Although the earth has been moving for weeks on Southeast Community College’s Lincoln Campus in preparation for the new career center, a joint venture between the College and Lincoln Public Schools, the ceremonial ground was broken at the site Friday morning.
Dr. Jack Huck, president of SCC; Dr. Steve Joel, superintendent of LPS; and Gov. Dave Heineman were among the dignitaries who helped kick off the $25 million project. The center is scheduled to open in August 2015.
Mikayah Worthon, a senior at Lincoln Southeast High School and a student in the LPS Entrepreneurship Focus Program, spoke on behalf of students who will be utilizing the facility. The goal is for students to accumulate a year’s worth of college credit by the time they receive their high school diploma.
Heineman spoke about the need for the facility and how it will strengthen the local
and state economies. Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler thanked the citizens of Lincoln for approving the LPS bond issue, as well as citizens within SCC’s 15-county district who also are helping to fund the project.
Nebraska Commissionerof Education Matt Blomstedt spoke, as did Cathy Lang, commissioner of Labor and director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development.
Kathy Boellstorff of Johnson, chairperson of SCC’s Board of Governors, spoke on behalf of the BOG, while Don Mayhew, president of the LPS Board of Education, made remarks on behalf of his Board.
Wendy Birdsall, president of the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and Joel, wrapped up the speaker lineup. Joel said he looked forward to the continued partnership between LPS and SCC.