Ribbon-cutting launches cutting-edge AWC building

  With a nearly imperceptible trim of a scarlet ribbon, Arizona Western College ushered in a new era as faculty, students and guests celebrated the official opening the College Community Center (3C) Thursday.

  The futuristic building that includes administrative offices, dining service, financial aid, student advising, a bookstore and other facilities is the culmination of a project that started with the passage of the $74 million bond Yuma County voters passed in 2004.

   AWC President Don Schoening acknowledged that the vote of 70 percent approval show Yuma's overwhelming support for the college. Schoening noted successful community colleges are built on the footsteps of those who came before him.

  "We are the best regional baccalaureate institution in the U.S. with our partnership with NAU," Schoening said. "I've been in education a long time and there is not a better staff than here. We have a state-of-the-art faculty, students, and now facilities to serve our dedicated people."

  Schoening praised the AWC Foundation Board and District Governing Board as the factions who made the new buildings possible and added the college is fortunate to have them. 

  He noted enrollment is 10 percent above last year's figures and despite likely cuts in state aid owing to the budget crisis, AWC will move aggressively forward to provide opportunity so all students can be successful.

  The state-of-the-art building was even a learning experience for Pilkington Construction builder Jim Pilkington. He said he never had seen anything like it, yet it was built to adjust to new technology and accommodate growth in future years.

  Pilkington complimented Bill Smith, AWC facilities manager, the liaison between the school and his company, for making difficult decisions that expedited the project more smoothly. And, he said, the building was a testimony for relying upon local craftsmen since all the subcontractors were from the Yuma area and had so much pride in their efforts, they built it as if it was their own home.

  Dave Egeberg, president of the AWC Foundation, said the college was not just a place of learning but one that changes the paths of lives and communities and accomplishing the task within the means of its residents.

 He also said within 40 years, projections show Yuma growing five times its present size, and AWC will need to grow along with it, erecting another 10 or 12 buildings.

  Egeberg praised local businesses for their support. Some  will have rooms in  the 3C building named in their honor: JV Farms Inc., APS, Ellison Family Company and Tanimura & Antle Packing, among others.

  Attending AWC on a football scholarship but dedicating himself to his science studies, Emmanuel Haley, 20, a sophomore who aspires to be a surgeon, said the new facilities motivate the students to succeed and it will propel them into the future because of the cutting-edge amenities.

  The Yuma community has supported science and education by supporting the construction of the 3C building and that mutual support has been a resounding success, noted Cecilia Vigil, professor of biology. Vigil said she walks the hallways of AWC humbled to be a part of the faculty, and the school makes her want to be a better teacher.

  Summoning the memory of the stirring vision of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., whose "I Had a Dream" speech inspired many to a call of selfless service, was Steve Shadle, president of the AWC District Governing Board.

  Shadle said in many ways, the dream of many on the board was similar to Dr. King's in that at first its lofty goal seemed an impossible dream but through perseverance  and hard work, they were able to "pull it off."

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William Roller can be reached at
wroller@yumasun.com or 539-6858.