 |
 |
Ground broken for new MCTC science and administration building
Thursday, August 28, 2008 12:13 AM EDT
 |
| State Rep. Mike Denham and State Sen. Charlie Borders share a laugh prior to the start of ground-breaking ceremonies inside Fields Auditorium on the campus of Maysville Community and Technical College Wednesday. The event was moved indoors due to rain. -- Terry Prather/Staff |
The building on the Maysville Campus will be a 20,000-square-foot facility that will compliment the other structures already on the campus. The building will house a variety of science labs that will replace the 40-year-old labs in use today. There will also be classroom space including a dividable lecture room that can seat up to 60 students. Faculty and administrative offices and a reception area will also be included.
MCTC President Dr. Ed Story began the day by thanking those involved with making the project possible. Story said when he came to Maysville in 1982 as a biology teacher working in the only building, an administrative building, all he had to sterilize glass used in lab work was a large pressure cooker.
"What have I gotten myself into," Story said he asked himself at the time. Story said he has enjoyed working with his peers to develop the science program at MCTC.
"Today, we're beginning a project that will bring our students into the 21st century," said Story. "It will contribute to the success of our students."
Story said the ground-breaking was about the students and the impact the new facility will have on them.
"I wonder what we will be like at the end of the next 40 years," said Story.
"Having events like this shows we are growing and prosperous. We're one of the oldest towns in Kentucky and we're still making history," said Mayor David Cartmell who was on hand for the ceremony.
"This is made possible because of the community. MCTC is here to help the students and in doing so building a stronger community," Mason County Judge-Executive James "Buddy" Gallenstein said.
The building will house a chemistry lab, two biology labs, a microbiology lab, a physics lab, lecture room, an office suite and general classrooms. The building is scheduled to be completed in August 2009 and will replace the original labs which have been in existence in their original location since 1968. The new building will be located in what is currently parking lot B, the faculty parking lot at the back right of the campus.
The ground-breaking incorporated a celebration of the new building and the college's 40-year anniversary, Story's inauguration as president, as well as the new year and increasing student enrollment
Student Nick Hall of the Student Government Association also spoke at the ceremony noting, "This new building will not be the start but the continued success of Maysville Community and Technical College."
"Our state will only rise in time with the emphasis on education, " said state Sen. Charlie Borders.
State Rep. Mike Denham, and an MCTC graduate said, "My dad called education the great equalizer and he instilled in us that education was an opportunity. This campus is an opportunity. I appreciate everyone that had something to do with this project."
Funding for the new facility was possible because it was designated as a Kentucky General Assembly capitol project, separate from the colleges operational budget. Construction cost is just over $5 million.
Dr. Michael McCall, president of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, noted that nearly 40 years ago a man was put on the moon. He attributed that not only to the motivation of a nation, but the scientist and technicians who helped make it possible. The number of students involved in science fields needs to double, according to McCall.
"This is the first destination just for science," said McCall about the new building. "Without this institution, higher education wouldn't begin for many Kentuckians."
The new chemistry lab will be named after the late Dr. Robert K. Berry. The chemistry instructor was the first hired by then-president Dr. Charles Wethington at the college in 1968. Berry's wife and widow, Marilyn Berry attended the ground-breaking.
Marilyn Berry said her husband was dedicated to the school and its students. He worked for MCTC for 30 years and only missed a half a day during that time.
"I think if he were here today he would be thrilled to death. He really would," said Marilyn Berry.
Contact Barbara Goldman at barbara.goldman@lee.net or call 606-564-9091, ext. 274.
Copyright © 2009 Maysville Newspapers, Inc., A Lee Enterprises Publication This site is protected by applicable copyright laws and no part may be reproduced, transmitted or used in any way other than its intended purpose without the prior written permission of The Ledger Independent. Click here to view The Ledger Independent's privacy policy. Click here to view current print advertisements. |