Victoria College’s Emerging Technology Complex will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday.
The event is free and open to the public.
This state-of-the-art facility, comprised of the three-story Conference and Education Center and the two-story Industrial Training Center, will officially be open to the public June 1.
“The Emerging Technology Complex is the product of best practices and significant community support,” said Tempi McLeod, Emerging Technology Complex manager. “This facility is unique to our state and is a real asset to Victoria and the surrounding region. We are proud to open our doors and welcome the community.”
Victoria County voters overwhelmingly approved a $22 million general obligation bond in 2012 to support VC’s master plan, which included construction of the Complex. Public and private donations have also been instrumental in allowing VC to construct and equip the facility with the latest technology and amenities.
Ground-breaking ceremonies were July 30, 2013 and construction began immediately afterward. The complex was designed by Rawley McCoy and Associates and built by Drymalla Construction Company, of Columbus.
The Industrial Training Center includes six high-bay training facilities with plenty of room for equipment and six associated classrooms on the second floor overlooking each of the bays.
VC’s new Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Program will be taught at the center beginning in the fall, and a new machining program will be offered next spring.
The building also houses VC’s Commercial Truck Driving Program as well as contract training for employees of the Caterpillar North American Hydraulic Excavator facility, located across the street.
The Conference and Education Center includes ample space for corporate and industrial training through VC’s Workforce and Continuing Education programs, and includes classrooms, skills labs, and computer labs.
The first two floors comprise Victoria’s only comprehensive conference facility, which offers 15 meeting spaces with comfortable, ergonomic furnishings; flexible meeting configurations; comprehensive and customizable meeting packages and simple-but-flexible pricing. The large meeting hall inside the facility can accommodate banquet, conference, and auditorium-style seating for audiences of various sizes.
“What began as an idea of how to support the training needs of area students and employers has evolved into a state-of-the-art facility that is the only one of its kind in Texas and one of about a dozen in the entire nation,” said Tom Butler, VC president. “The Emerging Technology Complex is a real jewel, one that we should all be proud of.We hope you will come see it for yourself at Wednesday’s ribbon cutting ceremony.”
The event will include tours, refreshments and opportunities to visit with faculty, staff and community partners.
The Emerging Technology Complex is located at 7403 Lone Tree Road in Victoria, across the street from the Caterpillar North American Hydraulic Excavator facility.
[“source-victoriaadvocate.com”]
