ELPCC : New MdP Building Provides Innoative Learning

El Paso TX

18 November, 2021

9:35 AM

Description

Press release from the El Paso Community College: November 19, 2021 El Paso Community College, (EPCC) officially opened the doors to the new building at the Mission del Paso campus located in far East El Paso and celebrated with a grand opening celebration. One of five campuses conveniently located throughout El Paso County to serve students, the Mission del Paso Campus is the college's fastest-growing campus. During his remarks at the grand opening, EPCC President, Dr. William Serrata said that attending and graduating college is becoming more and more important because jobs of the future will require a college degree or certificate. "EPCC is committed to ensuring high-quality experiences and opportunities for students," Serrata said. "This state-of-the-art building at the Mission del Paso Campus will provide many innovative opportunities that will help us reach our goal of educating more students, placing them on a path to completing their degrees, and increasing educational attainment in our region." This campus expansion has added a new building with 60,000 additional square feet which will provide opportunities for students to learn and interact with faculty and with one another. "This building will allow us to expand our course offerings and develop new and more opportunities for students," Joshua Villalobos, Mission Del Paso Campus Dean, said. This state-of-the-art facility will provide enhanced technology and spaces for students. Besides additional labs and classrooms, a flexitorium space will promote interactive learning, accommodating everything from lectures to performances to guest speakers and special events. Students will have access to many tools for an extraordinary learning experience, including: These campus transformations will ensure that EPCC has the capacity to serve now and into the future. "I like coming to EPCC because it is close to my house and work," Veronica Martinez, a student who is studying biology said. "I'm excited to take classes in the new building, especially in the new labs." Dr. David Raley, History Professor, says the building will help students succeed and focus on school since the facility was designed to encourage students to remain on campus for longer periods of time. The new building has many spots for students to sit and study, to collaborate, and just to hang out in a quiet and studious environment. This promotes interaction between students as well as gives more opportunities for students and faculty to engage, both inside and outside the classroom. "EPCC prepares students for success by providing a world-class educational experience, with excellent and relevant programs of study, dedicated and passionate faculty, and up-to-date facilities and technology," Raley said. "El Paso Community College is committed to transforming students' futures by providing high quality and affordable education opportunities for our region. With globalized economies and emerging technologies changing both the education and employment landscape, EPCC remains committed to being the Best Place to Start & Finish," Brian Haggerty, Board of Trustees Chair, said. EPCC underwent a comprehensive Master Planning process that involved input from students, faculty, staff, and the community. To enhance student experiences and to prepare for future growth, EPCC's Master Plan recommended multiple phases of construction to expand facilities. The Mission del Paso building is one of these projects. Investing in campus improvement needs and making sure EPCC has the capacity to serve students with additional classroom and laboratory space, state-of-the-art learning experiences and improved technology is part of the college's ongoing Strategic Plan. This press release was produced by the El Paso Community College. The views expressed here are the author's own.