11/13/02

Lake Michigan College Prepares for Construction
of South Haven Campus

BENTON TOWNSHIP, MI - With shovels in hand, Lake Michigan College Board of Trustees members, LMC officials, and South Haven area leaders initiated the next phase of making the LMC campus in South Haven a reality today as they broke ground for the building that, in the fall of 2003, will become home to LMC's newest campus.

In comments before the groundbreaking, LMC Board of Trustees chairman Steve Silcox stated, "For the Board, today is an affirmation of the added value Lake Michigan College can bring to a community. For the residents of the South Haven area, we hope the College represents at least one key to unlocking the full potential of the community."

Ceremony participants included Silcox; LMC president Dr. Richard J. Pappas; LMC dean of students and executive dean of the LMC Campus at South Haven, Janice Varney; Western Michigan University vice provost for Extended University programs, Dr. Alan G. Walker; South Haven mayor, Dale Lewis; Casco Township supervisor, Tom Jessup; South Haven Public School District superintendent, David Meyers; South Haven Chamber of Commerce executive director, Larry King; South Haven Industrial Fund president, Ken Johnson; South Haven Township Board supervisor, Ross Stein; South Haven School Board president, Ed Bocock; and South Haven city manager, Kevin Anderson.

Pappas stated that the groundbreaking signaled the beginning of "a new wave of thinking about South Haven as a college town." He thanked the residents and community leaders for their support in bringing LMC to the South Haven area.

"This campus is a symbol of the South Haven community's belief in the value of higher education," stated Pappas. "Your continued belief will distinguish this campus as not only South Haven's center for education but as a center for community advancement."
Once completed, the campus will house a variety of transfer programs, a computerized graphic design program, continuing education courses, and workforce training initiatives.

The 22.37 acre parcel, which will serve as the campus site, is located on Veterans Boulevard in the I-196 Business Park off Phoenix Road. It was donated to the college by the City of South Haven. The 42,000 square-foot facility will feature a two-story building comprised of 12 general classrooms, a two-way interactive classroom, science labs, two computer labs, and a childcare center. Western Michigan University will have additional space in the facility consisting of two classrooms, a computer lab, and an office/reception area for the delivery of bachelor degree courses.

Voter approval to join the LMC district from residents in the South Haven School district in January paved the way for a grant from the State of Michigan that will pay for half of the expected $7.8 million construction cost. The remaining cost of the campus will be paid through a bond issued by the college early this year based on property tax revenues from the annexed area.