The groundbreaking ceremony at the campus Vista Point for Skyline College’s Environmental Science building on October 3, 2017 marked the beginning of construction for the brand new facility overlooking the Pacific.
Skyline College President Dr. Regina Stanback Stroud welcomed the 150 people in attendance, noting that the momentous occasion was years in the making and a milestone for both Skyline College and the San Mateo County Community College District (SMCCCD). She recognized that the college’s capital improvement projects were ambitious, stating that they aimed to “create physical spaces that inspire communication, drive innovation and provide the space for students to be empowered at every point in their educational journey.”
District Vice President-Clerk Richard Holober, District Chancellor Ron Galatolo, District Vice Chancellor José D. Nuñez, Skyline College Academic Senate President Kathryn Browne and Skyline College Classified Senate President Michele Haggar also delivered remarks in celebration of the groundbreaking and in recognition of their working relationship with DES Architects and XL Construction.
“This new building is about looking to the future. So it’s fitting that it’s situated here at Vista Point, overlooking the ocean,” said Dr. Stanback Stroud. “It encourages us to look to the horizon and the world beyond this campus. And it encourages us to think big and dream bigger.”
The Environmental Science building is a state-of-the-art educational facility made possible by taxpayers through the passage of Measure H in 2014. It is 21,000 square feet with two 56-seat classrooms, two 119-seat tiered lecture halls, academic offices, an outdoor learning space, a gallery with sweeping views, and will be built using sustainably grown, harvested and processed wood and equipped with water-efficient fixtures. The Design Team is aiming for LEED Gold certification and Zero Net Energy. The projected completion date is in December 2018.
Special thanks to the taxpayers of San Mateo County for supporting bonds that provide world-class facilities that enable quality teaching and learning for students, and to XL Construction for providing catering and refreshments.
Article by Kevin Perez | Photo by Gino de Grandis
