson (HGA) is designing the Science Center.

WHY:

As affirmed in the Santa Ana College Facilities Master Plan Update published in 2014, the Science Center provides space to consolidate and expand the biological sciences, chemistry and the physical sciences, currently housed in aged and inadequate space in Russell Hall. This new instructional facility will provide modern and functional classrooms and laboratories that are supported by efficient infrastructure and technology.

HOW:

The new Science Center, estimated to cost $73.38 million, is being built thanks to funds made available through Measure Q approved by voters in the Santa Ana College Facilities Improvement District No. 1 of the Rancho Santiago Community College District in November 2012. This measure authorizes RSCCD to issue up to $198 million in general obligation bonds to fund renovation, repair and construction at Santa Ana College.

For more information about Measure Q, visit www.rsccd.edu/MeasureQ.

About Santa Ana College
Santa Ana College (SAC), which turned 100 years old in 2015, serves about 18,000 students each semester at its main campus in Santa Ana. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions, provides invaluable workforce training, and customized training for business and industry. In addition, another 11,000 students are served through the college’s School of Continuing Education located at Centennial Education Center. Ranked as one of the nation’s top two-year colleges awarding associate degrees to Latino and Asian students, the college is also recognized throughout the state for its comprehensive workforce training programs for nurses, firefighters, law enforcement and other medical personnel. SAC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. Visit www.sac.edu to learn more. For information about Santa Ana College’s Centennial, please visit www.sac.edu/100.

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Contact: Judy Iannacconne

Phone: (714) 480-7503

e-mail: